CareerJournal.com Shows How to Boost Your Career in the New Year

If your New Year's resolution is to leave the ranks of the 8.5 million unemployed people in this country, this month is the absolute best time to re-energize your job search, reports CareerJournal.com (www.CareerJournal.com), the executive career site from The Wall Street Journal.
As companies tap into their 2003 budgets for the first time, and gear up to handle contracts landed during last year's 4th quarter, new career opportunities emerge for talented executives, managers and professionals.
There's a sense of optimism among many of the nation's human resources departments that 2003 will bring the strongest hiring activity we've seen in several years, says Tony Lee, editor in chief of CareerJournal.com. Many companies have cut expenses and headcount to the bone, and now have no choice but to begin re-staffing to handle the rising workload. That bodes well for most job hunters.
Whether you've lost your job recently or have been job-hunting for many months, there are techniques you can use to boost your career in the new year. CareerJournal.com offers these tips for beating the job-search odds:
Don't wait for positions to be advertised. Seek opportunities by networking with people you've met at professional organizations, civic groups, such as the local chamber of commerce, and neighborhood associations, such as the parent-teacher organization at your children's schools.
Find a mentor who can advise you and assist with your job hunt. Consult with someone you trust and respect for suggestions on how to help turn your search around.
Revise your resume to focus on your goals and strengths. Personalize your resume to match each position you apply for.
Create a schedule and stick to it. Follow up on leads, network with friends, family and colleagues, and assess your progress each day. Consider your job search to be a full-time job, and be sure to invest no less than 40 hours each week.
For more information on job hunting and managing your career, visit