This is a busy time of year, with holiday parties to attend,
enormous meals to plan, shopping to be done, and visiting family members to
entertain. The holidays can be stressful all by themselves. But what do you do
if you're also looking for a job?
Most job seekers delay those efforts until after the New Year.
They take time off when they should be making the most of this time. Many
believe the myths that no one hires during the holidays, and that everyone
takes a break from business to focus on family and festivities. Don't fall into
this trap.
Despite the high unemployment rate, negative media and political messages, and cautious job-market growth, the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season is a successful job search. Use this time of year to your advantage and start the New Year off with a new job.
Navigating a job search is never easy, but here are the top 10
reasons why now is the time to renew your job search.
Less Competition -- Many job seekers take a break during
the holidays, which means your competition for job opportunities is a fraction
of what it is during the rest of the year. Fewer applications mean a greater
chance of your résumé getting noticed and rising to the top of the pile.
Tight Deadlines -- Many organizations need to make critical
hiring decisions by Dec. 31 in order to meet their approved budget deadlines
and allow the new employee to start in early January. Their sense of urgency to
complete the hiring process by year-end is a great advantage to job seekers.
Better Networking -- There are an abundance of parties and
social gatherings, otherwise known as prime networking opportunities. Keeping
that in mind will help keep the drinking to a minimum. Remember, even if it's a
party, you're still working.
More Time -- Things are usually slower at work, and
if you're an employed job seeker, it gives you more time to look for a new job.
Take a few extra minutes on your breaks to browse Internet job sites, research
companies and send out résumés. However, be aware that many employers track
Internet use.
Feeling Social -- People are filled with the holiday
spirit, are more relaxed and are more willing to answer their own phones,
return emails, and get together for coffee and cocktails. Take the initiative
and make some plans.
Get Connected -- Holiday cards are a great way to keep
in touch with quality connections, reconnect with recruiters, and stay on the
radar of important decision makers. Make sure to add new names to your holiday
list as well as keep the old.
Be Prepared -- Use the downtime wisely to research
companies and industries, update your stale résumé, send invitations to connect
on LinkedIn, and position yourself for the busiest hiring month of January.
Doing a little to further your job search during the holidays is always better
than doing nothing.
New Opportunities -- Employees take time off during the
holidays, which creates additional opportunities for part-time, contract or
temporary assignments that get your foot in the door and showcase your
strengths. Say yes to a new opportunity and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Greater Giving -- In the spirit of giving, there are
countless opportunities to volunteer your time and talents to help others
during a difficult time. In turn, volunteering helps job seekers gain perspective
about others in need, feel useful and productive, network, make new
connections.
Stay Engaged -- Keeping the job search going strong
during the holiday season also keeps the momentum going and demonstrates your
tenacity, determination and commitment to finding a new job. You'll be light
years ahead of other job seekers as they feebly attempt to re-energize their
job search in January.
It's hard to imagine adding one more thing to your holiday
plate, but there¹s still plenty of room for a job search. Even if you send out
only a few résumés, or add only a couple of new connections on LinkedIn, the
goal is to not abandon your job search completely. Celebrate not only the
holiday season, but also the small successes you're making towards your job
search.
Even while the eggnog is flowing, the lights are twinkling and
your neighbors are caroling, it's critical to stay focused and engaged in your
job search. It's possible, and strongly recommended, to enjoy the holidays and
to conduct a positive and successful job search at the same time. Give yourself
the best gift of the season -- a new job.
