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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By CAREEREALISM.com Founder, J.T. O'Donnell “For hundreds of years, the population has been seduced, scammed and brainwashed into fitting in, following instructions and exchanging a day's work for a day’s pay. That era has come to an end, and just in time.” - Seth Godin, from the book "Linchpin"ATTENTION: Calling all frustrated workers, angry unemployed job seekers, confused students and anyone else living in America who hears the Twisted Sister song, "We're Not Gonna Take It!" playing in their heads. (Special thanks to our reader, Sebastian, for pointing out I had originally and incorrectly claimed Quiet Riot as the song's singer - oops. See comments below. I love our readers!)
I have something special for you!
Several weeks ago, I was given the unique opportunity to interview Seth Godin. For those of you unfamiliar with his work, he's written 12 best-selling books on marketing and is the founder of Squidoo.com. His legendary use of the term 'purple cow' in a book made the term become industry jargon. Now, he's focusing his efforts on creating the purple cow for job seekers. Seth understands why we are all businesses-of-one. He understands why "every job is temporary." In short, he is a CAREEREALISM.com soul-mate.
In the video clips below, you will hear some amazingly original, thought-provoking commentary on the subject of career. Check out some of the CRAZY topics we discuss:
CLIP #1 (NOTE: The audio gets choppy in one small part here, but all the other clips are excellent!)
You've Been Brain-Washed & Seduced...It's Time to Fight Back!
How the Internet Has Dismantled Career Planning
Don't Quit Your Job - Rethink Your Approach CLIP #2
Why Career Labeling Stinks & What to Do About It
Why 'Deciding' is the Hardest Part of Career Change
Get Real: Impossible Goals are Just Excuses
Hey Younger Generations: Congratulations & Welcome to the BEST Time to Start a Career!
DON'T Get a Job, Create a Movement CLIP #3
Older Generations: Safe Doesn't Cut It Anymore
The New 'Factory' is Your Computer!
Stop the Frustration, Stop the Waste
CLIP #4
Get Fearless, Get Reckless
It was an honor to interview someone with such insight into our need to rethink career development. Seth made himself available to several other bloggers. You can find their interviews with him here. I'd encourage everyone to check them out. The more you listen to Seth, the more you'll be inspired - I guarantee it.
