14 Quick and Easy Things You Can Do This Weekend to Advance Your Career

Career Development

This weekend, take a break from your job, but give your career a boost. Try these 14 simple things you can do to advance your career online and offline. They’re all quick enough to squeeze in between Friday and Monday while still giving you plenty of time to sleep in or hang out with friends.

Things to Do Online to Supercharge Your Career

  1. Post a new picture. Photographs are often the first thing visitors notice about your profile. Start out with a high-quality image. Use Photoshop or your favorite photo app to adjust the lighting and your complexion.
     
  2. Focus on your online brand. Think about where you want hiring managers to see you. Your main presence online might be your LinkedIn profile, personal landing page, or Instagram. If you rarely post any updates, your LinkedIn profile could be the most effective choice. Whatever your showcase, keep it current and engaging.
     
  3. Research compensation. Find out how much your skills are worth. That way you’ll have the facts you need for salary discussions.
     
  4. Discover a new app. Simplify your professional life with apps that will save you time and make you more productive. Take your to-do list to a whole new level or check out the latest organizing tool.
     
  5. Join a LinkedIn group. Extend your network by participating in a group related to your field. Post a question or share your expertise.
     
  6. Follow someone on Twitter. Reach out to a thought leader or follow up with a colleague you sat next to at a conference last week. Re-tweet some of their posts.
     
  7. Like a company on social media. Maybe you dream about working for Google or The Boston Consulting Group. Like them today so you’ll receive updates about their activities and have more to talk about if you land an interview.
     
  8. Clean up your inbox. Weed out the clutter so you can stay on top of your new activities. Unsubscribe from newsletters you rarely read and combine your favorite subscriptions.
     

Things to Do Offline to Supercharge Your Career

  1. Attend networking events. Set a goal for how many professional events you want to attend in the coming month or over the next year. Show up with an agenda for what you’re looking to accomplish, whether it’s meeting new contacts or learning about recent industry changes.
     
  2. Update your look. When was the last time you tried a new hairstyle? Book an appointment at a popular salon or visit a makeup counter for some new tips.
     
  3. Rehearse your elevator pitch. Introduce yourself in a way that makes others eager to learn more. Come up with a memorable statement about what you do and who you do it for. 
     
  4. Volunteer in your community. Helping others can be good for your career prospects. Organize a car wash to raise money for your children’s school or join a group that cleans up local parks. You’ll make new contacts and add to your experience.
     
  5. Develop a side job. Sell your handmade crafts at a neighborhood boutique or offer logo design services to small businesses. Your hobby could provide income while you build up your portfolio.
     
  6. Cultivate career advisors and mentors. Feedback and mentorship from others provides the information and encouragement you need to leverage your strengths. Invite your former boss out to lunch or ask a friend to rehearse a job interview with you.
     

Return to the office on Monday knowing that you’ve enhanced your credentials and prepared yourself to take on greater challenges and responsibilities. Building your brand, strengthening your relationships, and learning new information will help you to map out your career path and move ahead.