Ways to Spring Forward in Your Career

​Spring is officially here, which means the weather is beautiful, the anticipation for summer is growing, and for soon to be college grads, it is time to really buckle down on the job search! For those of you already in a career, it may be time for a change. In honor of the new season, here are ways for you to spring forward in your career.
 

1. Update LinkedIn – I have been told by a number of professors and professionals that LinkedIn profiles should be updated weekly. Although I think that might be redundant, I definitely think it’s important to update it on a regular basis to make sure all information is current and accurate. Try setting a reminder in your phone to update your LinkedIn profile on the 1st and 15th of every month.
2. Utilize your resources and contacts – One of the best pieces of advice I received in college was to “Make your connections before you need them.” This is so important! The last thing someone wants is to feel used. Ask people in your field if you could get coffee with them, or do an informational interview with them, before you start really looking for a job. Learn and connect with people, and then when you need a resource, they’ll already be there for you.  
3. Attitude is everything – Cliché as it may be, remain positive and eager to learn. Others will recognize this behavior and will want to teach you, mentor you and support your success. 
4. Always carry business cards – You never want to show up anywhere without business cards. If you don’t carry a purse, bag or wallet with you at all times, keep business cards in your car so you can always run out and grab one if needed.
5. Always carry a purse, bag or wallet – For the pure reason that you should always have a pen or pencil on you. Plus, then you’ll always have a place to keep your business cards.
6. Have your elevator pitch ready to go, always – Your elevator pitch is how you sell yourself. It’s your 30-second spiel on what makes you so great. You never know when you’ll have to sell your skills and talents to someone. Be ready to rock it.
7. Remain professional on all social media platforms – I am a strong advocate for always remaining professional on social media. I tend to be a bit more lax on Instagram, because it is so easy to make an Instagram profile completely private and hidden, but be careful with Twitter and Facebook. Always remain professional and ask yourself if what you’re posting should/can be seen by a future employer. There is a good chance they are looking, or will be sometime very soon.
8. Always ask what you can do to improve – There is not a single person in the world that is so perfect at what they do, that they can’t do anything better. Always observe how others are working and if you’re seeing others are generating greater success, ask questions. 
9. Make a goal sheet for yourself, and actually do the things on it – There isn’t anything better than being able to successfully check things off of a to-do list. First things first, make one. Make your goals achievable, and get to doing!
10. Don’t be afraid to take on new projects – Many times, it is when you ask to take on new projects or are given a new opportunity, that you realize talents and skills you didn’t realize you had. Take the time to try new things and take on new responsibilities if the opportunity is presented to you.

 
 
P.S. While you’re in the spring spirit, get to spring-cleaning. Start with your desk. It’ll help you feel more organized and ready to tackle your next task!