5 Job Seeker Resolutions to Make in 2014 - Workology

5 Job Seeker Resolutions to Make in 2014 LAND  A NEW  CAREER IN THE NEW YEAR The New Year often  brings the promise of change, possibility and resolving to make this year better than the last. Some of the most popular resolutions that  we  make are to quit smoking,  get fit,  stress less, get out of debt,  and find a new job. If youre yearning to give your two-weeks notice or hoping to finally land a new career, here are five steps to help you achieve your goal. LAND  A NEW  CAREER IN THE NEW YEAR 1. Update Your Resume: Contrary to many blog posts on the subject, traditional resumes are not dead. If  you are  job hunting, a well-written resume that clearly articulates what you have to offer and why you are the best person for the job will be a must. 2.   Improve Your LinkedIn Profile: If your current profile lacks accomplishments, a decent headshot, skills, recommendations  and/or links to your work,  then resolve to  make 2014 the year that you create an all-star LinkedIn profile. Or, if you have yet to create a profile, consider carving out some time in January to build one. 3.  Clean Up  Your Digital Footprint: In 2014, recruiters and employers will continue to use social networks to identify and evaluate candidates.  They  are scouring  sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter,  About.me, Instagram, Pinterest and blogs looking for talent. So, ask yourself: are your social profiles helping or hurting you? If the latter, put a plan in place to clean up your presence. 4. Engage Your Network: Friends, family and your extended networks are often happy to help in any way that they can. Letting people know that you are looking may be a good source  of job leads or assistance with your resume. And, who knows  someone may even offer to refer you to their HR team, giving you an added in into  a company. 5. Keep Your Head Up: Job searches come with highs and lows,  and it is important to stay positive, professional and persistent. If you let your frustrations get the best of you, recruiters and would-be employers will notice and this could end up hurting you in the long run. Take each email correspondence, job application, call and interview as if it is your first. .ai-rotate {position: relative;} .ai-rotate-hidden {visibility: hidden;} .ai-rotate-hidden-2 {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;} .ai-list-data, .ai-ip-data, .ai-fallback, .ai-list-block {visibility: hidden; position: absolute; width: 50%; height: 1px; z-index: -9999;} PLAN YOUR WORK WORK YOUR PLAN As Benjamin Franklin once  said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”  As you go through the job search, it will be important to  develop your  strategy and then expertly put that plan to work. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed or struggling, consider reaching out for assistance. There are many articles, books and community resources available to job seekers; I would even encourage you to download the Essential Job Seeker Toolkit for free. What other tips do you have to help job seekers land a new job in the New Year?