Your Christmas job search

Companies can obviously get a bit distracted at Christmas time with deadlines to meet and partying, and so recruitment can go a bit quiet, although don't think think there are no jobs available so its not worth bothering. Quite often managers want to place staff in post ready for the new year. Like the periods leading up to and immediately after the simmer holidays it can be a good time for your job search.

This means you should use some time to help re-focus on your own career search, getting in a very strong position to get in there immediately when the new year arrives. Continue to send your CV, to possible employers, its a quiet time and they may even have more time to read it than usual.

• Evaluate your CV..does it need any work or updating ? Take advantage of recruitment sites linked to free CV reviews, and post that CV to as many boards as possible. Check where your CV is already posted and take it off, then repost as this keeps it nearer the top of the pile. You might have posted your CV on a site a couple of years ago and not looked since to see if it is being read. The more updating, reviewing and evaluating you give your basic CV the better., remember it is a generic CV to then be adapted for each post you apply for.

• Research and have a good read of interview advice..be prepared !!!

• Explore....

Rather than just applying by sending off your CV to advertised jobs, take advantage of things being a bit quieter and research companies. Google businesses in your area, I believe Yell is also a good business listings. I followed my own suggestion and Googled business directories in Mitcham, which led me to businesses where I can make speculative enquiries about vacancies. However, what I also saw were people offering their own services e.g. cleaning etc. and other jobs they can do to make money as a business. If you have services you can use to make money, take advantage of free business listings to advertise yourself.

• Master the art of Social networking

You are probably on Facebook already, but there is so much more to it than sending daft posts to mates and updating everything you do and everywhere you go. Facebook can and indeed does have a business side...search the groups and pages for people looking for a job, CV reviews etc...If you do not have a LinkedIn profile...go to the site and get started..do not be afraid of LinkedIn many employers now go straight to a candidates LinkedIn profile on seeing their CV, and you need to be there..Google Employment social networking sites too for other useful suggestions.

• Circulate..Take advantage of Christmas parties to let people know that you are looking for a job. Many of these may be fantastic social networking chances

• Benefit from the Christmas break

Get yourself into a good, strong, organised and job ready place, look up courses, including online free ones if money is tight and you cannot afford college courses, see what is free online. Find a system to record your job applications, a simple spreadsheet will do....and..

Enjoy the break !!!!