Navigating Your Job Search During the Holiday Season

While the holiday season is traditionally a time for celebrations, it also presents a unique opportunity for job seekers to get ahead in their search. Companies often set their sights on the upcoming year's goals, making this season an opportune time to prepare for their strategic hires.

By starting your job search during the holidays, you're positioning yourself to catch the attention of recruiters gearing up for new projects and expansion in the new year. The peak hiring season starts in January and February, so maximize the extra days off to ensure your job search starts the new year strong. 

Here's how you can navigate the job market and be prepared for the hiring frenzy right around the corner.

Set Goals For What You Want To Achieve:

In addition to going to holiday gatherings and events with friends and loved ones, you can make the most of the downtime to reflect on the long-term goals for your career. So often, we get caught up in the day-to-day of our lives and don't take the time to reflect on our career path. 

Make a list of your biggest strengths and the areas you want to develop. Think about where you want to take your career and what opportunities will set you on the path to achieving your goals.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile and Resume:

These next few weeks are also an excellent time to update your online profile and resume to make them more relevant for the jobs you are applying for. These two will serve as your first impression once you're actively applying for new opportunities, so now is the perfect time to get them ready for recruiters.

For your resume, start with the job description of your target role and then tailor your resume accordingly. Remember to include and highlight your best wins and skills that match the job title and responsibilities that you're going for. You can make your resume applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly by including relevant keywords and experiences. Adding these keywords increases the likelihood of your resume catching the attention of the hiring team and landing you an interview!

The next step is to update your LinkedIn profile. Make sure you have a current and friendly photo on your profile. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your resume with all jobs, responsibilities, and dates matching what is listed on your resume. And finally, make sure you select the "Open to Work" button on your profile to let recruiters know you are interested in discussing new opportunities. 

Wish People Happy Holidays:

Sending thank you cards and holiday greetings can be a thoughtful and positive way to reconnect with people who made an impact on your career. When reaching out, personalize your message and mention something specific about their work that you appreciate or find interesting. Make sure to focus on your gratitude for their support and keep the holiday greeting genuine and separate from any job-related requests. Let the season's goodwill set a positive tone for future interactions.