9 New Years Resolutions for Job Seekers

9 New Years Resolutions for Job Seekers9 New Years Resolutions for Job SeekersCue the long-awaited New Years resolution list filled with fantasies of achieving agoal weight, saving for a down payment on a house, or finally kicking that nasty smoking habit. But, have you considered yourcareergoals for the year? With the glitz and glam of these common resolutions, its easy to overlook the changes you could make in your professional life. Thats why weve written up a few New Years resolutions for job seekers in 2017 that are easy to remember and stick to.Here are a few New Years resolutions for job seekers that should be considered for 20171. Update youreverything.Nows the time toevaluate your cover letter, resume, social media profiles, websites, network, portfolio, and business cards to make sure they are the best they can be. Make sure there arent any typos and that your information is accurate and up to date.You also want to ensure that your best impression is being made through your work. Having an old address on your documents and a portfolio can mean missed job opportunities.2. Open yourself to possibilities.When youve associated your professional life with a specific industry or title, it can be easy to have a closed mind when it comes to the opportunities that are available.Dont limit yourself in this way. Explore different industry and research various job titles that might be a good fit. Also, dont limit yourself by geographical boundaries either. With flexible work, the world is your oyster.3. Master a new skill.Put the energy of a new year to good use by taking your professional development into your own hands. Give yourself a one-up on the competition by honing a desirable industry skill- one that is pertinent to your profession.Or, if youre looking to make headway in a new area, pick up a skill or two to get your foot in the door.4. Work that networkNetworking is a tedious activity for most job seekers, but dont let your lack of enthusiasm for it sta nd in your way. Employ thepower of your networkby reaching out to those you are already connected to, while also working to gain new connections.This is a great time to reconnect with old classmates, mentors, or colleagues re-activate your memberships with networking sites and update your online social networking profiles.5. Jump on the work flexibility bandwagon.Traditional employment is making its way out the door. This year it is time to consider flexible work arrangements- part-time, remote, temporary, or freelance work- into your search.In addition to greater work-life balance and the multitude of other benefits, flexible work can lead to some interesting new roles and career paths.6. Solidify and live yourprofessional brand.To stand out from others and make an impression, you need a solid and consistent personal brand.Evaluate your professional goals and aspirations, and then start to build something that shows who you are as a professional and why others should want to employ you. Remember to keep it consistent as an inconsistent brand can mean trouble.7. Create a long-term plan to grow your career.Knowing where you will be in five years is likely more of a bad joke than a real assessment of where you are going.However, that doesnt mean you cant make a long-term plan for where you want your career to go this year. Once you have your plan in place, create measurable and reachable goals so you can find success throughout the year.8. Dont forget social media.Whether you love it or you hate it, social media has become a necessity to really dig into a job search.Not only can you grow your virtual network through social media, but you can also connect with recruiters, get your name on a hiring managers radar, and gain access to information that will help propel your job search and career.9. Stay positive and findways to lose the stress.Last but not least, dont lose hope. The worst thing you can do for your job search is allow the stress and possible let down of job searching bring you down.To avoid getting bogged down, set daily or weekly job search goals, allow time to participate in activities that lift your spirits, and remember to reward yourself for any success, no matter how minuscule it may seem.Seek support from your professional network, friends, and family, and enter this new year with your head held high and with a newfound faith that this will be the year you score your dream job.Find a Flexible JobReaders, what New Years resolutions for job seekers are you adding to your list in 2017? Share your tips with us belowBrie Weiler Reynolds contributed to this post.