Three Ways to Give Your Career a Spring Refresh
March isn’t just a time of transition from winter to spring — it’s a month filled with chances for renewal, growth, and fresh opportunities. As the job market evolves in response to economic shifts and hiring trends, now is the perfect time for you to refresh your career strategy.
For me, March holds special significance because it’s my birthday month! I don’t know about you, but birthdays always inspire deeper moments of reflection. I spend time thinking about where I’ve been, what I’ve achieved, and what’s coming next. It helps me to evaluate where I am and adjust my personal goals to align with where I want to go next.
Even if it’s not a birthday month for you, March is a good time to embrace the energy of a new season and check in on your goals. Here are a few ideas to help you “spring forward” in your job search and overall career development.
1. Take Stock of Your Career Goals
The start of the year is filled with resolutions, but by March, a lot of them have lost momentum. Instead of waiting until mid-year (or worse, next year) to reassess, take this opportunity to check in on your career progress:
Are you happy with your current job?
Are you growing in your role or feeling stagnant?
Do your career goals still align with your values and interests?
If you’re considering a career move, now is the time to start laying the groundwork. Reflecting on your goals can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
2. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Many companies ramp up hiring in the spring after a slower winter period. Before you apply for new roles, make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile showcase your latest skills, accomplishments, and expertise. Some quick updates include:
Adding recent achievements and measurable results
Refreshing your professional summary and keywords
Ensuring your profile picture and banner reflect a polished image
With the increasing use of AI in hiring, optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems is also key. Focus on clear formatting, relevant skills, and strong action verbs to increase your chances of passing those initial screenings.
3. Leverage Networking Opportunities
Spring is an ideal time to reconnect with old colleagues, attend networking events, or join industry-related online communities. Many job opportunities come from referrals, so expanding your professional network can open doors to roles that aren’t publicly advertised. Here are some action steps you can take:
Set up at least three coffee chats with people in your industry
Engage with LinkedIn posts and start meaningful conversations in the comments
Attend local or virtual career fairs and networking events
My Birthday Month Career Challenge to You
Since March is my birthday month, I’m challenging myself (and you!) to take at least one bold step toward career growth. Whether it’s applying for a new job, launching a project, or reaching out to a mentor, let’s make this a season of action!
What’s one career goal you’re focusing on this March? Let me know in the comments!