The first days of spring signal the time to take action on job seeking and career innovation according to CareerWomen.com. From updating CVs to un-cluttering your professional life, spring is the time to set goals and take a fresh approach to setting career goals.
JillXan Donnelly, president of CareerWomen.com advises, “Spring is an ideal time for taking a stock in everything related to your professional life. That means de-cluttering your office, evaluating your career path and updating your resume to reflect recent accomplishments. More importantly, many companies do most of their hiring in the first two quarters of the year, so now may be the time to take advantage of new opportunities.”
The top five activities that every professional should prioritize this spring include:
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Clean up your Resume
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Polish your interviewing skills
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Look for new opportunities
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Dust off your Rolodex
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Update your professional look
Update the information in your Resume to reflect your most recent experience. Consider creating several versions of your Resume for a variety of career directions for easy retrieval and sending. Tailor your Resume to the specific requirements of each position you are applying for, and remember to target your search and think “niche” as opposed to broad.
While every interview is unique, some questions are to be expected. Questions regarding your relevant work experience, strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments and salary requirements are typically covered in every interview. Have prepared answers for these questions, and practice your delivery.
Utilize and take advantage of both informational and virtual informational interviews by meeting and networking with people in your desired field. Ask for informational interviews because professionals often enjoy talking about themselves and what they know about the local business environment.
Time to update your contacts by reaching out. Be sure to touch base with friends, family and former colleagues. You never know who may give you a lead for an open position.
Last, but not least, when you’re out doing the interview rounds it is important that you look and dress professionally. If you can’t remember the last time you purchased clothes for work, then consider investing in a new business wardrobe.
By Debbie O’Halloran
