Surviving the silly season when you’re looking for work

Managing family dynamics, looking after your mental health, worrying about paying the bills and the increased costs of Christmas can all add to your stress and make life increasingly difficult for job seekers.

So how do you stay motivated when everyone else seems to be winding down? We’ve put together some tips that we hope will ease some of the pressures and help keep you motivated in your job search.

5 tips to keep your job search on track

1. Get a head start

Being proactive now can give you a head start on all the people waiting until the New Year to find jobs. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and apply for jobs as soon as they appear. Get in touch with businesses in your local area and let them know that you’re interested in working for them. When employers see how motivated you are to find work it might just open a few doors.

2. Have a plan of action

Try to think of your job search in the same way as a work day and set yourself a daily routine that you can stick to. Set a schedule where you tackle the harder problems earlier in the morning when your mind is fresh, like writing cover letters or sending out your resume. This will give employers more time throughout the day to review your application. At this time of year make sure your plan of action plan includes times you will dedicate to your job search as well as time set aside for family and friends. This way you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday festivities while your job seeking continues to move along.

3. Ask about temp jobs

Companies are hiring temp staff at this time of year to help them over the holiday and summer period, so you might be able to explore some temporary or casual work options that might turn into something permanent in the New Year. Employers love staff who are reliable with a strong work ethic, so a temp placement is your chance to shine and show an employer exactly what you can do.

4. Be social media savvy

It’s not unusual for people to want to let their hair down at this time of year but be careful not to overshare on social media. When you’re swept up in the fun of partying it’s easy to post things that you might regret in the cold light of day. Social media is a great place to connect and be yourself, but always remember that potential employers might be watching too!

5. Be kind to yourself

If you’re enjoying some festive cheer at this time of year, try not to overdo things and take steps to keep yourself safe over the partying season. It’s important to look after your health and wellbeing and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Drink lots of water, eat well, develop good sleep habits and remember that summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.

Having a strong support network can also help lift your spirits and that’s where we can help! At CoAct, we understand the pressures this time of year can bring and can help motivate you to stay on top of your job search.

We can show you how to look for suitable jobs in your local area, help you spruce up your resume, gain relevant skills and so much more! For all the support you need to find and keep a job, get in touch with the friendly team at CoAct today.