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If your career's been plummeting faster than the thermometer, you can start the new year by pledging to get things back on track. If you are looking for a job or just trying to secure the one you already have, executive recruiter Kim Bishop has five strategies.

First, the new year is a great time to straighten things up.

"Get organized. The beginning of the year is a time when we hear a lot about, 'Out with the old, in the with the new.' This is the time to organize your thoughts, organize your files, get everything updated related to your resume," says Bishop.

The second piece of advice comes courtesy of the Motown group the Four Tops - "Reach Out."

"Reach out to people you maybe haven't connected with in a while, or who you haven't been communicating with in 2009," says Bishop. "Wish them the best for the new year, inquire and see if anything changed with what they have going on, or if there's any opportunities."

Next, remember if you want employers to be interested in you, you have to show your interest in them.

"Companies like to see and to hear that you want to be there and that you want to be part of the organization. The same is true if you're currently employed," says Bishop. "This is a time to tell your boss to tell some of the people that you work with how happy you are to work there, how much you appreciate the opportunities that you've had. And once again, it can create good will with your employer as well as potentially open up the door to a conversation."

Focus on what's important to the company. Three safe bets are making money, saving money, or improving the company's public image.

"You have ideas to can either help at saving money or bringing more revenue to the organization, share those ideas. Companies want to hear about that," says Bishop.

Whether you are a young pup or an old dog, be willing to learn some new tricks. Those who dwell on being back in the day might find themselves stuck there.

"Usually companies start off the new year with new initiatives.... Plans for their strategy, plans for their business plan, and what they're doing is looking for employees and people who want to come together and meet those goals," says Bishop. "So this is a great time to engage and become a part of that."

So either expand your job search to new areas or take on new tasks in your job to help secure your position. Best of luck in 2010.