4 Things You Should Do To Be Job-Ready Before The Holidays End
Your LinkedIn profile is on fleek, and so is your resume and cover letter.
However, you still cannot seem to find a job.
The unemployment rate is steadily decreasing, and supposedly the amount of jobs in America is increasing.
So where are the jobs?!
As an anxious job seeker, I'm sure it is very annoying to fill out application after application and not hear anything back, especially when you know you are damn well qualified.
Unfortunately, while you may be the perfect candidate, there are several reasons why you may not be getting called back:
- The position may be put on hold because of internal, business complications (i.e. the hiring manager may have new priorities that are more important)
- They are using a staffing agency to help fill candidates and the agency may not be moving as quickly as you may like
- The role that you applied for is a role that they are always hiring for (i.e. at my old job, we were always hiring student employees due to a high turnover, so we kept that job posted even when we weren't hiring)
Despite all of this, one of the most important reasons is that the company may not be in their hiring season. One thing that most people do not know is that December is one of the best times of the year to job search. Many companies begin their yearly, new hire training during this time, and also some companies realize that they have more money in their budget to create new positions or hire more employees. Naturally, because of those factors and more, more positions tend to get posted in December and more people are being hired.
Now before you lazily stop your job search efforts and wait for mid-December to roll around, please realize that the next few weeks are the most important if you are a job seeker.
Here are four major things that you need to take care of before the holidays end so that you are ready for your next big opportunity:
Research holiday networking events in your field.
With Christmas just around the corner, there will be many holiday parties and volunteer opportunities that you can attend. Do your research now and see what is going on in your community, and with your desired, future employers. Start RSVPing now to those events and get ready to network and meet new people.
Connect with old contacts to touch base, show gratitude, and even ask to use them as a reference.
I truly believe in the value of maintaining relationships with everyone. You never know what someone can do for you, or when you will need someone that you least expect. Touch base with your old contacts by sending them a holiday card or e-card. Even better, take time out to call them. I know this may seem really cheesy, but I actually schedule days to call and check on certain people. I don't have a fancy scheduling system, I just use my iPhone calendar and randomly schedule reminders to "call ____" or to "email ____".
Also during this time, it is important to reconnect with old employers and peers so that you can update your reference list. If you are in need of references, kindly tell them what your job goals are and ask them if they can be a reference. If you were a good employee or coworker, they will not have a problem with it.
[Related: Do These 4 Things On LinkedIn & You Will Have Recruiters Sliding In Your DMs]
Take advantage of family and friends visiting for the holidays by brushing up on interview skills.
Before any interview, it is always good to practice your elevator pitch and go over basic interview questions. It is better to practice interviewing skills with another person because you can get feedback. While your family and friends are in town for the holidays, slip them away for a little interview roleplay. Give them a list of questions, and ask them to interview you and give you constructive feedback at the end. Most of the time, the most honest people are our family members, and these are the type of people that you need advice from.
Do more research on what kind of career you want and the companies that you want to work for.
Since you are on the job hunt, it is obvious that you are anxiously seeking a new position. However, do not be too anxious and apply for literally any and everything that is posted. Doing so is not only a waste of time, but a waste of energy. Think about what you truly value, what your skills are, and what you are passionate about. Really think about what kind of career you want, what kind of company that you want to work for, and what exact position you are seeking. It is important that you do your fair share of research before joining a company so that you can personally benefit and grow.
Before you spend your holidays deal shopping and eating one and two plates of yummy holiday food, make sure you are also using your time wisely. By doing the aforementioned things this holiday season, you may find yourself coming into the new year with a new job!
What are some other things that you can do this holiday season that will benefit your job hunt? Let us know by commenting below.
Featured image by Shutterstock
- Top 11 Reasons to Job Search During the Holidays ›
- Is Job Hunting During the Holidays a Waste of Time? | HuffPost ›
- How to Use the Holiday Season to Job Search ›
- How to Leverage the Holidays for Successful Job Search - Job-Hunt ... ›
- 10 Tips To Job Hunt Successfully During The Holidays ›
- How to Job Search During the Holidays - The Muse ›
- Why You Should Job Hunt This Holiday Season | Psychology Today ›
- 7 tips for job hunting during the holidays - Idealist Careers ›
- 7 tips for job hunting during the holidays - The Business Journals ›
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty