January job Search prep (without the hustle): a 15-minute reset + recruiter tips
- Jenna Cantwell
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re thinking about a new role in the new year but you’re not sure where to start, this post is for you.
January job search prep doesn’t have to be a full personality change or a 47-step plan. As a former recruiter and career coach, I’m sharing a realistic reset you can do even if life is busy (because it is).
Why January is a smart time to job search
A lot of companies use late December to finalize budgets and headcount.
That’s why January often brings:
✔ fresh openings
✔ faster replies
✔ more decision-makers back online
Translation: if you prep now, you can move quickly when the right roles pop up.
January Job Search Prep: 4 steps to do ASAP
Pick one or all of these activities to do before you start job searching in January. The goal is momentum, not perfection.
Step 1: Refresh your LinkedIn headline (value-first)
Instead of only listing your title, try: Role + Value + Niche
LinkedIn headline examples:
✔ Project Manager | Leading Cross-Functional Launches in Healthcare Tech
✔ Sales Leader | Building repeatable revenue systems in B2B SaaS
✔ Operations Manager | Streamlining processes so teams can scale
Here are 3 examples of profiles that fit the vibe check (I am a little biased!)
Step 2: Build your "dream companies" shortlist
If you want to avoid the “apply everywhere and burn out” approach, build a shortlist of companies you’d actually be excited to work for.
Start with 8–12 companies:
2–3 dream companies
2–3 high-growth mid-size companies
1–2 local/regional employers (if you want hybrid)
1–2 companies known for internal mobility
This makes your job search more focused and helps you spot opportunities faster.
Step 3: Save 5 job posts and pull the keywords
Save five roles you’d apply for in January. Then scan for repeated keywords (skills, tools, leadership traits). Those patterns tell you what to emphasize on your resume and LinkedIn.
Step 4: set up job alerts so you're early, not scrambling
One of the easiest ways to reduce job search stress is to let the right roles come to you.
Here’s a simple job alerts setup that works:
Choose 2–3 job titles (use the most common title recruiters post, not your internal title)
Add 5–8 core keywords (tools, certifications, niche skills)
Set location + remote/hybrid filters
Turn on daily alerts (or 3x/week if daily feels like too much)
Pro tip: Create one alert for your “perfect role” and one for a slightly broader version (example: “Customer Success Manager” + “Account Manager”)
Recruiter tip: how to follow up without being annoying
If you applied and haven’t heard back, a short follow-up can help, especially once teams are back online.
Here’s a simple follow-up you can send:
“Hi [Name], I applied for [Role] on [Date] and wanted to reiterate my interest. If helpful, I’m happy to share a quick summary of my relevant experience. Thanks for your time!”
Keep it polite, short, and specific.
AI Prompt: Create a dream-company shortlist (Fast)
If you like using AI for career planning, copy/paste this:
“Act as a career coach. I’m targeting roles like [target role] in/around [industry]. My non-negotiables are: [remote/hybrid/on-site], [salary range], [company size], [values/culture], and [locations]. Instructions:
Ask me up to 5 clarifying questions.
Then generate a shortlist of 15–25 companies that match.
For each company, include: why it’s a fit (1 sentence), what to follow on LinkedIn (company page, leaders, recruiters), and 1 search phrase to find open roles.
End with a 7-day low-effort plan to start engaging with these companies.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re overwhelmed, zoom way in. One small step today is still progress - and it makes January feel a lot less chaotic.
If you want help with your next step (resume, LinkedIn, interview prep, or job search strategy), you can book a consultation call here:
From my mind to your screen,
About the Author:
Jenna Cantwell is a former recruiter and certified career coach who's helped hundreds of professionals land their dream jobs. She shares honest, actionable career advice through her weekly newsletter, Career Unfiltered.
Want more recruiter tips? Subscribe to Career Unfiltered for weekly insights delivered straight to your inbox.
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