Once the Holidays end and things begin getting back to normal, it can be a good time to turn your attention to making an important career move.
January and February are the best times for companies to hire. They’ve got their budgets set, their goals for the year are clear, and there is an excitement and anticipation for what the year can bring. This is an incredibly important time to get your name and resumé in front of the right people.
As a job candidate, hopefully you’ve spent some time during the holidays to think about exactly what you want to be doing with your next career move. Now is the time to make that move.
Here are some top tips for getting the job you want in Q1.
Don’t Be Discouraged
Everyone comes back from the holidays at different times and at a different pace. Just because you aren’t hearing anything or getting a reaction on January 5, doesn’t mean that you have no shot. Keep your eye on job boards, make sure to follow up on communications you’ve sent, and think positively. If you are qualified for the job and a company is seeking someone like you, they will likely get in contact with you when they are ready.
Show Your Value
The beginning of the year is all about optimism and planning for major improvements and changes. The most effective way to convince a potential employer that you are the right person for the job is to show how your unique skillset can contribute to the achievement of their organizational goals. Usually a job description will also give you a great idea of exactly what is going to be expected of you, so use the information in the posting to tailor your cover letter and your resumé to reflect the company’s needs. Note: This advice applies any time of year, not just Q1.
Keep Working Hard
If you’re searching for a job while you are currently employed, the absolute worst thing you can do is let your job performance suffer. You never know if that job you think you’ve lined up will fall through, or circumstances could change, or a whole host of other things could happen that would necessitate you staying at your current job. Never burn bridges and try to never leave anyone with a reason not to support you in the future.
Most companies will understand an employee who leaves to take a better opportunity if that employee handles their exit with grace. At Pinnacle Group, we have had countless associates leave for better opportunities, and many of them come back to work with us again. We happily welcome back those who handled their exits with grace and professionalism. You never know what life will throw at you, so it is always best to leave everyone you come across with a good impression.
Plus, working hard in your current role will not hurt you if you take a new job. In fact, it will keep your skills and discipline sharp so when you start your new job, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
Job movement is a fact of life that both companies and employees have to live with these days, and as the CEO of a workforce solutions powerhouse, I know more than anyone how often people change jobs. If you are looking to make that next career step, these principles should help you find the perfect gig in the first quarter of the year.
Our next blog post in this series will focus on ways that companies can make the most effective hires in Q1.
