It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is in full swing across Corporate America. Office parties are well underway, recruiters often have one foot out the door, and year-end projects are winding down. For many job seekers, this signals a pause— a time to put the search on hold until hiring picks back up in January. But waiting could be a costly mistake. In today’s competitive job market, standing out means staying proactive while others hit the brakes. If you want to get ahead of the pack, now is the time to lay the groundwork for success. By implementing the following strategies, you’ll be miles ahead of other applicants come January. Use December to position yourself as eager, prepared, and ready to impress the decision-makers who matter most.
Identify the companies you’d be excited to work for
Job searching can feel overwhelming, but settling for a company whose mission doesn’t inspire you can be worse. Narrow your list to companies that excite you— brands you admire, products or services you believe in, and missions that align with your values. Start with practical considerations, like whether companies have offices in your commutable area, and then think bigger. If you’re staying in your current industry, identify competitors or companies that make headlines for innovation. You should aim for around 30-40 companies on your list. While this might feel like a lot, it will ensure your search is broad enough to yield results. A thoughtfully curated list will keep your job search both strategic and motivating.
Conduct in-depth research on your target companies
Once you’ve created your list, dig deep into learning about these organizations. Tune into their earnings calls, listen to podcasts featuring interviews with their leaders, and set up news alerts to stay informed about their latest initiatives. This preparation will make writing cover letters and preparing for interviews easier and more engaging. More importantly, it will show interviewers in the new year that your interest in the company is genuine and well-informed—not a last-minute effort.
Build a list of key contacts at your target companies
The best way to understand a company is by talking to the people who work there. Use LinkedIn or the company’s website to identify at least three individuals whose roles or work you admire. Plan to reach out for networking conversations in the new year. Pro tip: Draft personalized, thoughtful emails now, so all you have to do in January is hit send. Starting these conversations early can open doors you didn’t know existed.
You can also use December to update your LinkedIn profile, practice your “tell me about yourself” pitch in the mirror, and tailor your resume to different types of jobs. Consider signing up for networking events or exploring creative ways to stand out, like video or visual resumes.
By staying proactive during the holiday lull, you’ll position yourself for success when the hiring season ramps up in January. Take advantage of this time to show up as your best self and leave your competition behind.
Forbes