The New Year is a time of change, fresh starts and setting goals, though many of us find it difficult to follow through with our resolutions. Finding a new job is a common aspiration for professionals in the tech industry, so if you’re seeking a new IT job that will provide flexible remote work options or a more competitive salary, achieving your career goal means taking on the job search in manageable chunks.
Whether you’ve just started looking for Auckland IT jobs or have been submitting applications for months, here are five resolutions that are bound to help when finding a new job in 2019.
Refresh Your CV
Your CV should be a constant work in progress and giving it a facelift should be a top priority for anyone job hunting in the New Year. Even those who have been in the same role for some time will have aspects to keep up-to-date. A good CV is the face of your personal brand and should make your skills sing – many people sell themselves short, so don’t be afraid to let your CV work for you.
Some key aspects to keep in mind include:
- Promotions
- Additional responsibilities
- Special projects
- Positive feedback
- New skills
- Awards and recognition
Check that the CV is well formatted, logically organised, and uses perfect spelling and grammar. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have someone else give it a final check, as an extra set of eyes can provide feedback and help pick up any remaining mistakes.
Don’t forget about LinkedIn as well – everything you’ve updated on your CV should be included on LinkedIn. That way, if any companies are searching for new hires on social media, your profile will represent you effectively.
Clean Up Your Online Presence
In the digital age, a simple internet search can bring up a variety of information about an individual.
Many job seekers forget that potential employers will use the web to learn more about candidates, so it’s essential to have a cultivated online presence.
Identify any aspects of your social media profiles that don’t portray you in a positive and professional light and see how you can improve them. Check on privacy settings, review your friends list, and take down anything you wouldn’t want an employer to find. If you aren’t sure what information others learn about you on the web, a quick Google search is an easy way to find out.
Step Up Your Networking
Most people understand the importance of a network for job searching, but many don’t know how to cultivate it properly. LinkedIn is a great place to start, however it’s important to be strategic about finding valuable connections. Ensure you’re keeping in touch with existing contacts to maintain positive relationships, but don’t forget about reaching out to new faces as well. Industry events, conferences and work colleagues are great places to start building on a professional network.
Be proactive in getting in touch with potential contacts and don’t be afraid to follow up with new acquaintances, whether it be via LinkedIn messages or over a coffee.
Whilst meeting new people can be intimidating, most people are happy to provide advice and share their professional opinions when asked.
Develop a New Skill
In the fast-changing tech industry, having up-to-date skills is critical to maintaining a competitive edge. Make upskilling one of your top New Year resolutions for the workplace and take the opportunity to add a new skill to your repertoire. This could be a new programming language, database, application – anything that is going to complement your existing skills and help you stand out to employers.
There are many ways to do this from online study and webinars to formal training, and even coaching from an expert or diversifying your role in your existing company. If you’re unsure which subject to spend time on, consider trying out a free class online in your spare time. Reputable universities (such as Harvard and Yale) offer free online classes through Coursera – though with a small extra fee you can receive an official certificate of completion that looks great on a CV.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering, particularly in an area related to the IT industry, is a great way to hone skills, develop connections and gain new experience. It is especially valuable for job seekers who are between roles, as it will show time being used wisely, as well as filling a gap in work history.
Volunteering not only provides additional experience, but it also highlights your dedication to your field. It displays professional commitment and concern for the community, as well as showcasing a well-rounded, dynamic individual.
Summary
Finding a new job in 2019 doesn’t have to be the daunting task it appears to be. If you continue to develop new skills, network in your field, grow an online presence and volunteer your time, you will already be in a better position than most.
What are your job search resolutions for the New Year? We’d love to hear from you, provide further IT recruitment advice and help you conquer your goals in 2019.