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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If you are an experienced executive you may be considering interim management as the next step in your professional career.
Interim management gives you the freedom to choose who you want to work for, for how long and what type of work you undertake. However there are a number of advantages and disadvantages you need to think about carefully before you make the move.
As there are loads of interim job positions available the main benefit of becoming one is the flexibility which comes from managing yourself. Working as an interim manager will give you periods of freedom between assignments to pursue your own interests, spend time with your family or travel.
One of the advantages of moving from being an executive to an interim manager is you will earn more money than a permanent employee – around double your current salary. Not only will you earn more, you will also have the opportunity to build up a portfolio of business experience in different sectors and in different organizations.
Many interim managers relish the opportunity to get on with their work without having to get involved with office politics, and the variety that comes with working in different organizations and with new people. Interim management may also give you the opportunity to work overseas or in different areas of the country without permanently moving there or uprooting your family.
There are of course disadvantages of working as an interim manager to consider as well. You are responsible for finding your own work and making sure the money keeps coming in. You will also be responsible for your own tax, VAT and national insurance contributions. There may be gaps when you cannot find work which you may find disconcerting if you are accustomed to permanent employment. There is also no sickness or holiday pay so you need to be good at managing your money and planning ahead. You may find it lonely to keep moving from one organization to another. You may even meet resistance depending on the circumstances of your appointment and may find it difficult to command respect from people who know you won’t be there forever. There is likely to be high expectations of you – you won’t be able to have an "off day." As an interim manager you will be expected to make a big difference to your clients in a short amount of time. This will be challenging, but also satisfying.
You may have to work away from home either for extended periods or during the week. This may have a negative impact on your relationship or family life. However the move from executive to interim manager is not permanent. Should you decide to go back into permanent employment, you will already have a great network of contacts. You will be able to demonstrate that you have a broad range of skills as well as the coveted ability to walk into any environment and make a difference.
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