Every generation since the Silent Generation, it never fails, people choose the wrong jobs and careers, and they grow old and miserable wondering where they went wrong in their life. Related:Why It’s Absolutely Necessary To Discover Your Passion One thing that’s extremely troubling as it pertains to this issue today is that, as new generations continue on, they become less and less satisfied with their jobs at a much earlier age. Millennials for example are barely five years into their careers and many of them are already “over Corporate America.” Some of them have chosen to quit their corporate gigs in exchange for entrepreneurship. If not entrepreneurship, they settle as a coffee barista letting their B.A.’s and M.B.A.s go to waste. There’s a cultural epidemic that we must deal with as a society and as individuals. We must stop pursuing jobs doing things that we hate just because the job may pay well or may have a certain level of clout. Those superficial reasons for choosing a job or a career will never allow you to maintain longevity. After five years or less, the allure of the money and prestige will have worn off. Once it does, all that’s left is bitter resentment for the degree you’ve chosen that you no longer have any interest in, as well as the job that goes along with it. Employment has evolved and this evolution has made it imperative for us as individuals to begin choosing jobs we love because the things that used to keep us loyal to our jobs like benefits, perks, and pensions no longer exist. Many people may say that finding a job doing what you love won’t pay the bills. That’s true, but perhaps your lifestyle needs to be downgraded. If you truly hate your job, you must make a decision because you can’t have your cake and eat it, too. If happiness and fulfillment on your job is truly important, then you must be willing to sacrifice a higher paying job which may not provide the same level of income. More often than not, earning less money by pursuing your passion is what happens. This is the case because people who are paid well are more often than not paid high wages because they possess a highly valuable skill or because their job requires them to take on a high level of stress. If your passion is basket weaving, you may be able to make a living selling your baskets on Etsy or at local craft fairs, but it may not yield the income or lifestyle you’re accustomed to because the skill required isn’t highly valuable and it certainly isn’t stressful. What you ultimately need to think about when it comes to choosing a job is your priorities. Many people say that happiness and fulfillment is a priority, yet they make decisions that are counter-productive to achieving happiness and fulfillment. Know who you are and who you aren’t and have the courage and wisdom to know the difference.
Finding a job during the holidays is no easy task. You have to navigate vacations, slow hiring processes, and increased competition. Yet with the right strategy, it can be done.
This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
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When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
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Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
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Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
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It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
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The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
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