At this time of the year, many workers find themselves evaluating their jobs and taking a closer look at the direction of their careers. Some look back at the past year with a sense of satisfaction, while others come to the realization that it’s time to make a change. If your New Years’ Resolutions include improving your career, read on for some tips to help jump start your New Year’s job search.

Does your job give you personal satisfaction? Have you learned anything new in the past year? Do you see yourself growing along the company? If you find that your career lacks the personal and professional satisfaction that you crave the New Year is the perfect chance for a new beginning. Whether you are looking for a position that is more challenging or you find yourself stuck in a rut, apply these five tips to get you moving in the right direction.

1. Update your resume.
   Now that you’ve decided to move on, it’s time to create a resume that highlights your skills and accomplishments. Take a look at your performance reviews and yearly goals to make sure that your resume captures all of your successes. Remember to include any investments that you have made in training and/or developing your skills.  
2. Stick with a schedule.
   Establish a daily routine. Your job search rituals should include which days you will check in with your recruiter; regularly scheduled times for you to search the job boards and review the want ads; and time to pursue those jobs that you have selected by forwarding your resume and cover letter.
3. Keep up the momentum.
   Don’t get discouraged by rejections. You might get a few passes before your ideal job comes along. Think of the rejection as an opportunity for growth by finding out why you were not selected. Take the feedback that you get and make changes to your resume or interview style.
4. Customize your cover letters.
   Recruiters often complain about the cookie-cutter cover letters that they receive. To make sure that yours stands out from the pack, customize your cover letter to a specific company or recruiter and use the intro paragraph to make a statement about your accomplishments.
5. Conduct practice interviews.
   If you’re a little rusty in the interviewing department, go to a trusted colleague, friend or mentor and ask them to conduct a practice run with you. Provide them with a list of questions specific to your job and skills. Practice your answers and ask the interviewer to critique them until your answers are clear and concise.

Following these tips and others can help you usher in a new job along with the New Year.