Once again the Christmas shopping season is well underway. Cards are being sent, every radio station is playing “all Christmas songs - all day”, and every commercial on the television has toys to lure the children and drive the parents crazy. With the busy season it is easy to overlook the need to reevaluate your short and long-term career management goals, strategies and expectations. What was your year like? A success? Did you surpass expectations or do you need to make some changes?

People many times use the end / beginning of the year as a time to make changes in their lives. With the season being so busy maybe New Year’s isn’t a good time for you, the spring or fall might work out better. It doesn’t really matter when you review your career goals as long as you review them every year. It is like your yearly check-up; usually not something you look forward to but always glad once you have done it. Whenever your annual evaluation occurs, it is important to consider updating your resume and reevaluating your current progress. Things that might be included are new courses, seminars or certifications completed throughout the year.  

It is a great idea to have a file that you can tuck all of your progress for the year to keep it organized and together. It can include positive reviews, press releases announcing your achievements, bonuses, awards and other notable information. This way everything is together when it is time for your review. It is much easier to keep a tangible file then trying to remember details or specific figures in 3 or 4 years when you are in need of the information but the details are a bit fuzzy. You won’t have to waste your valuable time searching through files and old calendars trying to remember dates and facts when you are ready for your resume update. 

Review the goals you made for the current year. Have you accomplished everything on your list? Was it a successful year? Why or why not? What can you do to improve things for next year? Are you still on track with your focused career objectives? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you determine the success level of your year. 

Have you thought about your goals for next year? If you don’t usually write goals for the year today is a great day to start. Start by preparing a list of 5 short-term and 5 long-term goals that will help you stay motivated and working towards your focused career objective? Consider what you want to accomplish in the new year. Do you want to attend a conference, join an organization, improve your networking skills or take a few classes? Detail you goals using deadlines and specific outcomes. Keep the Goal Sheet in a convenient location where you will see it often, like in your planner or briefcase. Review it regularly and watch as you achieve your goals!

A little note regarding whether or not to work on your job search through the Christmas season and New Years festivities. Most people think it is not a productive time to search during this time, however some say this may be a mistake. Many hiring managers are busy putting together budgets and expect employment reports for the next year. Sending your resume to someone who is considering the addition of employees before the New Year begins can make your end of the year job search look like a successful one. Something to keep in mind. 

Lastly, with all the parties, lunches, and gatherings you will be attending, it is a great time to do a little networking and a good idea to have a few copies of your resume documents and business cards on hand.  

Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!!