Reflecting On 2023 and What To Keep Doing This Month

"Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." ~ Carl Brad

Hi Audie,

It's the beginning of December and a perfect time to reflect on 2023 and begin looking to 2024 with optimism and anticipation.

Think back to a year ago ...

• What did you set out to do once 2023 arrived that you've accomplished? (Congrats!🎉)
• What is still on your plate?
• On a scale of 1-10 (10 being high), how important is it to you today? If it's no longer relevant or important to you, take it off your plate! If it's still relevant and important, what is one step you can take today to move the needle forward?

Now, let's reflect on where you're at today ...

• What do you want to improve upon, learn or accomplish in your personal and professional life in the coming year?
• Write down all that comes to mind, making sure you don't judge or overthink this.
• Then, look over the list and prioritize.
• Finally, look at your top 3 items - what is one thing you can start taking action on today for each of those 3 things?

If any of the items on your list include finding a new job (internal or external to your current employer) or making a career change, you're in luck! This month's newsletter offers some important tips (and pitfalls to avoid) for this time of year. You don't want to miss these!

Stay the course

At this time of year, it's not uncommon for job seekers to think "no one is hiring" or "things slow down around the holidays; I'll pick back up with my job search in January." I'm here to tell you that this is the furthest thing from the truth!

Here are some proven job search tips for you to focus on this month:

✨ Continue networking with former colleagues and others you know through work, making sure you walk away from the conversation with at least 2 new people to be introduced to. You want to continually expand your network!

✨ Circle back with the hiring manager for opportunities or positions you interviewed with and were excited about 2-3 months ago, but received a "Dear John" letter. It's a good time to reconnect and wish them a happy holiday and see how things and see how things are going with the person they hired. For all you know, that individual may not be working out or they left to accept another position they were interviewing with at the same time (but accepted the first offer -- a bird in the hand...).

✨ Take advantage of family gatherings or holiday parties to let people know you're looking for a new position (including a brief description of the type of position, industry/company that would be ideal) and you'd welcome any introductions. Most importantly, be upbeat and show your enthusiasm for finding something new and exciting!

Pitfalls to avoid in your search throughout December:

💥 Putting your search on hold until January. You want to be active and visible with your network, on social media (provide valuable content), and with Executive Recruiters, hiring managers and corporate executives.

💥 Using the number of job postings on LinkedIn or other job board sites as a way to measure how vibrant (or not!) the job search may be. As a general rule, roughly 10-15% of your time should be spent looking at job boards. Networking and proactively reaching out to executives at targeted companies and working with Executive Recruiters should continue to be your primary strategies and focus.

💥 Being hard on yourself and not taking the time to "fill your soul". Looking for a new position or being in job transition is stressful and often anxiety-filled. Don't forget to take time each day for activities that you enjoy and fill you up.

"It's not the load that weighs you down, it's the way you carry it." ~ C.S. Lewis

In closing, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday, and good health, happiness and prosperity in 2024! I'll be back in your Inbox in January with other valuable job search tips, strategies, mindset shifts and light bulb moments. 💡

To your career success,

Audie

P.S. I would really appreciate your sharing this email with your network of corporate leaders and executives you feel could benefit from it. Thank you!

P.P.S. If you are a mid- to senior-level career corporate leader and motivated to secure "what's next" in your career (or know someone who is), I'd love to speak with you to better understand your situation and see how I can be of help. Click here to schedule a complimentary 40-minute strategy session.