Accountemps Identifies Six Career Resolutions and Tips for Keeping Them

MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Heading into 2011, workers everywhere may be setting and re-evaluating their career goals. But how many of these resolutions will survive past February? Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies® (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), offers insight into how to follow through with career resolutions.

"New Year's resolutions frequently include setting and re-evaluating career goals," Messmer said. "Goals that are broken down into smaller action items have a greater chance of success."

Accountemps is the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Employers rely on Accountemps for experienced staff who can help them meet business demands, and skilled professionals work with the company to find rewarding career opportunities.

Accountemps highlights six common career-related resolutions and offers tips for making them stick in 2011:

1. 'I want a new job.' Schedule time each week to revise your resume, build your LinkedIn profile, research new job opportunities and set up meetings with business contacts, including recruiters who specializes in your field. Reassess these goals monthly, and reward yourself when you meet key milestones.
2. 'I want to build my network.' Join at least one professional association, and attend meetings regularly. At work, foster your internal network by joining cross-departmental teams and participating in companywide activities.
3. 'I want to enhance my marketability.' Pursue a certification, learn a new software application or take a course to develop your skill set. Consider pursuing a leadership role with an industry or professional association or volunteering with a nonprofit group whose cause you are passionate about.
4. 'I want to improve my work performance.' Meet with your boss to identify areas for improvement and establish career objectives. Offer to take on a project outside your job description, and look for opportunities to help colleagues who are carrying a heavy workload.
5. 'I want a promotion.' Set up a meeting with your manager to discuss your career objectives and the ways in which you can bring more value to your firm in an advanced position. If a promotion isn't in the immediate offing, work with your boss to identify the steps necessary to achieve one.
6. 'I want a raise.' Research salary trends -- for example, consult industry resources such as the annual Salary Guide from Robert Half to determine average pay rates for someone in your position. Then, present a business case to your supervisor for why you deserve a boost in pay. While many companies still may not be in a position to give raises, you may be able to negotiate other perks, such as a flexible schedule, in the interim.

Accountemps has more than 350 offices worldwide and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com. Follow Accountemps for workplace news at twitter.com/accountemps.

SOURCE Accountemps