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As you welcome the new year, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and give your job search a fresh look. Whether you’re seeking a new challenge, aiming for a career change, just starting out, or striving for professional growth, a revitalized job search strategy can make all the difference.

Check out the tips below to get started.

Tip One: Reflect on Your Goals and Values

Ask yourself: what are you truly passionate about? What skills do you want to leverage? What values do you seek in a workplace? What is your dream role? Who do you want to work for? Use this tip to refine your career objectives to ensure that your job search aligns with your long-term aspirations. Keeping this in mind when interviewing is also helpful. A common interview question is asking what your career aspirations or goals are. This tool helps answer that.

Tip Two: Update Your Resume and Online Presence

A robust online presence is crucial in today’s digital age, so take the time to showcase your expertise and achievements on professional platforms. Dust off your resume and update it with your latest accomplishments, skills, and experiences. And make sure you polish your LinkedIn profile, too. Think of this as your virtual resume. It is also wise to take an inventory of items that you may want to remove or ensure are private for friends only online. It is common for potential employers to search for you online and a harsh status or photo could change their offer. Be cognizant of what you have online or be prepared to answer questions about it.

Tip Three: Put Yourself Out There

Networking is a powerful tool in any job search. Consider attending industry events, connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, and conducting informational interviews to expand your network. Job fairs are also another great way to connect with potential employers and other job seekers and to see what is out there. Engaging with others in your field can lead to valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and even job referrals. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and go after what you want. Nothing worth having comes easy.

Tip Four: Make it Personal and Stand Out

After interacting with potential networks, employers, or opportunities, it is always wise to follow up with a thank you via email or even a written letter to let them know how much you appreciate their time and interest in you. It is often an afterthought for most job seekers and people truly appreciate the extra effort.

Tip Five: Flex Your Professional Development Muscle

Use the new year as an opportunity to invest in yourself beyond a new gym membership. Consider enrolling in educational or developmental courses, attending workshops, or obtaining certifications that enhance or highlight your skills. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning can make you stand out to potential employers. And make sure to add these to your online resume and physical resume upon completion. Soft skills are a dying art, and professional development shows potential job seekers you can flex this skill.

Tip Five: Customize Your Job Search

Instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, tailor your job search strategy to align with your goals. Found a job that fits your background, but you aren’t excited about the potential opportunity? Don’t apply just to apply. Focus on companies and roles that resonate with your values and interests. Go even further and customize your cover letters and resumes for each application to highlight how your unique skills meet the specific needs of the employer. Spending extra time on a few jobs you truly want over applying to everything and anything will lead you to where you truly want to be.

Tip Six: Be Reasonable and Realistic

You know yourself better than anyone. Set realistic expectations for yourself and break down your job search into manageable milestones. Whether it’s sending out a certain number of applications each week, attending networking events, or completing a professional development course, setting achievable goals will help you stay focused and motivated.

Searching for a new job is daunting and can often be exhausting. But remember, with the time you put in now for the job of your dreams, it will pay off. It is better to spend time finding the right fit for you than just working in a job that aligns with your education, experience, or background.

Written by Megan Childress

Find the perfect career fit by viewing Let’s Detroit’s job board here.