Planting the Seeds of Career Growth During the Holiday Season
- Lori A. Jazvac, Master Resume Writer/Certified Career Transition Coach
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
The holiday season often invites us to slow down, reconnect, and reflect. Between gatherings, quieter mornings, and end-of-year conversations, many professionals naturally begin asking deeper questions:
Am I fulfilled?
What factors in my workplace or role do I want more of?
What’s ready to shift in my career?
While it may appear that everything pauses in December, the reality is quite the opposite.
Career conversations continue quietly behind the scenes.
Leaders plan budgets, hiring managers map out Q1 needs, and teams identify skill gaps long before roles are officially advertised. This makes the holiday season a powerful—yet gentle—time to explore what’s next.
This isn’t about pushing harder with career. It's about being visible, intentional, and connected.
Why Networking and Referrals Matter More Than Ever
Research consistently shows that referrals remain one of the strongest pathways to opportunity:
A significant percentage of roles are filled before they are ever publicly posted
Referred candidates are far more likely to get interviews and offers than cold applicants
Hiring managers trust referrals because they reduce risk, time, and cost
In practical terms, this means most opportunities come through relationships, conversations, and visibility, not just online applications. The holiday season—when people are more reflective and open to connection—creates an ideal environment for these conversations to happen naturally.
Think of networking during this time not as job searching, but as career seed planting.
10 Holiday Networking Tips for 2025 (Online & In Person)
These simple actions keep momentum flowing while honoring rest and balance.
Refresh Your LinkedIn Headline
Make it future-focused so people instantly understand where you’re heading.
Share a Year-End Reflection Post
Lessons learned or intentions for 2025 build trust and relatability.
Send Thoughtful Holiday Check-In Messages
A genuine note of appreciation keeps relationships warm—no ask required.
Engage Consistently on LinkedIn
Meaningful comments often create more visibility than frequent posting.
Attend One Low-Pressure Holiday Event
Alumni gatherings, industry socials, or community events count.
Refine Your 30-Second Introduction
Share who you are, what you’re exploring, and what excites you.
Reconnect with Dormant Contacts
The holidays are a natural and welcomed reason to reach out to your trusted references.
Follow and Engage with Target Companies
Familiarity builds before hiring activity increases.
Lead with Curiosity in Conversations
Authentic interest builds trust faster than self-promotion.
Set One Small, Clear Networking Goal
One message, one coffee, or one conversation per week is enough.
Looking Ahead with Clarity and Confidence 🌱
Career growth rarely happens overnight. More often, it’s the result of small, aligned actions taken consistently—conversations started early, relationships nurtured gently, and clarity built over time.
The seeds planted during the holiday season often become the referrals, interviews, and opportunities that open doors in the new year.
If you’re ready to approach your career with more structure, confidence, and intention in 2025, my LearnFormula course was created to support you through that exact process.
✨ In the LearnFormula course, you’ll learn how to:
Gain clarity on your next career direction
Build authentic, confidence-based professional relationships
Navigate networking and referrals strategically
Position yourself for opportunities without burnout
👉 Visit LearnFormula and step into the new year feeling prepared, connected, and empowered. Because the most meaningful career shifts often begin quietly—with reflection, relationships, and one intentional conversation.
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