How to ace the job hunt during the Christmas silly season

Should you keep up job search efforts during what can be called the Silly Holiday Season? Is there any point when everyone else is taking long festive lunches, thinking about Christmas shopping and winding down for the year?

Are you thinking, “I’ll miss out on job opportunities if I scale back my marketing efforts during Christmas,” or “I’m tired, would it be so wrong to take a break and just relax during this time?” or “Is there any point in approaching recruiters or networking for a job when everyone is focused on Christmas and family?”

I can’t tell you what is right for you as your circumstance will be quite different from anyone else, however I can give you some options so you can decide for yourself what you will do while many others are knocking back the eggnog or Christmas cocktail. (Speaking of which, you may like to try one of the Christmas cocktail recipes I found on the Cosmopolitan website after reading the rest of this article. The Frosted Coconut Blitz looks a bit silly, but it’s really delicious! The link is at the end of the article). Before you head off on the best Christmas cocktail search, decide on your Christmas job search options first!

Here are your Christmas job search options:

1. Give it a break and focus on family over Christmas and hit the job hunt again towards the end of January

Do this if you are feeling burnt out over the job search process and you need to recharge your batteries, clear your head and have some down time PLUS you have sufficient financial resources to tide you through for the next 4-6 months.

If you keep at it when you are exhausted and lacking confidence and clarity you will do yourself a disservice whenever you speak with potential decision makers. Meet with people when you are well prepared and in a positive mindset.

2. Keep networking with relevant connections and meeting with recruitment consultants who are still open to discussing potential opportunities in the New Year

Do this if you are still feeling energetic and positive about your abilities and clear about what you have to offer your target audience. Networking at this time of year is a little easier as there are more social events happening, people are usually more open to having conversations as they are feeling Christmas cheer (it is the season of ‘goodwill to men’ – and women after all!)

Also, because roles still need to be filled and you may increase your chances of being considered as many job seekers at this time of year have decided to act on Option 1.

3. Sharpen your axe so you’re ready to clear the way to success in the New Year

Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

Do this if you know that you still need to prepare yourself well for the job search.

• Update your resume or CV with your tangible accomplishments. Click here for resume tips and to download a free resume checklist to keep you on track.
• Update your LinkedIn profile with a powerful tagline, compelling summary with the right key words to enhance your SEO (so you turn up in a relevant search), upload a professional photo, request for recommendations and start to share interesting articles about your area of expertise in groups relevant to your profession. Click here for top LinkedIn tips you can implement over the Christmas period.  
• Research the industries and companies that you want to target so you know the latest developments and identify the key executives you would like to be introduced to.
• Make a networking list of people who you will contact to set an appointment for a conversation for advice, guidance and potential referrals to get closer to your target audience – the decision maker.
• Join an industry association or chamber of commerce or networking group where you will meet like minded professionals who will inspire you
• Write short articles on your area of expertise and post them on a personal blog or on to Pulse on LinkedIn – this will make you more ‘Google-able’ – after all, when you are in serious contention for a role it is very likely the screener will Google you or at the very least look for you on LinkedIn

So there are my suggestions for you. The Silly Season could actually be The Sensible Season for job seekers. Which suggestions will work best for you? Do you have other suggestions? I’d love to hear them so comment below and make this a positive support forum for job seekers over Christmas!

Now, back to those Christmas cocktails for a little extra cheer. Check out #5 – the Frosted Coconut Blitz – that looks really good!

Have a happy and safe holiday season and may 2017 bring you much happiness, good health and success.

Follow Jane on Twitter: @janecareercoach