The holiday season is in full swing. People are feeling extra kind and generous. Have you noticed? There is even a little less honking in NYC. 😂 Of course, ever since I left NYC, I learned that there isn't a lot of honking in other cities. Shocker.
Work can even take a backseat (sometimes) to all the holiday activities. In December, many things are happening at companies. While the recruiting process slows down in December, it doesn't stop. Most salary and bonus decisions have been determined and even the promotions have been doled out. But that doesn't mean you should take a backseat on managing your career.
So, while you make holiday cookies, attend parties and spread good cheer, here's this week top 3 Career-Maker's to help you get a little ahead....
1. If you are in the midst of a job search, December is the perfect time put your foot ON the gas and be a top candidate for your next role.
Don't stop networking just because it is December. In fact, I would argue that December is a terrific time to network. People are in a great mood. They feel generous and are happy to help if they can. Ensure you are identifying your target companies, reaching out to contacts, and having convos and coffees with your connections. Just as important - work on that resume and LI profile. You want your online and digital brand to be buttoned up BEFORE someone asks for your resume or checks you out on LinkedIn to see if you might be a good fit.
I have several clients now doing some soul searching and figuring out their career path. They want to target the right companies and roles that are aligned with both their professional AND personal goals. This is a great time to make sure you are on the right career path.
2. If you are currently employed, use December as as time to sit with your boss/people manager to discuss the year in a more relaxed setting.
Most likely - if your company operates on a calendar year - your boss/people manager has already reviewed everyone's performance and made promotion decisions. Formal discussions may not take place until January. But you don't need to wait. Go for coffee or grab a drink. Ask about their impressions, how the group did relative to the goals, what he/she thinks you could do better and - MOST IMPORTANTLY - how you can better support him/her (THAT IS HOW YOU SET YOURSELF APART).
3. Think about what you want to accomplish with your career in 2020 - and how to get it done
Getting ahead in our careers is important, but it takes work, thought and planning. Once you meet with your boss and have a little more intel, start making a plan. Does your boss think you are close to the next level but not quite? How do you get there? Do you need to work with different people? Get on different projects? Get more exposure? Learn a new skill? What will it take to get where you want to go in 2020?
And if you are really feeling productive, include reading my new series starting in January 2020 (with a monthly podcast) about what you should be doing each month to manage your career and your pay.
So enjoy your weekend.
Feel free to share your own career-makers!!! I would love to hear (ok, read) them.
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