Many people wait until they need a job (or a job opportunity is brought to their attention) before they get their resumes and other career documents in order. And references are usually the last thing people think to prepare in advance. But if you wait until you absolutely need your references, then you may already be too late. In reality, you never know when you’ll need a job, or when a job opportunity will present itself. And you never know how long or short the hiring process will be. If a hiring director, recruiter, or employer calls you today and asks for three to five references, would you be prepared to provide them? Or would you spend the next week running around, trying to decide who to ask, trying to track those people down after they’ve relocated or changed jobs, updating them on your employment history and career goals, and asking them to agree to serve as references? One of the most simple and most important tactics you can implement in your job search and career development is to be ready. Invest the time now to decide who you want to use as a reference and to track that person down. Set up a call or a brief lunch meeting. Update her on all the great work you’ve done since you last spoke. Talk to her about your job search and your career goals. Ask her if she would be willing to serve as a reference. Talk to her about any hesitations she might have. Ask her advice about strengthening your technical skills or building leadership. Give her a copy of your updated resume. Once you have at least three references, put together a reference page. List their contact information, along with an explanation of how they know you and which of your great qualities they can speak about. Check in with them from time to time, making sure they’re contact information is current and keeping them updated with your job search. Now, you’ll be ready to instantly respond when you’re asked for your references! By talking to those references at the start of your job search, you know exactly what they’ll say about you to prospective employers. And, best yet, you’re enlisting their help and even turning them into mentors who will be on the lookout for any opportunities they might be able to steer your way! Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.