If you are in career transition, December is the third-best month to look for a job (you’ll never guess when is the best time). That’s because about 70% of your competition will drop out of the race on or about the 1st of December. Do your arithmetic. If only 30% are left, many new doors will open for you, but only if you have a job search plan.
An important element of that job search plan is in-person networking, and there is no better time of year to boost these activities. Look for holiday parties and other meetings arranged by your university or college alumni, your industry and trade associations, ex-employers, and community and charity organizations.
With proper planning, you could probably attend two networking meetings or parties each day at the height of the season – an abundance of opportunities to articulate your message of hire. Yes, as important as is it to build and execute a defined job search, as a career coach I agree that it’s a numbers game. The more people you meet, the more opportunities will open.
This is also a time of year to celebrate! Forget about those burned bridges and reconnect with former peers from previous employers, as well as family, friends and acquaintances who can push your deflated energy and positivity into a higher territory. If being downsized has you feeling less than festive, these are the cheerleaders who can champion and counsel you.
Remember that there are always people worse off than you. How about volunteering at one of the downtown missions that support those less fortunate? This can hopefully be a wake-up call, and an energizer that makes you think about how lucky you truly are.
Great article, thanks for sharing Martin!