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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"No matter how far down you have been, see how your experience can help others.”
This is one of the promises from most of the 12 step programs, which is the spiritual foundation of how people help each other by the simple association of commonly shared experiences. This goes so much further in life, in the commitment to mentor others and each other.
My love affair with mentoring began many years ago. I really enjoy watching others grow, being there for those 'ah-ha' moments and being a part of this human process. Sharing your wisdom can have many benefits for you in addition to those you help.
As someone who has always been drawn to and excited about new experiences, challenges and ideas, I have watched and studied those who successfully achieve. I have reached out to others for guidance, direction and support as an integral part of my support system for a very long time. The payoff has been big!
I have learned how important it is to give back and pay it forward with sharing my knowledge and experience with others. The axiom is so true: my wisdom and experience only has value if I share it to benefit others! Having said this, I also know we only have so much time to do all that we need to do to balance our warped speed lives.
Here are 3 ways I have found to integrate this into my life, and the benefits are big.
1. Be selective in choosing who you are going to invest this time with. The relationship must be mutual and a shared commitment. When the timing is right, the opportunity will present itself. The expression, “when the teacher is ready the student will appear” is right on here.
2. Wisdom and experience comes in all ages and types of people. This is not just an “older to younger” set up. I have learned so much from people not only older than me, but many years younger than me. Generational sharing and richness is a must especially now that we have four generations in the workplace. Don’t forget those powerful and sometimes unexpected “random acts of kindness” that can happen anytime, any day. They transform me.
3. Use and leverage in person and technology tools to make this happen. The beauty of social networking is you can communicate, connect and stay in touch with people all the time, and it does grow the relationship. A balance of phone, in person and virtual can be a wonderful way to grow and sustain.
Success is NOT an overnight thing. Perseverance, vision, commitment and flexibility are commonalities I see in successful people today. All of them have sought wisdom and knowledge and share theirs with other to pay it forward.
Who can you help today with your wisdom and knowledge?
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