It’s only natural – when we are all busy focused on shopping for presents, writing cards and preparing for the Christmas period, thinking about your career isn’t going to be the priority. But having said that, many of us often find ourselves twiddling our thumbs at some point during Christmas and New Year, so it could be the ideal time to make some plans for January, whether that be searching for a position in a new company or seeking out a different role where you are. Check our list for inspiration!
Sit down with a cuppa (or a glass of bubbly!) and try a bit of self-evaluation.
Try and remember what you wanted to accomplish in 2022. If you accomplished it, think about what you did that made it happen, and if not, try and identify areas where you came up short and what you might do to address them. Also, ask yourself where you want to be at this time next year. Does this mean some changes where you are—some new responsibilities or a new title, perhaps? Or is this the year you take that leap and start looking for new opportunities?
Keep up-to-date with new technologies and trends.
LinkedIn, blogs, forums, and Google will have lots of articles on what’s expected for next year, and any system or software updates. If you are in an tech or office-based job, check job sites for jobs similar to yours to see what technologies are listed in the description – is there something you should be learning or swotting up on? If a new version of something you use is scheduled to be rolled out in the new year, read up on it now so you can be an expert when the time comes for implementation! You could be the ‘go to’ expert for the new technology within your company. You might even decide that the best opportunities lie outside your company, and start looking elsewhere.
Try networking within your existing company.
Does your company have a big Christmas party or lunch? If you’re wanting to learn more about career paths or upcoming projects, this can be your chance to rub shoulders with those who are in the know. Make a little small talk in a relaxed situation like this, and then follow up in more depth later on.
Network elsewhere.
Some local or online networking groups will have Christmas networking events. This is a good chance to seek out people you want to connect with, and see also who they can introduce you to. This too is a relaxed setting to pick people’s brains and can lead to more substantive conversations later on.
Chat with a friendly recruiter, like – shameless self-promotion time! – one of the team at Recruited UK!
We like to check-in with candidates we’ve been in touch with during the past year, to see how they are doing and if there’s any help they need. Don’t shy away from having a quick chat with one of us. You’ll hopefully know how approachable we are, and its a great time of year to have a low-pressure chat about jobs and careers!
Finally, consider your wellbeing and just decompress a little.
You’ve been working hard all year, and nothing gets you ready for a brand new year than ending the current one by taking a bit of time for yourself. Spend time with loved ones, catch up on Stranger Things (very festive!), or have a getaway, be that to a far-off location or just to the sofa!
Best wishes to everyone in the run-up to Christmas, and we hope you are all keeping safe, well and warm!
And don’t forget, you can find all our current vacancies online here.
