20 Career-Boosting Steps to Take by New Years Eve- The Muse

20 Career-Boosting Steps to Take by New Years Eve- The Muse20 Career-Boosting Steps to Take by New Years Eve- The MuseIts finally December, and youve worked hard all year long. You wrote enough emails to fill a novel. You spent an average of seven hours a day on your computer. And, if you were working full-time, you probably spent 42 hours of your life battling traffic during your daily commute. Whoa. If anyone deserves a chance to kick back and relax, its youBut as tempting as it may be to spend the rest of December curled up with a big mug of cocoa, a snuggly blanket, and a never-ending Netflix queue, you probably want to avoid hibernating all month long.Regardless of whether your job status is employed or unemployed, you shouldnt underestimate the importance of getting a jump-start on your career in the year ahead in the final days of the month. Use the next few weeks wisely so that you can finish 2017 feeling clear, focused, and organized when the year comes to an inevitable clos e. (If youre job hunting, this is an especially good time to get your ducks in a row because January is one of the best times to apply for a new job.) Here are 20 career-boosting action steps to complete before the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve. 1. Write Down Your WinsMake a list of your top 10 professional accomplishments from the past year. You can incorporate ansicht wins into your resume the next time you spruce it up- employers love seeing descriptions of accomplishments as opposed to duties. 2. Congratulate Someone on Their Career SuccessBy celebrating others wins, youll reinforce the belief that youre a positive, encouraging person- two qualities that are on every employers wish list 3. Redesign Your Professional MaterialsOrder beautiful new business cards. And then, when thats set, think about revamping your personal website. 4. Clean Out Your InboxDont just delete old emails and archive others. Take the next step and unsubscribe from mailing lists that waste your time. 5. Send a Thank You NoteThink of a colleague, manager, or mentor who helped or inspired you this past year, and let that person know youre grateful for his or her assistance or inspiration. Sure, you could use email. But it would be better to use pen and paper. A handwritten note is a simple, classy way to make people feel special- and strengthen your professional network. 6. Read Up on How to Get Your Resume Close to Perfectionmora specifically, read these 43 tips. They will only get you closer to getting that job you want. So, tweak your resume accordingly, or dont be afraid to start over from scratch instead of building on one youve had for years. 7. Make That Revamped Resume StylishFind a beautiful new template among one of these 275 free templates and go forward with confidence as you send it out. (After tailoring it for each job, of course.) 8. Contact an Expert if Youre LostIf youre feeling stuck or dont know where to begin, it might be worth it to pay an expert or hi re a coach to get you past your obstacle.9. Learn How to Answer the Most Common Interview QuestionsYour resumes only doing the first part of the talking. The interview step is hugely important and not one that you can risk blowing. Prepare in advance by running through these common questions and youll likely ace it. 10. Update Your Professional WardrobeMake koranvers to purchase items that are both professional and industry-appropriate. 11. Invest in a Standing DeskYou wont believe the health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Its well worth speaking to your office manager about getting one for the office. 12. Reorganize Your WorkspaceRemove clutter. Add beauty. Make a vision board or write a career manifesto and hang it above your desk. 13. Get on a Healthier Sleep ScheduleIts no news that many Americans are sleep deprived, and being chronically tired is just as bad as going into work tipsy. The more rest you give yourself, the sharper and more productive you will be. 14. Google YourselfDistasteful social media content? Snarky blog comments? That YouTube video that you uploaded during Mardi Gras circa 2009 still around? Put yourself in a recruiters shoes, and make sure your online footprint makes a good first impression. 15. Take Your LinkedIn Presence to the Next LevelStart by adding a personal note when you send out invitations to join your network. Youd be surprised by how few people do this, so itll really make you stand out and get noticed. 16. Reach Out to Six People Youd Like to Connect WithStart lining up coffee dates for the first few weeks of January. (And before you go on any of them, make sure you know how to have the best coffee date ever.) 17. Choose a Skill You Want to Improve in 2018It could be public speaking, time management, or creative writing. Sign up for a class, seminar, weekly writing group, whatever makes sense for you and whatever might get you motivated. Then decide how youre going to develop that skill. B lock out the time on your calendar now. 18. Read a Few Career-Boosting ClassicsI recommend Stephen Coveys Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Dale Carnegies How to Win Friends and Influence People. More of a listener? Subscribe to a smart podcast or two. Mmm. Brain food youll actually start to crave. 19. Fill Your Inspiration Tank to the BrimRead these 45 beautiful pieces of career advice. Or these 50 inspirational quotes thatll make you feel ready to take on the world. Or, at least your personal goals. 20. Write Out Your One-Year PlanWhether youre looking to make a move or are currently satisfied at your job, figure out what you plan to do to take your career to the next level. Maybe its telling your network youre looking to make a move. Or, perhaps its getting a promotion (and a raise). Whatever it is, figure out how youre going to make it happen. And if you do only one thing? Make an effort to re-connect with people you admire. Strengthen the relationships in your profe ssional network. You never know how one follow-up email, thank-you note, or holiday card might impact your career.