‘Tis the season to be … pounding the pavement looking for a job?!
“Bah humbug!” you may say. Especially if you’ve been at it for a while, it can be very tempting to throw a log on the fire, pour a hot toddy, and shelve your job search plans until after the New Year.
And maybe you don’t have to fire on all cylinders between Thanksgiving and January 1, but save the cold turkey for leftovers, instead of applying it to your job hunt status. So, come on. Get up from the couch, turn off the Hallmark channel, and give it a go.
Try these four tips for starters. If you can check them off your list, who knows? You may find something special in this year’s stocking – like a shiny new career opportunity!
1. Focus on getting organized.
Maintain the momentum even if you don’t ramp it up during the holidays. This is an opportune time to focus on areas of your job search and long-term career plans that will keep you on track and well organized so that you can go full speed ahead in 2022. For instance, create or update spreadsheets covering the status of jobs you’ve applied for or are interested in, where you stand with each one, and your connections and their current contact information.
2. Make a schedule for the season.
Create a realistic schedule of what you’d like to accomplish during the season. Type it onto your device or, if it helps, write it out on paper. Even if it’s only an hour or two a day, commit to doing something productive like searching job boards, updating your social media profile, or sending applications. Once you keep these daily appointments – because that’s how you absolutely should think of them – then you can reward yourself with an extra cookie or eggnog.
3. Reconnect with your contacts.
The holidays are made for reaching out to people. This includes reconnecting with professional colleagues. Use whatever method feels right and makes the most sense: a phone call, an email, a note, or a text. If you feel comfortable, mention that you’re job hunting and ask them to keep you in mind. If not, at least send regards and get a conversation started. Who knows where it may lead?
4. Consider going seasonal.
Even if they don’t look like the job of your dreams, temporary holiday gigs can lead to a foot in the door to a future permanent opportunity. Many companies use seasonal temps as a go-to source when full-time opportunities arise.
Or, volunteer! Options tend to be plentiful at this time of year. You can add temporary and/or volunteer work to your resume to avoid or shorten a gap, and you may learn some valuable new skills or add to your professional network in the process.
Prepare for a Successful New Year
Don’t let the Job Search Burnout Grinch steal your season. If you need more ideas on how to propel things forward into 2022, contact the career development elves at Search Wizards today. We’ll help ensure that Santa won’t be the only one with a rewarding future as the new year dawns.
