The job search can be tough, especially when it feels like the whole world is slowing down for the holidays.
For entry-level job seekers, this time of the year can feel discouraging. With fewer job openings and lots of competition, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to stay on track and even get ahead during this quiet season.
In this post, we’ll talk about how you can make the most of the end-of-year job search slowdown and set yourself up for success in the new year.
Challenges of the End-of-Year Job Search
The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also bring challenges for job seekers like you, such as:
- Slower Hiring Process: Many companies freeze hiring at the end of the year or slow down their recruitment processes due to budget reviews, holiday seasons, or strategic planning for the upcoming year. This means that even if you send in applications, you might not hear back as quickly as you would in other months.
- Increased Competition: With many students graduating in November & December, there’s an influx of job seekers, increasing competition for entry-level positions.
- Lack of Experience: Entry-level job seekers often struggle to gain job experience, even though they have the qualifications. This is especially challenging in industries like tech and sales, where experience could be a key requirement.
- Uncertainty and Anxiety about Career Choices: As the year ends and a new one begins, many entry-level job seekers face uncertainty about which path to choose. This period can be overwhelming when it comes to making career decisions.
- Holiday Distractions: December’s holiday season can disrupt job search efforts, as candidates take time off or get distracted by festivities, leaving less time for job applications or networking.
But don’t let these challenges hold you back! There are still plenty of ways you can stay active, productive, and prepared as you look for your next opportunity.
Actionable Tips to Stay Productive During the Job Search
Even though the job market might seem slow, there’s a lot you can do to move forward. Here are some tips to help you stay productive and set yourself up for success:
1. Leverage the Holiday Season for Networking
The holidays can actually be a great time to connect with people in the industry you’d like to work in. During this time, many professionals are more relaxed and open to having conversations, even if it’s just for a quick chat. You might feel like people are too busy, but a simple LinkedIn message or a quick email can go a long way.
What You Can Do:
- Reach out to your connections: Send a friendly message to people you know. Ask them how their year has been, and share your career goals for the new year.
- Join virtual events or holiday gatherings: Attend online networking events or casual meetups. These are great chances to meet new people who might help you find job leads.
- Be honest about your job search: Don’t be afraid to mention that you’re actively looking for a job. Sometimes, people know of openings but don’t think to share them unless you ask.
Networking doesn’t have to be formal. Even casual conversations can open up doors for future opportunities.
2. Get Ready for the January Hiring Spree
Even though many companies are slowing down in December, hiring usually picks up again in January. This means you should spend this time preparing for when the job market picks back up.
What You Can Do:
- Update your resume: Take this time to make sure your resume is ready. Tailor it to the roles you want to apply for, and make sure it highlights your skills and any experience.
- Update your LinkedIn: Many recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates, so keeping your profile fresh is important. Add any new skills or certifications, and make sure your headline and summary reflect what you’re looking for.
- Start applying early: As soon as companies start hiring again in January, you’ll want to be one of the first applicants. Don’t wait—get ahead of the crowd by submitting your applications as soon as new roles are posted.
The goal is to be ready to hit the ground running when hiring ramps up in the new year.
3. Upskill and Learn New Things
While the job market might be slow, it’s the perfect time to focus on improving your skills. You can take free courses, watch tutorials, or read books to learn more about your field. Not only will this make you a stronger candidate, but it will also keep you motivated and active during the job search.
What You Can Do:
- Take free courses: Look for online courses focusing on the skills employers seek. Websites like Revsity offer courses to help you learn important skills in sales, marketing, and customer success.
- Practice your interview skills: Take time to prepare for interviews. You can ask a friend or family member to help you practice answering common interview questions.
- Learn something new: Use this time to learn a new tool or technology related to your field. If you want to get into sales, you can practice using CRM tools or learn about the latest sales strategies.
Upskilling not only boosts your confidence but also makes you stand out from other applicants when the hiring process starts again.
4. Stay Consistent and Build Momentum
Even if the job market is slow, it’s important to keep working toward your goals. The key to a successful job search is consistency. Set small, achievable goals each week and stick to them.
What You Can Do:
- Set weekly goals: Whether it’s applying to five jobs a week or reaching out to one person for networking, setting small goals will help you stay focused.
- Track your progress: Keep track of the jobs you’ve applied to and the people you’ve connected with. This will help you stay organised and motivated.
- Celebrate small wins: Did you update your resume? Great! Did you connect with someone new on LinkedIn? Awesome! Celebrate those small wins to keep your momentum going.
Staying consistent, even in small ways, will help you keep moving forward.
5. Reflect on Your Career Goals
The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect on your career goals and think about what you want to achieve in the new year. Take some time to think about the type of job you want, the industry you’re interested in, and the skills you want to develop.
What You Can Do:
- Make a career plan: Write down your career goals for the new year. What kind of job do you want? What skills do you need to work on? Having a clear vision will help you stay focused.
- Research companies or industries: Spend time researching companies or industries that interest you. Learn about their work culture, the skills they look for, and the job opportunities they offer.
- Think about your next step: Maybe your first job won’t be your dream job, but it’s an important step in your career journey. Keep a long-term perspective, and remember that every experience will help you grow.
Reflecting on your goals will help you make better decisions and feel more confident about your next move.
How Revsity Can Help You
At Revsity, we understand the challenges entry-level job seekers face during the holiday season. That’s why we offer courses and resources to help you sharpen your skills and prepare for the new year. Whether you want to upskill in sales, marketing, customer success, or operations, we’ve got the tools to help you succeed.
Plus, by joining our community, you’ll not only gain access to our available roles but also become part of our talent pool and connect with a network of professionals who can support and guide you throughout your job search.
Ready to take the next step? Join Revsity’s community today and get started on your career journey!
While the end of the year may seem like a tough time to be job hunting, there’s still so much you can do to move forward. By networking, updating your resume, upskilling, staying consistent, and reflecting on your goals, you’ll be well-prepared when hiring picks up again in January.
Remember, the holiday season doesn’t have to slow you down—it’s an opportunity to build momentum and set yourself up for success.
