Believe it or not, the fourth quarter is one of the best times to begin a job search.

Why? There’s less competition. Most people wait until January to get started, giving those who act now a real advantage.

Use this time to strengthen your personal brand:
• Update your achievements – add recent wins to your résumé and LinkedIn.
• Stay visible – reconnect with contacts and engage thoughtfully online.
• Align your message – make sure your profile reflects where you want to go next.

A few small updates now can put you ahead of the crowd when hiring heats up in the new year.