It’s that time of year! December is now in full swing and holiday activities have arrived. The fact is, going to parties, shopping for gifts, and drinking gallons of eggnog is much more fun than sending out resumes and going to networking events. However, if you are on the hunt for a new job it doesn’t hurt to keep your drive going through this holiday season.
As tempting as it may be to kick back and put your job search on hold until 2016, here are some reasons to rethink that strategy and a few ways you can rev up your job campaign to land work in the New Year.
Reasons to keep the momentum going:
- Less competition – With many taking breaks for the holidays, therewill be fewer folks competing for openings, which will boosts the odds that your application will get noticed.
- Budgeting for new roles – As 2016 budgets get finalized, your application could be near the top of the pile of the first people to be hired next year.
- Networking opportunities – Between neighborhood dinners, parties and community gatherings, there’s no shortage of events where you can meet new contacts or reconnect with old friends.
- It’s a good time to seek seasonal or temporary work assignments – Take advantage of these temporary opportunities to get your foot in the door, try out new work environments, or earn extra cash while conducting your search for a permanent position.
Ways to keep the momentum going:
- Send holiday greetings – December is pretty much the only time of year you can reach out to people you haven’t talked to in forever and not have it feel random, so take advantage of that and reach out to your network.
- Update your resume – While you’re cozy on the couch watching your favorite holiday movie, consider pulling out your laptop and making a change or two while staying in the holiday spirit.
- Be social – Take advantage of all the mingling opportunities that December offers to freshen up your interviewing and networking skills.
- Order new business cards – To prepare for all of that networking you’ll be doing in the New Year!
- Set career resolutions – Before January rolls around, write down a few New Year’s resolutions like “apply for three jobs per week” or “meet three new people at each networking event.”
- Shop for a new suit – As if we needed to give you another excuse to shop this month! A job search means interviewing, and interviewing means you’ll need a professional outfit to make that stellar first impression.
- Volunteer – Take some time to lend a hand to a cause you care about. You’ll have something new for your resume, meet some new contacts, and feel merry in the meantime!
By keeping your search active throughout the holidays, you’ll remain energetic and enthusiastic; two traits employers look for in candidates. Most of all, your diligence will make you stand out! We know it’s not easy to stay focused during while everyone around you is celebrating and spreading holiday cheer, but your commitment won’t go unnoticed by potential employers.