Resolutions

Believe it or not, getting a better job is one of a number of resolutions that was made this year; and if you’re one of them, you probably have the perfect cover letter ready and maybe you’re passing around your resume already, but is that really all you need to fulfill the “I’m going to get a better job” resolution? You need more than just a few pieces of paper and a nice smile. You need confidence and discipline. You need to ask yourself whether or not you’re ready to take on this resolution. So again, if you’re trying to start a new job this year, and you don’t want to let another year go by with yet another unfulfilled resolution, remember to go beyond the basics.

• Don’t ever find yourself stuck feeling down. It would be naïve to say your job search won’t get the best of you at some point this year, but you have to keep an eye on yourself. Don’t let the small potholes become sinkholes you can’t escape. You might get rejected from that job you really wanted, but remember, there are plenty more out there, some of which will be better opportunities.

• You have to remain patient. Take that extra second to do research on the company, and make sure you know that the job you’re applying for is really the one you want. Rushing into a new job because the salary looks great or because you can’t stand the job you have now can really shoot yourself in the foot. It’s one thing for you not to fulfill the resolution, but to have it backfire on you is a whole different ball game.

• It’s also important to stay active. Procrastination never helped you in college, and it most certainly won’t help you in the real world. Check job posts every day. Make it a point to find at least one job a day that you want to get, and apply for it. If you tell yourself “It’s January. I still have plenty of time to get a new job,” Guess what. Before you know it, the whole year will be gone, and you’ll still be standing on square one.

We would love to hear from all of you career-minded individuals. How are you pushing yourself in getting that better job? Let us know in the comments below or tell us on Facebook or Twitter.