Maximize Your Job Search Over the Holidays
The holiday season often feels like the perfect time to relax and take a step back—but if you’re a rising professional looking to advance your career, it’s also a golden opportunity to get ahead. While many assume hiring slows during the holidays, companies are still planning for the year ahead, making this the ideal moment to network, prepare, and position yourself for success in January. Here’s how you can make the most of this quieter period and maximize your job search.
Network with Intention—Holiday Events Are Opportunities
Holiday parties, mixers, and casual gatherings aren’t just about celebration; they’re also opportunities to build your network and uncover leads.
- Attend Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s a professional networking event, a community get-together, or a casual family gathering, use these moments to expand your connections.
- Share Your Career Goals Naturally: If someone asks, “What’s new?” take the opportunity to mention your job search in a clear, confident way: “I’m looking to transition into marketing roles with a focus on brand strategy. I’m excited to see what’s out there!”
- Follow Up Thoughtfully: After meeting someone, connect on LinkedIn or send a brief follow-up email. A simple note like, “It was great meeting you! I’d love to stay connected and hear more about your work at [Company]” can go a long way.
DIY Tip: Networking during the holidays isn’t about asking for a job. It’s about building relationships that could lead to opportunities in the future.
Polish Your Personal Brand
The quieter holiday season is perfect for getting your professional presence in order and making sure you stand out in the job market.
- Update Your Resume: Highlight recent projects, measurable achievements, and relevant skills. Make sure it’s tailored to the types of roles you’re targeting.
- Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile: Update your headline and summary to reflect your career goals and expertise. Showcase key accomplishments or projects. Engage with industry-related content to increase visibility.
- Be Prepared to Answer “Tell me about yourself”: Be ready to clearly and concisely describe who you are and what you’re looking for. Don’t lead with any job titles for what you do.
DIY Tip: Post a LinkedIn update about something you’ve learned or accomplished this year to reconnect with your network and remind people what you bring to the table.
Research Companies and Set Your Goals
If you’re serious about advancing your career, the holidays are a great time to set your strategy for the new year.
- Identify Target Companies: Research organizations you’d love to work for. Explore their values, culture, and recent news. Make a list of 10-15 top targets.
- Set Clear Job Search Goals: Break your search into action steps:
Reach out to 5 contacts per week. Submit 2-3 tailored applications.
Schedule 1-2 informational interviews. - Track Open Roles: Some companies actively hire in December to prepare for the new year. Keep an eye on their career pages and LinkedIn job postings.
DIY Tip: Following target companies on LinkedIn gives you insights into their hiring plans and key decision-makers, keeping you one step ahead. Also, If you haven’t already, download the Job Search Check List
Turn Casual Conversations Into Career Insights
The holidays are filled with reconnecting with friends, family, and acquaintances. These conversations often lead to unexpected career insights or connections.
- Be Open About Your Goals: Let people know what you’re working toward in a casual way. For example: “I’m looking to transition into project management roles next year. I’m excited about finding
something where I can grow and contribute.” - Ask for Advice, Not a Job: People love to help when you’re curious and intentional. Instead of asking for job leads, say something like: “I’d love to hear about your experience working at [Company]. Any advice for someone looking to
break into the field?”
DIY Tip: Conversations that start casually can often lead to introductions, referrals, or valuable insights—don’t underestimate their power!
Plan for a Strong Start in January
January is one of the busiest hiring months of the year. By taking small, consistent steps now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running while others are just getting started.
- Schedule Early Meetings: Reach out to mentors, industry contacts, or hiring managers now to set up conversations for early January.
- Prepare for Interviews: Use the quiet time to practice your answers to common interview questions and refine your STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Organize Your Search: Create a system to track job applications, follow-ups, and networking conversations so you stay organized and efficient.
DIY Tip: Employers appreciate candidates who are motivated and ready to move forward at the start of the year—be the person who stands out.
Make the Holidays Work for You
For rising professionals, the holiday season is a chance to get ahead while others hit pause. By networking with intention, polishing your personal brand, and setting goals for the new year, you’ll position yourself as a confident, proactive candidate ready for what’s next.
Take this time to focus on the small steps that build momentum—because come January, you’ll be
ready to stand out and seize the opportunities that come your way. Here’s to turning the quiet season into your biggest advantage yet. Let’s make it happen!
