The most successful job seekers are very in tune with the ebb and flow of the job market. In Singapore and many other countries, the job market gets quiet as the end-of-the-year holidays approach.

Yes, there is some hiring, but the volume decreases as key decision-makers take leave, staff look forward to vacations and staycations, and most people look to a new beginning in the coming year.

Some staff looking to leave their job will hold out for the bonus payment, although this will be a challenging year for bonuses in most industries.

A Career is Not a Sprint; It’s a Marathon

When things slow down, it is good to research your target companies and roles, including networking, in addition to doing research.

We recommend looking for inspiration and getting some well-deserved rest as well. Both recommendations acknowledge that a job search and career management is a marathon, not a sprint.

Inspiration Between the Lines

Inspiration can come in many forms. We find biographies a constant source of inspiration. If you need help figuring out where to start, you can just look for a biography about a person you admire or in the industry that intrigues you.

In business, we recommend Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, Robert Kuok: A Memoir, or In My Shoes: A Memoir by Tamara Mellon and William Patrick, just to name a few. Finding inspiration will help energize you for the long haul.

You Deserve a Break

Besides finding inspiration from books, movies, or elsewhere, we recommend resting during the holidays. Job and internship searches can be tiring, especially with other commitments like classes, exams, and projects.

Allowing your mind to rest will make it easier to reflect on where you are, what is going well, and what adjustments are required for the next phase of your search. Give yourself a break!

Conclusion

To recap, as we approach the end of the year holidays, remember that the job market slows down. It provides you an opportunity to find inspiration. More importantly, it offers the chance to rest, recharge, and reflect.

You can use this much-needed downtime to prepare for the next lap in a long race. As we should follow our advice, we will pause our weekly tips until early January.

Happy Holidays to you and your family. Here’s looking forward to 2021!

Learn more about developing a winning résumé, building a solid network, and other insights on professional growth from our regular Career Tips series.