ProGrad Melbourne

Don’t Let Your Resolution Be Rusty

So summer is here and Uni is out, Christmas is only sleeps away and the promise of a New Year and a fresh start is gleaming brightly. Whilst “taming the bulge,” “enjoying life more,” or “quitting smoking,” are at the top of the list for New Year resolutions, kick-starting your new career or getting the most out of your new job could be one of the most rewarding, realistic (and achievable) goals.

A vague “get a job,” or “do well in my role,” just won’t cut it though if you want to have a cracker of a 2011! So what are the best strategies for having success with your career in the new year?

Increasing your network: Get in touch with old Uni colleagues, or even past co-workers. If you’re undecided about what path to take with your new career or the best ways to maximize it, simply talking to peers about what they are up to and how they went about it could be quite enlightening. Even mentioning that you’re looking for a new role, or just finished up university so you’re keen to get into the workforce could open up a new prospect when someone exclaims, “I know just the opportunity for you!”

Take note of the things that make you irreplaceable: Why should a company continue to employ you? Or why should one hire you in the first place? Highlight your best attributes and be aware of what you do well. Interviews are the obvious place to sell yourself to a prospective employer, but what counts even more is putting those words into action and conducting yourself in a manner that would make a company never want to ever let you go. If you are not aware of your better attributes, kicking back over the summer break could be the perfect time to reflect!

Update your resume: a completed and professional resume is your metaphorical map in the journey that is the job hunt, so make sure it’s up to date and ready to go when you click “apply” on that ideal job.

Brush up on your skills: while offices are closed for Christmas, the holiday break and leisurely days could be spent developing a new skill. Companies seem to love individuals who can manage stress, have a passion for life and a good work-life balance, so brushing up on a skill or developing a new hobby could be the perfect way to show your current or prospective employer you’re the unique candidate they’re looking for.

Get off the couch: don’t just sit around waiting for that perfect opportunity to be sitting under the Christmas tree. Scouring the job sites, picking up and reading newspapers and business reviews to get the insight on industries and actually getting active and picking up the phone and calling possible employers – even turning up on their door if you are not having much luck will probably work in your favour. After all, it is probably the keenest applicant who will get the job!

If your interested in how ProGrad can help you to kick-start your career call us on (02) 8235 8300.