ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS…IS A NEW JOB!
It’s that time of year again! Mariah Carey has been defrosted, the kids are as high as kites on chocolate Santa’s and candy canes, the cat has knocked the Christmas baubles off the tree for the 100th time this week, and you’re running out of places to hide presents! It’s such a magical time of year, isn’t it?! Haha!
Whilst the world is filled with excitement and Christmas cheer, December is also a time where people can start to feel unsettled in their professional lives. Maybe you didn’t get that promotion you were hoping for, or the pay rise / bonus you were promised. There may also have been changes in your department, or your favourite manager or co-worker has handed in their resignation. All of these things can make you start to question, is it time to move onto something new?
Looking for a new role over the Christmas period
We want to debunk the myth that recruitment screeches to a halt in December and over the festive period. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Our clients are still very keen to meet with people in the hope of filling their role and having someone start with them in the New Year.
Yes, some people may go on their holidays, or there may be a longer wait to get an interview booked in, but there are always vacancies to fill. If anything, starting your job search in December is a good thing. There is less competition due to people being on annual leave, having their children at home more, or simply believing the myth that nobody will be recruiting at this time of year!
Stay ahead of the game
Even if you aren’t quite ready to start your job search and would rather wait until the New Year, there are still things that you can do to get prepared:
Update your CV
This is the first thing a recruiter will ask for when you begin your job search. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Take this time over the festive period to optimise your CV and make sure it sells you. Once you are back at work in the New Year, you will inevitably be very busy and under pressure to get back into the swing of things. Make this one less thing that you have to think about.
Have an initial chat with your recruiter
This is the perfect opportunity to call your recruiter, even if you aren’t going to be actively searching until the New Year. Put yourself on their radar. They will be able to answer your questions, let you know what the job market is looking like, and give you advice. Use your recruiter as a sounding board. If you are frustrated by your current role or employer, or you’re not sure what you are looking for in a new role; let that frustration, confusion and uncertainty out by talking to someone who understands and can help. You will feel better and be in a positive mindset to start your job search in the New Year.
Make a list
Create a list of things you are looking for in a new role; the types of companies you would like to work for, the kind of environment you would like to work in, brands that excite you, and so on. This is a good exercise for you, as well as helpful information for your recruiter.
How to know if you are making the right decision. Do you just have the ‘end of year’ itch?
Could you simply need a break and a chance to recharge, or are there more underlying issues that have been building throughout the year?
Does going back to work in the New Year fill you with excitement or dread?
Could one thing, such as a pay rise, make all the difference, or have things gone too far?
Take this time to reflect on your professional life in the last year and ask yourself if you have been happy in your role, given opportunities to progress, and compensated fairly for the work you have done. Once you have asked and answered these questions, you should know where you stand.
Please don’t feel you have to wait until the New Year to begin your job search or reach out to your recruiter. The team at Property Personnel are here to help you now. We have a strong team of experienced professionals at your disposal, so take advantage!
Put your dream job on your Christmas list this year!
