The Christmas season often brings with it a mix of festive cheer, family gatherings and, for some, the never-ending search for that elusive perfect job. Oddly enough, the three wise men (yes, those wise men) can teach us a thing or two about the art of job hunting. After all, their journey wasn’t just about giving gifts — they navigated long distances, dealt with uncertainty and knew how to ask for directions. Sounds a bit like the job search, doesn’t it?

Let’s break it down, wise-man style.

1. Be Prepared (And We’re Not Just Talking About Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh)

The wise men didn’t just set off without a plan. They didn’t wake up one day, glance at a star and say, “Well, let’s wing it!” No, they were prepared. They brought thoughtful gifts that would be meaningful once they reached their destination — gold for a king, frankincense for worship, and myrrh for, well, some more sombre future planning.

When you’re job hunting, preparation is key too. You need a CV that’s more polished than a piece of myrrh and a cover letter that shines brighter than the North Star. Research the company, know the role you’re applying for and be ready to explain why you’re the best fit. Don’t forget to bring something to the table that shows your value — whether it’s a standout skill or relevant experience. Maybe leave the gold at home, though.

2. Be Flexible (Sometimes the Star Changes Course)

The wise men were originally following a star, thinking it would lead them straight to the new king. But when they reached Jerusalem and realised their star wasn’t exactly a GPS, they sought advice from King Herod and got redirected to Bethlehem. They didn’t let the change of plans throw them off; instead, they adjusted their course and ended up finding Jesus in a manger.

In job hunting, flexibility is just as important. If your applications aren’t landing, it may be time to change tactics. Perhaps the dream job you had your heart set on isn’t quite on the cards right now. Maybe the perfect opportunity lies in a different industry, or in a role you hadn’t initially considered. Be open to making adjustments, just as the wise men had to pivot on their way to Bethlehem.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Directions (Wise Men Did, Why Not You?)

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness — after all, even the wise men, with their celestial guidance, needed some human advice along the way. They stopped in Jerusalem to get a few pointers from the locals (okay, King Herod, but still). That little detour gave them the final clue they needed to find Jesus.

Likewise, in your job search, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s getting feedback on your CV, networking with people in your industry, or reaching out to a career coach, guidance from others can make all the difference. Just make sure the advice is better than Herod’s — his was a bit sinister, to say the least.

4. Be Willing to Travel (Even If It’s Just to a Different Career Path)

The wise men weren’t deterred by the long, tiring journey. They trekked across deserts, following that star for miles (probably on foot or camel, not Uber), all to find the baby Jesus. That kind of commitment is impressive, to say the least.

When it comes to job hunting, being open to travel — or at least being open to new opportunities — can broaden your horizons. Maybe the best job for you is in a different city or even a different country. Or perhaps it’s in a field you hadn’t thought about before. Being willing to step outside your comfort zone, geographically or professionally, can lead to better prospects.

The Wise Job Hunter’s Journey: A Recap

The story of the wise men isn’t just a Christmas tradition — it’s a road map for navigating your job search. Here’s what we can learn from their journey:

Be Prepared: Have your CV, cover letter and research done before you start following the proverbial “job star.”
Be Flexible: If your first approach isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change course.
Ask for Help: Even the wise men didn’t do it all on their own and neither should you.
Be Open to Travel: Sometimes the best opportunity isn’t just a short walk from home (or in your current career).

So this Christmas season, take a page from the wise men’s playbook and embrace the job hunt with preparation, flexibility and a willingness to ask for help. Who knows? The right opportunity may be closer than you think — no camels required.