Want a Big Career Move by January? Here’s How to Use November and December to Secure Your Dream Job

What’s keeping you from making the leap? Is it the fear of taking a chance? The weight of responsibility? Or maybe, it’s just the pull of a higher paycheck, a healthier work-life balance, or the drive to finally do work that fuels you.

Believe it or not, November and December are goldmine months for launching your career transition—if you know how to play it right. Most people think companies go silent on hiring as the year wraps up, but the reality? Businesses are strategizing, reallocating budgets, and planning for fresh talent in January. And if you’ve been thinking about a change, these next few weeks are your moment to get ahead, break out of the crowd, and land the role you’ve been holding out for.

In fact, last year, one of my clients made this exact move in November. With a few calculated steps, she secured a VP role by January—**with a 60% salary increase.** You could be next. But it takes strategy, precision, and a plan to be ready when hiring picks up. Let’s get into the exact moves you should be making right now to set yourself up for success.

1. Get Crystal Clear on What You Want—and Why

The most important question you need to answer before you even think about applying is why you’re making this transition. Is it the paycheck? The title? Flexibility? Take 30 minutes today to outline exactly what you’re after and what a dream job looks like to you. This clarity will be your guide as you evaluate potential roles in the coming weeks, and it’ll help you filter out positions that don’t truly align.

2. Refresh Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Hiring managers are making quick decisions during this time, so your online presence needs to stand out. Update your LinkedIn to reflect recent achievements, post new content to showcase your expertise, and make sure your resume has a strong summary section that highlights your value. Companies need to know right away why you’re their best hire.

3. Leverage Your Network for Strategic Introductions

Use November and December’s natural networking opportunities to your advantage. As people are in holiday mode and typically more open to connection, reach out to contacts you haven’t spoken to in a while, particularly those at companies you’re interested in. A simple, sincere message like “I’d love to catch up and hear more about your work at [Company]” can open doors without feeling too “pushy.”

4. Book a Free Strategy Call to Jumpstart Your Transition

Ready to dive deeper into a strategic plan for January? I’ve helped numerous professionals make successful transitions during this exact time of year, setting them up to hit the ground running. One of my clients, in fact, followed this approach and landed a VP role with a 60% pay increase by January.

If you’re serious about making a career move in the next 90 days, book your free call [here](https://calendly.com/emakokha2005/30min?month=2024-08) to start building your personalized roadmap. Let’s make this holiday season the one that transforms your career!