We’ve heard them all before – stop smoking, lose weight, save money, try extreme ironing. They’re New Year’s Resolutions and, unless you’re one of the 8% of Americans who actually keep them, you’re probably “over it” already… and the New Year just arrived!
Have no fear – These New Year resolutions for your career are easy and painless. And, if you keep them, we guarantee you’ll be in a better place, professionally, at the end of 2014.
In the market for a new job?
- Learn something new. Not only will it give you that extra confidence boost you need for future interviews, but it could also be “that” skill that gets you in the door!
- Update your resume. New Year, new resume. Simple job search tweaks will help you land a callback.
- Give your presentation a facelift. That means everything from social media to your 30-second elevator pitch. With all of your bases covered, social recruiting and quick run-ins with your dream boss will be a breeze.
Already employed, but maybe not forever?
- Stop complaining. Whether it’s complaining to co-workers, spouses or pets about your micro-managing boss, pitiful paycheck or overwhelming workload, 2014 is the year it should stop. If you are unhappy, complain to someone who can help you change your situation or change it for yourself.
- Set goals and make action plans to actually, ya’ know… achieve them. You’ve been at the same job all year and… you’ve been in the same job all year. Make some goals, strategize on how to reach them and, voila!, January, 2015 will absolutely call for some new resume additions!
- Get a raise or promotion. This one is simply impossible without 1 and 2, but we’d bet that it’s your top priority. Get to work on your other work resolutions and 3 should fall in place. And if it doesn’t, we’ll be back with plenty of tips on how to ask for what you deserve later in the year.
At the top of your game… and your company?
- Delegate more. If you’re at the top, there have probably been many busy days and long nights that got you there. Delegate when you can and maybe you can find time for that thing people do at night… Oh yeah, sleep!
- Find someone a job. You’re set. Now, use your network (hey, LinkedIn!) to help someone who isn’t as fortunate find their next gig.
- Get to know your employees. All work, no play makes CEO a dull boss. We’re not suggesting you hit Friday night happy hour with your employees (in fact, we’d advise against it) but taking lunch in the break room once a month or grabbing a quick coffee with a director can put you in touch with the people you employ and the work they do. After all, a whopping 40% of American workers have never even met their CEO! We know you’re busy, but delegate (1) and spend time with your team every once in a while.
Anyone who has ever had a job or ever hopes to have a job again:
- Stop taking criticism personally. You’re not perfect. You’re going to make mistakes. Accept criticism, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it, to improve your performance and better understand how your work is perceived. Period.
- COMMUNICATE BETTER! Use these tips for effective workplace communication to avoid potential miscommunications that can lead to arguments (or worse, firings).
- Improve your work/life balance… and maybe even (gasp!) take a REAL vacation.Fifty-nine percent of Americans claim they are vacation-deprived, yet we are leaving over HALF A BILLION vacation days on the table! In 2014, use them – you’ll be more rested, will have lowered your stress levels and, hopefully, reconnected with family and friends who have gotten the back burner recently.
Best of luck to all in sticking to your 2014 New Year’s Resolutions. As always, if you have any questions, leave us a comment or tweet us to let us know – We’d love to help you become part of the 85!