WHETHER you are trying to keep your job or looking for a new position, it is smart to develop some resolutions for the new year.

Despite the sluggish economy, make sure to stay positive and don’t give up. Create a list of ways to remain active and to further develop your goals and ideas.

“It is important to understand that those who find jobs are not going to do it by simply responding to Internet job ads,” says John A Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. “Likewise, those who want to keep their positions in the new year are not going to do so by flying under the radar. It will take a more aggressive approach that goes beyond most people’s comfort zones.”

Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc provides these objectives to help workers find new jobs:

* Stay optimistic. Don’t focus on the negative news about the economy. Companies are still hiring in this sluggish market.

* Become a member of a social networking site. Join LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter to increase your professional network.

* Try community service. Becoming involved with a community service organisation can polish your skills and provide you with more contacts.

* Attend a professional/trade association meeting. These types of groups may offer training and education options.

Here are some of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc’s resolutions for keeping jobs:

* Ask for more duties. Demonstrate that you are a valuable team player by volunteering for different responsibilities outside of your job description.

* Join a workplace committee. Not only will you learn more about the company, but you will also build more relationships with co-workers.

* Look at the company goals in comparison to your own goals. Try to bridge the gap to show that your objectives identify with company goals.

* Find methods to reduce company costs.

It is a new year, which means new opportunities await for job-seekers and for those already employed.

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