My name is Adina Solomon, and I’m the founder of Relevant Resume. I’ve been writing resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles since 2018. I also worked as a journalist.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to find a new job? You’re not alone. January is one of the most popular times of year to apply for jobs. More than 4 in 10 people in the U.S. plan to focus on financial goals as part of their 2026 resolutions. This often includes moving up within a company or landing a new job.
This year, 43% of employers are planning to expand in the first quarter, according to a survey from staffing firm ManpowerGroup. Of that group, 37% are hiring to facilitate organizational growth, while 26% said it’s because they’re pursuing new business areas.
It’s a “super positive sign” that employers are focused on hiring for growth rather than simply backfilling positions, a senior vice president at Manpower US told HR Brew.
Now is the time to search for a job. Whether you’ve just started applying for a new job or you’ve been on the hunt for awhile, keep this checklist in mind.
1. Refresh all your job hunting materials
Have you updated your LinkedIn and resume with any new skills or experience? Is your cover letter ready to go? If you’re in a field such as media or advertising, does your portfolio contain your latest projects? This is especially true for copywriters, graphic designers, journalists, and other creative roles.
Make sure when you see a job to apply to, you’re not scrambling to update your documents. Look over them now to see if everything you want is included and communicated well. Consider including significant responsibilities you might have recently gained at work, classes you completed, and any new certifications.
By taking this step, you’re ready to apply to any opportunities that come your way. You also re-familiarize yourself with any accomplishments, preparing you to talk about yourself during interviews.
2. For career changes, think about transferable skills
One of the hardest professional moves to make is switching industries. I’m biased; I’ve done it myself. A few years ago, I mostly left journalism to make my side business in resumes and interview coaching a full-time endeavor.
It’s not an easy road, but I know there are many people like me. In fact, half of people in the U.S. are considering switching industries.
If this is you, think about not only your transferable skills but what you enjoy doing. You might work in consulting and like the challenge of project management. What other jobs use those skills?
In my case, I love constantly meeting new people and getting to know them. It’s what first drew me to writing resumes years ago. You talk with someone, learn about their career and hopes for the future, and help them the best you can. I also enjoy running my own business and staying updated on the latest job hunting trends.
If you plan on changing industries this year, figure out what you like and where your skills lie. Knowing specifically what you want makes for a more targeted job search.
3. Find your calm
Job hunting feels constant and stressful. It affects most people’s mood at some point. For those with existing mental health issues, it can even exacerbate things.
I’ve found that many clients feel impatient with themselves for not finding a job sooner. I’ve been there too. But it’s OK. There are so many factors out of our control that affect a job search: the economy both national and local, conditions in our specific industries, which other candidates are being considered for a position. Putting high pressure on yourself doesn’t change those factors.
It’s important that while you do job hunting tasks, you also take time for yourself. When I feel stressed, I go for a walk to release some of my nervous energy. I close my eyes and do breathing exercises. But everyone is different, so find what works for you if you don’t already know. Techniques range from focused attention to belly breathing exercises.
Whatever works for you, make sure to incorporate it into your routine so you don’t become overwhelmed by looking for a job.
4. Maintain work-life balance
We usually talk about work-life balance in relation to a job, but it applies to searching for one too.
It’s common for people to take any spare moment to apply for more jobs. That gets exhausting after a few weeks. It feels like all you do is check emails, apply for jobs, and do interviews.
Keep a schedule for applying to jobs and try to stick with it. What days and hours will you submit applications? Whether you have an existing job or not obviously affects your hours, as well as family or other obligations.
If possible, keep a designated area for applying to jobs, just as you do for your work. Scrolling through jobs on your phone in bed is not the answer.
I’m lucky enough to have a dedicated office in my apartment. Maybe you have a desk or a quiet nook. Having a separate space for work, because applying to jobs is a part-time job, can help you stay organized. That way, you won’t feel like your whole life is job hunting.
Following this checklist will allow you to stay calmer and more focused as you get started on the next step in your career.
If you want support during your job search, reach out. Book our Job Hunting Executive Bundle to get completely ready with interview coaching, a resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter.