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Let’s dispense all formalities. You want a new job because the one you currently have is going nowhere fast and doesn’t pay nearly what you’re worth. Your boss is an overbearing micromanager, senior management is clueless, job cuts are looming and you are sick and tired of your backstabbing co-workers.

Consider today as the beginning of your new year and start your search right now. Don’t procrastinate your job search until January, as January will soon become February, then March and you’ll never get started.

Both the year and decade are coming to a close. Now is the perfect time to do something constructive and meaningful with your work-life. If there is no upside where you are, then it’s time to move on to a better, more well-paying job where you’re appreciated. There are two major things to focus on—your mindset and the nuts and bolts of the job search.

Today In: Leadership

The first thing you must do is get your act together. One of the biggest problems that job seekers have is that they carry around a lot of baggage. They are angry with what’s happening at their current company and frustrated over being treated so shabbily.

When people feel resentment and bitterness toward their current job, company, co-workers and managers, it’s painfully obvious to others. The people involved with the interview process sense the hostility and it is off-putting. Intellectually, they understand that you’re in a toxic environment. However, the hiring manager and others involved with the interview process don’t want to inherit any potential problems. They’ll think that it’s you and not the fault of your manager and co-workers. It’s not worth the risk of figuring out who is right or wrong. The hiring personnel will politely pass on your candidacy and move on to other applicants.

It’s imperative that you work on yourself before you start looking for a new job—even if you are relatively happy with your current position. You need to build a positive attitude and mindset that radiates confidence. Put any bad feelings and animosities behind you. Don’t carry it around like a weight on your shoulders. Start out your search with a clean slate. Forget any regrets, ill will or resentment that you may be holding onto. You want to exude positivity, confidence, drive, enthusiasm and motivation.

Start to think positively about yourself and your future. Think of all the good things you have in your life and all the times you’ve succeeded. This will greatly improve your mood and suppress any negative thoughts and actions. People will pick up on it and you’ll gain even more confidence. When you interview, you’ll emanate a positive aura. Interviewers will like you more, as they want to hire and work with upbeat people who project the ability to get the job done. This mindhack will radically improve your chances of getting hired.

Once you get into the right mindset, the next thing to do is focus on the basics. Start hitting the job boards to see what’s out there. Send tailored résumés to jobs that seem exciting and you know that you possess all of the requisite skills and experience. It’s fine to reach a little for a higher-level job.

Spend some time researching the companies that would be a natural progression for you to go next in your career. Investigate them to determine if they are doing well or not. Check out the company’s career page for its job listings. Ask around your network to see if anyone has a connection with the company and whether or not they can make an introduction for you.

Scour LinkedIn to find the decision-makers, possible hiring manager and human resources or talent acquisition professionals. While you’re at it, take a fresh look at your LinkedIn profile and make any necessary changes and enhancements. Do the same with your résumé.

Reach out to recruiters in your field of expertise. Ask trusted colleagues what recruiter they’d recommend. If you know someone who has gotten a great job, ask them for the name of the recruiter they used. See if these recruiters have relevant jobs posted on their site and online. Let them know the jobs you’re interested in and explain why you’re a perfect fit.

If you haven’t searched for a while, spend some time developing an elevator pitch. This is the art of telling your story in an enthusiastic, concise and compelling manner. When you interview, you’ll be focused and have a tight narrative describing who you are and why you are great for the job.

The combination of having a strong, positive mental attitude, coupled with rolling up your sleeves and working on the interviewing basics with immediacy, will help you land a great job in 2020.

[“source=forbes”]

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