It's 2024! The beginning of a new year brings with it the promise of fresh starts and exciting opportunities. If you've been contemplating a career change or longing for a new professional adventure, there's no better time to start your search than January. Why? Because it’s a time when you as a job seeker are naturally inclined toward introspection, goal-setting, and developing new skills, but it’s also a time when organizations are in the process of setting their own strategic goals, including a renewed focus on hiring after the quieter holiday season.

 Here are some tips to start your job search in the new year:

1. Think beyond the typical New Year’s resolution

In this season of goal setting, expand the scope of your self-reflection beyond personal goals and think about what you want out of your professional life in the near and distant future. If you’re on this website, you’re considering a career as a houseparent, which is more of a lifestyle change than simply finding a new job. What are the goals you have for yourself and your family in2024? How do you want to grow as an individual and with your spouse? The answers to these questions will help as you review job descriptions.   

2. Prepare your application materials so you’re ready to make a move

Think of it like meal prepping: If you shop for the groceries and prep the ingredients in advance, you will be set up for a more efficient, effective process when you’re ready to cook the meal. Use these winter months, when your social calendar is likely quieter than it was in December, to gather your “ingredients”: make sure to update your resume specific to the types of jobs you’re looking for; create a generic cover letter template that can be easily updated for individual opportunities; and pay attention to any social media profile you have (this could mean making sure your profile is private or updating your LinkedIn information). You may also want to reach out to professional and personal contacts who you might expect to use as references. You can let them know of your job search and ask that you use their contact information in your application(s), or even ask that they write a letter of recommendation to submit when you apply for a job.

If you are looking for work as a houseparent couple, make sure that your spouse also takes these steps so you can both move quickly when the right opportunity comes along.  

3. Make a plan and start to act

 Again, take advantage of the renewed energy you have to set and tackle goals by making a plan for your job search. Are you starting from scratch and need to spend some time researching the career and potential employers? Are you ready to jump in to applying for jobs, but worry that either you or your spouse will lose motivation? Write down your goals for this plan, then get to work finding new work!

If you’re looking for a great opportunity to work as a houseparent, head on over to our Job Search to explore your next career move! 

Happy New Year!