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As we start the new year, many of us are thinking about our careers and what it might have in store. Sometimes, just the thought of looking ahead and preparing for a new role can be intimidating, but if you have the right steps to get there it becomes a lot easier! If you’re in the job market, now is the perfect time to take action and to ensure you land your next gig. Here are five things you can do to increase your chances of success this year:

1. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date and highlight your most recent experiences and accomplishments. This will make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to see how you’re qualified for the positions you’re applying for. And what better time to freshen up your profile than in the new year? Add achievements from the past year, update your profile picture, or include some new keywords in your tagline to get started!

2. Network
Networking can be easy to shove aside and make a low priority when it comes to pushing through your day-to-day tasks. We get it, sometimes just squeezing in a lunch break can be hard! Try making it a goal this year to schedule some time each month to reach out to people in your industry to let them know you’re in the job market or hoping to be soon. Attend networking events and join industry groups on LinkedIn or grab coffee with an old colleague. Building relationships with people in your field can open doors to opportunities you might not have known about otherwise.

3. Work with a Qualified Recruiter
Partnering with a qualified recruiter can give you an edge in the job search process. Recruiters have relationships with hiring managers and companies and can help match your skills and experience with the right opportunities, so you don’t have to waste valuable time doing the research all by yourself. They can also provide valuable insights and guidance on the job market, as well as prepare and coach you for interviews. Of course, we all know how awkward it can be to negotiate a salary… Recruiters negotiate on your behalf with employers to get you a higher salary and more benefits! Oh, and at Hollstadt, our recruiters do all of that at no cost to you. Talk about a deal.

4. Tailor your job search
Don’t just apply to any and every job that’s out there. That’s how you get stuck in a position that’s not right for you and you’re in the same cycle all over again. Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you’re applying for. This will show the hiring manager that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. Try finding commonalities in the job description and in your resume to highlight all the ways you think you can stand out in the candidate pool! Again, working with a Hollstadt recruiter makes this whole process easier as they do the heavy lifting to tailor your resume. They will lead you to discover both your skills and your career goals so that you find opportunities that align with each.

5. Practice interviewing
One of the most important parts of landing a job is the interview. Practice answering common interview questions with a friend and make sure you’re prepared to talk about your qualifications and experiences. Also, make sure you do your research on the company and hiring managers to have a good sense of their community. Immersing yourself in their culture can shape the talking points of the interview and not only give them a good sense of who you are, but also give you a good sense of who your potential employer is. At Hollstadt, we help you with interview preparation and give you important insight on the company and the project, so you can approach the interview with confidence.

6. Be open to new opportunities
Sometimes the perfect job isn’t the one you expected. Have an open mind when it comes to different types of positions and industries. If something out of your comfort zone intrigues you, go for it! You never know what might be a good fit until you try it, and it may expand your skills and knowledge in the process.

Remember, the job search process takes time and effort, but with persistence and a positive attitude, you’ll be able to find the right opportunity for you. If you are unsure of what that next step may be, reach on out to a Hollstadt recruiter to talk about your career goals…who knows, 2023 could be your year of new opportunities and growth. Follow these steps to be well on your way to landing your next gig this year.