Many people assume that the holidays are the worst time of year for a job search. Actually, the opposite is true. The holidays may be the best time to look for a new role if you approach it the right way. Why? Because while hiring may slow down over the holiday season, it doesn't stop. That means you shouldn't either. Here are five reasons why it makes sense to look for a job over the holidays.
Less competition
Because there is a misconception that end of the year is a bad time to job search, there tends to be less competition. That’s a good thing if you’re a job seeker. When companies have fewer resumes to sift through, there’s a greater chance that yours will stand out.
Great time to network
The end of the year is a great time to meet as many people as possible in a social setting. Prepare an elevator pitch so you can present yourself in a compelling way. You never know when you might meet someone who can introduce you to a recruiter or hiring manager. It’s also a good time to send a holiday card or online message to valued contacts so you can stay top of mind.
Use your downtime wisely
You will inevitably have a few breaks during the holidays when you can focus on your job search. That’s the perfect opportunity to work on things like your personal brand. For example, look at your LinkedIn profile to see how you can improve it. This is also an excellent time to list your key accomplishments for the year, update your resume and schedule calls with friends and acquaintances you haven't been in touch with for a while.
Keep the momentum going
If you’ve already jumpstarted your job search, it makes sense to maintain the momentum. Even if you slow down a bit, you can still take small steps to stay on track. If you stop your job search altogether, it will be that much more difficult to get motivated in January. Plus, securing a new job before the start of the year can give you peace of mind.
Companies are still hiring
While some companies slow down on hiring during this time, they don’t stop. In fact, some organizations must complete the hiring process by the end of the year because of budget constraints. Other companies may need to find a new employee who will be in place and ready to begin work in January. This is also a time when many employers hire temporary employees. The good news is that if you make a positive impression, they may keep you on permanently. In addition, the additional income will come in handy during the gift-giving season.
Looking for a new role might not be the first thing on your holiday list, but prioritizing it is a good idea. Even if you only focus on the job search for an hour or two a week, that’s time well spent. If nothing else, you’ll start the new year well-organized with a top-notch personal brand and a resume that positions you for that next incredible opportunity.
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