This year, rather than making resolutions and promptly forgetting them all why not take action to advance your career in 2010.
Why not try some or all of the following;
Create a “success file”
Review your major work/career accomplishments in 2009. Create a success file in which to store thank you letters, notes of commendation and appreciation, good comments and other positive reminders. Not only does this serve as a confidence booster, it will come in very handy when that annual performance appraisal comes around.
Update your Resume
Chances are that unless you’ve been out job hunting in 2009, your resume is a bit rusty. Take the time to update it. Two good things will come of this. First, should you need it, your resume will be ready to go whenever you need it and secondly, doing it will remind you of the skills and accomplishments you have to date.
No matter how secure you feel in your position, you should have the materials ready to launch an instant job search. If you haven’t done this for a while, you will find some excellent articles and tips to get you started on your resume in our resume section here on CaribbeanJobs.com and if you get stuck then you can always email our resume expert Sam Pearce.
Set a learning goal
This one does not even need to be “officially” work related, as doing anything that keeps you learning and growing helps your spirit and kicks your curiosity into higher gear.
In the New Year, make a vow to push through with your academic and training aspirations to address weak skill or personality areas. Whether it’s to enlist in a computer class, a business writing class, an assertiveness class or even a hobby class, the move is bound to do your professional or personal life good.
Take advantage of short-term courses, e-learning, distance education and other modern learning avenues to suit your busy schedule.
See a career coach
Changing career or even jobs can be a trying and stressful event, unless you know what suits your interests and personality. It could be worth booking a session with a Career Coach. He or she can help you review your existing career path or help you consider all your options when it comes to changing career. Remember you can always email CaribbeanJobs.com’s career expert Merrit Henry.
Manage your time
Are you a chronic procrastinator or a workaholic who’s working harder and harder with diminishing results? Either way, if you feel that you’re not achieving what you’ve set out to do, then start learning Time Management techniques which will give the skills to work smarter, not harder. Good time management skills can reduce personal stress and ensure a positive environment in the workplace.
Enhance your people skills
If last year saw you doing a lukewarm attempt at bonding with your colleagues, resolve to do better this time around. Nurture your professional relationships because workers who socialise with their colleagues are likely to be happier in their job and stay with their employer longer. Socialising outside working hours strengthens working relationships between individuals as it provides people with an informal platform for discussing work-related issues.
You can also enhance your people skills by enrolling in a self-development or assertiveness course. They promise self-improvement, more confidence and better self esteem.
Plan for Retirement
If you do one thing in 2010 then joining a pension is something you should start to consider.
Schedule a holiday
And finally, give yourself something to look forward to. The New Year is the best time to book yourself a well-deserved holiday. It can make the dreary month of January a bit easier to bear.
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