As the year winds down, it’s easy to assume the final two months are a time to slow down, but for most professionals, they’re the best opportunity to get ahead. With around 70% of organizations operating on a January–December fiscal year, now is when performance reviews, promotions, and next year’s hiring plans are taking shape. How you use this time can set the tone for your 2026 success, whether that’s in your current role or in a new one. A focused career checklist can help you use this time intentionally.
Here’s your end-of-year career checklist to make the next two months count:
1. Reflect on What You’ve Accomplished
Start by looking back at your year with intention. What goals did you meet or exceed? What projects made a measurable difference for your team or clients?
Checklist:
☑ Review your original 2025 goals and note which were achieved or exceeded
☑ Identify 3–5 projects that made the biggest impact on your organization
☑ List the key outcomes or metrics tied to those efforts
☑ Consider what challenges you overcame and what you learned from them
This reflection helps you clearly see how you’ve grown and prepares you to discuss results with confidence in your review or next interview.
2. Record Your Wins in Writing
Don’t rely on memory to carry your accomplishments into next year. Write them down now while details are fresh.
Checklist:
☑ Create a “career highlights” document in Google Docs or Excel
☑ Add measurable results (for example, “Reduced onboarding time by 20%”)
☑ Include new skills, certifications, or software you learned
☑ Save emails or feedback from colleagues that showcase your value
☑ Add short notes about any initiatives you led or supported
Documenting your success helps you enter your end-of-year review with confidence and ensures you have tangible examples ready when exploring new roles in 2026.
3. Refine Your Career Story
Once your wins are captured, turn them into a clear, compelling story of growth. This is the perfect time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Checklist:
☑ Refresh your LinkedIn headline and “About” section to reflect your current focus
☑ Update your resume with measurable achievements, not just responsibilities
☑ Replace passive phrases like “responsible for” with action words such as “drove” or “led”
☑ Add metrics wherever possible (for example, “Improved client retention by 25%”)
☑ Review your online presence for consistency across platforms
Your professional story should communicate where you’ve been and where you want to go next.
4. Reach for What’s Next
Whether you plan to grow within your current organization or explore new opportunities, take proactive steps now while things are quieter.
Checklist:
☑ Schedule a one-on-one with your manager to discuss your 2026 goals
☑ Reconnect with mentors or professional peers for feedback and advice
☑ Reach out to a recruiter to learn about upcoming opportunities in your field
☑ Identify skills or certifications that could strengthen your 2026 positioning
☑ Set one measurable career goal to accomplish before January
Being intentional now will help you start the new year with clarity and momentum.
Closing Thoughts
The professionals who stand out in 2026 will be the ones who use this time strategically, not to coast but to clarify. Reflection turns into readiness when you take stock of where you’ve been and decide what comes next.
Whether you’re preparing for your annual review or exploring new opportunities, the team at Lucas James Talent Partners can help you define your path forward with intention and insight.