The holiday season is approaching. With it will come a slow down in job search
activity by many job seekers. This is as
true for those who are employed and seeking advancement or new opportunities as
it is for those who are unemployed.
Activity
in the formal job market (advertisements, postings, etc.) slows
drastically. The want ad section of the
Sunday paper shrinks in size. The number
of postings on usajobs drops. Filling
internal positions stops as employees take their use or lose leave. Budget issues that should have been resolved
before the beginning of the fiscal year are still slowing the announcing of
positions.
Is
this a good time for you to slow down your job search activity? Not really. There are many things that you can do during the holidays to improve
your chances of finding a new or better position.
Give
your resume and other paperwork a check-up.
- Take advantage of some of your own use or lose time to bring your resume
or application form up-to-date. Add
recent accomplishments and have a career advisor review your resume and make
suggestions for its improvement. - Prepare
your KSA statements (or the cuirrent equivalent requirement for a job you are seeking) in advance for jobs in which you are interested. You can find the requirements for those jobs by
looking at previous job announcements. Having these statements prepared in advance will save you time in the
application process later. - Don’t
stop your networking activities. The
holidays, with their get-togethers and parties, are ideal times to make contact
with people who can help you in your job search. Although this is truer in the private sector,
you should never underestimate the power of networking when seeking federal
opportunities. - Prepare a clear, concise
statement of who you are and what your skills and accomplishments are and use
it in conversations with those you meet at gatherings. Ask questions about occupations or
opportunities of those you meet. Do your
best to create a good impression during these gatherings. - Don’t
forget to take time to take care of yourself by recharging your batteries with
loved ones and engaging in activities you enjoy. Consider the path you want your career to
take and resolve to follow that path.
There
are many things you can do during the holidays to position yourself for success
after the holidays. Take advantage of the time to prepare yourself for your next career move.
