Is Christmas a Good Time to Apply for Another Job?
During the festive period, it is definitely more noticeable that there are not as many people around the office. A lot of companies close over Christmas and this could be a reason not to start applying for another job however, there are some benefits to continuing your job search during the holidays.
Less Competition
As a recruitment business, we are constantly taking on new clients and this means new job opportunities are always opening up. Around Christmas time though, we do see a decrease in candidates applying for jobs, as people are getting ready to close down shop for the festive celebrations. This means that if you choose to apply for a role over the Christmas period, it may mean that you have more of a chance as your application will be one of few, rather than one of many.
Fewer candidates applying = less competition for you!
First in the Pile
Applying at a time when most other job seekers are busy with work or the family commitments that Christmas inevitably brings, means you will be at the front of the queue when the doors open in the new year! Worried that applying at Christmas will make you look bad? Don’t be! Applying whilst others are thinking about different things shows a huge amount of initiative and that you are a proactive candidate, a great trait for any employee.
How to Get Ahead of Your Competition During the Christmas Break
Update Your CV
When looking for a new job, this should be the first place you start. Updating your CV with relevant and recent experience could be the difference between finding (and landing) your dream job and not. Ensure you’ve listed your achievements and skills, especially those that link directly to the job you are applying for.
Once you have identified a new job opportunity you want to go for, tweak your CV to include a summary that speaks to the hiring manager at the business you are applying for. Check the job description, can you add in any of these skills or qualifications they are looking for? (Obviously, ONLY add them if you actually have them! Never lie on your CV)
Explore the perfect IT and Cyber Security CV examples.
Apply Consistency and Authenticity
Now you’ve sorted your CV, you need to check if your social media profiles match to it (yes hiring managers DO look you up on social media). It’s no good having a squeaky clean CV if your social media profiles are ahem… less than squeaky clean.
Your LinkedIn profile is the most important one as this is visible to recruiters and hiring managers, though it isn’t the only one to check! It’s not a surprise to know that employers can (and will) scan your social media profiles for any red flags and to check you are who your CV says you are.
Prepare for the Job Interview
You’ve sent your application and you haven’t heard back yet… but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for your interview. A lot of candidates don’t prepare for an interview until they receive an invitation, but some employers like to surprise you with an interview for the following day! This doesn’t give you enough time to prepare, and being inevitably nervous you may be scrambling for answers to questions if you are last minute with your prep.
Explore the best types of questions to ask your employer during an interview.
Ask for Feedback
Sent out your CV and haven’t heard back? Don’t be scared to chase them! There may be a few reasons that they haven’t responded… One of them could be that your skillset doesn’t match the job criteria, in which case the feedback they give may guide you in the right direction for future job applications. It could also be down to a technological issue, so you may highlight a problem they weren’t aware of before- helping others too!
Why Choose Us?
At ARM, we understand the significance of securing your dream job and the challenges that come with the job-seeking process. As a leading recruitment agency with years of experience, we stand out for several compelling reasons:
1. Expertise: Our team of seasoned recruiters possesses extensive knowledge across various industries and job sectors. We leverage this expertise to identify the best job opportunities tailored to your unique skills and preferences.
2. Personalised Guidance: We believe in forging strong connections with our candidates. Our personalised approach ensures that we understand your career aspirations, strengths, and areas for development, allowing us to guide you effectively through every step of the job search.
3. Vast Network: ARM has developed an extensive network of top employers and companies, giving you access to a diverse range of job openings. This network allows us to match you with employers that align with your professional goals.
4. Interview Preparation: Our dedication to your success goes beyond connecting you with job openings. We provide comprehensive interview preparation, offering valuable tips, insights, and mock interviews to boost your confidence and performance during the real interview.
5. Long-term Support: Our commitment to your career doesn’t end after you secure a job. We maintain long-term relationships with our candidates, ensuring ongoing support and assistance to help you excel in your chosen role.
6. Confidentiality: We understand the importance of privacy in job-seeking endeavours. Rest assured, all your personal information and job search details are treated with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
Choosing ARM means entrusting your career goals to a dedicated team that will be with you every step of the way. Let us guide you towards a successful and rewarding professional journey.
