The celebration of a new year is one of the most widely recognized holidays across various cultures worldwide. Although the traditions vary, and the holiday is celebrated at different times throughout the year, most celebrations acknowledge the new year as a time to reflect on the past and welcome the new.
If you're in the market for a new job, the new years celebrations of different cultures can offer insight to help improve your search.
Here are some takeaways from new year celebrations, to help find new opportunities in 2015.
The Jewish New Year
The Jewish New Year begins with Rosh Hashanah which celebrates the creation of Adam and Eve. The celebration is followed by 10 days of repentance. During this time, people not only ask forgiveness from God, but from those they have wronged over the past year. After Yom Kippur on the 10th day, a new year begins.
Just as people reflect on their wrongs and make amends with the past during the Jewish New Year, take the time to discover what you are doing wrong in your job search, and fix it. Are you applying to jobs that fit your experience and skillset? Is your resume tailored to the position? Are your professional profiles up to date? How are your interview skills?
If you're not sure what you are doing wrong, don't be shy to ask recruiters and employers who passed you by. They could give you valuable insight and help you improve your chances of getting the next job you apply for.
Diwali
Although several different new year holidays are celebrated throughout the Hindu calendar, all Hindus, Jains and Sikhs celebrate Diwali at the same time. The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair.
Job seekers can take two important lessons from this celebration -- optimism and persistence. If you've been searching for a job for a while without any luck, don't lose hope. Keep searching, trying new approaches, and looking for new opportunities. You never know when an opportunity could pop up. Don't let job searching blues keep you from finding the position you want. Check your attitude and breathe new energy into your search.
Islamic/Hijri New Year
The Islamic New Year celebrates the emigration of the prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution. The holiday symbolizes leaving unhappy situations for better ones.
The celebration holds a relevant message for those considering to leave their current job and search for a new one. If you're unsatisfied with your job, it's time to look for a new one. Don't let fear hold you back from better opportunities that could move your career forward.
If you are not exactly unhappy with your job, but think you could be happier, keep an eye out for new possibilities. About 75 percent of professionals surveyed by LinkedIn identified themselves as passive job seekers, and 72 percent of U.S. employers said finding these candidates is a top priority.
Chinese New Year
The celebration of the Chinese New Year varies by region, but most traditions involve reuniting with family and cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, making room for incoming good fortune in the new year.
To bring better luck to your job search, reconnect with old contacts and build on your relationships. Reach out to those in both your professional and personal networks. You never know when a friend of a friend could help you land your dream job. Focus on creating relationships, not just asking others for job opportunities.
Just like the Chinese, you should also "clean house." Clean-up your resume, updated your online professional profiles, and control your social media presence to give yourself the best odds of finding a new position.
Val Matta is the vice president of business development at CareerShift, a comprehensive job hunting and career management solution for companies, outplacement firms, job seekers and university career centers. Connect with Val and CareerShift on LinkedIn.