Your Job Search New Year's Resolution

You've probably seen a lot of people at the gym these days.  This is likely because they are fulfilling one of their many New Years Resolutions.  You've probably made a number of them yourself.  But have you made any for your job search?

Your main goal should obviously be to get a great nonprofit job, but you should create some goals to better refine your search.  Here are some tips to get 2012 off to a fast start:

• Add to your career skills.  There are plenty of continuing education or graduate courses out there that can enhance your marketability.  It can do nothing but give you a better shot in the job market.
• Stick to your schedule.  The first thing any good job seeker will do is make a schedule to structure their day.  Of course, it's easy to fall out of that routine as time goes by.  Make it a priority to stick to your job search routine in 2012.
• Define your goals.  Take a step back and reevaluate what you want out of your career.  What first attracted you to the nonprofit sector?  Why do you want to do the particular job for which you are looking?  Answering these questions will help re-energize you if you have lost focus.  It can also help to better sell yourself to employers.
• Connect with other job seekers.  It's no secret that there are a ton of job hunters out there.  You probably know a few.  Set up a time to meet up with them and see how they are handling their search.  How much success are they having?  If you find they are getting more interviews than you, ask them what strategies they are using.
• Prepare.  It's impossible to predict when you will be called in for a job interview so make sure you are always prepared.  That means you should be ready to answer almost any question the interviewer throws at you.  They want real-life examples of your success?  No problem.  A list of your best qualities?  You already have them ready.  Never be caught off guard.