Maximizing Your Holiday Downtime: Easy Career Wins You Can Achieve While Recharging
The holiday season is almost here—a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Hiring tends to slow down as recruiters and hiring managers take time off, so this is the perfect opportunity to prepare and get a jump start for the new roles and headcount that typically open in January. When you find yourself with some quiet time or need a break from the festivities, a few small, career-focused actions can help you feel like you're keeping up momentum for the new year. Here are a few stress-free strategies to help you make the most of your holiday downtime.
1. Reflect on What You’ve Accomplished This Year
Before jumping into new goals, it’s valuable to recognize how far you’ve come. Set aside some time (30 minutes is fine!) to think about your achievements over the past year:
Did you learn new skills?
Did you handle a challenging project or build new connections?
Listing out even small wins can remind you of your progress and clarify your strengths, helping you identify the next steps in your career journey.
2. Create a Career “Wish List” for the New Year
During the holidays, let yourself dream a little! Think about roles, companies, or industries that excite you, and start a wish list of potential opportunities. There’s no pressure to act immediately, and having this list in hand can guide your job search when you’re ready to dive in.
3. Map Out a Few New Year Career Goals
Setting career goals can be daunting, but it’s easier when you break it down. Start with one or two small, actionable goals for the first few months of the year, like updating your resume or applying to a certain number of roles each week. Simple goals can build momentum and lead to bigger wins over time.
4. Share Your Goals at Holiday Gatherings
If you’re spending time with family, friends, or alumni over the holidays, remember that these gatherings can be a safe space to share your career goals. People enjoy helping others, and you never know who might have a valuable connection or insight to offer.
There’s a good chance you’ll hear the question, “So, what are you up to these days?”—which can feel especially daunting if you’re in a job search. So prepare a few wins from the past year, whether it’s a new skill you learned or a project you completed. Sharing these can help you feel more confident, and asking for input or advice can make the conversation feel collaborative rather than pressurized (and no, you don’t have to take everyone’s advice).
5. Tidy Up Your LinkedIn Profile in Just 20 Minutes
A quick LinkedIn refresh can increase your visibility and open up networking opportunities—no big overhaul needed. Try these fast, impactful updates:
Refresh Your Headline: Add a keyword that highlights your role or industry interests.
Update Your Current Role: Make sure your current job showcases any recent projects or skills you’re proud of.
Add a Few New Skills: This boosts your profile’s searchability and can highlight the unique skills you bring to the table. Taking 20 minutes now will ensure you’re ready when hiring picks up in January!
6. Boost Your Skills from the Comfort of Your Couch
Learning doesn’t have to be a big commitment. Even a short podcast, a TED talk, or a free online course can help you develop skills or gain insights into your field. A small investment of time now—without any stress—can give you an edge when it’s time to start applying and interviewing.
Wrapping It All Up
Taking a few small steps now can help you approach the new year with clarity and confidence. If you’d like more structure and personalized guidance, consider investing in my Holiday Tune-Up package—designed to help you (or your loved one) refresh your resume, optimize your LinkedIn, and build a job search strategy that works for you. It’s a small investment in your future that will help you hit the ground running in January! Find more information on my services page and reach out today to learn more.
Happy holidays, and here’s to a bright career year ahead!