Use Your Christmas Break Strategically: 2026 Job Search Prep 

Let's be clear right from the start: Your Christmas break is for resting. 

You've earned time off. You need genuine recovery. And you absolutely should not spend your entire summer holiday in job-search mode. 

However. 

If you're planning to explore new teaching opportunities in 2026—whether that's a different school, a new state, a career pivot, or just testing the waters—spending a few strategic hours during your break can set you up for success when recruitment ramps up in the new year. 

This blog is your guide to low-pressure, high-impact job search preparation during the holidays. 

Week 1: Rest (Seriously, Just Rest) 

The first week of your break should be complete rest. 

No job searching. No CV updating. No LinkedIn scrolling. 

Why? 

Because you need actual recovery time before you can think strategically about your career. If you jump straight into job searching while you're still exhausted from Term 4, you'll make decisions from a place of burnout rather than clarity. 

What to do instead: 

• Sleep as much as your body needs 
• Do things purely for enjoyment 
• Spend time with people you love 
• Let your brain fully disconnect from work 

When you're genuinely rested, you'll have the mental space to think clearly about what you actually want—not just what you want to escape from. 

Week 2: Reflect and Clarify 

Once you've had genuine rest, spend a few quiet hours reflecting on what you want from 2026. 

Questions to ask yourself: 

About your current role: 

• What's working well? 
• What's genuinely unsustainable or unfulfilling? 
• Is this a "bad fit" or just a "bad year"? 
• If you could change one thing about your current situation, what would it be? 

About your ideal next role: 

• What type of school culture do you thrive in? 
• What year levels do you genuinely enjoy teaching? 
• What subjects or specialisations interest you? 
• Do you want metro, regional, or remote? 
• What's non-negotiable vs. what's flexible? 

About timing: 

• Are you ready to move now, or just exploring options? 
• What's your ideal start date? (Mid-2026? Term 1 2027?) 
• What would need to happen for you to accept a new role? 

Write this down. Getting clarity now saves you from applying to roles that don't actually suit you. 

Week 3: Update Your Professional Materials 

If you're serious about exploring opportunities in 2026, use a few hours to update your professional materials while you have time to think clearly. 

Update Your CV: 

What to include: 

• Recent achievements and outcomes (2024-2025) 
• Specific examples of impact (e.g., "Implemented differentiated literacy program resulting in 78% of students exceeding expected growth") 
• Leadership, coordination, or extra responsibilities you've taken on 
• Professional development you've completed 
• Current registration details 

What to remove: 

• Outdated experience (more than 10 years old unless highly relevant) 
• Generic statements like "passionate about education" 
• Every single thing you've ever done—focus on what's relevant 

Format for Australian schools: 

• 2-3 pages maximum 
• Clear headings and white space 
• Professional but not overly formal 
• Evidence-based language 

Need help? HARKE can review your CV and provide feedback: www.harke.com.au 

Update Your LinkedIn: 

If schools or recruiters are going to search for you, make sure your LinkedIn is current: 

• Update your current role and responsibilities 
• Add recent professional development or certifications 
• Include a professional photo 
• Write a headline that reflects what you do and what you're looking for 

Week 4: Research and Explore 

Now that you've clarified what you want and updated your materials, spend some time researching options. 

Research Schools: 

What to look for: 

• School values and culture (read their website, not just job descriptions) 
• Size and demographics 
• Leadership team (do they seem supportive?) 
• Location and community 
• Reviews from current/former staff (take with a grain of salt, but notice patterns) 

How to research: 

• School websites 
• Education department websites 
• Google Maps (check out the area) 
• Social media (what's the school culture like?) 
• Ask colleagues who have experience in that school/region 

Explore Different States (If Relevant): 

If you're considering interstate moves, research: 

• Teacher registration requirements and timelines 
• Salary scales and benefits 
• Cost of living 
• Climate and lifestyle differences 
• What each state is known for educationally 

Resources: 

• State education department websites 
• Teacher registration authority sites 
• Cost of living comparison tools 
• HARKE's state-specific guides: ww

wharke.com.au/blog 

Browse Current Opportunities: 

Even if you're not ready to apply yet, browsing what's currently available gives you a sense of: 

• What roles exist in your subject/year level 
• What schools are hiring 
• What salaries look like 
• What language schools use in job descriptions 

Where to look: 

• www.harke.com.au/jobseekers 
• State education department job boards 
• Independent and Catholic school networks 
• Specialist recruitment agencies 

You don't have to apply—just observe and learn. 

Week 5: Connect and Network 

If you're exploring opportunities in different schools, states, or sectors, use your break to reach out to people who can provide insights. 

Who to contact: 

Former colleagues teaching in schools/states you're interested in: "Hey! Hope you're having a great break. I'm exploring options for 2026 and would love to hear about your experience at [school/state]. Can we catch up over coffee in the new year?" 

Recruitment consultants who specialise in education: Connect with HARKE Recruitment. We can provide insights into what's available, what schools are looking for, and whether your goals are realistic. 

Teachers in your target year level or subject area: Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, or online communities where teachers share insights and advice. 

What NOT to do: 

• Don't reach out to schools directly during the holiday break (staff aren't there) 
• Don't send mass applications without tailoring them 
• Don't burn bridges by publicly complaining about your current school 

The goal is gathering information, not aggressive job hunting. 

Week 6: Set Up Systems for Success 

In your final week of break, set up simple systems that will make your job search easier once recruitment ramps up. 

Set Up Job Alerts: 

• HARKE job alerts: www.harke.com.au/jobseekers 
• State education department alerts 
• Relevant LinkedIn job searches 
• School websites you're interested in 

Create a Job Search Tracker: 

Simple spreadsheet with: 

• Role title and school 
• Date applied 
• Contact person 
• Application status 
• Interview date (if applicable) 
• Follow-up dates 

Prepare Your References: 

• Confirm who will be your referees 
• Ask their permission 
• Provide them with your updated CV 
• Give them context about what roles you're applying for 

Register with HARKE: 

If you haven't already, register your interest with us: www.harke.com.au/submit-resume 

We work with schools across QLD, NSW, VIC, and the NT and can notify you when roles matching your preferences become available. 

What NOT to Do During Your Break 

Don't: 

❌ Spend every day obsessively checking job boards
❌ Apply to 50 roles just because they're there
❌ Make major career decisions from a place of burnout
❌ Neglect rest and relationships in favour of job searching
❌ Stress about not having a new role lined up yet 

Remember: Recruitment typically ramps up in January-February. You have time. 

The Strategic Approach 

Here's what smart, low-pressure job search prep looks like over your break: 

Week 1: Complete rest 
Week 2: 2-3 hours reflecting and clarifying what you want 
Week 3: 3-4 hours updating CV and LinkedIn 
Week 4: 2-3 hours researching schools and options 
Week 5: 1-2 hours connecting with helpful people 
Week 6: 1-2 hours setting up systems 

Total: 10-15 hours spread across 6 weeks 

That's strategic. That's manageable. That sets you up for success without consuming your break. 

When You Return in 2026 

When schools reopen and recruitment activity increases, you'll be ready: 

✓ Clear on what you actually want
✓ Professional materials updated and ready
✓ Knowledge of what's out there
✓ Connected with people who can help
✓ Systems in place to manage applications 



And most importantly: You'll be rested and ready to make good decisions. 

Need Support with Your 2026 Job Search? 

Register your interest for 2026 opportunities: 
www.harke.com.au/submit-resume 

Browse current roles: 
www.harke.com.au/jobseekers 

Get in touch with our team: 
www.harke.com.au 

Enjoy your break. And when you're ready, we're here to help.