As we close out 2025…
…and look ahead to 2026, the so-called “slow season” can actually be one of the best times to pause, evaluate your job search, and proactively set yourself up for success. From refreshing your resume to improving your online presence, small steps now can make a big impact when hiring ramps back up in the new year. Get ready to jump-start your 2026 job search!
At AP Professionals, we take a consultative approach to job searching. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or preparing for a transition, our team is here to help you refine, clarify, and confidently take the next step in your career journey.
Update Your Resume for Today’s Hiring Trends
In our July blog, we shared our top 10 quick tips for tidying up your resume.
Even with that guide, we still see a handful of outdated patterns, especially as candidates prepare for a fresh start in 2026. Here are a few things worth updating:
- Remove your full street address. City/town and state are all that’s needed.
- Strengthen your summary. A summary should highlight your professional value, not simply say you’re “seeking the next opportunity.” Recruiters already know that.
- Keep your resume brief, relevant, and strong. More detail is not better. A five-page resume with every job you’ve ever held can dilute your strengths. Focus on recent, relevant experience and build strong, consolidated bullets that reflect your top accomplishments. Avoid “I” statements and focus on strong action / accomplishment verbiage.
- Eliminate “References available upon request.” This wording takes up valuable space and recruiters know that we can ask for references when the time is right.
- Avoid overly designed templates and headshots. Many fancy layouts don’t read properly in ATS / CRM systems. Unless you’re in a creative field, keep it clean and simple. Recruiters also do not need your photo on your resume.
One of the most common misconceptions we see? Candidates think “listing everything” makes their resume better. In reality, recruiters are looking for clarity, not volume. Strong, accomplishment-driven bullets and well-organized content will always stand out more than a resume overloaded with generic tasks and basic skills like “typing.”
Take Advantage of the Holiday “Quiet”
The holidays can feel like a lull in the job market, but that lull creates a strategic opportunity for job seekers.
While many candidates pause their searches, companies are already preparing for Q1 hiring needs, and recruiters are reviewing talent pipelines before the new year begins. Fewer applicants in the mix means your resume can gain more visibility.
During this quieter time:
- Recruiters often have more bandwidth to review resumes thoughtfully.
- Competition is lower, giving your application a better chance of being seen.
- Many organizations are quietly finalizing or opening early 2026 roles.
At AP, we keep a live, frequently updated job board with our most current openings. Use the slower season to review AP’s openings, explore roles on Indeed and LinkedIn, and position yourself ahead of the January hiring wave.
Strengthen Your Online Presence
Want to get noticed? You need to be visible, and December is a great time to refresh your online presence before the new year. Following company pages (including ours🔗) is an easy first step to stay on top of hiring trends and new opportunities. But visibility goes beyond simply scrolling.
Here are behaviors that consistently stand out to recruiters:
- Thoughtful comments on posts, not just one-word reactions.
- Posting career updates or accomplishments to show momentum.
- Engaging consistently with relevant industry content.
- Sharing helpful resources or job-search insights.
- Clearly stating the type of role you’re seeking when open to work.
If you’re actively searching, consider posting an “Open to Work” update and inviting your network to share. If someone in your network is looking, boosting their post is a simple way to support them and increases engagement on your own profile, too.
Consistency is key. A clear, active presence signals that you’re engaged, professional, and ready for new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The end of the year may feel quiet, but it’s one of the smartest moments to prepare for your next career move. A refreshed resume, intentional visibility, and timely applications can set the tone for a strong start to 2026.
If you’re exploring new opportunities or want guidance on where your experience fits best, AP Professionals is here to help you every step of the way.