We’re often told that the holiday season is not the best time to search for a new job. Contrary to popular belief, not all hiring stops during the holiday season!
Often, companies delay hiring until the new year, while others experience downtime in December and have more time to fill those positions.
Are you not convinced? Below, we have some reasons why job hunting during the holidays may be ideal!
Networking Opportunities
This time of year, social functions are everywhere you turn, which means opportunities to connect with others increase dramatically. Attending holiday social gatherings, charity events, and the like open the door to network with people who may be able to help with your job search.
Despite COVID reducing traditional large in-person gatherings, many groups and charities have adjusted their settings to virtual or limited capacity. Even though networking is more challenging through these avenues, it still provides the perfect occasion to follow up with fellow attendees with whom you now share something in common.
You never know who you will meet that has the power to change your path, so be prepared to discuss your background and qualifications briefly.
Remember to keep the focus on cultivating new relationships. In the words of Ivan Misser, “Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting.”
Less Job Competition
Many people avoid job searching during the holiday season simply because it’s a hectic time of year. For that very reason, the candidate pool is smaller, resulting in less competition for that highly coveted job you’ve been eying.
You may score an interview that you would not have been able to get during a different time of the year when the competition was higher.
As we mentioned before, some managers do hire during December! Even those that don’t may have their eyes peeled for qualified candidates to interview so that they can employ as soon as January hits!
Don’t throw in the towel during the holidays, and keep your chin up! Search and apply for those jobs!
A Seasonal Job Could Become a Permanent One
Hiring temps during the holidays is not uncommon for many companies, and seasonal jobs can often become permanent! What better way to prove yourself to a hiring manager than to get a seasonal job and treat it as an on-the-job interview?
- Get to know your boss and your colleagues.
- Work harder than expected.
- Go above and beyond.
- Then, let your boss know that you are interested in continuing to work for the company.