New Year, New Opportunities
Jan 02, 2024"Our eyes are in front because it's more important to look ahead than look back. Don't dwell on things in the past. Learn from them and keep MOVING forward." ~ unknown
Happy New Year, Audie!
As we leave 2023 behind and embrace the possibilities of 2024, I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on your professional life this past year.
As part of this reflection, don't forget to celebrate your accomplishments - no matter how big or small!
👉 If you're at the beginning of your job search or you've been on this path for a while, it's not unusual for job seekers to forget to celebrate what they've accomplished.
So kudos to you for all the obstacles you've conquered and the countless networking conversations and interviews you've engaged in thus far!
👉 If you recently landed a new job, congratulations!🎉 I'd love to hear about it so reply to this email and let me know the details! (I've got virtual champagne ready to celebrate you!) 🥂
To kick off 2024, I'd like to share some worthwhile beginning-of-the-year tips and reminders:
💡 Remember to update your resume the 1st week of the new year
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:
- This week, take the time to update your resume (if you haven't done so already).
- Schedule a recurring 6 month or annual meeting in your calendar to update your resume
- Commit to doing this! You'll thank me later ... especially when you receive an unexpected 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 invaluable job search reminders:
❌ Don't fabricate, lie or stretch the truth in your resume. 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. Communicating (not just what you say, but how you say it) and 'selling yourself' from a position of strength is at the core of my coaching programs.
❌ 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. I know this sounds obvious, but ...
Having worked for many technology companies (software and services) for 35+ years, I can confidently 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 tone and personality will shine through better in a private setting.
"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are." ~ JP Morgan
In closing, I wish you a happy, healthy New Year, and to continued career success in 2024. 🥂
Cheers,
Audie
P.S. If you are a mid- to senior-level corporate leader who recognizes the value of working with a mentor/coach who will successfully guide and support you through every step of your job search campaign, and wants the consistency, forward movement and accountability only a trusted and highly experienced job search coach can provide, let's talk!
Some of the high-value topics we'll cover include:
- creating/enhancing your professional resume and LinkedIn profile
- the 3 most effective job search strategies to focus on to uncover right-fit opportunities and get noticed
- identifying and strengthening your job search "weak spots"
- receiving just-in-time answers to your burning questions or situations you're facing (1:1 programs)
- upleveling your messaging so you speak from a position of strength ... and, as a result, secure more networking conversations and move beyond the second round of interviews
- acing interviews
- assessing and negotiating offers
I'd love to better understand your situation, explore how I can help you achieve your job search goals and see if there's a mutual fit. Click here to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consult.
