It’s easy to decide to pause your job search over the holiday season. You’re busy, you could use a break from it, and no one’s hiring anyway, right? Not exactly.
Companies Are Hiring for the Holidays.
Some companies find, with business slow around the holidays, they finally have time to screen candidates and interview people. Others are rushing to get people in place for positions they want to start after the new year. Some of it may be temporary or seasonal work, but that is a great way to get to know a business and make connections that could lead to a permanent position.
There’s Less Competition.
You’re not the only one considering taking a break from the job hunt over the holidays. Even when people don’t intend to let up on the search, parties, events and gift shopping get in the way. This means there is less competition for any given position, and your chances of landing the job are that much greater.
There Are Security Perks.
If you secure a position before the holidays that doesn’t start until January, you can relax and enjoy the season without worrying about finding a job. Even better, if you start before then, you may still get paid holiday time off as a newbie employee.
It’s a Good Time for Networking.
November and December are some of the busiest social months of the year. Even if you’re not actively sending out resumés and interviewing, let people know you’re in the market for a new job. Attend some professional events where you can do the same. In this season of goodwill, you’re likely to make some valuable connections.
You Can Prepare For Your Search in the New Year.
Depending on your field, looking for a new position over the holidays may or may not be a lucrative endeavor. Even if you can’t actually schedule interviews, spend some time defining your professional goals and listing potential employers, so you can hit the ground running when it’s time. Update your LinkedIn profile. Fill your free time with some relevant volunteer work, so your downtime doesn’t look like idle time on your resumé.
Searching for a job can be tiresome in its own, unique way, and maybe it is time to take a step back and regroup after the holidays. If you decide to take a break, relax, enjoy and return to your search refreshed in January. But if you do decide to stay in the game for the season, know that it can pay off in the form of a secure, employed new year.
Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash