Smart Tips for Job Searching During the Holidays

If you’re a military member, veteran, or military spouse who thinks November through January of the new year is the best time to shut down job searching, we got news for you.

Despite what many believe, there’s no reason to quit looking for jobs during the holidays.

In fact, the hiring process happens year-round.

Even when more than 21 million U.S. citizens are receiving unemployment, landing the career of your dreams is possible.

So today, Empire Resume will share four smart tips that can help shape your job search for the holiday season. And, as a bonus, we’ll share the most overlooked job search tip of all time.

Think Off-Season

Shopping experts say the best time to buy clothing is at the end of each season, or what is commonly referred to off-season. For example, you’re sure to catch a deep discount on a leather coat in the middle of the summer.

The same mode of thinking applies to looking for jobs as well.

While everyone is awaiting Sony’s PS5 expected release before the end of the year, planning socially distanced gatherings, shopping for family and friends, and catching up on R&R, you should use the off-season to your advantage.

These four get ahead tasks will put you on the right path to getting an offer letter and having a sigh of relief in 2021:

1. Get creative with job search platforms
2. Choose out of the box search terms
3. Level up your resume
4. Step up your networking strategy

Get Creative with Job Search Platforms

Our first smart tip for holiday job searching is getting creative with the job sites.

You’re already familiar with the major online job searching tools – Indeed, FlexJobs, USAJobs, LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, Monster, and GlassDoor.

But don’t forget about underutilized or unappreciated sites like Craigslist. The less people using these sites, the better the search is for you.

If you’re interested in working with startup companies, check out Angel List. It’s a search directory that’ll help you find startup job opportunities in a wide range of industries.

Additionally, don’t disregard your state and local government job programs. For instance, here in Utah, job seekers can use jobs.utah.gov, a site by the Department of Workforce Services to help snag a position.

Choose Out of the Box Search Terms and Phrases

Google is our best friend when it comes to internet searching? It gives us searches related to the key terms of our choosing.

The key to dominating the job search is to choose unique search terms and phrases.

Instead of typing a broad phrase like “law enforcement jobs,” how about trying job titles? Since titles and job descriptions vary from company to company and location to location (hello remote job seeker), this helps to narrow down your search a bit.

Using this tip, you can take any career field and use search terms that apply to that specific career. In our law enforcement example, the terms police officer, police investigator, security officer, police dispatcher, police sergeant, or even corrections officer will apply.

This piece of advice will even work when you search for certain certifications, technological tools or programs. If you have an accountant designation, try searching CPA and certified public accountant and see what your favorite search engine reveals.

Level Up Your Resume

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If you’ve heard this once, you’ve heard it a million times. Upgrading your resume while looking for employment whether during the holiday season or not is a must.

Writing or even updating your resume can be a difficult task, especially if you’re just getting acclimated to the civilian workforce.

This is where a certified professional resume writer can prove to be your best friend. The resume writer will tailor your resume to ensure you stand out from the competition.

But you don’t want to choose any resume writer off the street. You want a military to civilian resume writer who:

• Understands that military experience needs to be translated into easy to understand language for civilian employers

• Can break down your military performance evaluation and transform your skills into marketable assets that every employer looks for in a candidate

• Has a proven track record of helping military, veterans, and their spouses achieve career success

• Offers a FREE resume review.

It’s the holidays, right? Don’t spend time writing or updating your resume yourself.

Give yourself the gift of a certified professional resume writer by learning how to find the best resume writer after transitioning out of the military.

Step Up Your Networking Strategy

Most people cringe at the sound of the word “networking.” Making valuable connections that open the doors your next job offer does not have to be so bah humbug.

If networking hasn’t been the best for you this year, don’t give up.

Instead of suggesting you join online groups like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Meetup, below are some different ways to ramp up your networking strategy during the holiday season:

• Attend online events or webinars (Zoom events are popular right now)
• Create a personal business card with your contact information and list of skills
• Mail holiday cards to everyone you know (include your personal business card too)
• Email old contacts to catch up and fill them in on your job hunt
• Volunteer with a nonprofit organization
• Participate in your HOA or neighborhood association

With these networking strategies in motion, you’ll walk away with a fresh set of acquaintances and experience that will put you on the path to getting a new job.

The Most Ignored Career Advice of All Time

No one likes to hear this, but someone has to say it.

To get in the game, you have to actually play the game. And, playing the career search game requires you to do the most overlooked job search tip – commit to consistency.

No matter whether you’re a veteran job seeker, a military dependent, a military member in transition, or a civilian, looking for a job is a job within itself.

Jobs don’t just fall out of the sky. Unfortunately, you have to work for it and be consistent.

This means getting in front of the laptop each and every day searching those job sites, researching companies, submitting your resume to the positions that interest you, emailing contacts, and establishing connections.

In addition to the online work, the offline tasks of finding a job are just as important. You must consistently prepare for in person interviews and know how to prepare for video interviews as well.

Career searching takes practice, hard work, and a commitment to consistency. It’s not easy to be consistent but doing so can yield positive results.

If consistency will generate a new job for you, don’t you think it’s worth a try?

What’s Your Best Tip Finding a Job During the Holidays?

Now that we’ve provided our best words of advice for job searching during the holiday season, it’s your turn.

What are your ideas for holiday job hunting and how are you applying them to your career seeking strategy? Let us know in the comments.

If you enjoyed this article, you can always count on Empire Resume for career guidance. Contact us by phone at 801-690-4085 or by emailing info@empireresume.com for your resume writing needs.

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Maria Gold is a Content Manager/Writer for Empire Resume. She is dedicated to helping educate and motivate people with the latest career articles and job search advice. Her interests range from writing to programming and design. She is also passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

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