Happy Monday!

27 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 18,2023 at 4:41PM UTC

   I really understand the need for a break, I'm on one now after a decade at my last job, just recovering. I would pause until the beginning of the year (December is a wash IMO with holidays) if you can afford to. If not, I understand that as well. I'm not working now, but I will be starting my own business/consulting next year. I'm doing things that are re-energizing me and learning some new skills in my downtime. I'm loosely working on my pitch/offering/etc several hours a week but in a curious and pie-in-the-sky way. This has been exactly what I need, I feel very fortunate. Good luck to you, it's worth it.

2. AnonymousSeptember 18,2023 at 6:08PM UTC

   It is getting late in the year and you may do well to take a break and rest up. It's nice to have the funds to do so.

   I'm getting the sense that very few companies are looking to onboard anyone right now. It seems that the interview cycles are taking 3 and 4 weeks apart so that would realistically put finalists in the holiday period.

   I would take a breath, gather your strength and get ready for 2024.

3. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:23PM UTC

   Indeed! Thank you for your comment and advice.

4. Future ExpressSeptember 18,2023 at 6:34PM UTC

   how about using the time to start your own business or dream career using your EMG funds to sponsor your dreams.

5. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:23PM UTC

   Excellent! I have been thinking about it and honestly, need to find the right mentor to assist with this. Based on my skills/talent inventory, I have a lot to give, and the way things are these days, even if I find a job, it is important to have two sources of income. Thank you so much for your advice.

6. AnonymousSeptember 18,2023 at 8:33PM UTC

   If anything, restart I'm January. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, no one is looking to hire except retail (but with online sites, I may be wrong about retail as well)

7. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:20PM UTC

   Appreciate your comment!

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 18,2023 at 10:15PM UTC

   Personally, I never recommend you take your foot off the gas until you have a written offer letter in your hand.

   Despite the other comments, hiring has never really slowed down for me in the last quarter - sometimes, it's just the opposite. New projects starting in the new year and hiring managers want to start with everyone hired.

   I have a new fiscal year starting in two weeks and we're expecting a slew of new requisitions.

   Maybe learn to pace yourself - but unless you have a significant financial cushion, I would not recommend you completely stop your job search. If you're exhausted, work towards a better search/life balance. Take a week off. Recharge those batteries.

   You say your emergency funds can cover the year's remaining months but what about the six months of next year it may take to find a position if you have to completely re-start your search.

   If you have received zero response to your resume, it's typically either the resume or the positions you're applying to or both.

   I can't tell you how many times I've had this conversation:

   ME: I love your experience/background but we have to fix this resume

   CANDIDATE: But I just paid to have it professionally redone

   What have you done so far in your job search?

9. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:20PM UTC

   Ms. Williams, all great points on your comment. I have revised my resume several times, and always tailored the resume to the JD. I have 25+ years of experience in the industry and 5+ years for the positions I am applying for. Rightfully so, there is something that is not catching recruiters attention. My resume has been revised as we speak and hopefully, I get a good feedback as to how to make it more attractive and ATS proof. Thanks for your advice.

10. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 19,2023 at 7:50PM UTC

    There is no such thing as an "ATS proof" resume no matter how much someone wants to charge you $1,000 for one.

11. Tami L CannizzaroSeptember 20,2023 at 2:00PM UTC

    Hi - career coach here. If you have included any reference to “25 years experience” on your resume, please remove. While hiring manages can’t ask your age - among other things - This phrase can create an age bias.

    Do your bullets start w action verbs snd show how you helped the company achieve its goals? Not “responsible for…” which indicates this was your job description.

    Hope this helps.

12. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 2:47AM UTC

    If the rest will make a difference in your life and well-being I vote take some time off. Regardless of what you hear from the media, the job market is brutal right now and won't change change in the next couple months. So rest, enjoy your life and budget wisely.

13. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:13PM UTC

    Appreciate you!

14. Cheryl-AnneSeptember 19,2023 at 8:52AM UTC

    It is exhausting!! I think you have answered your own question. Do what makes you happy !

15. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:12PM UTC

    I know. It is that self-doubt on my telling me to panic when there is not any reason for that. I know by faith that God/universe has a great job for me :-). Thank you for your answer.

16. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 2:24PM UTC

    Honestly, if you can 'afford' it, then I say put the job search on hold. Take a break from it. Take care of you during this time. Revisit in December/January (when hiring is likely to pick up).

    Also, if an opportunity should come your way during that time, don't skip it.

17. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 3:06PM UTC

    I lost my job last year around this time (I knew my last day would be November 1). I started looking in August because I knew it was coming, any applied to everything that I could/was interesting to me. Around November, positions started to fizzle out for the holidays - I kept looking, of course, but gave myself permission to not worry as hard during the holidays. Things started picking up in the new year, and I picked up some temp work then, too.

    So, all that to say....yes. take a break. If you're collecting unemployment, you will have to keep up at least the pretense of a search, but I found that to be fairly easy :)

18. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:10PM UTC

    Thanks!

19. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 3:44PM UTC

    I get it. Since you state you can afford it, slow down instead of taking a complete break. As Q4 comes into play, companies slow down job postings and start back in Q1. Take this time to be more selective in what you are applying for. I took a very well paying contracting job and though I’m still looking for something permanent, I’m at a point where I feel I can take my time and apply for something I want instead of out of desperation.

20. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:09PM UTC

    I am on the same boat. Good luck!

21. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 5:56PM UTC

    The hiring action may still continue through mid November but after that, you are probably looking at not hearing a thing until after New Years Day. Consider having your resume professionally rewritten during this time, tailor that resume to each job you are applying to, using key words and phrases or including statement about your accomplishments, not just job tasks. In the meantime, take any paying job as some money is better than zero money coming in and start hitting it heavy come December 29th. If you are able, expand your application area to new locales and when you see a job listing, apply directly on the companies website to a career posting rather than zipping off a resume/cover to a job board.

22. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:08PM UTC

    That happened with my last job. I applied on mid-December, and they called me with an offer on the 24th. It was an out-of-state position. It was a nice Christmas eve present in 2018. Definitely, this is a different market. Thanks for your advice!

23. AnonymousSeptember 20,2023 at 3:22PM UTC

    Totally understandable they you may feel exhausted and burnt out from the job search. It’s frustrating to do all of that and not get even a little payoff with an interview.

    It seems like you’re in a good financial position for the time being. So this may be a great time to focus on your networking and try to see if you can meet people who may be able to recommend you for roles. Those go a long way. That can come from joining professional organizations or just expanding your personal network.

    This is a good opportunity to volunteer as well. As the holidays approach there are many orgs who will be looking for extra hands. The break will also be good for your mentally. But still try to polish up your resume and ensure it’s well-written, tailored and applicable. Remove old (more than 10 years) info unless the roles you’re applying to require that much experience.

    Gain a certification—if you’re in the kind of field where that may help. But don’t take your foot fully off the gas. Hiring may begin to slow down but it picks right up after the new year and you want to be refreshed, energized, and confident going into the new year. Best of luck in your search!!

24. AnonymousSeptember 20,2023 at 6:09PM UTC

    Simply put, no! Don't stop applying but change your approach. Spend 1 hour each day researching companies that interest you. Even if they don't have roles find a connection that might introduce you there. Read everything you can about them and find a need. Don't just apply and hope someone pulls your resume out of a big stack, work your network.

    Also spend no more than an hour per day applying for jobs. After you do apply, take a walk, read a book, do an online class, blog or write something on linkedin that would help your network. Get noticed by giving something to the space you want to notice you. and BREATHE! it's a long road at the moment in some areas of employment - often taking 6-9-12 months for new work for some. Don't give up. Also note that December is a dead month for hiring and in January companies are doing their budgeting and financial re-evaluation. It won't be till the spring if you pull back now.

25. AnonymousSeptember 21,2023 at 3:28PM UTC

    This is beautiful and exactly what I am planning to do. I will spend time networking and polishing my resume for 999 time. Thank you so much for your input!

26. Refilwe RapotuSeptember 24,2023 at 6:22PM UTC

    I was in the same predicament a year ago. I say take a week off and don't think about applying and just focus on you, right now. After a week, look for a new strategy (ie revamp CV, update LinkedIn differently, engage with previous colleagues etc.) .. just giving yourself some time off will allow you to have a fresh perspective and fresh energy. I wouldn't recommend stopping completely for the year coz there is life on the other side of unemployment (ie getting a few new wardrobe pieces for your new job, transport, fixing your hair, etc).. so I wouldn't recommend you draining your finances. Just tell yourself as long as you did something today as an investment into your future, that's okay. One week rest also counts. Making one cold call also counts. Sending one job application also counts ... even updating your cover letter. Rest, but keep going ♡

27. AnonymousSeptember 25,2023 at 6:09PM UTC

    Yes, as I continue searching for my next job, I have chosen to enjoy every moment of my day to day regardless of what is going on. Seems that I will be able to get a certification at no cost. Great advice. Thank you!