A carefully chosen New Year’s resolution can provide a necessary boost to your career.
Here are five suggestions for work-related New Year’s resolutions that will reap career rewards.
- Learn to sell yourself. Going for a promotion, interviewing for a new job (even in your current firm), or landing new clients requires balancing humility with boldness. Find a way to speak about your strengths and accomplishments without sounding like you are boasting. Practice in the mirror until you develop the perfect wording, body language, and demeanor to shine.
- Be ready to make a move. It pays to keep your ears and eyes open, whether you are actively looking for a new job or not. Have a foundation in place, including:
- Update your resume
- Clarify what new opportunity you would consider, if one presented itself
- Have references lined up
- Set attainable career goals and a plan to make them happen. Map out the steps needed to take you to your career goals. Include timetables, options, the people you’ll need to help you, and perhaps even a “plan B.”
- Learn to give and take feedback. If a manager or other senior-level colleague gives you feedback, whether it’s constructive or flat-out depressing, treat it as a gift and say “thank you.” Then explore whether this is an area that truly needs development. Learn to solicit feedback. And don’t be stingy — give others feedback that may help them toward their career goals.
- Understand your company’s goals and make them your own. When you know how your position fits into your company’s objectives, doing the best job possible will give you a greater sense of satisfaction. You might also come up with brilliant ideas for furthering your company’s goals — and your own career.
What New Year’s career resolutions have you made and kept, and how have they impacted your working life?