PRINCETON, N.J. Most people give up on their New Yearís resolutions because the goals theyíve set for themselves are too difficult, especially when they relate to getting a better job or improving the job they have, according to CareerJournal.com, The Wall Street Journalís executive career guide.
ìRather than focusing on the outcome of finding a new job or changing careers, set interim goals that are easier to achieve, such as the number of informational interviews, research and cold calls youíll accomplish each week,î says Tony Lee, editor in chief, CareerJournal.com. ìSet tough but attainable career goals, then stick to them.î
Mr. Lee adds, ìItís normal to get depressed if youíve been out of work for a while or are stuck in a dead-end job. But itís important that you donít give up.î
CareerJournal.com suggests the following career goals with tips to achieve them.
Evaluate your career directionódetermine if youíre heading in the right direction, and take steps to change course if necessary.
Increase your skillsólearn a new language, get a certification or take a college course that can help advance your career.
Negotiate a raiseóif you believe that youíre a key contributor, use the Internet to research how much you should be earning given your title, location and years of experience. Having this data in hand will make it easier to ask for a raise.
Networkóyou should always be networking with friends, family and both social and business contacts, even if youíre not actively job hunting.
Update your resumeódonít wait until you lose a job to update your resume. Keep a running tab of your accomplishments.
Interview for a jobókeep your options open and your interview skills sharp by confidentially interviewing for a new opportunity.
Avoid burnoutóyouíll be more productive if you restore yourself daily by taking a friend to lunch or getting some exercise.
ìAfter youíve developed your resolutions, create a real plan for achieving them, Mr. Lee explains. ìInclude interim benchmarks, measurable objectives and timeframes.î
CareerJournal.com advises how to make and keep 2005 career resolutions
Most people give up on their New Yearís resolutions because the goals theyíve set for themselves are too difficult
