NEW Year, New You – Start Checking Off Your Resolutions
When asked, “What do you do?” do you have an immediate answer?
Have you ever really thought about it? How do you define what you do? Is it what you are paid to do, like a hamster scampering around on a wheel, day after day, month after month, year after year? Is it your favorite hobby – the one you wish were your full time job? Is it what you do for fun? There are many answers to these questions, and when we sit down to apply for a new job, it can be a daunting feeling. We often tend to define ourselves by our occupations, largely because they consume, on average, over one third of our time each week. So, what are your “New Year Work Resolutions?” Are you ready to start building the “New You” in 2016?
WHAT DO I GET OUT OF THIS?
So, we spend about one third of our life at work. That leaves one third for socializing, outside interests, and eating, and then we’re left with one third for the much needed sleep we’re bound to be losing if we’re unsure of our career direction. Are you ready for something more? Most of us are. But, the key is you have to choose it, every day.
TELL ME MORE
It’s time to be the candidate you’ve always wanted to be (but maybe never found the time to be). To become “the one” you’d definitely hire, start by choosing to focus on your best attributes and qualities, instead of letting your mind focus immediately to the things you’re weakest at. It’s time to stop getting in your own way, and start highlighting the best side of you.
CANDIDATE SURVIVAL GUIDE
Have a resume? Check. Have at least one stock cover letter that’s ready to be customized for each position you want? Check. Then get started. There are a vast number of online job boards at your full disposal. If you don’t have a computer, use the public library. Get a free card, use their computer stations, and say goodbye to all the excuses. There’s an abundance of resources out there to help you in your search. It’s simply a matter of getting up, and getting out there!
IT’S OK TO BE SCARED – AS LONG AS YOU STILL ACT
Confidence and assertiveness are key. It’s time to show potential employers you are the best candidate. Want your confidence to shine through in your cover letter and resume writing? You have a better chance of portraying a more authentic you if you actually believe in your abilities. This is the you who is confident, smiles, makes eye contact, and shakes hands firmly. This is the New You of 2016.
A CRASH COURSE IN RESUME WRITING 101
Ready to make a stand out first impression? Your initial contact with a new prospective employer starts with the first sentence or, if you’re lucky, paragraph, of your CV. If the employer is thrown off in any way by your writing style, or an embarrassing grammatical error, your resume will immediately end up at the bottom of the pile (or the trash). How do you avoid this? Have at least one person proofread your resume and check for grammatical errors. This can be the key to your success. Take some time to ensure your CV accurately reflects who you are as a candidate.
SO…WHO ARE YOU?
Only you can truly answer that question. Showing your true self builds a sense of trust between potential future employer and potential future employee. Showing up to an interview acting overly stiff, quietly reserved, or even too relaxed can give the wrong impression. Concentrate on really showcasing the best version of your own self.
CONGRATS TO THE NEW YOU!
Every job in your career path represents a part of who you are and how you became the “YOU” you are today. It’s important to celebrate your past successes and continue to be successful by committing to a positive state of mind for 2016. Make a resolution to be the best candidate you can be. It’s a new year that’s ready for the new YOU!
Need Help with Job Hunting or Resume Writing?
Let’s Create the “New You” This Year Together.
Contact CAREERXCHANGE® at: