This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
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When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
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Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
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Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
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It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
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The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
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I just returned from a Chamber of Commerce Business Summit at the gorgeous Greenbrier Resort. Steve Forbes was the keynote speaker and more than 500 executives gathered to hobnob, catch up, and be seen. While attending these types of exclusive events has always been a privilege reserved for top brass and rising stars, rampant belt-tightening has made businesses even more selective about who gets to go.
Since having a presence at big corporate events is a key indicator of your “young gun” status, below are a few guaranteed ways to make the cut.
Be Polished – No, it’s not always fair, but companies make a habit of sending their “face” men and women to represent them in public. This doesn’t mean you have to be the most attractive person in your organization, but you do need to look the part of a leader. If your idea of Casual Friday extends to Tuesday, Wednesday, and beyond, you may be overlooked for these important opportunities.
Be Professional – When sending representatives “in the field,” employers want to know they are going to embody the highest levels of etiquette and professional courtesy. Think about it: Are you mature and responsible enough to play in the space of your company’s very best clients and prospects?
Enjoying this article? You could get the best career advice daily by subscribing to us via e-mail.Be Personable – There’s no question business today involves copious networking receptions and dinner meetings. And if you’re known as the office introvert, you won’t be invited to many of them. Fortunately, being social is a learned skill. The key is simply to be approachable, to make other people feel comfortable and, when in doubt, ask open-ended questions like “Tell me about what you do.”
Be Productive – As a new professional, you probably aren’t a chief rainmaker yet. Therefore, your job at the meeting can be summed up in five words: Make your boss look good. For example, if your company has sponsored a breakout session, be willing to do the behind-the-scenes grunt work (signage, set-up, etc.) needed to be an indispensable resource in their eyes.
As you move up the ladder in your career, never underestimate the benefits of big corporate events. Not only are they significant opportunities to bond with colleagues and develop critical networking skills, but your attendance will be like a neon sign to others that your company is grooming you as someone to watch.
CAREEREALISM Expert, Emily Bennington is the author of Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job. She hosts a popular blog for career newbies at www.professionalstudio365.com and can be found on Twitter @EmilyBennington.The photo for this article is provided by Shutterstock
