As the holiday season approaches, the natural inclination for many professionals is to put off job searching until January. However, this can mean starting behind the curve when new opportunities arise. December offers a unique window to prepare, plan, and position yourself to hit the ground running in the new year.
December: The Hidden Gem for Job Seekers: While many candidates pause their job search during the holidays, employers and recruiters are actively preparing for the new year. Hiring managers often use December to pre-arrange interviews and shortlist candidates, so those who begin their search early have a strategic advantage.
Advantages of a December Job Search:
- Getting a Head Start on Your Competition: The job market can become saturated in January as everyone begins their search at once. By starting in December, you position yourself ahead of this rush, making it easier for recruiters to notice you and for your application to stand out.
- Proactive Interview Scheduling: Companies are already planning interviews for early January. By connecting with a recruiter in December, you can be one of the first candidates considered and scheduled for these interviews.
- Time to Prepare: Preparing your CV, updating your LinkedIn profile, and outlining your career objectives can take time. By starting now, you’ll be ready to seize opportunities in January without the stress of last-minute preparations.
Why Working with a Recruiter in December Matters: Connecting with a specialised recruiter before the holidays helps ensure that when January begins, you have a clear strategy and are ready to move quickly. Recruiters can offer insight into upcoming roles that may not be publicly advertised yet and provide personalized advice to make your profile shine.
How to Approach Your Job Search in December:
- Schedule a Planning Session: Use December to talk with a recruiter about your career goals, preferred roles, and key achievements. This allows the recruiter to match you with the right opportunities as they come up.
- Revise and Refine Your CV: Focus on updating your CV with any new projects or skills you’ve gained over the past year. Tailor it to the types of roles you’re interested in so that it’s ready to go when opportunities arise.
- Stay Connected: Even though December may seem quieter, recruiters are actively working to identify candidates for January openings. Stay engaged and responsive to messages so you’re ready when an opportunity comes your way.
December is often overlooked as a prime time for job searching, but by starting early, you position yourself ahead of the competition. Don’t wait for January to flick the switch. Begin the process now so you can be prepared and ready to secure the best opportunities when the new year starts.
If you’re contemplating a career move and are open to discussing your options or want to get a feel of the market, I’m here for a straightforward, commitment-free chat. Send me an email at slowes@levitaterecruitment.com to arrange a call.
My views are based on my 17 years+ of recruiting for Accountancy Practice and Insolvency professionals.
For advice about your career options, speak to Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment, specialists in placing practice-trained accountants and insolvency professionals across the UK, and find the right role to suit your ambitions.
