As the festive season approaches, many job seekers mistakenly press pause - thinking that because the business world grinds to a halt, so too must their hunt for their perfect job.
However, at Next Generation, we can let you in on a secret - Christmas can be one of the most opportune times to advance your career and there are many reasons to keep your job hunt active while watching Die Hard and fighting over the last Brussels sprout!
Forget Conventional Thinking.
Contrary to popular belief, December is a hectic month for many companies - especially when it comes to planning for the upcoming year. Many organisations are finalising their headcount budgets and strategising for the New Year. This means that decision-makers are actively thinking about their staffing needs, making it an ideal time for proactive job seekers to make their mark.
The reduced competition during the holidays can also work in your favour - big time!
With many candidates taking a break from their job search, your application is more likely to stand out in a less crowded field. Logical, right?
This increased visibility can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview or even a job offer.
Advantage Over January Job Seekers.
While January is traditionally seen as the month for new beginnings, it's actually not the optimal time to start your job search. By waiting until January, you're joining a flood of other candidates all vying for the same positions.
Instead, by reaching out to employers and recruiters in December - while everyone’s enjoying a lie-in or watching Willie Wonka for the 100th time, you're positioning yourself ahead of the curve.
It's also worth considering that many professionals stay in their current roles until they receive their Q1 bonuses. These bonuses often don't materialise until Q2, and with a potential three-month notice period, those waiting for bonuses might not enter the job market until mid-year. By starting your search in December, you could potentially secure a new role before this influx of candidates even begins their search.
Don’t Waste Christmas Quiet Time.
Christmas - and the days before New Year’s Eve - often brings pockets of free time, perfect for refining your job search strategy.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
1.Update Your Skillset: Reflect on your current skills. Are they up-to-date with industry standards? Identify any gaps and consider how you can address them.
2.Distil Your Achievements: Can you succinctly communicate your key accomplishments? Practice articulating your value proposition clearly and concisely.
3.Refresh Your CV: Use this time to update your CV and your LinkedIn profile, ensuring they reflect your most recent achievements and align with your target roles.
4.Research Potential Employers: Use your downtime to thoroughly research companies you're interested in, preparing you for potential interviews.
To summarise - the Christmas period offers a unique window of opportunity for job seekers. While others are winding down, you can be gearing up for your next career move. By leveraging the quieter job market, aligning with companies' planning cycles and using your free time effectively, you can position yourself for success in the new year.
Remember, you have to get up early to catch Santa - so why not give yourself an early New Year’s gift by planning for that perfect opportunity ahead of time!
Merry Christmas
For fantastic job opportunities in Life Sciences, Food Production and FMCG or Engineering and Manufacturing check out the current roles or chat with our team about upcoming roles.
