Mid-Year Check-In: Are You On Track to Reach Your 2025 Career Goals?

Summer often brings a natural change in pace with warmer weather, vacation schedules, and slower inboxes making it an ideal time to revisit the career goals you set at the start of the year and check in on your progress.

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When January began, your goals may have felt clear and energizing. But with the demands of work and daily life, it’s easy to shift into autopilot or lose sight of your goals for the year. A lot can change in six months, and sometimes our priorities shift along the way.

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Whether you're proud of your progress, feeling stuck, or somewhere in between, now is the time to reassess where you’re headed, adjust your path if needed, and re-engage with intention. This mid-year moment is an opportunity to reset and realign with what matters most to you now.

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Here is your guide to realigning your 2025 career goals:‍

1. Revisit Your Career Resolutions

What Did You Set Out to Achieve in 2025?

Think back to what you envisioned for yourself at the start of the year. If you set concrete goals, now is the time to revisit them. If not, reflect on the professional direction you had in mind.

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Ask yourself:

• Were you aiming for a promotion or a new role?
• Were you focused on building new skills, improving work-life balance, or increasing your compensation?
• Did you want to feel more engaged, more valued, or more in control of your career path?

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If your goals have shifted or if you feel you haven’t made as much progress as you’d hoped, this reflection is a good starting point for the rest of the year.

2. Evaluate Your Progress Honestly

What’s Working and What’s Not?

This is your opportunity to check in with yourself in an honest and constructive way. Rather than judging your progress, take a step back and evaluate where things stand today.

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Consider the following:

• What achievements or milestones have I reached so far this year?
• What challenges or distractions have slowed me down?
• Are there goals I’ve avoided, and if so, why?
• What habits, resources, or routines have supported my progress?

Self-reflection isn’t always easy, but it lays a good foundation for making more informed decisions. A clear understanding of what is and isn’t working can help prepare you to move forward more strategically.

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3. Identify What’s Changed

Have Your Goals or Priorities Shifted?

Career goals are not fixed, and it’s okay if they’ve shifted. Your career goals will evolve as you gain experience, face new challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of what is important to you. Take note of the shifts in your personal or professional life. Have your values changed? Has your definition of success evolved? For example, maybe you once prioritized title or salary, but now find yourself drawn to flexibility, mentorship, or long-term stability.

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Ask yourself:

• What does success look like for me right now?
• Are my current goals aligned with what I value today?
• What am I motivated by in this season of my career?

Recognizing these shifts is an important part of staying aligned with your long-term growth.

4. Reset or Refocus Your Career Goals

Once you’ve identified what matters most to you now, it’s time to reshape your goals to reflect that clarity.

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Here are a few ways to do that:

• ‍Refine broad goals into actionable ones. Instead of “build my network,” set a goal to “schedule three informational interviews by September.” ‍
• Use the SMART framework. Aim for goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. ‍
• Break your year into phases. What’s one step you can take in Q3? What milestone will signal progress in Q4? ‍
• Be intentional about what you let go of. If a goal no longer aligns with your direction, release it. Letting go of a goal isn’t a failure, it’s just another step in the right direction. ‍
• Ask for input. If you’re unsure of how to move forward, a recruiter or mentor can help you evaluate opportunities, refine your strategy, and bring perspective.

The reset isn’t about starting over. It’s about moving forward with more focus and purpose.

5. Action Steps to Take Now

If you’re ready to take action, the summer months offer a great window to build momentum. Here are three actionable steps you can do now:

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• ‍Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Even small updates—like adding new projects or software proficiencies—can help you stay ready for the right opportunity. ‍
• Reconnect with someone in your network. Reach out to a former manager, colleague, or mentor. A single conversation can shift your perspective or spark your next move. ‍
• Apply to roles that may not check all of your boxes. Stay open to new industries, company sizes, or work environments you haven’t considered. Expanding your criteria, even slightly, can uncover opportunities that align with your goals in ways you may not have anticipated.

According to our 2025 Job Seeker Experience Survey, unemployed respondents reported applying to 12 or more jobs per week on average. If you’ve been mass applying to job postings and not seeing results, you're not alone, but volume isn’t always the most effective strategy. Instead of applying everywhere, start here: clarify what you want, tailor your materials, and focus on smaller strategic moves.  

Partner with a Recruiter to Reach Your Goals

If you’re feeling unsure about your career goals, job search, or simply want a partner in your job search, consider working with a recruiter. A recruiter can serve as a valuable partner in helping you reassess your goals, refine your search, and open doors to exclusive opportunities.

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At Career Group Companies, we work closely with early- and mid-career professionals to understand their unique goals and guide them toward the next right step. A recruiter can also offer tailored resume feedback, interview preparation, and introduce you to roles you may not have considered.

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There’s Still Time to Grow

There’s still plenty of time in 2025 to continue making meaningful career progress. Use this mid-year moment to check in with yourself. Rather than thinking about where you “should” be in your career, take ownership of where you want to go next. Make space for new goals, adjust where needed, and commit to showing up for your growth in the second half of 2025.

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Need help navigating your next career goals? Explore our open roles and connect with a Career Group Companies recruiter for expert guidance tailored to your goals.