Five New Year's Resolutions for the Hollywood Job Seeker

Two things happen in Hollywood every January: everyone joins a gym they’ll never go to, and people start applying for new jobs. We’ll leave you to your own fitness goals, but here are some ways to make the most of the new year in your job search:

1. Make a list of contacts you would like to schedule coffee or drinks with. Prioritize your contacts, since scheduling dozens of coffees, lunches, or drinks can get unwieldy. Think about the friends you miss and start there, since those are the most important relationships to maintain. Then, identify the contacts that are in the best position to help you because of their current job or their network. Finally, make a list of the general contacts you’ve amassed that would be nice to reconnect with but aren’t pressing. Start scheduling, but don’t overbook yourself. The beauty of a long list of contacts is that you can maintain it throughout the year. When you’ve got a lull, you can turn to it for scheduling inspiration.

2. Monitor your connections’ promotions and job moves. Sending a congratulatory note to a friend or contact is a great way to reconnect -- ask to get coffee or a drink when they’re settled into the new position. LinkedIn will notify you when your connections update their profiles, and you can also subscribe to the Luminate Film & TV Movers & Shakers and/or The Hollywood Assistant email newsletters to hear about promotions (Luminate covers executive-level promotions, and The Hollywood Assistant covers assistant/coordinator level promotions).

3. Read the trades. Use the trades to pinpoint potential opportunities and work your network to find someone who’s hiring on a show. Also, keep an eye out for companies that are hiring new senior executives or creating new departments, as they'll likely have some openings as well. 

4. Update your resume (or let us do it!). Make sure your resume is in tip-top shape, so you can apply for jobs as soon as you hear about them. This is especially true for those who are currently employed but are starting to test the waters this hiring season. Most people don’t update their resumes when they’re happy in their current role and wind up rushing to add in their latest position when a good job opens up. That typically results in sloppy execution and no job offer -- don’t let that happen to you.

5. Remind yourself that you are worthy of your dream job. We are in one of the toughest job markets in Hollywood history. If you're struggling with your job search, remember that the problem is external -- you are not the problem. Take a step back and remind yourself of all the things you are proud of and what unique perspective you bring to the table. That will help you approach the job search with confidence. Try to maintain your focus on the jobs you are most passionate about and keep your overall career goals in mind. A narrow search not only ensures you land somewhere that will propel your career forward in the direction you want, but also is more attractive to hiring managers! If you need help getting into this mindset, check out our career coaching services.