Resolutions To Jump Start Your Job Search

By Dave Bontempo, For The Bulletin
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The year 2009 was quite a year, for a multitude of reasons. Economically, many folks experienced the most challenging period of their lives. Lost jobs, slashed incomes, unpaid bills…the list goes on. Now that we’ve crossed the threshold into 2010, the best thing you can do with 2009 is — Fuggedaboudit!

As with the start of any new year, we’re afforded an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start fresh, just the ticket when the last year was so undeniably awful. Of course, short of opting for an elective lobotomy, forgetting about the last 365 days is easier said than done, especially if you’ve been beaten up by the job market. However, there are ways to get off to good start and make 2010 the year you get your work life back on track.

Make 2010 the year of “RE” —Resolve, Realize, Reflect, Renew, Refresh, Read, Register, Remind, Relay and then, get ready to Receive the benefits of your efforts.

To begin, “Resolve” not to look back. 2009, bitter though it was, is over. Staying mired in past negativity serves no purpose and will ultimately keep you from attaining your goals. Let it go and move on.

“Realize” that we are emerging from one of the worst economic periods this generation has experienced and, though you may be a bit worse for wear, you survived. “Reflect” on the fact that you’re still standing. Though it’s a well-worn cliché, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You’re reading this, so you’re still here and though your mettle has been tested, you passed. Economic indicators point to increased improvement; expect that improvement will be passed on to you. Resolve to be positive and believe that you are worthy of a new job.

“Renew” your skills, both industry related and generic. Sign up for an online class to keep up with new developments and training in your industry. Make sure any required certifications are current and up to date. Role play to refine your interviewing skills. Check out websites that provide tips on interviewing and write out answers to possible interview questions. Committing your thoughts to paper (or the computer screen) clarifies your answers and allows you to highlight your strong points, assuring that you cover what you want a potential employer to know about your experience.

“Refresh” your resume and just as important, your wardrobe. Take a new look at your credentials and your presentation of the same. Make certain that your resume utilizes industry buzz words to catch a reviewer’s eye. Keeping up with current lingo assures a potential employer that though you’ve been out of work, you still are on top of industry happenings. Examine your interviewing/job wardrobe with a keen eye. Toss any item that’s stained, frayed or out-of-date. While it’s not necessary to go out and spend a fortune on new clothes, make no mistake, first impressions are lasting. Be sure your clothing is clean, pressed and fits well. If you need to supplement your options, most big-box stores like Target and Wal-Mart have inexpensive career clothing that works well and won’t break the bank.

“Read” everything you can find about current business trends in your area. Search the internet and newspapers for articles about what industries are heating up and which local companies may be hiring. A column about a company introducing a new product hints at job opportunities even though the piece may not say so directly; check it out. Subscribe to a good business magazine. Better yet, head to your local library and peruse the business collection — both magazines and books. Take out one business book a week in your area of expertise. Skim the table of contents and make notes on chapters that pique your interest. Follow up by “Googling” topics you’ve explored to get the most up-to-date information. Share books and resources with others you know who are currently on the market.

“Register” with a reputable temporary staffing company. If you are currently unemployed, the temporary help business can provide you with excellent opportunities to explore new industries or get a foot in the door with a company you’d like to work for. A reputable staffing company (all fees are paid by the client company, not the applicant) can match your skill set with a quality employer and afford you the chance to make an impression so the client thinks of you when a permanent position becomes available. If you are registered with a temporary agency, renew your contacts and let them know you are still on the market. Review your skill set, areas of expertise and job requirements, assuring the staffing coordinator that you’re flexible and willing to work.

“Remind” all of your contacts that you’re still on the market. Drop your online associates an email with a current resume attached. Update your status on business and social networking websites. If you don’t have Linkedin and Facebook pages, get them. Again, be positive with all communications, highlighting your skills, your previous experience and your willingness to explore multiple options. Don’t forget to update family and friends as to your current status. It’s not uncommon for an opportunity to surface via a third-party source; someone knows someone whose company is hiring. Keep yourself in the game by letting as many people as possible know that you are looking for a new opportunity.

“Relay” your current status, resume and other pertinent information to potential employers. Even if you touched base with your target companies in December, the start of a new year often clears the way for businesses to implement new hiring strategies. Don’t assume that just because you spoke to someone a month ago that you’re still on the radar. A brief, friendly, professional email, note or phone call will keep you in the game. If opportunities in your immediate area are still slow to emerge, consider expanding your commuting radius by 10 miles. You’ll be amazed at the number of businesses, both large and small, that a ten mile circle adds to your employment pool.

Finally, get ready to “Receive.” If you jettison the negativity and let go of 2009, you’ll find that 2010 may be rife with opportunities. Consistent planning and effort, along with flexibility and a positive attitude, will ensure that new career options find a clear path to your door, making 2010 a year to remember for all the right reasons.

Dave Bontempo is an executive recruiter and career coach who frequently speaks and writes about the employment marketplace. Visit him at www.bontempogroup.com.