Start the New Year Strong With a 22-Day Career Transition Challenge
If “New Year, New Job” is your 2023 mantra, congrats! You are in the right place! A few years ago, I put together an email-based job search challenge that I think does a great job of getting you in the right mindset for a career transition. Each weekday, you complete one small task and by the end of the month, you are so much more prepared to embark on the job search process!
I decided to bring it back this year, but instead of sending emails each day with the prompt, I thought I would put two week’s worth of the challenge right here on the blog. Then, if you want to finish the challenge with me, you can just download the free PDF at the end of this post and that’s where you will find the remainder of the daily prompts.
Yes, this challenge is 22 days, but don’t let that intimidate you. Most of these prompts will take you less than 15 minutes to complete, and they will have a huge impact, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve updated your resume or been on a job interview.
Are you ready to get started?
WEEK ONE
Monday, January 2: Google Yourself
What comes up when you put your name in Google? Spend a few minutes evaluating your social media presence and making any necessary updates.
With so much of our lives online, it’s important to check in and see what is showing up to recruiters and hiring managers!
Tuesday, January 3: Resume Scan
Find the most recent version of your resume and the job description for your current role or a role you're interested in. Go to the website Jobscan (link here) and run a free scan to see how well your resume is positioning you for the role.
Once the scan is complete, write down a list of everything you need to update!
Wednesday, January 4: Annual Review
Today, we want you to find and review your most recent performance evaluation or annual review. What were you commended for? What were the areas of improvement that were outlined in the review? It’s always a good idea to revisit this information from time to time and set some relevant goals.
Thursday, January 5: Brag Book
Pull together information, like any certificates and diplomas you have, work samples, copies of awards or honors, testimonials about your work, etc.
Having all of these materials in one place will help you show up to your interview prepared to shine a spotlight on yourself and your accomplishments!
Friday, January 6: Make a List
Sit down and spend 15 minutes making a list of the things you do and do not like about your current job or career path.
Doing this will help you gain clarity. Maybe a change is needed sooner than you thought. Or, maybe there’s more to love about your current role.
WEEK TWO
Monday, January 9: Problems to Solve
As kids, we’re often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Perhaps we should be asking people what problems they want to solve instead.
Take 5-10 minutes and write a list of the problem(s) you would enjoy solving.
Tuesday, January 10: Ideal Job
Make a list of the types of things you’d be doing each day if you were working in your ideal job. What will you feel like after you leave work for the day? What kind of environment do you thrive in? What style of leadership best suits you?
Write 1-2 paragraphs about your ideal job so you have clarity around what you are looking for. Think outside the box as you do this!
Wednesday, January 11: Three Job Postings
Research three job postings for the type of position you’d like in the future.
You might not decide to apply to these jobs, but finding them will ease the paralysis some of us face when we start the job searching process.
Thursday, January 12: Find Your Alignment
Today, spend 15 minutes answering these three questions:
What do you feel you are meant to do?
How can you use your skills, education, and experience for maximum benefit?
What kinds of problems can you solve for a company?
Friday, January 13: Identify Your Value
Employers want to know what value you would bring to their organization. For example, can you help the company make money? Save money or time? Make work easier, or solve a specific problem? Expand their business and attract or retain customers? Identify and write down five specific value adds you bring.
There you have it… two weeks of easy but impactful prompts that will get you moving toward your goal of a career transition in 2023. If you’re into this and you want to take things a step further, enter your info below to get a free download with all 22 of the prompts, plus a printable calendar so you can stay on track with the challenge!
If you don’t have time for the challenge but still want some help pivoting into a new career for 2023, book a consultation call with us. We can get you all set up with the tools and resources you need based on where you are in your career transition!