Dear Experts, There was so much valuable information from your Bucket List webinar on Tuesday. It was clearly presented! I must say, I was staggered by the quote about 15 minutes - the average job seeker devotes just 15 minutes a day to their job search. I literally regard my search as a full time job for the business of me! I recently had my resume significantly revised by a CAREEREALISM expert and while everyone who sees it remarks it looks very impressive, the problem of the illusion of job-hopping/not great longevity at all companies seems to be something of a roadblock. The job hopping is not a different company every 3 months or something; some were finite projects which I very successfully completed and then moved on. I know more progressive companies are not obsessed about the job hopping thing, but there are a number of professional services firms I would like to approach and it would be very helpful to get your insight on how to specifically address the job-hopping issue. I know companies are looking for incredible loyalty from their employees, and they think a history of longevity with former employers is their best guarantee for a prospective employee to stay with them for many years. That employers no longer exhibit incredible loyalty to their employees is worthy of note, but of course it would be churlish to point that out in an interview. Do you agree it would be wise to include a very focused, artfully phrased paragraph in my cover letters which addresses this issue? Many thanks for your responses! All the best from a big fan of CAREEREALISM! Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter: Q#442 You need to address why you have had so many jobs. If there is a legitimate reason, let them know. (@gradversity) Q#442 Go on offensive! Open cover letter/convo with: "Here's 4 ways trying several jobs has helped my career!" (@jtodonnell) Q#442 Specify what was project work in resume, identify your impact. In cover letter, tell your career story arc. (@juliaerickson) Q#442 Reframe as + in letter: "...gained valuable exp w/ short-term projects, but now looking for more permanent..." (@EmilyBennington) Q#442 If they were project-based, then explicitly show that. It looks more professional on your part! (@beneubanks) Q#442 Job hopping: I'd suggest explaining in resume if it is problematic. Network your way to job to avoid concerns. (@keppie_careers) Q#442 No guarantee cover letter will be read. Return to and work w/orig writer to revisit strategy if this one isn't working. (@DawnBugni) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
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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