“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” (Rainer Maria Rilke, Poet & Novelist)
With another Christmas over, and another new year ahead of us, it’s an ideal time to consider change, growth and evolution. Professionally, not everyone has ambitions of climbing (or even pinnacling) the corporate ladder. But there may still be plans and options that could both expand and enrich career aspirations and output. Work is a large chunk of many of our lives, so why not consider ways to feel more passionate, satisfied and energised about what you do.
“It doesn’t matter whether you do a small or big job; what matters is job contentment.” (Mohith Agadi, Author & Entrepreneur)
Refresh your career documentation: Some of my clients have attained newfound job confidence and enthusiasm after partnering with me to refresh (or recreate) their career documentation. Through working with a professional resume writer, they have been given the opportunity to more comprehensively review and reconsider aspects of their career, including skills and achievements they had underplayed. It may also be beneficial to hire a career coach, to establish a clearer vision prior to reproducing a new resume, LinkedIn profile, etc., to kick-start and/or reshape your career.
Network & connect with your industry: Professional digital platforms such as LinkedIn, as well as various online and in-person professional groups, offer a range of ways to interact and associate with your industry counterparts (and beyond). In addition to the likelihood of such engagement deepening and strengthening both your professional interest and expertise, it could also ignite new business opportunities. Keep in mind that LinkedIn is a forum that is as much about networking and knowledge-sharing as it is about cultivating new job prospects.
Keep on learning & certifying: Across most job types and professional sectors, there are a range of professional development opportunities. In my own career, I have often found that undertaking another training course and industry certification, while also actively engaging within professional groups, has produced new (and unexpected) career opportunities. There are also no doubt mental health benefits from continuing to tap into and further extend our ‘grey matter’, including personally.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” (Dr Seuss, Author)
Profile & promote your personal brand: Taking the time to consider what you stand for professionally, and how you want to be individually ‘branded’, is a worthwhile venture. One of my first questions when writing LinkedIn content is how clients want to be marketed on this large digital platform. Developing an in-depth awareness of your professional image will not only build your self-assurance, but also means you’re more clearly conveying your strengths and offerings to others.
Consider doing some voluntary work: In addition to the soul-nourishing benefits voluntary work can provide, there are often professional reimbursements. For example, interacting in these alternative contexts (and crowds) may challenge your way of thinking and responding, and may also deepen your appreciation of your individual traits. Voluntary work can also open you up to new networking prospects, which could also be advantageous (and enhancing) to your primary job and career.
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If you’ve been considering a change in career direction and/or increasing your career opportunities, it may also be time to consult a professional resume writer. From spicing up a LinkedIn profile to overhauling a resume and adding an often-critical cover letter, to writing up selection criteria attuned responses, Walton’s Words thrives on creating career documentation that helps you to stand out. Give us a call or drop us a line if you would like to discuss your resume writing needs further.
