It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Watch the snow fall, make some hot cocoa and cozy up by the fireplace. While no one would blame you for relaxing with loved ones over the holidays, it’s important not to let the job search slip away.
Many job seekers are letting the job search fade away during the holidays, but you should use this to your advantage since there is less competition. To get the best out of the job search over the holidays, follow these strategies:
Start Networking!
Networking is very beneficial to the job search, especially during the holidays. Make an effort to attend as many holiday events and social gatherings as possible. At each event, you should engage fellow networkers in professional conversation. Use this time to discuss what you’re looking to do with your career path and try to be of value. However, be cautious about how much talking you’re doing. The most important component of networking is being able to listen effectively.
Networking is one of the most powerful ways to move your resume from the bottom of the pile to the top of the pile. Get out there and start building new relationships!
Get a Resume Makeover!
When was the last time you had a professional review your resume? A fresh resume is often what job seekers need to get their foot in the door. Don’t wait until the New Year to make the decision to revise your resume – as many other job applicants are doing. Get an early jump on the competition by taking advantage of our Free Resume Evaluation. Our team of professional resume writers will review your resume and provide you with expert feedback on how to make your resume stand out.
Join LinkedIn and Become Active!
Did you know that there are currently 330 million+ professionals on LinkedIn? It’s by far the greatest social network for job seekers and if you’re not already using it, now’s the time to sign-up (it’s free)! Getting through a potential employer’s
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is not always an easy task – especially if your resume isn’t as well-structured as it should be. One effective way to beat the ATS is to contact your hiring manager directly on LinkedIn.
It’s important to note that you should only contact a hiring manager if you think you’d be a great fit for the job. Send a brief message about who you are and why you think you’d be a good fit for the job, but make sure to keep it short. Also, don’t make a habit of contacting or connecting with too many hiring managers as it will become evident that you’re desperately looking for a job. Be genuine, be authentic and most importantly, be reasonable.
Take advantage of the holidays and get your job search on track before the New Year!