4 Strategies for Ensuring a Successful 2012

If you have not made your New Year resolutions or way forward, then you are late. With only today, you should be making merry while resolving on what to do next year. You may have a job or not but how you strategize to conquer next year is upon you. However, there may be general guidelines to help you make better plans.

The bitter fact is this year is close to an end and a new one is about to begin. What can you resolve to do that will make 2012 a better year career wise and in your job search? Here below are six strategies that can help you in this thinking process:

1.   Make a specific plan: I’m not talking about making a wish list which, like New Year’s resolutions, will be forgotten by the third week of January. You want a plan that has specific goals for your job (what’s the best role for you next?) and your income (exactly how much would you like to be making by the end of 2012?). Writing down your plans makes them concrete, and it’s more likely you will attain them.

2.   SWOT yourself: Be honest with yourself. Review your strengths — like what you’ve got that can move you ahead; weaknesses — like those things you have or do that are holding you back; opportunities — things you can pursue at the company or in the industry; and threats — things that can derail you or sabotage your efforts to move ahead.

3.   Update your CV: Smart careerists are always ready for the next opportunity. Taking time to review and modify your CV before you want to send it to someone makes it a better product. This is often your first introduction to a new employer or boss — so make sure it’s topnotch.

4.   Invest in your career: Most people forget they really have two jobs. The first is to do what you get paid for and do it better than others. The second is to do what’s required to ensure that your career isn’t left to someone’s wrong opinions that were made in your absence. Be in the office when your boss is. It gives you additional opportunity to let him or her get to know you for things other than the job you’re currently filling.

All in all, take good measures to ensure that you move ahead beyond where you were in 2011.

All the best.