As the festive season kicks in, many job seekers swap their job-hunting efforts to shop for Christmas goodies instead. And if you’re like many folks out there, your holiday wish list includes finding a new career. Before you take a hiatus and toss your CV to the North Pole, read our tips on how you can accelerate your job search during the festive season.
If you want, you can be completely justified in deciding to take a break from your job hunt over this festive period. But, equally, if you want to get a job soonest, you might need to keep the momentum going and get a head start over other job seekers who will most likely start by January.
The most important thing to remember is to use your time and focus your efforts on reaping the highest benefit. For some, taking a well-deserved break will be just what’s needed to put you in the right frame of mind to hit the job search process again in the New Year. For others who prefer to keep going, the downtime before and immediately after Christmas Day is the perfect time to re-assess your strategy and put things in motion for January.
Get yourself prepared
You will need to submit your CV, a cover letter and your University transcript for most roles. Using your free time over the holidays to refine these documents is a good idea. Ask a friend or family member to read over your documents and double check them for any spelling errors or grammatical mistakes. Tailor your CV and cover letter so that it highlights your key competencies and the transferable skills which would help you succeed in your dream role.
Update your brand
Get new headshots, maybe a new Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn header, etc. By updating now, it might catch the attention of the perfect employer. Plus, you go into the New Year feeling more confident. In addition to these images, also update the wording in your profiles. You might see just how out-of-date these are.
Do not stop looking for work simply because you ‘heard’ it is slow. Capitalize on what the season offers job seekers. Make the most of the lower volumes of candidates applying and the increased number of social opportunities the season provides.
Know why you’re on the “nice” list
Do you know your strengths? Most of us can fumble through a couple if we have to, but you need to do better than that. Do some research, then list the positive traits that you bring to the table. When you’re super clear on the attributes that make you a strong candidate, you can better communicate them in your cover letter and CV.
The hiring manager is looking to make their life easier by choosing someone who can help the company grow and overcome the challenges that are standing in their way to success. Chances are, it will come up in the interview too, so having this information prepared beforehand will set you up for a huge win later on!
Take advantage of the holiday cheer
Take advantage of the holiday spirit. Everyone seems a little happier and friendlier during this time of year, so use that to your advantage. The hiring process might not even be as tedious for some companies as it usually is. It may involve fewer interview questions and all forms of complexities that usually exist in a typical recruitment process. So, take advantage of this seemingly happy mood of employers and land yourself that dream job.
Use the Christmas social events to network
From big parties to festive dinners, the Christmas season is jam-packed with endless parties, which means more opportunities to rub shoulders with people who might help you on your job search.
So, at your next dinner party, make sure to get talking and tell people about your career goals. You’ll never know when you’ll hit the jackpot.
Follow up after the event
If you enjoyed meeting someone, email them saying so. Be sure to include something you discussed so they can remember who you are. Or you can call them asking to meet for coffee over the next few weeks. This is how positive relationships start.
Taking advantage of festive season opportunities could result in you starting the new year with a long-term job or extra cash in hand – and an added reason to celebrate. Begin your job search early and position yourself to be recognized by potential employers. The employment market is ripe for the taking, and it’s up to you to seize it!
If you’re looking for an exciting new career opportunity, make sure you click through to our job section.
