Did you know that there is an actual, predictable date by which most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions? It’s true. A recent study pulled from over 800 million data points and came up with the answer – January 13th – a date proclaimed by the researchers as “Quitter’s Day.” Studies have also shown that most people don’t succeed in keeping their New Year’s resolutions because they set intentions without establishing the necessary habits needed to get there.
This year Atrium is proposing an “Anti-New Year’s Resolution” list as another step in your job search strategy for the year to come. We are sharing our list of the top 3 habits that we believe focusing on all year long will lead to accomplishing your goals of continued career growth.
1. Constantly Grow Your Network.
Networking is key to both your job search strategy and career growth. Being able to routinely connect with other professionals and put yourself out there is key to progressing – and we don’t mean only when you are actively job seeking. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for finding a mentor or becoming an active member of a group related to your field.
In addition, we suggest reaching out to fellow alumni in your profession or cold emailing some of your favorite companies. Not only can you build a great professional connection by doing so, but you can also open the doors to new job opportunities this year.
2. Time Management
Time management is a soft skill that can help you in so many avenues of life. Make a habit of setting aside a dedicated amount of time each day/week for job searching or professional growth. Time block your calendar and hold yourself accountable until it becomes second nature. Not only will it help you keep your job search a priority, but it’s a great way to put into practice one of the most desirable skills that hiring managers are seeking in a potential candidate.
Added bonus – while focusing on time management for the benefit of your job search strategy, take time to create healthy habits of work-life balance that you can carry forward into your next role.
3. Learn a New Skill
All of us could stand to brush up on or learn a new professional skill that would bring value to both your current role, as well as future endeavors. The problem is – we rarely make time. So, with your newly found time management focus as a part of your job search strategy, commit to baby steps like researching online courses.
There are plenty of platforms out there like LinkedIn Learning that offer a wide variety to choose from. Or you could get more specific and commit to finding a continuing education or certificate program specific to your career path. Whatever it is that’s right for you – by researching, selecting and committing to learning a new skill – you’re continuing to build upon behaviors that set up for professional success in the year to come.
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So, it’s the middle of January and whether or not you’ve given up on your professional New Year’s resolution, we suggest giving this “anti” list a shot and trying a new job search strategy. Remember, focusing on making these actions habits throughout the year will be the key to your success.
Article Updated 1-10-23
