5 New Year Resolutions for Job Seekers

January 16, 2014 Magda

Accept it. We all make resolutions for the New Year – whether we want to save more money, eat less carbs or take a turn in our careers, we all utter that famous phrase “For the new year, I will do this or do that”. It’s okay, we can’t help it.

So, if a new job is what you’re striving for, we really hope you find it in 2014 but maybe you’ll have to set a few more resolutions to achieve that.

Let’s go through our suggested 5 New Year Resolutions for Jobseekers.

1. Revamp you CV
Your CV shouldn’t only be a list of your job experience and education, it should really portray your personality. In a competitive world, with literally thousands of CVs arriving each day to every company, your CV must stand out from the rest.
Make it original and engaging, even add some color and and make sure it includes all the information that is relevant to the position you are applying to. Think of yourself as a brand and your CV as your main marketing tool.

2. Learn a foreign language
This one is classic: now it’s the time to broaden your language horizons. Companies are expanding worldwide and they need employees that can communicate in different languages. Don’t fall to the temptation of thinking speaking English is enough: in a global world, the languages you speak will open new doors.

3. Make your social media job-seeking friendly
Social Media can be a powerful tool to find a job: follow interesting companies and job platforms, join their conversations, let them notice how awesome you are (but don’t overdo it, or you’ll just be annoying).
On the other hand, many companies are using social media to reject or hire candidates –although they will rarely admit it, they will probably take a look at your social profiles before hiring you.
Remember that your social activity says a lot about who you are, what you do and which are your skills and interests… So, be careful with what you post (maybe you don’t need to Instagram that awesome party pic at 5 am?)

4. Consider the idea of working abroad
Get out of your comfort zone: your dream job may be 10 thousand miles away from home. Have an open mind, maybe there’s an awesome job waiting for you in your dream city.

5. Less Whatsapp and more voice calls
A phone can also be use to make phone calls. Let’s use regular methods of communications.
One of the best ways to find a job is by relying on your personal relationships and contacts. A phone call is still the most direct and personal way to talk with that friend of your friend who is founding a cool startup. Also, when applying for a job –  it is acceptable to call once to follow up and make sure your CV was received.

Don’t be shy, pick up the phone and make that call.

 

Ok, so these are our recommendations. Have some extra resolutions you think should be included here?  Share them with us!