Advice and Opinion - December 2025

  • The Top Skills Employers Value in 2026 — And How to Show Them

    Posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 by Kim CockayneNo comments

    As 2026 begins, the world of work feels more complex than ever. Technology is reshaping jobs at a pace many people struggle to keep up with. Workplaces are still adjusting to hybrid patterns. Employers are juggling budget pressures with the need to stay competitive. And through it all, jobseekers are left wondering what employers actually want now — what skills make someone stand out, what ...

  • Thinking Ahead to 2026: Career Planning Without Burnout

    Posted on Friday, December 19, 2025 by Kim CockayneNo comments

    As the year comes to an end, it is natural to start thinking about what lies ahead. For some people, this brings motivation and clarity. For others, it brings pressure — a sense that they should have clearer plans, stronger direction, or a more defined next step. Career planning does not need to feel overwhelming to be effective. In fact, the most sustainable plans are often the simplest ones, ...

  • Why the Quieter Job Market Can Be a Good Time to Plan Your Next Move

    Posted on Friday, December 19, 2025 by Kim CockayneNo comments

    Periods of reduced recruitment activity can feel discouraging. Fewer vacancies, slower responses, and longer timelines can give the impression that progress has stalled. However, quieter moments in the job market can also offer something that busier periods rarely do: space. When there is less pressure to apply immediately, you have the opportunity to step back and think more clearly about what ...

  • Managing Job Search Anxiety During the Festive Break

    Posted on Friday, December 19, 2025 by Kim CockayneNo comments

    The end of the year often brings reflection. For people who are job searching, that reflection can feel particularly challenging. Recruitment slows down, responses pause, and progress can feel harder to measure. Combined with end-of-year conversations and social comparison, this can increase feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. Job searching is demanding in ways that are not always visible. It ...

  • How to Prepare Your CV Over the Holidays (Without the Pressure)

    Posted on Friday, December 19, 2025 by Kim CockayneNo comments

    For many people, the festive period brings a natural pause in recruitment activity. Hiring managers take leave, decision-making slows down, and application timelines often stretch. While this can feel frustrating if you are actively job searching, it can also be an opportunity. When the pressure to apply immediately eases, you can focus on preparation in a calmer, more deliberate way. A quieter ...