We are in the final months of 2020, but as we consider our resolutions for 2021, it is also precious time to reflect, plan, and act! Instead of another set of job search resolutions, this year, why not be your own Santa and offer yourself the gift of reaching your career goal? Believe it or not, January and February are the most popular hiring months, according to sources like Business News Daily and the Monster 2019 Year in Jobs Report. So, use December to implement a strategic proactive approach.
December is a critical and important time for companies to post open positions. In my former life as a corporate talent acquisition executive, our recruiting team frequently did precisely that to meet time-sensitive January hiring goals in a variety of corporate functional areas. The end of the calendar year is also a milestone period marked by numerous employee retirements and other departures. Now is the time to take advantage of the erroneously perceived “seasonal lull” so step out in front of the crowd with these actions:
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect quantifiable accomplishments and projects you completed over the past 12 months. Collaborate with your CSPD professional development advisor to review and incorporate relevant recommendations and take advantage of VMock and JobScan resume analyses tools available at no cost to all students enrolled in the Fox School of Business.
Nurture existing connections and build new ones by attending virtual on-campus or industry events that are posted on Handshake, OwlNetwork, or Eventbrite. Catch up with a former colleague or arrange an informational interview with an alumnus who works in your target area of interest. In other words, NYFO: Network your face off, says expert Kathryn Minshew in her article, Never Say No to Networking.
Elevate your profile in your current organization whether you seek a promotion or wish to switch careers in the future. You’ll gain valuable leadership experience, enhance your critical thinking skills and meet new connections by volunteering for cross-functional projects, serving on a nonprofit board or joining a sub-committee of an industry professional organization. Catchafire or VolunteerMatch provides high-quality volunteer matching opportunities.
Deck the halls, light a candle, arm yourself with an abundance of goodwill and take time now through December to advance your career goals. The holiday season is a perfect time to pursue your dreams and remember that whether you’ve been naughty or nice, The Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) team will support you on your journey. Happy Holidays!
Visit foxcspd@temple.edu for assistance. Your future is as important to us as it is to you.
Dilyara Kashaeva, MBA is an associate director of the Center for Student Professional Development at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Dilyara advises graduate students on the rules of engagement of professional development and growth.