Is it time to dust off your resume and brush the cobwebs away from your ladder to success? If your career is in need of a refresher, you have numerous opportunities for growth. Think through these ideas for the best avenue to your goals.
 
Thinking of Branching Out?
 
Are you considering starting your own business? While there are always risks, Forbes explains there are particular signs that the time is ripe. If your job is no longer fulfilling, you don’t mind decision-making, you’re adept at managing your time, and the market seems to be in your favor, it could be the perfect season for branching out. If funds are holding you back, there are small business loans available for many different circumstances. There are loans specifically for equipment, loans which offer flexible capital, and even loans for those with credit issues. You can explore the various options with a quick visit to Fundera’s online guide. 
 
Snag a Promotion
Love your workplace, but feel ready for the next step?  If it’s time to move up, there are certain actions you can take to catch your employer’s eye. When a promotion is what you’re after, some experts suggest one of the best things you can do is to put the facts in front of your supervisor. List your accomplishments, be ready to talk about the ways you contribute, and discuss how you could be an asset at a higher level. Avoid taking a competitive angle or using negative talk about others on your team; instead, focus on what makes you valuable to the company. 
 
Spruce Up to Move On
 
If you’re outgrowing your company but an entrepreneurial venture isn’t to your liking, there is always the option of seeking employment elsewhere. Start by examining your resume to see if there is room for improvement. While conventional wisdom advises a single-page presentation, some recent studies indicate that is no longer the case. One page is fine for entry-level workers, but if you’re further along in your career, prospective employers like to see more. Avoid adding meaningless information, but include enough meat to ensure you stand out. Stick with concise wording, and put the most impressive and pertinent data at the beginning. Use appropriate, industry-oriented lingo, and tailor each resume to the specific prospective employer. 
 
Cover letters should also be tailored to each prospective employer and are prime territory for highlighting special information. Consider talking about the particular job you’re applying for and why you’re the perfect fit. The more effort you put into personalizing your approach to the employer, the better your chances for landing an interview. Even if you use a template, make sure each cover letter is unique. By not sending cookie cutter-style documentation, it shows you are truly interested in the position you’re applying for and driven toward your goal. 
 
Shine During Interviews
 
When you land an interview, it’s your chance to stand out. Brush up on common interview questions so you know what to expect, and familiarize yourself with the best ways to respond.  As the Guardian explains, you can really shine at interviews by keeping two things in mind.
 

1. Your interviewer is looking at your self-awareness.
2. Stories about your experiences can provide information on how you will be on the job.

 
For example, self-awareness can be revealed through how you answer questions posed about your weaknesses. Potential employers are more interested in how in-tune you are with what makes you tick than with what those weaknesses might be. When it comes to stories, think of a few things that happened during your career where you showed particular competence. When you headed a project, improved company efficiency, or saved a sale are a few ideas.
 
Whether you’re moving in a new direction or simply aiming higher, a good spiffing up can refresh your career. Think about how you want to improve things and pursue your goals. With a spring cleaning, your career can blossom!

This information is provided by Jane Applegate