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#JobSearchHacks for the End of the Year

Writer's picture: Katie NiznikKatie Niznik

As the year winds down, many job seekers find themselves facing a slower job market. It’s a familiar trend — with the holidays approaching, more hiring team PTO, and tight end-of-year budgets, many companies scale back on hiring, and fewer job postings appear online. While it’s true that the end of the year may bring some temporary slowdown, this time of year doesn’t have to be a job search dead zone. In fact, it can be a strategic opportunity to position yourself ahead of the competition.


Here are some job search strategies you can implement during this season to keep moving forward in your career journey, even when fewer jobs seem to be available.


1. Leverage the "Hidden Job Market"

Did you know that a significant percentage (upwards of 80%) of job openings are never advertised? This “hidden job market” is often filled through networking, referrals, and direct outreach. During the holiday season, when formal hiring processes slow down, this hidden market becomes even more important. Many companies still need to fill key roles before the new year, but they might not be actively posting about them online. This is your chance to connect with decision-makers and hiring managers before the competition ramps up.


What to do:

  • Expand your network: Attend industry events, both virtual and in-person. Holiday mixers, end-of-year conferences, and networking groups are great opportunities to connect with people who may be aware of upcoming openings.

  • Reach out to current connections: Reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, or industry peers. A quick “Happy Holidays” email that also includes a mention of your job search can help keep you on their radar.

  • Use LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile and engage with others' posts. Don't be afraid to send thoughtful connection requests to hiring managers and recruiters. Personalize your message, mentioning shared interests or goals.

  • Ask for informational interviews: Even if a company isn’t currently hiring, a well-timed informational interview can open doors to future opportunities, or at the very least, help you build valuable relationships.


2. Strengthen Your Personal Brand

While the holiday season might seem like a quieter time for job searching, it's actually the perfect time to work on your personal brand. Having a strong, consistent brand online can make all the difference when hiring resumes start flooding in again in January. Plus, when job postings pick up after the holidays, you want to be the first candidate that comes to mind.


What to do:

  • Polish your resume and LinkedIn profile: Make sure your experience is up to date, and highlight your key skills and accomplishments. Ensure your resume is tailored to the types of roles you’re targeting, and make sure your LinkedIn headline and summary clearly reflect your career goals. Need some help with this? Send me a message from my website form!

  • Start a blog or share content: Share your thoughts on industry trends or career-related topics. This could be through social media or your own website/portfolio. This information will appear when your name is searched online and it will position you as an expert in your field and help you engage with your network..

  • Get recommendations: Reach out to colleagues, supervisors, and mentors to ask for LinkedIn recommendations. These testimonials can help build your credibility and showcase your professional value to future employers.


3. Take Advantage of Seasonal Hiring

While many industries experience a lull toward the end of the year, certain sectors ramp up hiring for the holiday season. Retail, customer service, and logistics are just a few fields where there may be a temporary spike in job opportunities. While these roles might not always be long-term, they can offer valuable experience, a foot in the door, or an opportunity to supplement your income.


What to do:

  • Look for temporary or seasonal work: Explore opportunities in industries like retail, e-commerce, or hospitality. These roles may not be your long-term career goals, but they could provide you with an income boost and expand your network.

  • Consider contract or freelance work: If you're in a field like marketing, writing, graphic design, or tech, consider looking for short-term contract work or freelance opportunities. Many companies look for temporary help during the holidays, and this can be a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio.


4. Keep Learning and Upskilling

With less time spent applying, the end of the year can be a perfect time to invest in your professional development. Whether you're gaining new certifications, learning new software, or taking an online course, upskilling is an excellent way to stand out when job openings start increasing again. Many online platforms offer courses at discounted rates during the holiday season, making this an affordable and strategic way to invest in your future.


What to do:

  • Take an online course: Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer a range of courses in everything from project management to coding to digital marketing. If you're in a field where staying updated on trends and tools is important, this can help you stay competitive. If you are trying to break into a new industry, these skills can bridge you into a new role.

  • Attend webinars and workshops: Many organizations offer free or low-cost webinars during the holidays. Take advantage of these to expand your knowledge and connect with others in your industry.

  • Stay updated on industry news: Make it a habit to read industry blogs, news sites, and research papers. Not only will you be prepared to discuss current trends during interviews, but you’ll also come across as a proactive, knowledgeable candidate.


5. Set Yourself Up for Success in the New Year

Though the job market may slow down, the first quarter of the year often brings a surge in hiring as companies prepare for the new fiscal year. Use this time to get ahead of the game. While others are waiting for job postings to appear, you can start the year already prepared with a job search strategy in place.


What to do:

  • Prepare your applications for January: Don’t wait for January 1 to start applying. Begin tailoring your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to your target jobs now, so you’re ready to submit them as soon as the postings go live.

  • Set clear goals: Outline your job search strategy for the next three months. How many applications will you send per week? Which companies are you most interested in? Setting these goals will keep you motivated and on track, even when job postings are fewer.


TLDR: Stay Proactive and Strategic

While it’s true that fewer job postings are available during the holiday season, there are still plenty of ways to move your job search forward. By leveraging the hidden job market, enhancing your personal brand, considering temporary work, upskilling, and preparing for the surge in hiring after the new year, you can position yourself to land the right job — and hit the ground running in 2024.


At Rising Star Career Coaching, we’re here to support you as you navigate your job search with confidence and strategy. If you need personalized advice or support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make sure you’re ready for the opportunities the new year will bring.


Happy holidays and best of luck with your job search!



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