Get Your Dream Job: The 5 Career Resolutions You Need to Make for 2013

You may have already made some resolutions when it comes to your personal life for the coming 12 months, but what about your professional life? Is it time you made some career-orientated goals for 2013?

Whether you’re happy in your current job or desperately seeking a way out, here are the essential career resolutions that will motivate you, inspire you and help you take control of where your career goes this year. Don’t let 2013 be another year where you settle for less in your professional life. Instead grab the bull by the horns and get prepping for some major success.

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Resolution 1: Ask yourself some important questions: You probably think about your job every single day, but when was the last time you really examined it? Start 2013 by sitting down and deciphering how you feel about your job. Does it make you happy? Is your current job crushing your soul? Where do your true passions lie? Is your current job helping you to reach any career goals you have or is it simply distracting you from what you really want to do? Are you getting paid enough for your field and position?

Write down the answers to these questions – this will become your springboard for the New Year when it comes to your career. By doing this you can discover what’s really lacking in your professional life and figure out a way to fix it – whether it’s by asking for a raise or looking for a job in a different field.

Resolution 2: Update yourself: Whether you’re looking for a new job or not, it’s always a good idea to keep your CV up to date. Hey, you never know when a friend will call you with a fantastic opportunity. Simply put, it’s always a good idea to have your CV good to go for any opportunities that arise out of the blue. While you’re updating your CV it’s also a good idea to update your portfolio, rewrite your LinkedIn bio, update your Twitter profile and take a new headshot picture that you can use on all your professional social networking accounts.

Is it time you started taking more control of your career?

Resolution 3: Learn a new skill: Make 2013 the year that you learn a new skill that you can add to your CV. Are there any technical skills you could learn that would help you at your current job or look great on your CV if you’re planning on applying for a new job? Is there a class you could take that would put you in a better position for a promotion? Take the initiative – your CV will thank you for it.

Resolution 4: Learn how to market yourself: When it comes to your career, it’s super important to know how to market yourself well. You have to be able to show other people just what you’re capable off and the skills and abilities that you possess. Do a quick online search for “personal branding” and get reading. Knowing how to market yourself will also help you to feel more professional and confident about your unique set of skills.

Resolution 5: Start asking for feedback: How can you improve your career if you never ask for feedback? Start 2013 by arranging a meeting with your boss and asking them for feedback about how you’re doing. This will help you to distinguish your strengths and highlight any weaknesses you may have so you can set about working on them. Plus, your boss will welcome your enthusiasm when it comes to improving your skills and abilities.