Let’s face it. Finding a job - regardless of your level of experience - can be a challenging task. In this blog series, we plan to equip you with the power to land the job of your dreams with 10 helpful tips for the job-seeking ECP. Let’s get started!
Job Search Tip #4: 5 Ways to Conduct a Job Search During the Holiday Season
The holidays are oftentimes synonymous with extreme last-minute shopping, indulging in delicious confectionary delights, and spending time with loved ones to celebrate the end of yet another year. But what happens when your job search and all the fun of this festive season overlap? If you’re like everyone else, you probably put your job search on pause until the chaos of the season comes to an end, but we say why not make the most of it? In this job search tip, we’re going to suggest 5 ways you can capitalize on what may seem to most as the busiest time of the year.
1. The Holiday Season Produces Excellent Networking Opportunities
You’re already going to that tacky sweater office party, so you might as well bring a few business cards, right? The holiday season is the best time of year to catch up with friends, colleagues, and family members - many of whom may be on the job hunt themselves or in a job that interests you. Take some time at each holiday function to mention your job search efforts without sounding desperate. You’ll find that a surprising amount of people you talk to may have some bits of advice that could be beneficial to you in your own job search, so don’t be shy around uncle Frank - he may be just the guy you needed to talk to! You never know who may be in the position to hire or recommend, so be sure to maintain a professional demeanor and a positive attitude at each event.
2. Don’t Assume Employers Aren’t Hiring
The holidays may be a time for celebration, but that doesn’t mean companies suddenly decide to stop hiring. Many companies hire in the first quarter of their fiscal year (which can oftentimes start in January) or have personnel needs year round, so this may actually be the best time - if any - to amplify your job search efforts. Another thing to keep in mind is that your competition may assume employers aren’t hiring as well, giving you a competitive edge in the job market if you decide to put your job search into high gear. Take it from us, as the leading job site for eye care professionals, we have literally hundreds of reasons why you should continue your job search over the holidays.
3. Do Some Soul-Searching
The holiday season is also a great time to collect your thoughts, analyze your job search thus far, and - if need be - revise your job search strategy. During the year, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday shuffle of life and trying to land that perfect job. We usually become so consumed with everything that’s going on in our own lives that we sometimes overlook the holes in our job search strategy that could be preventing us from getting an interview or a job offer. We suggest taking some time during the holidays (in the midst of the craziness) to relax, collect your thoughts, and formulate a revised plan of attack for a successful job search.
4. Revamp the Resume
Another great way to work on your job search over the holidays is to take a few moments to overhaul your outdated resume. If you’ve been job searching for a while, things may have changed in your professional timeline or become less relevant, so it may be time for a little housekeeping. If you would rather avoid cutting out information, try freshening up your resume’s fonts and layout. This simple change can oftentimes make a large impact when it comes how employers perceive your resume in this ultra-competitve job search atmosphere.
5. Contact Your References
One last thing you can focus on during the holiday season is reminding your professional references of your existence. As funny as it sounds, many of us lose touch with our former colleagues and mentors as time goes on - which doesn’t always help when we suddenly need them to provide us with a nice reference when we need it. To avoid this awkward situation, we suggest you touch base with them over the holidays. Send them an e-mail, greeting card, or a phone call to let them know you’re thinking of them. You can also take that opportunity to inform them that you’re on the search for a job, and you’d appreciate their support. This will not only make them feel appreciated, but it will also serve to remind them who you are - something that will come in handy next time your potential employer calls them for a reference.
Overall, the holiday season can be a great time to step up your game in the job search arena. This can be achieved by making the most out of every networking opportunity, knowing which employers are hiring, taking some time to reflect on your job search strategy, revamping your resume, and reconnecting with your professional references. By following these simple rules, you can propel your job search into the new year and be well on your way to the job of your dreams!
Ready to make the most of the holidays? You can start by checking out who’s hiring on Local Eye Site today, and get one step closer to landing the perfect eye care job for you!
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