Now is the time to plan for your 2012 career goals.

Start by creating your own career strategy checklist and make 2012 a career-defining year. Use the Christmas break to conduct a reality check on your professional life. This means evaluating your career path, updating your CV to reflect recent accomplishments, and defining new goals for next year. If you take the time now to get ready for new opportunities, you can be confident in your ability to shine when it matters most.

5 career strategy checklist items that include:

1. Prepare for the year ahead by reflecting on this year’s accomplishments
Did you accomplish or exceed your professional goals in 2011? By making an inventory of last year’s ambitions and the success or failure of these, you will be able to close any gaps before the end of the year. In addition, make a list of all of your accomplishments and be sure to write down why you were successful. For a guaranteed way of taking hold of your career prospects and impressing your boss, arrange a meeting now to talk about your goals for 2012. Being proactive will set you apart from your colleagues.

2. Update your CV to bring out the best in you
Once your accomplishment list is drafted, take this opportunity to rework your CV by adding this information. You may also at this stage want to update your CV, in order to better reflect your 2012 career goals. Moreover, update the style or tone of this letter to ensure that the resume conveys who you are and who you want to be. Remember that first impressions count!

3. Determine goals for 2012 and think outside the box
If you are accomplishing your goals without breaking a sweat, now may be a good time to decide if you should stay in your current job or look for opportunities elsewhere. Remember, it is always best to look for opportunities within your organisation first before venturing outside (especially in a time of crisis!).

4. Take a look at your worth by evaluating your salary and perks
While salary is important, most people like jobs that reward them in other ways such as value to the organisation or flexible working environments. Research your salary range to find out if you are being compensated appropriately for your skill-set, level and accomplishments. Look online for tools that will quickly give you the information that you need to prepare for your next salary review.

5. Get new skills
Look for new avenues to add to your portfolio of skills. Attend JUMP Woman’s Academy, evening workshops, monitor online seminars or find a few business books on a topic of interest. And don’t forget to save the date of the JUMP Forum in your agenda: 26 April, 2012!

May 2012 be a wonderful year for your talent to come to life and for your loving family to prosper!