The Prepped Team
December 19, 2019
5 minutes
Before you start sending out your resume, here’s what you need to know about searching for a job in January.
December is typically a slow month for hiring. The holidays are coming up, people take vacation, and some companies shut down between Christmas and New Year. Even if you apply to a job posted in December, it’s likely the hiring manager will put your resume to one side – at least for now.
Not only do many of us feel more motivated to make changes in the New Year after enjoying time off for the holidays in December, it’s also a busy time for hiring managers. Often budgets have been approved for the first quarter of the year, which includes money allotted for hiring new staff. As companies plan out their personnel for the calendar year, it’s a good time to find long-term, full-time positions.
Lay the groundwork now, so you’ll be ready come the New Year. Use the time to research companies or industries that fit your skills and passions. Get clear about the types of roles you want to apply for. In turn, this will give your job search focus. Make note whether there’s anyone in your network you can reach out to. If you haven’t looked at your resume since this time last year, now is a great time to update your skills and accomplishments. You should also refresh your LinkedIn profile. It’s likely one of the first places a hiring manager will search for you online.
If you’ve been putting off approaching people for a coffee chat, January is a good time to reach out. The social commitments of the holiday season is over, people are back in the office and should have more time to connect. If you’re not sure how to approach someone in your network to learn about their career path and success, Prepped has created email templates to help.
Keep in mind you won’t be the only one motivated to kick-start your career in 2020. Expect a higher volume of people applying for positions. Not only does that mean more competition (which is why it’s important to polish your resume now), but it could take longer for hiring managers to get back to you. If you want to follow up, mid-January is your best bet. Recruiters and hiring managers will have had time to settle in after the holiday season and catch up on unopened emails.
Set your career resolutions for the New Year and you’ll be well placed to reap the benefits of new hiring opportunities in January. Sign up with Prepped for the right tools and training you need to succeed in your job search.
The Prepped Team
December 19, 2019
The step-by-step approach to job search success.
20 Bay Street, 17th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 2N8
RBC Ventures Inc. Website, © 2021
