As we head into mid-April, spring has descended upon us. And as this new month ushers in warmer weather and longer days, it also marks a great time to sort through all the clutter you’ve acquired during the past year.
Today, because of hectic work and family schedules, everyone seems busier than ever. Think of spring as a time to start fresh and new – especially when it comes to revitalizing your career or job search. When clutter builds up – whether it’s paper, laundry or things to do on your calendar – it becomes harder to deal with and causes your stress levels to increase.
To help you kick that stress to the curb, here are seven easy ways to help you get organized and make the most of your career.
Tidy Up Your Desk
Make time to sort through your mail and throw away any accumulated trash. If papers are starting to pile up, file what you can. Chances are if you haven’t used a document in the last 60 days, you’re probably not going to use it in the near future. Either discard them completely – and shred anything that has confidential material – or file items away in an archive folder where you can easily access information in the future.
Delete Some Emails
What does your email account currently look like? If you’re getting messages that your inbox is too full, it’s probably time to take action. Search for the oldest or largest emails, and let the cleanup begin. Again, if you haven’t looked at an email in quite a while, chances are you won’t tomorrow. Delete what you can, but for those things that you want to keep, create a folder on your computer where you can save your emails.
Make a Weekly To-Do List
When you start your week or begin the day, do you ever feel overwhelmed with what you have to do? To help your time run smoothly, create a daily or weekly to-do list. Maybe take a few minutes on Friday afternoon to plan and prioritize your tasks for the upcoming week. Also, use this time to tidy up your work area and finish any remaining tasks you need to do, like replying to nonessential emails. Doing all this on a Friday will allow you to kick the next week off to a great start.
Buy a Planner
If you don’t have a planner, it’s a good idea to invest in one. This will help you keep track of and prioritize your day. Whether it’s an electronic or paper version, write down all of your appointments, meetings and other important dates – both work related and non-work related. Keep this planner with you so you always know what you have to do and when.
Evaluate Your Wardrobe
When working to advance your career, it’s important to look your best, so always dress professionally. The spring season allows you the perfect opportunity to go through your closet and see what you need or don’t need. You should quickly be able to identify what you need to spruce up your selection. If you decide you don’t need something, consider giving it to your local charity or thrift store.
Update Your Résumé
Take an evaluation of any new job skills you have learned recently that need to be added to your résumé. What about any awards or honors? It’s important to ensure that your résumé is always up to date with the most current information. Also, double check that your contact information is listed correctly.
Maintain Your Connections
Regardless of where you are in your career, it’s never a bad idea to build your networking connections. But as you network with others in your career field, be sure to keep their contact information in a safe place.
Consider purchasing a business card holder if you don’t already own one. This will allow you to easily find your contacts’ information when needed. In addition, you might also want to add them to your smart phone contact list or create a file on your computer. Remember, when it comes to finding a job, it’s not necessarily what you know but who you know.
These are just a few simple tips on what you can do this spring to clean up clutter, get organized and stay focused on your tasks ahead. When you are more organized, you will notice how much more productive and driven you feel – and you will definitely be less stressed. Don’t delay, start cleaning today and then maintain your efforts through the rest of the year. You’ll be glad you did.
For information on temporary, permanent and temp-to-perm positions and HR-related jobs, contact Express Employment Professionals at 561-471-8285 or visit http://www.wpalmbeachfl.expresspros.com.
