Job Searching at the End of 2024
At Hired, we support every jobseeker on their pathway to career success. If you are facing a job search at this time of year, for any reason, we have some advice that may help you navigate this season with intentionality and greater success. Let’s walk through some tips and advice from our staff on how to navigate this busy time!
Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself
With the holiday season, there is a lot going on for many of us. With many seasonal activities, gatherings, and commitments, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Anabel Chavez, our Ramsey County MFIP Program Manager, shares some of the questions she asks participants to consider. “Before you embark on your job search journey, take a moment to assess your readiness and define your needs,” Anabel advises.
Some of the questions she suggests you ask yourself include:
Do you have professional interview clothing?
Is your primary mode of transportation reliable, with backup options in place?
Which locations are you willing to commute to?
Have you arranged dependable childcare?
What is your desired minimum wage?
What shift hours work best for you and your family?
Will this job align with your long-term career goals?
“ “By addressing these key factors upfront, you’ll be better prepared to focus on finding the right opportunity and minimize any delays in your job search or start date.””
At Hired, we advise jobseekers to focus on preparing quality applications. Some other tips we have include:
Create tailored resumes that show off your skills and experience.
Draft cover letters that show off your motivations, personality, and work ethic.
Interview, interview, interview! Practice your interview responses with a trusted friend or mentor.
Create a calendar/outline to help you organize your thoughts and create a strategy for your search.
Submit your applications early!
Many job seekers wait until the new year, before they update all their materials and fill out applications. This creates a great opportunity for you! By applying early, you can hit the ground running in January with interviews lined up.
“Follow up!”
Tip: One of our Career Pathways Program Managers, Jennifer Harshner, shares her advice: “Organizations that recruit around the holidays may take longer to fulfill their roles since human resources staff and hiring managers may be taking time off. Make sure to follow up on applications you send so your materials are more likely to get recruiters’ attention. Unlike many job posting sites, LinkedIn job postings always have a recruiter contact that you can reach out to via LinkedIn messaging.”
Network
The end of the year tends to be bustling with social events at local restaurants, breweries, or community centers. Professional associations host local gatherings, and memberships to community organizations can help you connect with others who may be hiring. You can find events by browsing through social media or checking out Eventbrite.
Tip: One of our Adult Services Program Managers recommends attending job clubs where you can meet others who are in the same situation as yourself. You can find job club events at your local CareerForce Center, churches, and various other community spaces.
“Not only will you find support from peers, but the facilitator will provide guidance and practical tips to use during your job search. ”
Volunteer
The season of giving isn’t just about receiving—it’s also a time to be out in the community! Here are a few ways that you can explore volunteering to support your professional development.
If you're interested in nonprofits, explore their volunteer opportunities—your expertise might be just what they need, and it's a great chance to network for future connections.
Volunteering in unfamiliar spaces and places can help you learn fresh concepts and boost your resume or LinkedIn profile with more experience.
Re-skilling and pivoting to something new
A new year can be a great opportunity to hit the restart button and work towards a new career goal.
Our counselors help participants explore their options and take certification courses, bootcamps, and other forms of job training. One option for career exploration is Hired’s Career Pathways programs. These are free, short-term trainings for those interested and eligible (such as having a low-income) to prepare for a career in high-need industry. We have cohorts starting in 2025 for:
Office administration
Human services
Home energy
Medical call center
Medical manufacturing
At Hired, we help our jobseekers with every step of the process. Working with a variety of participants from different experiences and situations, we continue to be nimble and support our participants with their individual career goals. What support looks like varies from person to person, but one thing remains the same – individualized, supportive job training and coaching. It’s what Hired does best.
If you are looking for more support like this during your job search, connect with us!
From our team to yours, we wish you all the best in finding your next employment opportunity.