Now that we are past Thanksgiving and Christmas is only a short time away – and then we are in the rush of a New Year. What is the status of your job transition? Is it humming down the road – active, or is it still in the garage – passive? Take a second to reflect, and consider my points below –
1. Get Started Now: As the saying go – no time like the present – even if it is December! If you are currently employed – great! Most often, it is the best time to start looking. Many companies and recruiters will hire people who are “fresh” over someone with comparable skills and background, but who is currently unemployed.
Fortunately, in today’s down-market, this is a brutal truth is not the stigma it once was. Whatever your situation, if you are making a change, now more than ever is the time to —
2. Gather Your Resources: The “mission clock” is started! It is only a matter of time before you get the position you want. But you have to identify and pull together your assets are in terms of packaging professional skills, job achievements and industry knowledge. Triangulate with friends, colleagues and others who know you well in both personal and professional arenas. As another old saying goes – “Know Yourself.” While this self-awareness may take focus, effort and a bit of time, it is well worth it. You will be able to present and sell yourself in those interviews, when details count. So the next big step is to —
3. Build a Job Search Campaign: As you can see from my website, there are 5 components to a successful job search and it would be good to review them. Double and triple-check your resume to make sure it showcases clearly what you offer and how you have succeeded already. Work on a coherent “elevator speech” to ensure that you have a firm grip on what you have to offer. And then be prepared work the process for as long as it takes – not to settle or stop looking until you find the job fit that works.
Keep in mind that, while the common perception is that the holidays are not the time to search for a job, the reality is that companies are hiring around the year. You don’t have to wait and “spin your wheels”, waiting for the New Year. You can and should get a jump on the search right now in December. In a race, everybody likes a head start or an edge – you are fully capable of making your own breaks.
You can’t afford to stumble or be unprepared when the time is right to prospect, network and connect. Though you don’t get to choose your circumstances, you don’t have to allow circumstances to determine all your choices and actions. You know, deep down, that you can do the job you want. Being confident of this fact will give you momentum and stamina to make this Christmas the positive season it was meant to be.
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