Christmas can be a very stressful time if you’re out of work and looking for a new role.

The market goes a bit quiet and there’s not a lot you can do to speed things up. Between where you are now and where you want to be is a world of uncertainty. You know your goal and there are some actions that you can take that will help you feel more in control and prepare you for the New Year:

• Cherish Close Ones: Friends and Family are what Christmas is all about. It is the perfect time to spend quality time with the people you care about and make sure that your career and personal goals are aligned. The support of family and friends is invaluable, and it is important to hear their perspectives.
• Networking: The holiday season is a celebration of renewing relationships. Take advantage of this time to reconnect with former colleagues, professional contacts, suppliers, and customers. Make these interactions personal, aiming for conversations, coffees, and collaborative opportunities. Strengthening your network can open doors to unforeseen career possibilities.
• The Gift of Giving: Christmas is a time for giving so it always good to share at least as much as you take in the way of information, introductions, and referrals. It'll pay off in the long run.
• Reflect Post-Christmas Time: Consider your aspirations and work out what you need to do to achieve your goals. Is there any reading or online training that you could usefully tackle while you have some free time? What are your continued professional education and training priorities?
• Refresh your CV : Moving towards the New Year, review your cv and covering letter and revitalise if necessary. Ensure they reflect your current skills, experiences, and aspirations. For more CV tips have a look at our ‘candidate tips’ on our website.