5 Steps to Get a New Job in the First Half of the Year

5 Steps to Get a New Job in the First Half of the Year5 Steps to Get a New Job in the First Half of the YearFrom dreams of losing weight and quitting smoking to making a vow to travel more and stress less, New Years resolutions come in all shapes and sizes, and many individuals choose to get a new job.A new year brings feelings of hope and optimism and, in some cases, breathes new life into stale goals. However, we all know the fate of an unplanned New Years resolution, so make a vow to make this year different by mastering your job search to finally land that new jobIf youve had enough of disappointing job searches, consider how you can restructure your search or just change your tactics altogether. Here are five steps you can take to get a new job in the first half of the year.5 Steps to Get a New Job in the First Half of the Year1. Create a roadmap for yourself.The most successful job searches include utilizing the Internet to search and apply for positions, but they also require some out-of-the-box thinking tactics. Consider integrating company research, informational interviewing, cold-applying, and networking into your search this year.Of course, prior to initiating any of the above, take time to think about what kind of a job you really want. The winter is naturally a great time for introspection and to take inventory of your life in the last year.What worked and didnt work with your job, what did you like, and what can you not stand about your career? Jot all this down as you create your new roadmap for 2018. And dont forget to watch this helpful video on how to jump-start your 2018 job search for remote and flexible jobs2. Update your online presence. Take time to refresh your online profiles. Update your profile picture, your skills, and any recent accomplishments at work that deserve mentioning. Consider updating your resume during this time as well. Have you added any new skills to your profile this year, taken any professional development of traini ng programs, or added a new volunteer commitment into your life?While youre logged into LinkedIn and your other social and professional networking sites, take a few moments to reach out to some old, but not forgotten, contacts of yours.Lastly, consider your tone and the way you speak about yourself. Rather than emphasizing the fact that you were just laid off or have been searching for a job for seven months, focus on the positive aspects of your job search, your future goals, and specifically how you can be of service to your fhigkeit employers.3. Its all about the numbers.Setting metrics for yourself can be one of the best ways to guarantee you will stick to your New Years goal (for a little while, at least).For each week of the first three months of 2018, plot out your goals by numbering them. For example, you might send three networking emails each week, apply to four jobs online, ask for one informational interview, and attend one networking event.Consider your own personal sch edule and commitments and strategically lay out how much time you can commit to your job search. Other ideas include taking professional or personal development classes, updating your resume or online profiles, researching companies you are interested in working for, and sending follow-up emails or letters for job applications or interviews.4. Assemble your crew. Sometimes, in order to get a new job, you need to employ the help of your job search support team- your friends, colleagues, family, and professional connections. In order to achieve your dreams, you really have to own them.Start by telling all your people about your goal to get a new job as the rewards are two-fold. You will establish accountability in yourself by telling everyone about your plans (its a lot harder to back out of something when your whole circle knows), and you never know who you will groe nachfrage into or who might overhear your conversation about your professional goals.Dont be afraid to embody your dre ams- start talking5. In the meantime, employ yourself.After exploring the options above, consider temporarily rerouting your search tofocus on finding a freelance job while you wait for your next offer to come through. Because so many companies are using freelancers to temporarily increase their hiring or fill specialized needs, freelance positions may be easier to come by.This umbrella term can be used to describe a consultant, independent contractor, or a freelancer. Whatever you call it, it will allow you to network, gain experience, and land your new full-time job.Start Your Job Search