Lady LUX

How resolutions work

Resolutions play a major role in establishing discipline, providing a sense of purpose, and offering a benchmark to monitor progress. Far too many people experience countless hours and many sleepless nights obsessed with job search, fear of job loss, compensation, and/or advancement. As the New Year fast approaches, one way to minimize the stress is to establish clear concrete resolutions and then commit to them, said Roy Cohen, career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide.

Cohen recommends the following tips for setting – and keeping – a resolution:

• Set stretch goals but keep it simple. For example, to expand knowledge, raise your professional visibility, get a promotion, or find a new job. This can happen in a variety of ways: by taking classes, getting a certification, or writing an article for an industry publication. If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits you may be eligible for free tuition for classes and certificate programs through your state's Department of Labor. It takes time, so plan now.
• Establish relationships with influencers. These are people who are in the loop with respect to industry trends, opportunities, and career insights. Don't approach them for a job. If you approached me with that request and we don't share a professional history, I would say no and so would they. Instead, view them as mentors or advisors who you reach out to for direction, perspective and ideas. Make sure they are busy people - they are more likely to have dynamic careers and have their hands in a range of initiatives.
• Repair damaged relationships. If you left a job on bad terms or you have been out of touch with key people from your old company, you need to catch up with them. At the very least, you want to determine what they will say if called for a reference. That should never be a surprise or a last minute activity. Time is a great neutralizer of frayed edges and unresolved issues. They may also have interesting ideas regarding opportunities and volunteer to serve as references.
• Join your industry's professional membership association and volunteer for a committee. Be shrewd as to which activity will support your job search.
• Re-assess 2014. What could you have done differently or better? Recognize that job search is all about follow-up and gratitude. Is your follow-up correspondence showing your potential to add value and offer solutions? Is it well written? If not, get feedback on how you can - and should - improve the way you communicate.
• Don't over extend yourself. It will backfire. Learn how to better use technology to support all aspects of your job search. The down-time around the holidays is great for coming up to speed on new technology applications or skills that need to be strengthened.