Feeling New Year, New Job Energy? Explore 15 Resolutions for Job Seekers in 2024

Are you ready for a new year, new job?

Wherever you are in your job search journey, the beginning of the year is a great time to set new job goals. Hiring tends to ramp up in the first quarter of the year, making it a great time to make your next move. To be ready for fresh opportunities, here are some New Year’s resolution ideas for work in 2024.

Understanding the job search in 2024

As you head into 2024, it's crucial to draw insights from 2023 to guide your mindset and strategy.

Research by Teal on how to job search shows that most experiences lasted between 21 and 89 days with the median experience around 44 days.

So, as you start to think through New Year's resolutions ideas, keep the long game in mind.

Rather than focusing on what you're going to do in the first week of January, think about what that looks like in March or even May. Having a long-range plan can do a lot for your momentum.

If you're opting to job search by choice rather than circumstances, Teal's research shows that hiring spikes in January, February, and March, making the beginning of the new year one of the best times to apply. This is where strategy comes into play.

You are a business, and you have control over your career. Focus your resolutions on creating a plan and marketing your skills and personal brand.

Setting New Year’s resolutions for job seekers

New Year’s resolutions can take many forms. You may have health goals and want to eat healthier or get more sleep (7-9 hours!). You may set personal targets and want to make positive changes, like reading 30 minutes a day. 

While focusing on your personal life is important, don’t forget about your work life. Setting professional New Year’s resolutions can help you move the needle forward in your job search plan and give you something to track so you know what’s working (or not). 

Whether it’s applying to a certain number of jobs per week, getting a new certification, or attending networking events in your field, career resolutions can help you create a plan. 

You don’t have to figure it out all by yourself either. With Teal’s Job Application Tracker, you can easily manage where you’re at in the application process. As a bonus, Teal's Basic & Advanced Guidance feature offers step-by-step advice for every stage of your job search so you know what to do next to reach your goals. 

New Year’s resolution ideas for work

If you’re ready for a new job, then here are some key New Year’s resolution ideas for work. 

1. Revamp LinkedIn

Whether you love the site, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, you need to be on LinkedIn. LinkedIn opens up your professional network beyond geographical borders or by profession. It’s a place to network, job hunt, and so much more. 

To kick off the new year new job energy, revamp your LinkedIn profile. Include a new professional headshot, headline, and a great LinkedIn Summary (and fill in all fields!).

If you need a little nudge, Teal's LinkedIn Review Tool can be your sidekick and guide you through the process so you’re not missing anything. 

2. Update resume

The new year is one of the best times to apply for a job. That means you want to be ready for new opportunities that may come your way. Dust off your old resume and look at it with fresh eyes. 

• Can you add new skills?
• Is anything out-of-date?
• Is your contact information current?
• Can you be more specific? (Consider adding metrics like numbers and percentages.) 
• Is the resume designed for the job you want?

You should update your resume for every single job you apply to. It might sound exhausting and frustrating. But here’s a simple hack—use Teal’s AI Resume Builder to help you seamlessly create a new resume. 

After updating your LinkedIn, you can use the LinkedIn to Resume feature to create something in seconds. From there, you can personalize and customize it so it matches the job description for the position you want. No need to spend hours reinventing the wheel. 

3. Come up with a career development plan 

Maybe last year, you felt like you were in a rut (we’ve all been there). You’re not sure where you want to go with your career or what to do. 

As part of your work New Year’s resolutions, create a career development plan. This helps you set targets, decide where you want to go, and create actionable steps to get there. When starting this process, don’t just focus on fancy titles and salary amounts—consider job satisfaction as a major part of your plan. 

4. Focus on work-life balance 

If you’re on the edge of burnout or already feel like you’ve been in a toaster too long, make one of your career resolutions to find a good work-life balance. It’s easy to dedicate more time to our jobs at the expense of everything else. Especially in the age of remote work, it’s difficult to fully unplug. 

But your longevity and mental well-being all depend on work-life balance. So does your career growth, even if it feels counter-intuitive. You need the stamina and energy to keep going and perform your duties as needed. 

So that means adopting healthy habits like actually taking a lunch break and eating unch away from your computer. Try to get up once an hour to stretch, and get some water. Create boundaries with your work hours and communication. Cultivate hobbies and foster relationships outside of the workplace. 

5. Attend 4 networking events 

Remote work has a lot of perks, but it can also limit your face time with others. Make it a point to go to IRL events once a quarter—so a minimum of 4 events in 2024. Search for talks, industry mixers, workshops, and meetups around your professional interests. 

You can check out Meetup.com, Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and professional groups in your city to check out networking events. 

Professional New Year's resolutions

Is this the year you want to expand your professional reach and growth? Consider these professional New Year’s resolutions to kickstart your journey. 

6. Update your skill set

Your career growth depends on keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in your industry. This means staying up-to-date on the latest trends and changes in your field. It also means you may need to put some work into your professional development. 

One way you can do that is to learn a new skill. If you’re unsure of where to start, consider feedback you’ve received and how that can be improved. Is there a new skill that can get you ahead of the curve and set you apart from others? 

You can check out LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and other learning platforms to update your skill set. 

7. Consume career content 

Have you ever looked at your social media screen time report and gasped in horror? You’re not alone. But there’s a way to turn your scrolling or downtime into something that can help your career. 

Certain accounts on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn share career advice or unique tips about your field, so those could be worthwhile to follow. You can switch out some screen time for taking a walk and listening to a podcast like 'Hiring Behind The Scenes.' You can also trade some Netflix time for checking out YouTube tutorials. 

You don’t have to optimize all of your free time and a good scroll sesh or Netflix binge has its place. But if part of your New Year’s resolutions is to change your relationship with social media or have less screen time, some of these tips can help and give you some much-needed career empowerment.

8.  Build your personal brand 

You don’t just want to consume career content but also consider creating content. Though you may cringe when you hear “personal brand,” everyone has one, whether they acknowledge it or not. You can get into the driver’s seat and have more control over it. 

Start by posting and interacting more on LinkedIn. Share your unique insights. Tell your stories. Be helpful (and kind). If you’re unsure about where to start, consider these questions:

• What do I want to be known for?
• What do people always come to me for advice for? 
• What are my strengths, skills, and abilities?
• Where do I want to go in my career?
• What job do I want? (and does your online footprint match that?)

9. Get a mentor

Career progression is something many people strive for as part of their new year's work goals. Many people want to move forward, get ahead, and feel like they’re moving and working toward something. Sometimes, they hit a plateau or snag along the way. 

That’s where getting a mentor can help. A mentor or even career coach can offer you guidance on what to do. Ideally, your mentor has a career trajectory you’d like to have and can provide support, education, and referrals. 

10. Get a raise 

There are many types of career resolutions you can strive for, including earning more money. As part of your professional New Year’s resolutions, you can put “get a raise” on your list. Earning more money can make you feel valued and appreciated (and let’s be real, help navigate the rising cost of living). 

Before making the ask, write down your accomplishments, successes, and any metrics to help make your case–for example, helping boost sales by 40% or growing the customer base three-fold. Make sure to set aside time and come prepared. 

Job search goals

One of your work New Year’s resolutions may be to get a new, amazing job. Whether you’re currently unemployed or simply ready for a change from your current job, you’ll need to take steps to go from application to interview to “You’re hired!” Here are some new job goals to set for the upcoming year. 

11. Submit a specific number of job applications 

Finding a new job requires a strategy. First, identify the types of roles you’re looking for and the company culture you want to work for. Target companies that fit within your career resolutions and can get you closer to your professional goals. 

Submitting job applications is part of that process. Set a specific number that feels reasonable. (For example, applying for 5-10 jobs per week.)

Recent research by Teal highlights that it takes around 21 curated, intentional applications to get one offer.

The takeaway? You want to avoid spamming every potential employer with your resume and hoping for the best—get strategic.

Does the role align with your skills? What about the company's mission and values? If the answer to both of those questions is "Yes!" then, tailor your resume (and cover letter!) and hit the "Apply" button.

Pro Tip: Teal’s Job Application Tracker can keep you in line so you’re hitting your goals. Never lose track of all the applications you’ve submitted again. 

12. Join a professional organization

It’s no secret that your network can make all the difference in your job search. Knowing the right person can be a goldmine for your career and be invaluable. 

To boost your network, you can join a professional organization and connect with other peers and industry leaders. Focus on industry-specific organizations that can get you in the right rooms with the people. That might mean tapping into that  new job spirit, and getting out of your comfort zone. 

13. Get a certification 

In certain fields, to get a new position, you might need to get a certification. If you don’t need to, it might help you cut through to the top of the interview pool. If there’s a certificate that you’ve put on the back burner but is still on your to-do list, make 2024 the year you move your career forward and get the certification. 

You could get a Project Management Certification, SEO Certification, Salesforce Certification, and more. 

14. Practice interviewing

No one is born a great interviewer. It takes lots of practice and (unfortunately) a rejection to get good at it.

It takes up to six first-round interviews to get an offer. So whether you’re a newbie on the job market or a seasoned veteran, make one of your New Year work goals to practice interviewing more if you’re looking for a new job.

Consider practicing with a friend or using a website (like AI!) that helps facilitate mock interviews so you can start perfecting your skills.

15. Follow up every time 

If you want a new job in the new year, master the art of the follow-up. If you have an interview, send a follow-up and thank you afterward. Have a networking meeting? Follow up afterward. Did you meet someone at a work event that seems interesting? Follow up. 

Building relationships takes time. But if you don’t follow up, many will fizzle out before they get a chance to grow. 

New you, new year, new job 

The best part of the new year is that it hits the reset button. It feels like a time full of possibility and hope. It’s a time to set New Year’s resolutions for all facets of your life.

When it comes to professional resolutions, Teal’s AI Resume Builder and Job Application Tracker tools can be right there alongside you to help you reach your career goals. Revamp your resume, create tailored assets for every role you apply to, track your entire job search in one central location, and much more.

Embrace the energy of the new year with Teal. Try it now for free.