If you are in the market for a full time job, it may be tempting to relax your job search during the holidays. The holiday season is commonly known as a time for family, friends, gift giving and festive meals. But many may not be aware that the holiday season is also an excellent time for job searching. Especially if you are currently unemployed or underemployed, you could be doing yourself a huge disservice by taking a hiatus from job searching during the holiday season. Here are some of the main advantages this time of year has in store for jobseekers:
1) Companies Need to Fill Openings for the New Year
What’s a better way to start the New Year than with a new job? Many companies are busy trying to finalize their budgets during the holiday season and fill job openings by January 1st, so your application may be just what frazzled hiring managers are looking for. So continue your job searching efforts through the holiday season, and you just may be rewarded with the gift of employment.
2) Many Employers are in Good Spirits
For many businesses, things slow down around the holiday season, and many people are more cheerful at this time of year, including hiring managers. Don’t hesitate to send out resumes and make phone calls, because you may have a better chance of getting noticed during the holiday season.
3) The Holiday Season is a Great Time for Networking
Job searching goes beyond just firing out resumes and attending interviews. There are so many networking opportunities to take advantage of during the holiday season, with all of the parties and events going on. Whether it’s a career networking event or a dinner party with friends, you never know who you may meet. Also, don’t forget to send out festive cards or e-mails this holiday season if you are currently job searching, and make sure to include old business colleagues and companies you have previously applied to on your list of recipients.
4) Recruiters Need Holiday Candidates
Since other jobseekers may disappear during the holiday season, recruiters are grateful for candidates that stay in touch with them this time of year. So if you are seriously job searching, make sure to respond to e-mails you receive from staffing agencies during the holidays, and be open to taking temp positions that could turn into full-time jobs by January.
5) There is Less Competition Overall
Just the simple fact that less people are likely to be job searching during the holiday season gives you a huge advantage. Many potential jobseekers are busy travelling, dealing with final exams if they are in school, or are too tied down with other obligations to devote ample time to job searching efforts. So if you find yourself with a little free time during the holidays, make good use of it by sending out resumes and setting up interviews.
If you do find yourself in the running for a new job during the holiday season, just remain flexible and patient, since hiring managers’ schedules may be a little hectic. Don’t forget to follow up, and don’t give up too easily if your phone calls and e-mails aren’t returned right away. Your persistence and holiday cheer is likely to stand out.
Author: Jessica Cody
Jessica Cody, a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, has a background in online marketing and public relations. Currently, she works at VHMNetwork LLC in the role of Marketing Analyst. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she studied Journalism and Political Science. She is also an avid runner with a passion for the outdoors.
