The holiday season is approaching. With it will come a slow down in job search activity by many job seekers. This is as true for those who are employed and seeking advancement or new opportunities as it is for those who are unemployed.
Activity in the formal job market (advertisements, postings, etc.) slows drastically. The want ad section of the Sunday paper shrinks in size. The number of postings on usajobs drops. Filling internal positions stops as employees take their use-or-lose leave.
Is this a good time for you to slow down your job search activity? Not really. There are many things that you can do during the holidays to improve your chances of finding a new or better position.
Give your resume and other paperwork a check-up. Take advantage of some of your own use-or-lose time to bring your resume or application form up to date. Add recent accomplishments and have a career advisor review your resume and make suggestions for its improvement. Prepare your KSA statements in advance for jobs in which you are interested. You can find the KSAs for those jobs by looking at previous job announcements. Having KSA statements prepared in advance will save you time in the application process later.
Don’t stop your networking activities. The holidays, with their get-togethers and parties, are ideal times to make contact with people who can help you in your job search. Although this is truer in the private sector, you should never underestimate the power of networking when seeking federal opportunities. Prepare a clear, concise statement of who you are and what your skills and accomplishments are and use it in conversations with those you meet at gatherings. Ask questions about occupations or opportunities of those you meet. Do your best to create a good impression during these gatherings.
Don’t forget to take time to take care of yourself by recharging your batteries with loved ones and engaging in activities you enjoy. Consider the path you want your career to take and resolve to follow that path.
** John Grobe, President of Federal Career Experts, is the contributing editor of FEDweek’s The Federal Employees Career Transition Handbook and an expert in employment and job search issues. He provides career advising services to individual employees. John can be reached at (708) 771-2445 or johngrob@ripco.com. **
