Level Up Before the Ball Drops: Your December Career Checklist

As we wrap up another year, December tends to be a month filled with holiday cheer, reflection, and a little bit of chaos. But don’t let the festivities overshadow your career goals—this is a prime time to set yourself up for success in the year ahead. Here’s how you can use December wisely to end the year on a high note and start the next one even stronger.

1. Network, But Make It Festive

The holiday season is a natural time to reconnect with your network. Send a warm holiday email to colleagues, mentors, or past clients. Keep it light and personal, but don’t shy away from sharing a quick update about your career goals or upcoming projects. Holiday parties and events? Perfect for casual networking—just be yourself and keep those conversations genuine.

Pro tip: Use this time to follow up with people you’ve been meaning to connect with all year. December is forgiving; you can blame the delay on “a busy year” and no one will bat an eye.

2. Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn

Before the new year job surge begins, make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are in top shape. Highlight this year’s accomplishments—promotions, successful projects, metrics that prove your impact. An internal audit can help you identify the key achievements you may have overlooked. Take some time to review your responsibilities, feedback from managers, and any quantifiable results you’ve delivered.

Ask yourself: Did I learn a new skill this year? Increase revenue? Lead a team? These are the moments you want front and center. Bonus points if you use numbers to show measurable results—they catch the eye of recruiters quickly.

If you’re unsure how to position yourself or feel stuck, consider booking a career coach to guide you through the process. A coach can provide tailored advice to help you articulate your value and ensure your profile stands out in a competitive market. It’s an investment in yourself that pays dividends.

3. Reflect and Set Intentions

Take some time to evaluate where you are in your career. What went well this year? What could’ve been better? Reflecting on these questions will give you clarity as you start planning your goals for the next year.

Write down your intentions:

• Do you want to switch industries?

• Land a promotion?

• Finally tackle that certification or skill you’ve been putting off?

Having a clear vision of what you want will make January that much easier to tackle.

4. Keep Job Searching—Yes, Even Now

A lot of people assume December is a dead time for job hunting, but that’s a myth. Many companies are looking to fill roles before the end of their fiscal year, and hiring managers are still actively reviewing applications. Don’t take your foot off the gas—you could land your dream role while everyone else is waiting for January.

Quick tip: Make sure to follow up on any applications or interviews from earlier in the year. A simple email can keep you top of mind.

5. Invest in Yourself

December is the perfect time to invest in your personal and professional growth. Think of it as setting the foundation for a successful new year. Whether it’s enrolling in a course to sharpen your skills, booking a professional service like a resume revamp to elevate your job applications, or purchasing digital tools to streamline your career journey, every investment you make now positions you for future success.

This is also an opportunity to align your spending with your career goals. Treat yourself to resources that will not only make your job search easier but also help you stand out in today’s competitive market. After all, investing in yourself is one of the smartest moves you can make as you prepare for the opportunities ahead.

Need inspiration? Check out free resources on our blog or explore our carefully curated digital products designed to support every stage of your career.

6. Take a Break

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of rest. Seriously. While career growth and achieving your goals are important, they’re most sustainable when paired with intentional downtime. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to step back, recharge, and focus on your well-being.

Use this time to reflect on your accomplishments, set intentions for the year ahead, and give yourself the mental and physical space to reset. Rest is productive. It allows you to create the energy and clarity you’ll need to tackle your career goals with renewed focus and enthusiasm in the new year.

Wrapping Up

December is the perfect time to wrap up loose ends and set the stage for a strong start to the new year. Whether you’re fine-tuning your resume, networking with intention, or simply reflecting on your career goals, every little effort counts.

Let’s make the most of these last few weeks and head into the new year with confidence.