So how do you boost your chances of finally landing the job of your dreams? Here are some tips you might find handy!

Update your resume and Linkedin profile
Had a lot of time on your hands over the holidays? You should have taken the time to brush off and update your resume and LinkedIn profile. If you haven’t, be sure to do so before jumping off to your job hunt. Did you have any side hustles recently or did some volunteer work? Did you take on any side projects relevant to your field? Don’t forget to have them mentioned in your resume.

Additionally, take the time to update your LinkedIn profile, too. Mention anything that’s worth mentioning so you can stand out from other candidates.

Up your game in networking
The holiday season is a time for getting together and meeting with friends and even old acquaintances. If you have met with some people you can tap on when it comes to your career search, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’ll never know how they can help you or refer to someone who might be able to. After all, your network is one of the best resources you can leverage when finding a new job.

Be realistic
2020 is no ordinary year, given everything that’s happened. According to the New School Retirement Equity Lab, older workers are now facing higher unemployment than those in mid-career (a phenomenon that hasn't happened in nearly 50 years). Unemployment peak at 14.7% in April 2020, though by the beginning of 2021, that number was more than cut in half. Still, there's more competition in today's job market than before the pandemic. Therefore, it’s important to be realistic about your career options especially if you’re aiming for a major career change.

Be more knowledgeable and try to do some research on the jobs with a higher demand this year. Find out what positions are available and needed by most companies. Then figure out how your skills and work experience fit into these jobs. Be sure to mention these skills in your resume.

Be willing to learn new things
If you need employment this year, it’s crucial to be flexible in your job search. If your dream job requires skills you currently don’t have, don’t worry. You can acquire new skills and knowledge if you’re willing to learn new things. Learning is a continuous process and if you want to succeed, you should always be constantly grabbing the opportunities to grow.

 Be patient
So you’re enthusiastic about starting your dream job along with the beginning of a brand new year. However, your dream company isn’t hiring. It’s easy to get discouraged but don’t. Getting where you want to be in terms of your career doesn’t always happen in a snap of a finger. Learn to be patient while staying positive. Stay productive. Keep learning and building new skills.

The start of a new year is an exciting time to start something new - a new career included. If you’re on to finding and landing your dream career this year, these tips should come in handy!