Don’t let your job search freeze this winter—apply to work at VA

Whether you’re a soon-to-be graduate searching for your first gig or transitioning into a more senior role, the first part of the year is an excellent time to kickstart your job search for a new career.

Starting the search

January and February are considered to be two of the best months to look for long-term, full-time jobs, since this is when most companies receive updated budgets and future forecasts.

After the slow season around the holidays, the folks in charge have a better idea of what they need and whether they can afford to hire new team members, which leads many career advisors to consider these the top months for hiring.

So, starting your search in these critical few weeks can help you get a leg up on the competition!

How so? During the holidays, many people are too busy to think about starting a new career, but that doesn’t mean jobs aren’t there. Job boards frequently fill up with openings in December as hiring managers anticipate starting the new year with new team members.

Start your search early, and let your application be the first one a hiring manager sees.

Get organized

Coming off the holidays, January starts slow for most people, and many hiring managers take a few weeks to reorganize their workflow.

As a job seeker, you should take this time to manage your own workflow as well. Start to research your options, consider what you want in a career, and even expand your network with professionals you may have connected with at holiday parties or community events.

At the same time, use the momentum of a new year to get your resume in order, draft a fresh new cover letter and update your references. Consider a new career your New Year’s resolution, and set goals for yourself to make that resolution a reality.

Patience is key

In the middle of winter, finding ways to keep your job search energized can be a real challenge. Everything feels slow, and the hunt for a new career can feel like you’re just spinning your wheels.

Just remember to be patient: you may not start seeing responses to your applications until the middle or latter part of January, or even early February. Overall, the winter hiring season typically lasts well into spring as employers take the time to find the best fit for their teams.

Work at VA

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