Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

How to Start Your 2015 Job Hunt on the Right Track

How to Start Your 2015 Job Hunt on the Right TrackIf you haven’t found that perfect job this year, don’t panic.  The New Year brings a fresh new start and many new opportunities for you to consider. Use this time at the end of the year to make sure that you are prepared for a fresh start to your job hunt in 2015. 

Get Organized

Nothing is more unappealing to a hiring manager or recruiter than an unorganized candidate.  When you just can’t seem to get it together in a reasonable amount of time, it reflects poorly on your ability to do the job.

Take some time at the end of the year and figure out what you struggle with when it comes to organization.

Do you have difficulty sending in required information for job applications because your files are a mess? 

Do you struggle with remembering to schedule interviews on your calendar or record correct interview addresses or contact information? 

Get your calendar and your files organized.  Make 2015 a better and more organized year for job hunting.  It will help you appear to be more together and prepared for those job interviews, making a much better impression on the hiring manager.

Refresh your Portfolio

If you don’t have a portfolio, you should first get started on putting one together immediately.  Your portfolio should have examples of your work and successes.  Be sure to include any awards or letters and emails of praise from your previous bosses.

Take a look at your portfolio.  Does it look tired and worn out?  Spend a few dollars and get a clean, new binder and dividers for your portfolio.  Make sure that you add any additional documents that you may have accumulated recently.

A fresh, new portfolio will help you to appear more professional when interviewing for jobs in 2015.

Update your Resume

Going into 2015, you want to make sure that your resume is updated and will catch a hiring manager’s eye.  Take a look at your work history.  Is it updated with your most recent experience?  Is your expertise clear when looking at your resume?

Many recruiters and hiring managers will take only a few seconds to quickly scan a resume before deciding whether to put it aside or contact the person for an interview.  Make sure that your expertise can quickly be ascertained by a quick scan of your resume.

Also, make sure that your formatting is readable.  Your resume should be easy to read and follow.  Be sure to add your dates of employment and use a bulleted format to document your job duties and skills under each experience.

What will you do to make sure your job hunt starts off on the right foot in 2015?  Please share your comments below.

Image: monkeybusinessimages/BigStock.com

Julia Weeks

Julia is a skilled Recruiter with over 8 years of experience in sourcing, interviewing, and hiring within many industries globally. She works closely with hiring managers and job seekers to understand needs and desires, while offering guidance and ensuring the right fit. When not recruiting or writing, Julia enjoys spending time outside cycling, taking her dog for walks, or honing her sailing skills.

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