Who can resist resolutions for the new year? It’s a fresh slate, a brand new calendar. A chance to start over. An incentive to really get started on something you have been putting off for too long.

Is this your year to land a new job or to become the entrepreneur you’ve always known you could be?  Do any of these bullet points sound familiar?

• You dread going to work. Thinking about your job gives you a twitch, or that familiar stress feeling in your neck.
• You aren’t being paid what you are worth.  You need to make more money to support your lifestyle or family.
• You have always dreamed (or at least thought about) a career in a different industry or setting.
• Your work consumes you.  You are working so many hours that you don’t have time for anything else in your life, and you want more.
• Your job is  having a negative impact on your health.

If any of these describe your situation, now is the time to plan for a move.

Keep a few key topics in mind as you resolve to make a change:

Change. Focusing on a need for change is the most important step you must take if a new job, career or business will be in your future. Write down your goals and carry them with you. Recognize that change does not happen without effort. Decide if you are ready and willing to take that next step.

Experience. Clearly, experience comes into play when looking for a job. However, more often than not, it is more important how you communicate your experience. Can you effectively explain what you have to offer? If not, work on your pitch. If you can’t explain what you can contribute, it will be very difficult for you to network effectively,to write a great resume and to interview to get the job.

I hope that narrowing down your resolutions to:

1. Choosing change and
2. Understanding and communicating your own experience

will help you make 2014 the year that you make your career goals come true!

I want to wish everyone a happy and successful new year! All the best for 2014!

The post New Year, New Career appeared first on Keppie Careers.

Do you live in the Atlanta area? Unemployment in the state of Georgia is now at 10.7% and predicted to go even higher

Think about it…Would you pull your own tooth? Wire your own home for electricity? Do you cut your own hair? Most would say “no.” If it is important (involving our health, safety or appearance), we hire an expert. However, many people face one of the most challenging tasks alone, without the benefit of professional expertise. It’s no wonder that many job seekers feel alone and depressed. Looking for a job is challenging and often unpredictable.

Your career is one of your most crucial financial investments. Whether you are actively engaged in a search, underemployed or unhappily employed, it makes sense to consult an expert as you embark on your search for a new job. Many job seekers don’t stop to think about how much money less-than-optimal job search methods costs them. Consider, if you are unemployed, how much money you lose for every day that you are out of work? Your return on investment in yourself to get help and land a job sooner than you might have on your own may pay off substantially!

No one wants to be a professional job seeker. Wouldn’t it be nice to have experienced allies who will help you every step of the way? It’s not a “come as you are” job market. Stop wasting your time; learn how to make use of today’s tools and resources to propel your search forward.

Let us help you help yourself! Learn more about what we are offering Atlanta-area job seekers, including coaching on LinkedIn, Twitter, interviewing and in-person networking. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS and to sign up. Don’t delay – our early adopter price is only good through July 31st. (And you get a free coaching session as an early adopter.) Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions about You Need a Job, but seating is limited, so don’t delay!

The post You want a job! appeared first on Keppie Careers.