Photo credit: drobotdean
The beginning of the year carries a lot of promise and potentially good energy. At the beginning of the year, you must have promised yourself that you will achieve all the goals you set, and you can start by looking for a new job. Towards the end of the year, companies relax as they prepare for the long-awaited December holiday. This relaxation slows down and halts the recruitment process. Once work resumes in January, so does the hiring process.
In some companies, the hiring process slows down at the beginning of the year before budgets get approved. January is the month of change and shifting in most companies. The shift and change come from:
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Advertising positions for those who are leaving the company
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Internal promotions create gaps
While January is the best time to look for a new job, you must know how to prepare and make your application stand out from the other competitors. You need to know how to get the recruiter or hiring manager to single you out and set up an interview with you. Here’s how you can prepare to win the most competitive job hunt of the year.
Update your CV
Make sure you update your CV before you start looking for a new job. Companies prefer to automate their recruitment process by picking out the best candidate using application tracking systems. The software picks the ideal candidate by perusing the resume and picking out phrases and keywords that match their needs. Keep this in mind as you update your resume. Your CV and cover letter must include the phrases and keywords used in the job advertisement.
Pro tip: Updating your Fuzu profile and browsing jobs frequently on Fuzu enables you to get matching job recommendations.
Prepare your LinkedIn Profile
When did you last update your LinkedIn profile? Does it match the details in your resume? Your profile must align with your resume. Once you update your profile, you will rank higher in searches and receive notifications of job advertisements. Make sure you create a captivating headline on your profile. Step away from the headlines such as “actively looking for a new job” or “unemployed.” Create a headline that will get the attention of the recruiter.
Reflect and set goals or resolutions
Setting resolutions for the new year might seem corny for most people because most people rarely follow through. However, setting goals for the year is one of the most effective ways of staying motivated and accomplishing your dreams. The key is consistency. Reflect on the previous year and set goals that make you step away from a destructive path. As you reflect, aim higher and envision the goals you would like to achieve within the new year. Think about investing in yourself by learning new skills and getting relevant academic qualifications, which will help you get a step higher in your career. Categorize your goals into short- and long-term goals. Once you achieve the short-term goals, you will get motivated to achieve the long-term goals.
Focus
Now that you have decided to look for a new job in January, which industry or companies would you like to send job applications to? Create a list of these industries or companies. Use this list to narrow down your focus and know what the companies want. For example, if you are looking for a managerial position in a company, figure out the qualifications that the company prioritizes. Learn about the company values and passion. Figure out the resume and cover letter structure that the recruiter or hiring manager of the company prefers. Narrowing down your focus to a few companies this January will help you personalize your application.
Contact hiring managers and recruiters
Contacting a recruiter is a bold move. January is the time to make such bold moves. If you can access the contact of a recruiter or hiring manager, take a leap of faith and reach out to them. However, you might want to consider the appropriate time to reach out to the recruiter. When looking for a job, you wouldn’t want to seem irritating or lacking boundaries. Pick out a reasonable time to call or message the recruiter. Alternatively, you could send an email outlining your contact details and your reason for reaching out, you might just secure an interview before the recruitment process starts.
Practice for the interview
Preparation for the interview is a crucial part of looking for a job. Learn how to answer questions and prepare for unique interview questions. Leave no stone unturned. Get acquainted with current information about the company and industry. Preparation will build your confidence and help you get the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager.
Network
Take advantage of social gatherings to network. Use these festive opportunities to look for a job by talking to people and forming long-lasting relationships that will help you in your search. Shying away is not an option.
Mindset
Do not ignore your mental health or shift in mindset. The process of looking for a job could be filled with feelings of anger, depression, or rage. These feelings come from constant rejection and mistreatment during the job-hunting process. Start the new year with a positive mindset that allows you to shake off any negativity and depressive thought before it takes root in your mind. If looking for a job was easy, we would all be employed. You might be prepared for the job-hunting process, but you are not prepared to cope with the rejection and disappointment. Keep looking for a job even after getting rejected. The next application might be the stepping stone to your next job opportunity. Have faith and trust yourself!
Read: How to guard your mental health while job searching.
Conclusion
Just because we are halfway through January, it doesn’t mean that you have a limited time to send out your applications. January and February are the best times of the year to look for a job. The beginning of the year offers attractive job opportunities. Prepare well before you look for a job. This way, you don’t set yourself up for failure.