Many education professionals will be using the festive period to wind down, switch off and relax after yet another hectic term. It’s tempting not to think about work and your career at all. However, this time of year also offers a great window of opportunity to help you positively shape your career for the year ahead. If you are hoping that Santa brings you a new job or new career in the New Year, then here’s some career management tips for the Christmas period, which will make it far more likely.
Send Christmas cards or e-cards
If there is someone you are trying to impress, then don’t under-estimate the impact of sending them a Christmas card. Don’t go into full detail on there about your career situation – it’s not the time or the place. Use it instead to get noticed and show your thoughtfulness, and you may find they are much more receptive to you when your paths cross in the New Year.
Work parties
Have fun but also use the opportunity to talk to people you don’t really know who work in different parts of the college. Their perspectives can be illuminating, offering information or insights that may have passed you by. You’ll also start to build a more positive relationship which may at some later point, become very useful indeed.
Use AI to get application-ready
If you want to apply for a new role in 2024, then use the Christmas break to collect all the information you need to present as a must-see candidate. This includes researching the competences for jobs which interest you, and carefully crafting examples which show you have the capabilities they want. This year, you can also use AI to help you craft your answers. Check out “Standout CVs” for great advice on how to use AI to compose a compelling and authentic career profile.
Meet up with your connections
Christmas provides a perfect excuse to catch up with people you have not seen in a while. This might be ex-colleagues, mentors, old friends, and anyone who could be a useful sounding board for you on whatever career challenge you are facing. Invite them for a coffee and mince pie, or a drink at the pub to catch up on their news and ask their advice.
Ask the family
If you’re unhappy at work or keen for a career change, then Christmas is a great time to be discussing this with loved ones and asking for the support you need from them. Perhaps you are interested in working in a different way or changing career. Bring them on board with your plans. They know you really well so are also likely to have good suggestions about other help you may find useful e.g., a career coach, recommended reading or perhaps they know someone who works in the area you are interested in.
Enjoy the Christmas break and here’s to a Happy New Year!
If you’re considering a career change, exploring your options or need effective job search support, FEjobs recommends Personal Career Management, who offer FEjobs and Eteach subscribers free career review to find out how career coaching can help you. Click here to book.
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