Ask a Recruiter
Q: I’ve been thinking about starting my job search soon, but should I wait until the new year? It seems like I might be wasting time and energy starting it so close to the end of the year.
A: There is no right or wrong time to start your job search. If you’re considering a new role in the new year, set yourself up for success now!
For many professional services organizations, business might slow down due to holidays or waiting for Q1 budgets, which can lead to a reduction in hiring. Job seekers often also choose to pause their job search during the holidays — which could mean less competition for you.
On the other hand, industries like retail, consumer packaged goods, and customer service see an increase in demand for employees during this time of year.
If your industry slows down during Q4, it might be a good time to reflect on what’s motivating your search for a new job. Think C.L.A.M.P.S. 👇
Challenge
Location
Advancement
Money
People
Stability
What is it that you do (or don’t) want in your next role?
If you see a job you’re interested in, apply and put some feelers out there. If nothing’s catching your eye, lean into networking. Reach out to industry connections and former colleagues, or go to a networking event to meet new people. These connections may have insight on roles that aren’t publicly posted!
Make yourself a competitive candidate by optimizing your LinkedIn profile and making yourself visible to recruiters, updating your resume with your latest achievements and responsibilities, and keeping up with trends in your industry.
You don’t need dozens of hot job postings to begin your search. Getting clear on what you want and connecting with your network are the first steps, and there’s no time like the present to get started!
We have more resources to demystify and support the job search right this way!
