So here we are. The countdown is on for Christmas and boy could we use a HOLIDAY.  The mad rush to get campaigns out the door combined with a host of social engagements will push all thoughts of your career to the bottom of the list. At this time of year the thought of being “interview-ready” can feel overwhelming. But don’t write this time of year off. Think about how you can make this time WORK for you.

1. Christmas isn’t a quiet period (for recruiters)
   
   Your office may shut the doors but it’s not necessarily a quiet time for the job market. Many managers have already started to look at team structure and planning for the new year and have put these briefs in market, ready to start interviews late January. Whilst you may not have time to check job-boards, if you’ve built a relationship with a good recruiter you can be kept across relevant roles during this time.
   
   If you don’t want phone-calls at work, be clear and let your recruiter know you can only manage texts, email or LinkedIn – so you can respond at appropriate times. Signing up to Job Alerts also keep you across all the opportunities in market.
   
   
2. We all need to be a bit flexible.
   
   We know how busy it is, but don’t be put off from the job hunt because you can’t seem to fit it in your day. Work with your recruiter on your timings, and your availability and see if there’s flexibility around meeting close to your work or after hours. 
   
   
3. Use your holiday to build your career brief.
   
   Use your holiday to take stock and think about want you want to achieve in 2016. It might be a promotion, new skill development, new challenges or a New Job. Think about the style of agency or company you want to work for (boutique or big multinational?), the kind of campaigns you dream of working on, the account mix, management style, the channels you want to specialise in. If you can build a good brief for your recruiter it will help you be clear and focused when you are assessing opportunities. 
   
   
4. Keep in touch.
   
   Use some of your holiday time to reach out and chat to your recruiter about your thoughts and ask to be kept across appropriate opportunities. Schedule a catch up meeting or phone call when you are back from your break to talk about your career direction.

Make 2016 a great career year. Merry Christmas!