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To kick off 2023, I'd like to share some worthwhile beginning-of-the-year tips and actions:
💡 Rather than making New Year's resolutions (we know those don't last!), set some intentions.
An intention is defined as a thing intended; an aim or plan.
Here are suggested next steps:
1. What is your biggest, most impactful professional (or career-related) intention for 2023? Write it down!
2. Now think about the month of January - what are 2-3 actions you will focus on this month? Be specific and measurable and write these down.
3. Then, break down your monthly focus areas into what specifically you'll take action on each week of the month.
4. At the end of each week (e.g., Fridays at 3pm -- schedule a recurring calendar meeting), take 15-20 minutes to reflect on your progress: what went well? what didn't go as planned? what can you do differently next week to get the traction you desire or get better results?
Based on your 'weekly debrief', adjust what you'll focus on the following week so you'll be on track to accomplish that month's intentions and well on your way to achieving your big, impactful intention.
5. Repeat these steps each week and month.
💡 Make a point around the 1st of the new year to update your resume.
Tip: Do this every 6 months, so you're sure to capture everything while it's still fresh in mind.
Not only will you have an updated resume ready if/when you need it, but by updating it every 6 or 12 months, you're able to capture new accomplishments, awards, increased responsibilities or promotions and avoid missing out on key information if you only update it every few years (or longer).
Here are suggested next steps:
1. This week, take the time to update your resume (if you haven't done so already).
2. Schedule a recurring 6 month or annual meeting in your calendar to update your resume.
3. Commit to doing this! You'll thank me later ... especially when you receive a call from a former colleague or Executive Recruiter about a fabulous opportunity. 😉 Imagine how you'll feel knowing you have your current resume ready to go (vs. hustling and stressing to update it quickly).
Here are some tips of what NOT to do:
❌ Don't fabricate, lie or stretch the truth in your resume. We're not only hearing about it in the news these days, but it reminds me of the numerous times I've heard of senior leaders and executives at various companies who were caught lying about their background and/or education months after starting their new position and they were ultimately fired (and humiliated, to boot).
There are many effective ways to highlight your skills and accomplishments on your resume and LinkedIn profile, your written communications, and in interviews without having to fabricate or lie. It's an integral part of my coaching programs. It's simply not worth it to fabricate, lie or stretch the truth!
❌ If you're currently employed and actively looking for a new job elsewhere, do NOT use your company-issued laptop, PC or phone for your job search. Having worked for many technology companies (software and services) for 35+ years, I can tell you your company-issued devices are being monitored to some degree.
Years ago, I worked at a company where a senior leader got fired for looking for a new job while at work. The company was able to track this individual's emails and websites from their network via the individual's company issued PC.
If you're employed, be smart and use your personal laptop, PC and phone for your job search.
❌ Similarly, don't conduct any job search while you are IN the office. Even if you can keep your voice level down, you have a private office or can go to a private room, don't! Have all job search related conversations outside of the office -- in your car, go off premises to a parking lot where you won't be seen, from your home-office, etc.
Not only will you be able to concentrate on the conversation, but your true personality will show through. If you try to hide the conversation while AT work, your tone and voice will sounded guarded and you won't come across as strong as you normally would.
"Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you." ~ unknown
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