Easy as pie? Not so much for a career search during the holidays.
Easy as pie? Not so much when it comes to job hunting during the holidays. Whether you are currently employed but wanting to look for a new job or are unemployed looking for a job, this time of year can be frustrating on the career front. BUT, it doesn’t have to be! Here are some areas to focus on during the holidays so you can feel more CONFIDENT in your career search and less frustrated during a time a year that’s about gratitude and joy...NOT doubt and discouragement.
BE PATIENT- If it’s taking a long time to hear back from companies after submitting an application/resume or after an initial interview, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of consideration. Scheduling interviews during the holidays gets more challenging when trying to manage people’s schedule. So be prepared to interview with very little notice and be open (and ready!) for phone interviews.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME- Take this slower recruiting period to refine your job search and thoroughly research companies so you are fully prepared once the season is over and interviews are being scheduled more consistently. This is often a step candidates skip or half-ass because they get too excited to apply and interview for as many jobs as possible. Take this time to be more INTENTIONAL about the jobs and companies you are REALLY interested in.
GIVE YOUR RESUME SOME LOVE- This is a perfect time to re-do, touch up and update your resume. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors, update latest achievements, create multiple resume templates for various jobs and industries and take the time to upload your resume in databases where recruiters can find you (Indeed and LinkedIn are the most commonly used). When the job search process is in full swing, these CRUCIAL resume MUSTS often get overlooked. This is the perfect time to focus on them.
POLISH YOUR INTERVIEW SKILLS- What better time to focus on your conversation skills than at all of the holiday gatherings with family and friends?!?! Dodging your family’s uncomfortable questions about your life choices while at the dinner table is as good of interview prep as you’re gonna get...so USE IT! Work on your body language, your tone, how many times you say “um” and how many times you awkwardly look away from the person you’re talking to. Seriously though, take the time to rehearse your responses to common interview questions and hone your ability to strike up casual and friendly conversations (everyone loves a jolly stranger starting a conversation spreading holiday cheer!)
I know this time can be stressful, but remember slow PROGRESS is STILL progress. And for Pete’s sake...watch a holiday movie! If “Love Actually” doesn’t warm your heart I mean are you even human?!?! 😂