What is your new year’s career resolution?
As you head off for your summer vacation, this is the perfect time of year to recharge, spend time with family and friends and reflect upon the last year.
It is also the time to think about new goals, new beginnings and if 2023 is a year for change.
Traditionally, the world over, January is the busiest month of the year for job searching. Once everyone returns from the beach, and certainly, after Australia Day, we see the highest level of inquiry.
For those contemplating a job or career change, the arrival of the New Year presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on your past experience and think about which direction you might want to take in the future.
You may consider using the festive season as the time to rethink your career, especially as the start of the year is one of the best times to make a switch
Do I change jobs or even careers path?
If you’ve been weighing up a change of jobs, you should know that you aren’t alone, and whilst the hysteria of the ‘Great Resignation’ has gone away, it is true that job mobility has been at elevated levels throughout 2022, when compared with historical norms. This is likely to continue into the next year.
There are often practical reasons you may feel the need to stay in an unfulfilling job, but over the years I have observed that one of the most significant reasons people stay doing something they don’t enjoy doing is the lack of a clear plan.
This is why resetting and clarifying your career objectives this Christmas can give you the momentum for change in 2023.
Here are a nine tips to help you along the way – and for a fresh start.
- Look at the big picture.
This is time for self-reflection Take some time to consider your career. Did you achieve everything you had hoped for in 2022?
Consider the following:
- What do I want to do?
- Why do I want to do it?
- How do I get it?
Spend some time assessing what you like and dislike about your current situation. This is also an excellent time to reflect on where you see yourself in several years, from a career standpoint.
- Activate your network
This is the first question I will ask any executive in transition. In my experience, only a few of us do this really well. These executives are the ones who are consistently managing and building their networks of peers, customers, clients etcetera. They are proactively reaching out via text, email or phone calls letting people know they’re wanting to transition. Unsurprisingly, they are the first in line when opportunities come knocking.
- Think like a marketer
Craft an elevator pitch – begin by writing out in one sentence why you are deserving of the job you have in mind. This should include your understanding of your purpose and being able to succinctly distill your key skill or skillset down to its core.
Your elevator pitch should be a clear vision of your career so that interviewers gain clarity.
- Make a networking plan for 2023
Attend events, join communities, consider voluntary board or committee membership.
Networking for your next role is crucial. Actively offer support and your help to people in your networks so that when they’re in need, you have people who will have your back. I’ve always believed and practiced the principle of ‘paying-it-forward,’ you should too.
- Get a coach
Many senior executives I have worked with over the years have hired an executive coach to help them be objective about themselves, see their strengths, and be strategic and thoughtful about the job search process.
Some organisations offer these services as part of a career transition or outplacement program, as part of a severance or redundancy arrangement. If offered, take up the program, approach it with an open mind.
- Make any free time your asset
I’d recommend using this time to complete short courses, upskilling, or reskilling in key areas that will help your job search and demonstrate to prospective employers that you are serious about your professional development. Regardless, of your stage of career, it’s a smart move to future-proof your career.
- Research, research, research.
Know what organisations and roles you’d be a good fit for and be clear on a plan.
The best executives are well researched about the organisations they are considering and interviewed for. They have identified where they are a culturally good fit or seem to be, and actively reach out to business leaders in that organisation and request a meet and greet or work with executive recruiters to facilitate introductions.
When selected for interview, research, research, research…. work with your executive search consultant to prepare and plan for your interview.
- Get Social
Use platforms (like LinkedIn) to share your thoughts and showcase your experiences. This can take the shape of articles, thought leadership, social media, vlogs or public speaking. I’ve known of executives who have outsourced this, hiring a marketing specialist or writer to help create their online ‘avatar’.
Make sure you use clear language to describe who you are, and LinkedIn profiles should always be in the first person. It probably goes without saying – LinkedIn is a professional platform, by all means, take a position but it’s not the place to share strongly held personal views.
- Get out of your own way
And lastly, don’t fear the job search process. Embrace the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Know that there are endless opportunities that you will be right for.
Follow these strategies and before long, future career transitions will be seamless.
You’ll gain confidence, attract more attention, and ultimately find yourself in a job that aligns with who you are. People will be fighting for you to work with them because you won’t fear the process anymore.
New Year, new career
Be prepared; although January is a great time to find a new job, the first couple of weeks are usually slow-moving.
The new year is a time for transition, take advantage by reflecting on where you are with your career and where you’d like to be.
Russell Fairbanks is Managing Director of LuminaryTM, proud partners and sponsors of IPAA Queensland. 
With over 20 years in senior executive roles at leading global consulting firms, Russell Fairbanks founded Luminary™ in 2019 to provide leadership advisory services to Queensland’s most respected organisations.
Russell works with senior executive leaders, supporting them in their leadership development and career transitions or helping them build high-performing teams.
Luminary™ has developed a track record of success as identifying leaders for positions such as Chairperson and Non-Executive Directors, Chief Executive Officers and Directors-Generals as well as senior executive positions across public and private sectors.
He holds degrees from the University of Sussex and the University of London. He has professional qualifications in leadership and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Russell is a non-executive director, has founded two businesses and is a regular presenter on workforce trends, leadership and organisational design, including a guest spot on Sky News Business and ABC Radio.
ABOUT IPAA QUEENSLAND:
Like these insights? Join as an individual member to enjoy these insights and more.
IPAA Queensland advances the professionalism, capability and integrity of public administration and public purpose work and promotes pride in service.
If you’re a public servant or engaged in public purpose work, we encourage you to get to know and connect with IPAA Queensland. Find out more about us by reading more on our site or through joining as a member here.