When it comes to looking for a job, timing is important. Certain times of the year are far better to apply for jobs than others. For most industries, a lot of hiring is done in January and February. Why this time of the year? Well, this is the time when people slowly come back from holiday vacations and things start picking up. Most decision makers are in offices together, so getting a “Yes” will be easy. Are you planning a job change next year? Take advantage of time now to prepare yourself for a successful job search in the early months of next year. Here are four tips you can work on now that will set you up for success to help you land your dream job.
1. Establish and Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a social platform that can help you get in touch with professionals in your field. This is a valuable asset to job seekers and those who want to build their network. It is a straightforward platform to use and has a lot of features that will help you attract the right job for you. However, most people fail to optimize their LinkedIn profile to filter out unnecessary jobs while attracting the right connections.
Regular updates and optimization of your LinkedIn profile will be useful when looking engagement and exposure. Consider expanding your LinkedIn reach by learning how to polish your LinkedIn profile so that you stand out among the competition.
2. Write Your Resume and Keep Updating It
A well-written resume will capture the attention of the recruiter and provide them with assurance that you are a good fit for the open position. Your resume and cover letter are usually the first thing that a recruiter will see and therefore it is important that you make a great first impression.
You should update your resume throughout the year to incorporate any new skills, job changes or achievements. Knowing how to use your resume as a personal marketing tool can help you make the right updates that will attract attention and generate a request for interview.
Spend some time updating your resume now so that you are prepared to apply when you see positions you are interested in.
3. Enhance Your Skills
For you to stand out from other job applicants, you need to have necessary skills. Scan through open job postings and look at the skills required for any positions that fit your experience and interests. Identify skills where you need improvement and spend some time learning or enhancing your skills. You can often find free or low-cost training on the Internet. However, an investment in skills that will help grow your career will usually help you land better jobs.
Be sure to update your resume and LinkedIn profile with any new skills gained as part of this exercise.
4. Join a Professional Networking Group and Attend Local Chapter Meetings
There is nothing that ensures success in a career like connecting with fellow professionals. Professional networking groups will not only direct you to the right job but also keep you posted with the latest trends in your field. So much changes in any field; modern tools and ideas quickly replace the old ways. Joining a professional networking group will help you stay at the top of the game. IAW offers virtual and local networking opportunities as well as a number of member benefits that will help you increase your skills and make better connections. IAW members also have early access to job posting through Professional Diversity Network and a connection to help them get noticed by the recruiter.
Now is a great start to get a jump on career planning so that you are ready to hit the road running next year!
