Keep up the Momentum! Job Search During the Holidays
The holiday season is usually seen as a time for festivities, relaxation, and spending quality moments with loved ones. Many job seekers believe that hiring will be impacted during this season. It’s not a well-understood fact that, amidst the joy and merriment, it may also be a golden opportunity for job seekers. Let’s explore some of the Myths and Realities for conducting a successful job search during the holiday season.
1. Myth: There are fewer Job Opportunities (aka job postings)
Reality: During the holiday season, many job seekers pause their search, believing that companies are less active in hiring. This creates a unique opportunity for those who persist in their job hunt. With fewer applicants, your resume might stand out more prominently with recruiters and hiring managers.
2. Myth: Holiday Events are not great Networking Opportunities
Reality: Holiday gatherings, both in-person and virtual, provide an excellent opportunity for networking. While enjoying the festivities, engaging in conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances can lead to unexpected job prospects or valuable connections. Discuss your job search subtly and inquire about potential openings. Personal connections can often open doors that online applications cannot. So, enjoy these cheerful times while keeping an eye open for opportunities. Let people know who you are and your interest in finding a new job.
3. Myth: Hiring during the holiday season is reduced
Reality: If you are looking for part-time work, contracting for seasonal positions is a good opportunity to consider because seasonal hiring increases. Various industries, such as retail stores, experience a surge in demand during the holidays, leading to increased hiring for these seasonal positions. These roles may not only provide immediate employment but also could lead to potential long-term opportunities.
4. Myth: Holiday Job Fairs and Events are not great networking opportunities
Reality: Many companies host job fairs and recruitment events during the holiday season. There are also conferences and conventions that take place during holiday months. These events provide great opportunities for you to meet with companies or vendors looking to fill immediate vacancies.
5. Myth: Hiring slows down between now and the end of the year.
Reality: Many companies identify new roles for the new year and they want to have someone ready to be onboarded in January.
Reality: In many companies, if you have an open position that has been budgeted, that isn't filled by the end of the year, it is very difficult to get the job requisition re-approved for the next year.
Reality: Many recruiters work on quotas and are very busy in Q4.
6. Myth: People are too busy during the holidays to network.
Reality: Many businesses slow down travel toward the end of the year and calendars are more flexible to schedule interviews, etc.
7. Myth: Friends and families do not make good networking contacts.
Reality: Some of the most successful candidates land roles via connections they never expected.
It’s important to keep up your momentum! There are so many activities you can do during the holiday season that will be beneficial to your job search. Here are some specific ideas:
Follow up with hiring managers/recruiters with whom you have recently interviewed
Send well-crafted thank-you/holiday messages as a means to touch base with your network (it's a good "excuse" to touch base)
Attend holiday events with friends, former colleagues, professional associations, etc.
Attend virtual events
Volunteer
Practice your common interview questions
Keep up with continuing education to keep your skills sharp
Conclusion
The holiday season is not just a time for celebration but also an opportune moment for job seekers to find new career opportunities. By leveraging reduced competition, networking, tailoring applications, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can turn the festive season into a stepping stone toward your dream job. Stay persistent, adaptable, and enthusiastic, and the holiday season might just be the perfect time to land that next great opportunity.
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