Job Search Tips for the Christmas Break

The holiday season might seem like an odd time to focus on job hunting, but the Christmas break can actually be a golden opportunity to get ahead in your career search. While many job seekers pause their efforts during this time, companies continue planning for the new year, setting budgets, and filling roles to kick off January strong.

Here’s how you can make the most of the festive period to land your next opportunity.

Polish Your Resume and Online Presence

Use the downtime to refine your job-hunting tools.

• Update Your Resume: Highlight recent achievements, quantify your results, and tailor your resume to reflect the roles you’re targeting. Click here to download our free resume templates
• Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile: Refresh your headline, update your skills section, and add a compelling “About” section that highlights your career goals.

Bonus Tip: Consider posting a holiday-themed update on LinkedIn, sharing your goals for 2024 and letting your network know you’re open to opportunities.

Network During the Festive Season

The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with old colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts.

• Send Holiday Greetings: Reach out with a warm, personalised holiday message. Use this as an opportunity to catch up and subtly mention your job search.
• Attend Events: Many organisations host end-of-year parties or informal meetups. These are excellent chances to expand your network and make meaningful connections.

Research Companies and Opportunities

While some companies slow down hiring during the holidays, others ramp up efforts to secure talent for the new year.

• Make a Target List: Research companies you admire and identify roles that align with your skills. Bookmark job postings and take note of application deadlines.
• Study Industry Trends: Use the quiet time to understand where your industry is headed and align your job search accordingly.

Apply Strategically

With fewer candidates applying during the holidays, your application is more likely to stand out.

• Tailor Applications: Customise your resume and cover letter for each role to demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate.
• Follow-Up: If you’ve applied to roles in November or early December, the holiday season is a good time to send a friendly follow-up email to hiring managers.

Build Your Skills

Investing in professional development during the Christmas break can make you a more attractive candidate.

• Take Online Courses: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera offer courses to enhance your expertise.
• Earn Certifications: If a specific certification is valued in your field, this is the perfect time to pursue it.

Prepare for January Interviews

Many companies will schedule interviews for early January. Use the break to prepare:

• Rehearse Common Questions: Practice answering questions about your experience, skills, and career goals.
• Research Potential Employers: Gain insight into their mission, culture, and recent accomplishments to stand out in interviews.

Stay Flexible and Positive

The holidays can be unpredictable, with hiring managers and recruiters often out of the office. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. Instead, focus on what you can control, like preparing for opportunities and strengthening your network.

Final Thoughts

While many view the Christmas break as a time to pause their job search, it can be the perfect opportunity to gain a competitive edge. By staying proactive, refining your approach, and leveraging the quieter season, you’ll position yourself for success as the new year begins.

Your dream job could be closer than you think—start now and let 2024 be the year you make it happen.