Experts offer tips to accomplish career-based resolutions

With the new year here, many workers will probably take the time to reflect on their career. Are they happy with their work life this past year? Do they want to make a change or take on new roles? Now is the time to make a fresh start.

If you have made a New Year's resolution to find a new job, it will be a difficult task. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement consultancy, says that the job market has improved a bit in 2010, but it is still tough to find that perfect position. Competition will still be evident.

"Hiring is expected to continue to ramp up in 2011, but this will not necessarily make finding a position any easier," says John A. Challenger. "Competition will come from an increasing number of job-seekers who are employed but looking for greener pastures."

It is important to stay positive and keep up with the job search. Accountemps, a staffing service, recommends setting aside time each week to update your resume, develop your LinkedIn profile, research new job possibilities and plan meetings with your business contacts, such as recruiters in your industry.

Continue to re-examine your goals. Be sure to reward yourself when you reach an important landmark.

"For those resolving to find a new job in 2011, the constant barrage of negative employment news can make it seem like an impossible goal," says Challenger. "It is not.

"The key to success is to take an active approach and make your own opportunities. A passive strategy of surfing Internet job boards and e-mailing resumes will be ineffective in this market."

If your New Year's resolution involves building a bigger network, look for opportunities to meet new people in your industry. Challenger suggests joining a professional/trade association, which provides training and education possibilities.

Plus, you can attend networking functions. Joining a community service group could be another beneficial choice. You can also develop your network and polish your professional skills by striving to meet 10 new people in your field outside of your company.

For those workers that hope to keep their job this coming year, Challenger, Gray & Christmas offers some tips:

n Look for more responsibility. Take on challenging duties and keep a take-charge attitude. You want to show that you can be valuable for the business.

n Become part of a company committee. Build new relationships by being more involved in the company. Committees can range from improving workplace policies to preparing plans for the company's holiday party.

n Find and/or become a mentor. Serving as a mentor or having one can help develop and achieve workplace goals.

n Look for opportunities to save money. Seek out options that will increase efficiency while decreasing costs for your company.

n Focus on mastering a topic in your field. You want to be the "go-to" person for a certain subject at the office.

If you are hoping to get a raise or promotion in 2011, take time to meet with your manager. Accountemps recommends discussing your career goals and how you can be more valuable to the company.

If a raise isn't available at the moment, ask your manager about other perks like a more flexible schedule. If a promotion isn't in the near future, ask your manager for assistance in seeking out the proper steps to reach that goal.

Happy New Year! 2011 holds possibilities for all job-seekers and workers hoping to stay at the same company.

For more information on enhancing your job situation, visit the websites www.challengergray.com and www.accountemps.com.