How to Create a 2017 Job Search Roadmap

How to Create a 2017 Job Search RoadmapSo youve platzset your career goals for 2017. (You totally have, right? If leid, you still have time) Yet unless you have some organization and a realistic timeline behind them, its likely that youll be in the same spot this time next year, wondering where the time went. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Start the year with a roadmap like the sample one below, and youll be able to stay on track without overwhelming yourself with all job search elements at once.December Start with a wish listWhere do you want to be in a year? What kind of role would you like to have? Before the new year even starts, take some time to think about what it is you really want to do. A new job doesnt really cut it herethink about which job. Or if you want to keep the same kind of job you have now (or the one you had last), include specific companies youd like to target.January-February Do your due diligenceIf you havent alr eady, dig in and research your target jobs or companies. What is the general market for your industry and skill/experience level? Is there a particular hiring season? What kind of salaries are available in that field? Keep all of this information in a file (digital or old-school print) so you can go back to it later, or add to it as you come across new information.March-April Resume makeover timeIf its been a while since you last overhauled the doc, its best to start from scratch. There are resume templates available ansprechbar, or you can create your own. The important thing here is to make koranvers your current skills and achievements are not only listed, but maximized. Use strong action verbs, and avoid passive bullet points about responsibilities. And most importantly, proofread the heck out of it every time you add or change information.By the end of the month, when you feel like youve got a final draft, hand it over to a trusted friend to read and review for information that s missing, confusing, etc.May-June Interview rehearsalRemember that old joke that asks you how to get to Carnegie Hall? (Practice, of course.) Its schticky, but it applies here as well. No matter how confident you feel in your ability to rock an interview, you should still set aside time to prep. You can start here, to get a refresher course on what to expect on interview day. Once youve done that legwork, practice how youd respond to particular questions, and how you would frame the information in your resume.Practice in the mirror, practice with your goldfish, practice with a friend or family member until theyre sick of hearing about your problem solving skills. Practice your body language. Practice your winning interview smile like youre prepping for the Miss America pageant.July-August Skill buildingAre there skills required by your target job or skills that would make you an even better candidate for your dream company? Think of this as the equivalent of summer reading from whe n you were a kid. If there are classes available and its possible for you to take them, sign up If there arent any available or they just dont work for your schedule or budget, set aside a certain amount of time per week to do online research or talk with people who have expertise.September-October ApplyOnce you feel like your foundations are good, start applying for job openings. Keep in mind that a lot of hiring takes place through personal recommendations and word of mouth, so also keep an eagle eye on your networks to see if anyone can help you get an in with one of your target companies.November-December Keep up the huntKeep applying for openings as you see them, and dont hesitate to go back to steps you completed earlier in the year if you feel the need. Always be vigilant for chances to boost your skills. Make sure your resume up-to-the-minute. Practice your suave, hire-me handshake. And dont forget that so much of the job search is waiting for the right opportunity, so dont be discouraged if you dont see results right away.This yearlong roadmap is just a guideif a different schedule works best for you, run with it It might be that while youre in the midst of interview bootcamp, your dream job opens up. So definitely keep an eye on opportunities throughout the year, and adjust your plan as necessary. The important part is that youre situation a plan, and getting yourself in shape for the 2017 new-job marathon.