Considering taking the month of December off from your job search to get some shopping done and prepare for the holidays? Don’t. You may think hiring managers are too busy preparing for the holidays to pay attention to your resume, but that’s actually a myth.

The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone, but December is actually a great month to start applying for new positions, as many job seekers wait until the New Year to begin their search. In fact, many recruiters and Human Resources professionals actually say December might be the best month to find a job.

Searching for a job during the holidays shows employers you’re dedicated to your job search and are excited about a new position.

Want to give yourself momentum heading into January? Here’s why you should prepare your resume for a December job search:

Less competition

Many job seekers don’t start their job search until December, due to a busy holiday schedule or the misconception that the holiday season is a bad time to search. That being said, the candidate pool is significantly smaller in December, making it easier for you to stand out from the crowd with a professional, polished resume.

Also, according to a survey conducted by ExecuNet, 69% of recruiters place as many, if not more, candidates in December than in other months. So, what are you waiting for?

Easier access to recruiters

Many executives and recruiters travel less during the holidays and are easier to reach directly while their assistants are away on vacation. They have more time to dedicate to your resume, as well as your interview, and are generally much more responsive in December than any other time of the year.

Many managers are also under pressure to have a team in place before the new year starts, and also have budgets they need to spend before December 31.

More opportunity

December is a great time to seek seasonal or temporary work because many companies need extra staff during the holiday rush. If you’re in the nonprofit industry, the holidays are a great time to apply for positions, as nonprofits are typically busiest during this time of year and are constantly seeking more help.

If you make the decision to beat the January rush and start applying for a job now, keep these tips in mind:

Build up your network

Be sure to build up your network over the holidays. It’s a great time to reconnect with old friends and coworkers via LinkedIn and Facebook. Also be sure to touch base with recruiters you may know, reminding them that you’re there and may be a great candidate for a position they know about.

Send a holiday greeting

It’s a good idea to send out holiday cards or a small gift to companies you’ve interviewed with to stand out and remind them who you are. This also opens the door for you to inquire about any new positions you may be a fit for.

Also be sure to send out holiday greeting cards to mentors, contacts, recruiters, old coworkers, and anyone else who has assisted you in your job search. You can also send holiday messages on social media as well as a quick way to stay in touch.

Attend a party

Holiday parties are actually great networking opportunities. Believe it or not, but recruiters attend holiday parties looking for potential talent. Don’t’ be afraid to go to a party of a company you’re interested in as a plus one, as it’s a great time to feel out the company and see who you’d be working with. Just be sure not to bring your resume or ask for a job, as you don’t want to come off too aggressive or rub anyone the wrong way.

Looking to start your job search, but need help getting your resume up to date? Contact Capstone Resume Services today for professional resume writing services, cover letter writing, and LinkedIn profile creation!

Now that summer has finally arrived, it is the perfect time to start thinking about your professional and life goals. Employers typically hire more during the summer, and are searching a lot more frequently during these next few months.

As you unwind and relax while on vacation, take the time to think about whether you’re happy in your current position. Reflect on whether you’re looking for more growth or development, or perhaps you crave stability. Now is the perfect time to consider a change, as summer is the prime season to start your job search.

In the United States, unemployment is the lowest it has been since 2008, at 5%. That being said, it’s getting harder for employers to hire experienced, qualified candidates. It’s important to stay on top of the hiring trends to know how to effectively stand out from the crowd. After considering the hiring trends of 2016, we’ve compiled some tips to consider as you begin your job search this summer.

Social media is important.

More and more, recruiters are using social media to find and research candidates. According to a survey conducted by Jobvite, around 92% of recruiters use or plan to use social media, and that number is expected to grow. That being said, it’s important to make sure your social media sites are updated, professional, and free of anything that could negatively impact your professional reputation. A strong, impressive social media presence is more crucial than ever in today’s job search.

It is also crucial to have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, as 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet candidates, and there are 6.5 million job listings on the professional networking site. If you don’t currently have a LinkedIn, or think your profile might not be up to par, Capstone Resume Services can create a professional LinkedIn profile for you.

Don’t rule out remote options.

More and more companies are incorporating virtual and remote options into their positions. Reduced costs and a wider applicant pool make virtual work options an attractive option for employers, and it also helps you expand your search, as you are no longer limited by your location. So, if you’re someone who wouldn’t mind working remotely, consider applying for a virtual position.

Skills trump education.

While a college degree is still valuable, recruiters are beginning to place skills above everything else. It is important to continue to develop and enhance your skills as you gain more experience. Staying ahead by taking online classes or special training courses is essential, as it will help you stand out from the pack and make you much more attractive to hiring managers.

It is also important that you effectively list your skills, as well as what you have been able to achieve with those skills, on your resume. While your work experience and online presence can paint a good picture of who you are, the skills you possess are what will decide if you are a viable candidate.

Adaptability is essential.

Work environments are now changing, as new trends come into the workplace and technology develops. It’s important that you’re adaptable and open to these changes. Embrace them and make sure you stay up-to-date to show employers you can easily adapt to their new work environment and will be an asset, rather than a liability.

Consider growing industries.

While the technology and healthcare fields are growing rapidly, they aren’t the only industries experiencing growth. According to recent studies, the Top 10 fastest growing occupations are: nurses, software developers and network and computer system administrators, marketing managers, sales managers, industrial engineers, construction professionals, and financial managers. If you work in one of those fields, or have been considering a career change, now is the time to start applying.

As you dive into your job search and begin applying for open positions, take a look at your resume. Has it been awhile since it has been updated? Is it still relevant? Does it reflect the trends listed above? If not, Capstone Resume Services can help! Our experienced certified resume writers can craft a professional resume that is sure to get you noticed by hiring managers. We offer a variety of resume services, including: cover letter writing, entry-level resume writing, executive resume writing, technical resume writing, technology management resume writing, and federal resume writing.

To stand out to recruiters this summer, request a consultation with Capstone Resume Services today!