Career suggestion for the Holiday Season

In the recruitment business, December is typically a slow month for new projects as many companies have a year end that coincides with calendar year end.  Holiday season means that the month can typically be at least half as productive as the other months.

Having said that, from a candidate’s perspective, this is a great time to be reaching out to executive recruiters, evaluate career objectives, update all the recent successes and accomplishments on the resume, and sharpening up the interview skills.

It has been a rough few weeks in Alberta and a few candidates that have reached out to me after the most recent layoffs have seem completely stunned and nowhere close to being able to adequately interview for another position. It is a shock to the system and it can be very difficult to suddenly “turn on” the switch to be an engaging and charming during an interview.  Candidates often need practice reviewing successes and speaking to people about their background before they are able to concisely deliver a convincing presentation in an interview.  For people who know they want to change direction in the new year, use the increased down time in December to help prepare you for a potential change in 2016.  Reflect on your career and your most recent successes and what you want next.  I highly recommend a Christmas drink (does not have to be alcoholic) with a mentor or person who you respect and trust.  Often that person is able to provide guidance and knowledge to you without them even realizing.  Practice your elevator pitch with them or take turns with them in articulating what each of you wants in your career.  It has proven that a simple 20 minutes can create an incredibly uplifting experience.

Note:  It is a lot easier to have these types of discussions when one still has a job.  The conversation is more collaborative and free flowing and has less of a desperation sales pitch to it.  It is often easier to arrange these types of meetings as well because people are feeling good at this time of year and “holiday drinks” seems like a more natural reason for getting together.  This is often a much more palatable option than, “Can we grab a networking coffee together in January?”

Farewell,

Mike