On resumes, you often don’t need to include the exact months of employment; years or even seasons (for example, Summer 2012) are sufficient. However, if you’re completing a job application, you may be asked to verify employment information from past employers. In some cases, the job application will ask for month and year you started and ended employment. Be very certain the dates you give are correct. Although you may feel certain, call the human resources departments of each of your previous employers and verify: your dates of employment, your supervisor (in some cases, employers keep a record of supervisor, in other cases they don’t, and remember your official supervisor might not be the person you worked with the most), your title, and your salary history. Also ask about what information they provide to prospective employers who will inquire about you, such as reason for termination of employment. If you were terminated for cause (in other words, fired), it’s important that you know whether the employer will reveal this information. Ideally, you would have collected this employment information before you ended employment, but if not then call HR and ask. All this only takes a few minutes of your time, but it will ensure your career development file—your career history file—is both complete and accurate. You’ll now have all this information, whether you need for bar admission applications, job applications, or some other purpose in the future. You’re also protected in case the employer goes out of business, or loses or destroys its records. And most importantly, you can ensure that whatever information you provide prospective employers will match the information provided by your past employers—crucial since employers can interpret any inaccuracies as misrepresentations, lies, or sloppiness, all of which are grounds to either not hire you, or fire you even years later. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.