The beginning of a new year has many creating new resolutions and tasks. For those looking for employment, Staff Solve has created a new year’s to-do list to ensure everything regarding your materials for potential career opportunities are up to date.

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

While it may seem redundant, updating your resume and LinkedIn profile will present the most up-to-date information for potential employers. Doing it now rather than waiting till you find an opportunity prevents you from not applying the moment you see it. Updating your resume after seeing the posting will take some time, and it might be too late to submit it. Updating your LinkedIn profile with your resume is a good idea since it is an electronic copy of your resume, where recruiters can view it as soon as possible. Your profile should contain the same information as a traditional resume.

Strengthen Your Skill Set

Whether it’s skills you already possess, or new ones you wish to attain, developing those skills can help you stand out. Enhancing your professional development skills shows commitment, learning, and initiative. It also makes some interview questions easier to answer. Maintaining your skills and adding new ones also helps you negotiate a higher salary.

Job Satisfaction to-do list

What are your professional goals? Employment opportunities do you wish to have? Any goals you wish to achieve in your career should be opportunities to look out for when job searching. Creating a list of benefits and things you prioritize can help you focus your search.

Review Online Profiles

While recruiters and other members of the hiring process would look at your professional profiles, some may look at other platforms to create a better understanding of you. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, community forums, and more are all public, and can be useful for potential employers to recognize how you present yourself. Reviewing those profiles ensure there is not anything that can reflect you in a negative way. 

Expand Your Professional Network

Your professional network can be critical in achieving your job search goals and reference. The lack of in-person networking during the pandemic has made connecting opportunities limited, but luckily virtual events hosted by professional or alumni organizations and other groups relevant to your profession or industry are useful. Reaching out to new contacts on LinkedIn and asking trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends for their recommendations can assist in your job search process.

Persistence Is Key to-do list

Most employers today are extra precautious in selecting job candidates who are likely to thrive in their organization. So, even if you’re a top candidate for a job, it may take weeks and several interviews before you hear back about a final decision. Don’t become discouraged, but don’t just wait around for an employer to make up their mind. Stay in contact with the hiring manager and continue networking. Keep applying to other jobs that interest you while considering building a relationship with a recruiting professional. After all, nothing is certain until you’ve signed on the dotted line.

Staff Solve continues to provide high-quality candidates and jobs in diverse markets for over 27 years. Let us take the stress off you so you can focus on your business by finding the perfect applicant for the position. If you are looking for employment, please visit our job seeker page. If you would like more information about the services we offer employers, visit our employer page or contact us today.