Six tips to jump-start your career after the Chinese New Year

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With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, ambitious professionals can use this holiday to reassess where they are in their career for greater success in the Year of the Pig. Robert Half has devised the following six tips to help professionals jump-start or revitalise their career in Hong Kong.

1. Set goals for the New Year

Adam Johnston, managing director of Robert Half Hong Kong, says: “When professionals and job seekers are focused on the job and the tasks at hand, it can be easy to lose track of their overall career path. This Chinese New Year, people should take the opportunity to assess their current situation and think about where they want their career to be in the future.”

The goal can be as big as switching your job or asking for a bigger salary, and as small as finding a mentor, delegating tasks or joining a professional group.

Professionals should start by asking themselves questions about their passion and skills.

2. Digital housekeeping

Increasingly, Hong Kong employers are turning to online platforms such as LinkedIn for recruitment. Job seekers should assume employers will review their social media presence to gain a more complete picture of them as a candidate.

3. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

Job seekers need to ensure their current CV and LinkedIn profile reflect their most recent professional accomplishments so they have an updated version ready to submit by the time they want to apply.

“Job seekers can increase the likelihood that a recruiter will take a closer look at their profile if they maintain an up-to-date resume and LinkedIn profile,” Johnston added.

4. Start networking

Get back in touch with old contacts, reach out to previous colleagues, find networking events nearby or even join college alumni networks online.

“Employees never know when their professional connections may be useful to their career, or what opportunities may be waiting for them just around the corner,” Johnston said.

5. Learn a new skill

Skill mismatch has been one of the top pressing issues worldwide. To increase their standing in a competitive employment market, job seekers can boost their soft and technical skills.

“Developing in-demand skills can help job seekers to advance in their current role, increase their chances of a promotion and help them stand out against other candidates when applying for a new job.”

6. Enjoy a break over Chinese New Year

“Work-life balance is important, so time away from the office can help them to clear their mind, become more focused and feel positive and ready to face the year ahead. So, employees shouldn’t feel guilty about not working and just relax.”