Forget shopping -- 5 things you can do to advance your career today -- Career Center Blog

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November 26, 2010

Forget shopping -- 5 things you can do to advance your career today

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By Michelle Goodman
NWjobs

Want to make sure you have a place to land should your current position unexpectedly evaporate? Or do you just hate your job, plain and simple? Then don't spend Black Friday waiting on checkout lines, scouring the web for bargains, and otherwise running up your credit card bill.

[Photo by tshein]

Instead, take advantage of the free day to beef up your job hunting arsenal and bolster your professional network. Following are five things you can quickly do from the comfort of your couch while watching football and eating leftovers.

Update your LinkedIn profile. When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile to reflect your current job duties, asked colleagues for a recommendation, or otherwise freshened up your page? If you're currently employed, I'm guessing it's been at least six months. If you're already knee-deep in the job hunt and can boast an up-to-the-minute profile, check out these suggestions for getting the most from LinkedIn.

Find a new professional group to mingle with. Aside from work or job interviews, when was the last time you got out of the house and rubbed elbows with other like-minded professionals? If you're not sure, it's probably time to press some flesh. Who better to forge new professional relationships with than people in your chosen or hopeful field? To find a professional gathering in your industry, see ILoveSeattle.org.

Freshen up your network. You know that manager you really hit it off with at that trade show last year? The one you promised yourself you'd stay in touch with because she seemed like a great person to know in the field? If you haven't reconnected with her in three months or more, time to get to cracking. The holiday season offers the perfect excuse to dash off an email, wish her well, ask what she's up to, and tell her what you've been up to. Bonus points if you can dash off five to 10 of these missives today.

Spit-polish your resume. Much like your LinkedIn profile, I'm willing to bet that if you're currently employed, your resume is woefully out of date. My professionally insecure or dissatisfied friends, there's no time like the present. Not sure where to begin? Ask a friend who's recently been hired in your desired field to share his resume. After you update your own, ask him to proofread your handiwork.

Research potential employers and education opportunities. If you're like most people looking to advance themselves professionally, chances are you've been putting off some much-needed research. A down day like today is the perfect time to get online and brush up on those companies you'd most like to work for, or to scout out which courses and certifications you might embark on to make yourself more marketable in the field. People, if you're looking for a way to occupy yourself during halftime today, this is it.

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com