New year, new career resolutions for jobseekers

​It may seem cliché to make a list of resolutions for the coming year, but the new year is the perfect time to set and commit to a set of goals that will positively affect your career. With the downtime you have during the holiday season, reflect on the past year, and think about what you would like to achieve or improve on over the next year.

If you are coming up blank – fret not, here are some ideas to get your list started.

1. Learn a new skill

The most successful people have a growth mindset and will consistently look for opportunities to develop themselves. No matter what field you are in, there are many skills you can learn that will benefit your career in the long run. Start by identifying one skill you have always wanted to learn or strengthen. Work on it by enrolling yourself for a course at a nearby college or university, or learn from the safety of your home by taking an online course.

2. Read at least one career-related or motivational book

While most of us would rather binge-watch our favourite Netflix programmes, nothing can replace the experience of reading a good book. There are plenty of books out there that can improve different aspects of your life, from your performance, outlook to personal habits. Even if you think you are well-versed on a particular topic, reading a good non-fictional book can provide you with new perspectives or insights that will assist you on your career path.

3. Make a new professional connection

A strong professional network can be an important asset in your career as it can help you find new opportunities and boost your presence within your industry. The easiest way to expand your professional network is by reaching out to and adding new contacts on LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can also attend in-person or virtual events relevant to your profession or industry.

4. Prioritise work-life balance

If you have been working from home this year, setting boundaries could have been a bit challenging. If you find yourself regularly burning the midnight oil or taking on more tasks than you can handle, perhaps it is a good idea to establish specific work hours or set aside a specific time of the day just for yourself. Not only will this improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, but it is also important for your career in the long run. After all, if you are miserable at work, your work performance would deteriorate over time.

5. Keep your resume & LinkedIn profile updated

Make it one of your yearly career resolutions to update your resume, even if you do not plan on applying for a new job. One mistake that jobseekers frequently make is to wait to revise their resume until they find a job opportunity that interests them. By the time they have an updated version ready, it may already be too late.

While you are at it, be sure to keep your LinkedIn profile updated as it is essentially your online resume. Many hiring managers and employers tend to search for potential candidates on LinkedIn as part of their recruiting efforts.

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As the saying goes, it is never too late to start over. If you are diligent and stay true to your resolutions, I am sure you can make great changes in 2022. Best of luck in realising your new year’s career resolutions – as well as achieving all your other goals!