New Year, New You: 4 Steps to Getting a Better Job in 2023

Here we are, facing the end of another calendar year. As we stand on the precipice of 2023, mulling over life's most important questions like, 'will my in-laws want to stay with me for the holidays?' or 'Is a new gaming system really worth following stranger down a back alley for?' don't forget to devote a little time to your New Year's resolutions. No, I'm not talking about signing up for that gym membership with pizza parties on Fridays. I'm talking about something that may be more important; Finding a new job.

Economic outlook

The Coronavirus pandemic rocked the world as we know it to it's core. Two and a half years later, workers are still walking in the wake of it's turbulence. After two years of working remotely, many workers have tasted freedom with which they are reluctant to part. In offices worldwide, workers began placing a premium on their time by demanding better pay and more flexible working conditions. They showed no fear of walking out if they didn't get what they wanted. Combined with the baby boomer generation continuing to retire, a significant gap in the workforce has appeared that experts say will persist into the future. That means job seekers may retain the bargaining power they gained over the last year despite potential future economic conditions. However, how long these conditions will persist is anyone's guess. As the Fed goes toe-to-toe with inflated consumer costs, higher interest rates, and a shaky stock market, hard economic times could negatively impact the job market. In summary, the iron could not be hotter for those looking for a new job in 2023.

Step 1: Get ahead of the crowd

While many job hunters wait for New Year's Eve to send out their resumes, believing holiday magic will carry their CVs further, there may be better courses of action. The workforce gap left by The Great Resignation is something that businesses are anxious to close as soon as possible. With a new year comes a new opportunity to regain lost ground caused by the fallout of the pandemic, and employers are not waiting on the new year to bring in qualified candidates. Many companies are already curating their new employee wish list and checking it twice for their first round of interviewees.

Step 2: Stay prepared

One of the first things you should focus on is your resume, not just your paper resume but your digital presence. Take time to update your profile on resume sites like Linkedin and Indeed. That includes your connections at your current place of employment and anyone you might want future employers to contact as references.

It would help if you also considered a pure text version of your resume together that you can copy/paste into websites that aren't as user-friendly as some job boards that offer a "quick apply" option.

Step 3: Put the word out

Silent mouths don't get fed! So if you're looking for a new opportunity, take the initiative to let others know you're actively on the hunt. A Career Builder report remarked that 88% of employers rated employee referrals higher than all other sources for new hires. So take some time this holiday season to message your friends and family about your intentions and be prepared to send them a resume or portfolio on demand. 

Step 4: Keep flipping the coin

Getting started looking for a job may is exciting at first but keep in mind that the search for a job is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Finding a job that will truly set your heart on fire will likely take time and dedication. It's a challenge that will dare you to throw in the towel if you have yet to see much traction after months of searching. Keep the faith. You can only flip a coin and have it land tails up so many times.