Hiring managers will typically look at your resume for an average of just three seconds before they make a choice about you.
New year, new job?
It’s no surprise that the holiday season, December-January, is a popular time of the year for those seeking jobs, according to career experts. As we usher in the new year with a “new year, new me” mentality, many are looking to shift into new jobs, too.
In a normal year, says Daniel Zhao, senior economist at Glassdoor, the first month of the year is the peak month for job searching–22 percent more job applications are started on Glassdoor during the holiday time frame than in a typical month. This year, it looks like even more people than normal will be looking for work due to the Coronavirus pandemic that has been a key factor in employment throughout 2020.
If you’re one of the many people pursuing a job change in the new year, here are the moves you can make to stand out from a sea of applicants.
1. Use your time wisely.
Taking a break during the holiday? While, the time around Christmas and New Year’s can be slow for many industries, that doesn’t mean you should take a break from submitting résumés. This is because, according to Michelle Armer, chief people officer at CareerBuilder, “Hiring managers are likely receiving fewer résumés during this time period, so it could be a great time to apply.” If you submit your application when other applicants are vacationing, and you might get that ever-important advantage over your competitors.
2. Craft a high-level résumé.
Usually, there is no need to list every job or position you’ve ever had. Armer advises that you “Dedicate more space to the sections that matter so you can give stronger detail about the experiences you’ve had that make you a strong candidate.” Keep impressive statistics at the top of your résumé (accomplishments, initiatives you led, revenue you earned, etc.) and don’t forget to include soft skills like ability to collaborate or lead. Most of all, remember hiring managers will typically look at your resume for an average of just three seconds before they make a choice about you. When it comes to your resume, quickly lead with your best foot forward.
For a deeper understanding of how to craft a stellar résumé, check out our Secrets of a Resume Pro!
3. Socialize and reconnect.
Use the holiday season as a time to make new connections or get back in touch with others. People getting back to work may at this time be happier than usual, and you can benefit from this. At Visium, we tend to believe that because people are generally in good moods around the holidays, job seekers should take this time to network with new or existing contacts. After all, you never know who may be in the holiday spirit and in a position to help you land a new role.
