[CAREER SUCCESS] Reflecting on 2025 and what to do this month

"Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." ~ Carl Brad

December 2, 2025

Hi Audie,

It's the beginning of December, which makes this a wonderful time to pause, reflect on 2025, and look ahead to 2026 with optimism and renewed purpose.

Think back to where you were a year ago.

• What did you hope to accomplish once 2025 arrived, and which of those goals have you accomplished? (Celebrate those wins!🎉)
• What's still on your plate?
• How important is each of those remaining goals to you today on a scale of 1-10? If something no longer matters or no longer fits, give yourself permission to let it go. If it's still meaningful, what is one step you can take today to move the needle forward?

Now, let's shift your focus to the present moment.

• What do you want to improve, learn or achieve in the coming year, both personally and professionally?
• Write down everything that comes to mind without judging or overthinking.
• Then, review your list and prioritize it.
• Look closely at your top 3 items and choose one action you can take today for each one.

🎯 If any of your priorities include finding a new job, positioning yourself for an internal move, or making a career change, this month's newsletter will be especially helpful.

Below you will find important tips for navigating the month of December along with a few common pitfalls to avoid.

Happy reading ... 

Reflecting on 2025 and What To Do This Month

Stay the course

At the year winds down, many job seekers assume that "no one is hiring" or "everything slows down around the holidays; I'll pick back up with my job search in January." I'm here to reassure you that this is not true!

December can be one of the most strategically powerful months of your entire search if you stay visible, stay proactive and stay connected.

Here are some proven job search tips for you to focus on this month:

✨ Continue networking with former colleagues and professional contacts making sure you walk away from the conversation with at least 2 new people to be introduced to. Expanding your network is one of the fastest ways to increase your visibility and uncover hidden opportunities.

✨ Circle back with the hiring manager from positions you interviewed with, but didn't land. if you interviewed 2-3 months ago and received a "no" now is a perfect time to reconnect. Wish them a warm holiday season and check in on how things are going with their hire. For all you know, that individual may not be working out or they left to accept another position they were interviewing with at the same time (but accepted the first offer -- a bird in the hand...).

✨ Use holiday gatherings to share your search goals. Family get-togethers, virtual catch-ups, and festive events, offer natural opportunities to briefly share the type of role, industry and company that would be a good fit for you. Keep your energy positive and enthusiastic. People are much more inclined to help someone who is excited about what comes next.

✨ Bonus: Take an hour or two to update both your resume and LinkedIn profile before the end of the year. This is one of the most important habits to develop, even when you're not actively searching. Why?

• You remember your wins and accomplishments best while they are fresh.
• Promotions, big projects, and metrics often get lost or forgotten in time.
• Recruiters slow down in December, but they absolutely search LinkedIn and prepare their January pipelines.
• A polished profile positions you for unexpected opportunities that arise in the 1st quarter.

Think of this as an annual professional maintenance check. It helps you stay aligned with your goals and positioned for the roles you want next.

Pitfalls to avoid in your search throughout December:

💥 Putting your search on hold until January. This is one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make. You want to show up consistently with your network, recruiters and hiring managers and corporate executives. Visibility now creates opportunities later.

💥 Judging the job market by the number of LinkedIn postings. Job boards represent only a small fraction of real opportunities. A healthy benchmark is to spend no more than 10-15% of your time looking at job board postings. Networking, working with Executive Recruiters and proactively reaching out to executives at targeted companies should continue to be your primary strategies and focus.

💥 Being overly hard on yourself. A job search, especially after a downsizing, is emotional, stressful and draining. Make sure you find time every day to "fill your soul" with activities that you enjoy: a walk, a class, a book, your favorite cafe, exercise, etc. Replenishing your energy is not indulgent ... it's strategic and important.

"It's not the load that weighs you down, it's the way you carry it." ~ C.S. Lewis

In closing, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season, and good health and happiness in 2026!

I'll be back in your Inbox in January with other valuable job search tips, strategies, mindset shifts and light bulb moments. 💡

To your career success,

Audie

P.S. I would really appreciate your sharing this email with your network of corporate leaders and executives you feel could benefit from it. Thank you!

P.P.S. If you are a mid- to senior-level career corporate leader and motivated to secure "what's next" in your career (or know someone who is), I'd love to speak with you to better understand your situation and see how I can be of help. Click here to schedule a complimentary 45-minute strategy session.