Before You Hit the Ground Running This January… Update These 5 Career Essentials
11th December 2025
As the New Year begins and teams return to work, many professionals find themselves quietly reassessing their next career move. And while you don’t need to announce your job search in the first team meeting back, January is the month to act on the preparation you’ve been thinking about.
January is one of the busiest hiring periods of the year, so while the market gathers pace, now is the time to ensure your career assets are ready to shine.
Why January Is Your Secret Advantage
While some people are still easing back into routine, top candidates use January as a strategic launch point. Recruiters are activating roles that were scoped before the break. Hiring managers are working with fresh budgets. And opportunities move quickly.
By having your CV, LinkedIn, and portfolio ready now, you’re not scrambling when the right role appears.
1. Update Your CV
Now is the perfect time to:
- Add your 2025 achievements
- Quantify outcomes (savings, results, delivery milestones)
- Remove outdated roles
- Tailor your CV to the sectors you want next
Need guidance? Check out these helpful resources:
2. Refresh your LinkedIn
With 38 million UK users, LinkedIn is essential for visibility, especially when recruiters begin sourcing in January. Use this month to:
- Update your headline with keywords
- Update your profile photo and banner
- Add recent projects, certifications, and responsibilities
- Upload portfolio pieces or media
- Strengthen your skills section
- Request updated recommendations
- Reconnect with your network
Helpful resources:
3. Reorganise Your Portfolio
Whether you’re an engineer, project manager, designer, surveyor, or technical specialist, your portfolio should demonstrate:
- Your best work
- Before-and-after project impact
- Key metrics and outcomes
- Visual evidence of your capability
- A clear, well-organised portfolio sets you apart instantly.
4. Review Your Achievements
December is the perfect month for reflection. Ask yourself:
- What projects did I deliver this year?
- What challenges did I overcome?
- What new skills, tools, or certifications did I gain?
- Where did I create real value?
This makes updating your CV and LinkedIn far easier and boosts confidence for interviews.
5. Prep Your Job Search Strategy
Instead of waiting until January, get ahead by:
- Identifying the sectors you want to work in
- Reviewing job alerts
- Setting your salary expectations
- Planning how you’ll approach applications
- Connecting with specialist recruiters now
- Turn on your open to work in LinkedIn
January hiring moves fast. The candidates who get noticed are the ones who are ready early, not the ones dusting off their CVs mid-month.
Why It’s Worth Partnering with a Specialist Recruiter
If you’re preparing for new job opportunities this year, it’s worth reminding yourself of the benefits of working with a recruiter. Not only is our service to candidates completely free, but partnering with a specialist can give you a real competitive edge.
Here’s how to get ahead:
- Register for job alerts on our website so you’re the first to know as soon as new roles go live.
- Update your preferences with our specialist recruiters so you’re top of mind when the right opportunity lands.
- Gain access to up-to-date market knowledge, industry trends, and hiring insights.
- Receive salary benchmarking guidance to help you understand your value in the market.
- Benefit from support in finding a culture and team environment that fits your goals and working style.
Working with a recruiter gives you more than job listings; it gives you a partner who understands the market, knows the organisations that are recruiting, advocates for you, and helps you make confident career decisions.
Ready to explore new opportunities?
Browse all our latest roles here
