During your career, and even before you have a career, it's a good idea to start keeping a log of achievements and noteworthy affiliations. Especially when you are caught up in the chaos of a job (whether you are enjoying yourself or not), it is very easy to forget about some of the best bits of information that could improve your resume considerably. Try to keep a specified notepad on your desk at work or home so that when you remember these jewels, you can record them and forget about them because they are already written down. That way, when it is time to do a little resume spring cleaning, all you will have to do is plug in the new information.
While in school or while working in your current job, always search for activities and projects that will "beautify" your resume. Remember, a job should not be about putting in your eight hours and collecting your paycheck. It should be about expanding, learning, and making you more valuable to your current employer and, more importantly, the employers who will hire you later in life. Grasp and take advantage of mountainous challenges rather than shying away from them. Rising to the occasion may require more work on your part, but doing so will develop and train you to be an even better sales professional—which equals more money and flexibility in the future.
The author of an article on Monster.com agrees and advises, "When taking on new projects, try to select those that will most likely benefit you. Be sure to quantify the results of your work and add these accomplishments to the ongoing resume you should be compiling."
If you do decide to take the plunge and start a new career during this time of resolutions and fresh starts, do not be afraid to make striking changes to your current resume. Go over the jobs and background that you have listed and rethink what needs to be there and what does not. With the additions of new jobs and skills, some pieces of your resume may begin to look a bit less exciting than they used to. If your resume has not been reviewed in quite awhile, take the time to analyze your word selection and structure. As time goes by and we all grow in our careers and fields of interest, we tend to become savvier and hipper when it comes to giving professionals what they expect.
Any wise and accomplished business professional will tell you how absolutely crucial it is to find a career focus that truly fulfills you, no matter what. Yes, it does sound cheesy and cliché, but if you only choose to do one thing to strengthen your career this year, you should make a commitment to find out what makes you happy professionally. So many people waste years, and even decades, trying to find their niches in the working world. Regardless of your age or status—business student or professional—evaluate what you are doing or want to be doing in the future now.
A large part of doing this involves looking at professionals who have come before you. Analyze the career of someone who has succeeded in an area of business that seems intriguing to you. Tactfully approach targeted professionals by calling or emailing them and asking to take them out to lunch to discuss their careers. Many lawyers and related professionals feel honored to have others interested in their careers, and they will usually agree to meet with them. If you are given such an opportunity, handle it with grace and be humble and willing to learn about the professional's background. Never go into a situation like this looking to land a job offer or any personal gains aside from advice. More often than not, if the professional sees your eagerness and you leave a lasting impression, rest assured that he or she will call on you if an appropriate opening arises.
It is easy to get caught up in overwhelming resolutions like "losing 20 pounds" or "finding world peace." Make this year's resolution a promise to yourself to get on the expressway to a better career. If you make the commitment and stick to it, your morale and success will skyrocket, and hopefully, by next year, all of your other goals will fall into place.
