We’ve all experienced the pressure to accomplish great things in the last few months of the calendar year. Whether personally or professionally, we start to check things off our lists.  In our professional lives, we try to close gaps and exceed goals that we set earlier in the year. And we  do this while balancing our individual ambitions for end-of-year tasks like gift buying, holiday cards, and setting the perfect table for family. 

Personally, I typically set lofty goals during the fourth quarter with high aspirations for achievement. Whether I am dreaming of the “perfect” holiday celebration, finding the “best gift at the best price,” or trying to finish work deadlines, I tend to find myself experiencing fourth quarter stress.     

For companies that align their fiscal year with the calendar year, they are also feeling pressure in the last few months of the year. November and December are typically months with a lot of activities to finish the year strong. Productivity is generally great for companies during November and December; however, most companies’ focus is internal as they try to close out the books with strong end-of-year results. 

So What Does this Mean for My Job Search?

For the reasons mentioned, historically November and December can be slow for hiring [Career Sidekick, 2 Best Times of Year to Apply for Jobs]. Companies are internally focused, employees are taking vacation, and managers are reconsidering goals for the next calendar year. But don’t let that discourage you! 

As you are prioritizing your personal to-do list in the fourth quarter of the year, don’t forget to prioritize your job search. This is the perfect time to plan for your new job. While this time of year is generally more relaxed for the external hiring process, it gives you the opportunity to have dedicated time to focus on your job search and what tools need improvement as you move forward (or continue) preparing for the next step in your career. 

These last two months of the year provide a fantastic opportunity to finalize your career search tools (e.g., your Job Search Strategy, Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Cover Letter), strengthen your network, begin company research, and submit applications, so that you are ready to begin interviews early in January! And you might just be surprised to land an interview in these last couple months of the year too!

5 Things You Can Do This Week To Prepare For A New Job

Starting a job search can definitely seem overwhelming! It can be hard to know where to start. And if you have been searching for a job for awhile, it can seem daunting to hear that November and December are typically slower hiring months. 

But don’t fret! Below you will find several ideas on how to take advantage of these slower months to add tools to your job search toolkit. And if you still seem overwhelmed, know that the experts at Wilbanks Consulting are always available to help you navigate your way.  

1. Build your Network - Consider how many social events occur in November and December – Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations abound! Make sure that you have taken the time to define your value so that you can practice showcasing your professional interests and skills at holiday gatherings . Be prepared to share what you bring to the table and what type of role you are pursuing. You never know who will be at the Thanksgiving table this year! 

2. Research Companies - Take these quieter periods to research companies for whom you may want to work. Look at their website; review their social media platforms; Google the company to see what stories have been in the news; ask your network if anyone works at the company, and connect with those people. Get creative and learn as much as you can about potential employers - after all, interviews are a 2-way street. The Evaluating Company Culture blog is a great resource for ideas on researching companies. And if you find a company you like, apply for a role!

3. Update your Job Search Tools - You should always keep your resume and LinkedIn Profile up-to-date, and the end-of-the-year is no exception. Make sure that recent experiences and skills are highlighted. Pay attention to details: are bullet points aligned? Are your font sizes consistent? Are there misspelled words? Take this time to make sure your tools are top-notch.

4. Write a Cover Letter - Today, a required cover letter is rare…which makes writing and submitting one an excellent opportunity to differentiate you from the competition. (And yes - the other job seekers ARE your competition). While not every hiring manager values a cover letter, it will never deter you from landing the job. However, for a hiring manager that expects a cover letter, presenting your resume without one WILL be a deal breaker.

5. Practice your Interviewing Skills - Find a trusted family member, friend, or even an expert at Wilbanks Consulting, and practice interview questions. You will feel much more confident going into an interview if you have prepared answers and practiced verbalizing those answers. And cooking that delicious holiday feast can be a great time to practice with your sous chef!

Need Some Help?

As you prepare for a new job in the new year, know that the experts at Wilbanks Consulting are happy to partner with you. From developing your Job Search Strategy, to perfecting your Resume and LinkedIn Profile, or even preparing you for interviews, we would love to come alongside and support your career journey. Reach out to us for a free 30-minute consultation today.