Determining Your Career Objectives in 2024
January 22, 2024 – The calendar has turned to the new year and as we are several weeks into 2024, now the perfect time to reflect on 2023 and set targets for the months ahead, according to executive search firm Atlantic Group. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, land your first position out of college, or clinch that promotion, defining actionable goals can help you manifest your career ambitions in 2024 says a new study from the firm.
Atlantic Group offers five insights to help assist you in the new year.
1. Expand Your Professional Network.
As the saying goes, it’s all about connections. “Make 2024 the year you focus on expanding your professional community,” the Atlantic Group report said. “Attend industry events, both virtual and in-person, to connect with like-minded professionals. Don’t hesitate to ask colleagues, friends, and family members to introduce you to contacts that may be a strategic fit. The more high-value relationships you cultivate, the more opportunities can materialize.”
2. Enhance Your Personal Brand.
In modern times, a report from Academy to Innovate HR found that hiring managers will likely review your digital presence before an interview. The Atlantic Group says to invest time in improving your website, LinkedIn profile, and other social channels to put your best foot forward. The firm also notes to spotlight your background, abilities and accomplishments to stand out from the applicant pool.
3. Embrace Being a Lifelong Learner.
Acquiring new skills on an ongoing basis is essential for career progression and maintaining a competitive edge, according to the Atlantic Group report. “Make a commitment to obtain both hard skills, like mastering new technology, and soft skills, such as public communication or project leadership,” the firm says. “Consider also enrolling in professional development courses while seeking out a mentor in your desired field.”
4. Perfect Your Written Materials.
Even with an outstanding background, the Atlantic Group report notes that poorly crafted application materials can jeopardize promising prospects. “Routinely update your resume and LinkedIn profile rather than completely overhauling them before each application,” the study said. “Customize these files for every role to incorporate keywords from the descriptions. Be sure also to have several trusted individuals critique your materials so they are polished and error-free.”
Related: Reasons for Cautious Optimism in 2024
5. Prepare for Interviews.
When job offers come through, the Atlantic Group explains that you will want to be ready to excel in those interviews. “Record yourself practicing commonly asked questions so you can improve areas of opportunity,” the report said. “Thoroughly research each specific company’s values and mission so you can express alignment in your responses. Be sure also to prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate genuine interest.”
How CHROs Can Steer the Ship to Success in 2024
What does it mean to lead with vision? That’s the question on our minds as we head into 2024, and you’ve probably thought about it, too. We talk so much about the importance of outstanding leadership, but we must remember the other piece of that puzzle: getting people ready to take on and succeed in leadership roles, according to Ruben Moreno, HR practice lead for Blue Rock Search. Without a strong strategy for leadership development, how can we expect our leaders to meet today’s challenges?
Atlantic Group’s action plan sets you up to find success with your career ambitions in the coming months. “Be patient yet proactive, and you could land an exciting new opportunity in 2024,” the firm said. “Maintain positive energy, believe in yourself, and your hard work will produce results.”
Atlantic Group, founded in 2006, is an industry leader in executive and professional search. Headquartered in New York City, and with offices in Philadelphia; Boston; Stamford, CT; Holmdel, NJ; Blue Bell, PA; Chicago; and London, the firm can penetrate networks and execute searches regionally, nationally and globally. Its divisions include: finance and accounting, information technology, quantitative finance and capital markets, healthcare, administrative and corporate services, real estate and construction, short and long-term temporary consulting services, and outsourced payroll services.
Founding Partners
Prior to starting Atlantic Group, John Ricco was an experienced public accountant from KPMG where he was a key strategic member of KPMG’s New Media Practice where he was responsible for leading several high profile IPO’s. He has a passion for the recruitment industry and believes that strong relationships are what drives success in both business and in life.
Rich Scardina is actively involved with the strategic vision of the firm as well as continuing to manage a full cycle recruitment desk focusing specifically on private equity and hedge fund back and middle office roles within the CFO and COO verticals. He started his career as an auditor in public accounting and then joined Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette where he helped oversee their private equity accounting and finance operations for eight years as a vice president.
Related: 5 Recruitment Trends to Look Out for in 2024
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
