New Years Resolutions for Job Seekers

Well 2020 has been different hasn’t it?

There is no denying that I’m a glass-half-full kind of gal and there’s been no better time to pull on that internal mindset than this year. Still, it hasn’t been all puppies and rainbows. While I have been blessed to talk with hundreds of job-hunters and hiring authorities this year, I count one of my biggest wins as the ability to play a small part in helping more than a dozen people find their new job this year.

As I reflect on 2020 and set sail for 2021, I am sharing some job-hunting resolutions that can help you on your job search journey into the new year.

1. Don’t go it alone. Crazy idea in a year when we are safest when keeping our distance from others, not in our personal quaran-team. Still, trying to do everything on your own is a ticket to burnout and worse. You can keep yourself and others safe by taking advantage of social media, email, phone calls, and video chats. Whether it’s reaching out to a trusted friend or professional (or both!) reach out and share your journey. Your story may be just the inspiration someone else needs. It also goes without saying that you don’t know what you don’t know – and that includes who in your circle has a contact that can open the door to your next job.

2. Ask for what you need. Since you’re on board with the idea of reaching out to others for support, brainstorming, and general human contact, don’t be shy about asking for what you need. When you let people know what you need from them in any given moment you are both more likely to feel good at the end of the interaction. This can be as simple as telling your spouse that you simply want someone to listen, not offer advice. Or if you’re speaking to a recruiter that has offered to help in any way possible, come to the call with a specific goal –  whether it’s to understand Applicant Tracking Systems, how to update your LinkedIn profile, or what to add and delete from your resume. When you are specific about what you’re hoping to receive, you’re more likely to get what you want and need.

3. Clarify. Clarity is hard to come by in the best of times. It’s easy to get distracted by shiny new ideas that are posted on the internet that seem like they may be the magic button to getting a new job. Candidates who are all over the place, and not sure what they want (and don’t want) in a new job are least likely to land in an organization that values their skills and experience. Take time over the holidays and get clear on what you really want in a job and a new workplace. Take some time to write down what that new job feels like and what you accomplish in the course of a year on the job. The more specific you are, the better able you are to determine if a new opportunity is going to be a fit.

4. Are your non-negotiables really non-negotiable? Over my years as a recruiter, I can’t tell you how many times a candidate has told me that no-way-no-how are they going to move for a job. Generally, I believe that people work hard to clarify their needs and desires when it comes to their jobs so unlike some of my colleagues, I don’t press the issue. Imagine my chagrin when I check out a LinkedIn posting to find that the dream candidate who would never leave Ohio has moved to Idaho for their new role! Most non-negotiables have some wiggle room, so be upfront with yourself, your family, and your recruiter about that. Maybe you really want to stay in Ohio but if a new job offers a certain salary, opportunity to advance or another perk that would be a dream for you – go ahead and let your recruiter know that too. Your job hunt is a negotiation for you as well as the company doing the hiring. When you know what you will and won’t consider for the right opportunity, you help everyone involved in your job hunt.

5. Get out of your head. Resist the pull of overthinking. It’s as easy to convince yourself you’re a shoo-in as it is to convince yourself that no one on the hiring committee liked you. Usually neither are true. Whenever you find yourself worrying about something out of your control, get out of your head. Whether your process is to meditate, pray, go for a run or read a funny novel, take time each day to change up the mindset you’re bringing to this process.

6. Help someone succeed. One of the best ways to get out of your own head is to help someone else. Whether you can help your neighbor by picking up their groceries or inspiring your grandmother to figure out how to attach a document to her email, getting out of your own way in order to be of service is going to set you up for success. Call it the law of reciprocity – but when you help others, it’s as though doors magically open up to help you too.

7. Give yourself grace. Finding a job that not only fulfills you financially but allows you the opportunity to feel accomplished at the end of each day and year is important. Recognizing that you are wholly worthy no matter what your title is, grants you grace to meet each challenge in a way that sets you up to succeed, both at work and in life.

As 2021 creeps in take one or more of these resolutions and make them your own and be sure to let us know how it’s going. We are truly here to make good things happen for other people.

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