With the New Year often comes the desire for a big change in your job, namely, that it’s time to find a new one. Reports are out that a significant number of employers anticipate hiring more people in the first half of 2016 than were brought on board in the last half of 2015. And, with that good news, this might be just the time to brush up on your job search strategies and reinvent your plan.

Before starting the hands-on duties of writing/editing a CV, focusing on job descriptions and honing interview skills, it’s important to be personally grounded so as to hit the search running. Now is probably the perfect time for some personal reflection to get yourself ready for a search. The Editors at allbusiness.com put together a list supporting such an endeavor in their “Ten Effective Job Search Strategies” slide show. Check it out for a great springboard to use when the calendar page changes:

1. Know yourself and what makes you uniquely qualified for any position for which you apply. Then, communicate it.
2. Understand your goals, and apply only for positions that support or meet them.
3. Be proactive in your search.
4. Keep your ears open and your networks in-the-know; you never know when the position you want hasn’t yet been advertised or even created.
5. Strengthen your networks not only making sure they’re in the know but also that you are maximizing networking opportunities, both electronic and face to face.
6. Utilize recruitment services to expand your options and professional input.
7. Consider contract or temporary work when the work supports your ultimate goals and/or puts you in position to be the next hire.
8. Be clear. Do not require the employer to figure out if you are qualified. In particular, make sure your resume is specific and actually matches the qualifications being sought.
9. Maintain accurate records of your search actions and those with whom you come in contact. This will serve you during your search as well as contribute to your network population.
10. Persistence is required even when it wanes.

The job search process is big and can be overwhelming. Knowing who you and what you are after before going out and selling it to employers is a big key to your success!

AllBusiness Editors. “Ten Effective Job Search Strategies.” AllBusiness.com. AllBusiness.com. 1999. Web. (23 Dec. 2015)

Nancy Stoker is a Senior Client Services Representative and Research Associate with ExecSearches.com.

Last updated on December 30th, 2015 at 11:54 am