How to Best Use the Holidays in your Job Search!

Hiring During the Holidays

There is a common misconception that hiring is to fall off during the holidays. Where in reality, it can be a time of the year when chances of getting recognized by a prospective employer are actually better odds for the active job-seeker. Finding success during this time of year requires, perhaps, a slightly different set of skills or techniques, but for those that embrace it, the New Year could ring you in on somebody’s payroll!

But, many wonder, if the holidays are such a great time to find work, why don’t more job seekers take advantage? Actually, there’s a pretty simple answer to this. Many think that the hiring process is in a bit of a stall mode and that, combined with the many distractions of the holidays; family, get-together’s, shopping, seasonal festivities, etc., it’s easy to have the search be resigned to the back burner for a bit.

I mentioned a ‘different set of skills or techniques’ and what I am meaning by that is an individual who can persevere, shake off the ever-present seasonal blues and be flexible enough to quickly change tactics to address varying situations, will have better luck during the holidays in their quest to find employment.

Another factor that tends to help in the search during the holidays is that many seekers buy into the myth that hiring falls off so they’ve effectively removed themselves from the mix. Essentially, lessening the competition and bettering the odds for one who is active and motivated, as it opens up more opportunities for those that choose to be actively engaged.
Remember these five reasons why actively looking for work during the holidays and the New Year could ring in nicely:

Less competition

Not only do many potential candidates tone down their search during the holidays, some stop entirely. In addition, those with jobs already that are considering a career change will usually stay put into the New Year to make sure they receive bonuses, vacation time and whatever else they might be accruing throughout the year. For every person who takes a break or drops out of the search means one less you’d be in competition with.

Hiring managers are easier to reach

Hiring managers and decision makers, for the most part, are less likely to be traveling during or as the holidays approach. Instead, they may be ‘home-based’ focusing on wrapping up the year, finishing projects, attending year-end meetings with colleagues and all the obligatory holiday parties and gatherings that are constantly parodied in prime-time television.

The holiday spirit pervades

Let’s face it, everyone (most) is a little happier at the holidays as it seems a welcome distraction for many in the workforce, so leveraging that good-will can be made to your advantage when trying to get your foot in the door and meet prospective employers. A great time to really nurture your networks and keep yourself visible – contacts are often more available and willing to meet as the correlation in work demands slow down, helping turn short discussions into long-term opportunities.

Getting a jump on January and the New Year

People who are fortunate to be starting a new job in January really had been planting the seeds well before. Applying and interviewing for that job in December, November or even earlier? For organizations that are to review their staffing needs in January each year, you’ll have had a head start wth these opportunities and be at the ready in case a need arises quickly.

Avoiding ‘the rush’

The New Year is full of count-downs, lists – 10-Best’s, 100-Best’s, etc… All reminders to be starting fresh, ‘turn over a new leaf’ and all that. And while very true, it CAN be a great marker to be setting, or re-setting career goals, you, by being active, can beat all of those to the punch by maintaining your job search throughout the holiday season. You’ll be at the advantage and on board by the time others are making their first calls.