Tips to Jump Start Your Job Search in 2017
Looking for a new job can be an intense
process that can mess with your head and your mood. Stay focused; take steps to reignite a stalled search. Evaluate what worked and what needs to be re-tooled to make 2017 a successful
job search year for you.
Here are five things you can do to jump-start
your search for the new year.
1. Reassess your values and priorities. You know what’s most important to you. Write it down, and get specific.
What are your goals? Each goal, no matter how random, can shed light on a new
opportunity. Plus, putting them on paper will actually make you want to achieve
them—there’s nothing more satisfying than checking something off your to-do
list. Use the O*Net My Next Move site to match
keywords—even your likes and dislikes—to target your career search.
2. Check your job tool kit. Do you have the skills needed to be
successful in your chosen career area? Getting certifications or learning new
skills can widen your employment prospects. Does your resume need a face lift? Could your cover letter use a bit more punch? Jobs.mo.gov is a great place to find all that, and more! No cost workshops, online
training and assessments can prepare you for the job you want.
3. Re-evaluate your tactics. Be
honest—what hasn’t been paying off for you? Try a new method of networking. A
lead on a job can often come from the most unexpected of places. Are you using
social media and online resources to your advantage? Include positive,
professional information on your social media accounts and begin networking
with groups in your field of interest. Many companies want to start the new
year with the right talent on board, so now can be a great time to
network. Set a goal of meeting three to five new people at an event and make sure to follow
up with them after.
4. Search Outside
the box. Consider taking a temporary job—you never know if it could become
permanent once they see your dedication and skill set. Volunteering is also a
great way to meet potential employers. It looks great on a resume and can help
raise your self-esteem, too.
5. Seek Out Help.
The
search for a new job can stir up a lot of stress, and can stall at any point in time. This is where you call in the
professionals at your local Job Center. They can provide one-on-one career counseling to pin point the changes you need to kick your search into high gear.
Check out Jobs.mo.gov for the Job Center closest to you and make 2017 your new career year.
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