?? The Holiday Season & Your Next Big Career Move ??

Written by Dawn Bahan, Executive Resume Writer | Resumes by Dawn

The holiday season is upon us—a time for reflection, connection, and maybe even a few strategic moves toward that next-level role. If you’re a busy professional or executive quietly considering new opportunities, you might be surprised to find that this festive time of year is also ripe for career planning. Here's how holiday traditions can mirror your executive job search:

1?? The “Wish List” Strategy While others are making wish lists for Santa, you're creating yours for your career. Whether it's a leadership role at a larger company, a C-suite position, or a transition into a different industry, now’s the time to define your goals and set your sights on the opportunities that align with your vision.

2?? Networking: The “Holiday Party Hack” Holiday gatherings are perfect for expanding your professional network—but remember, you’re playing chess, not checkers. Casual mentions like, “I’m exploring opportunities to bring my expertise in [your field] to a larger stage,” can spark meaningful conversations. And yes, you can slip this in between toasts without being “that person.”

3?? Year-End Reflections The holidays are synonymous with taking stock of the year gone by. Apply the same practice to your career:

• What successes are you most proud of this year?
• What challenges taught you the most?
• Are you still passionate about where you're headed? Use these answers to recalibrate your career trajectory for the new year.

4?? “Unwrap” Your Value You know your value as a leader—but do hiring managers? Now’s the time to refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile. Frame your accomplishments like the holiday gift they are: results-driven, measurable, and impactful. Make it clear why any organization would be thrilled to have you under their proverbial tree.

5?? The Patience of a Holiday Shopper High-level hiring processes often stretch over weeks or months, especially during the holidays. But patience pays off—staying top of mind with strategic follow-ups can help ensure you’re remembered when decision-makers finalize their picks.

6?? Strategic “Gifting” of Resolutions New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for personal growth—they’re for professional aspirations too. Whether it’s joining a larger organization, leading transformative initiatives, or stepping into a C-suite role, use the holidays to set clear, actionable goals.

7?? Why Now Is the Best Time Here’s the secret: while others assume hiring slows during the holidays, savvy professionals know this quieter season offers less competition. Companies often finalize budgets and identify key leadership needs for the new year—this is your chance to stand out and get ahead of the January rush.

As you deck the halls, consider this: the best gift you can give yourself is a career that aligns with your ambitions and values. The holiday season isn’t just for celebrating the present—it’s for planning your future. Your next opportunity might be the perfect present waiting under the tree.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year filled with exciting opportunities!

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