A HOLIDAY JOB SEARCH IS A TERRIBLE IDEA! (OR IS IT?)22
It’s time to grab a cup ‘o something warm and snuggle by the fire with our loved ones (Or in our case, hit the beach to catch a break from the blazing San Diego sun.) Professionally, we’re tying up loose ends, taking advantage of holiday networking opportunities, and launching a holiday job search…
If you are ready for a change, winding down is the last thing that should be on your mind right now! While others are trimming their trees, you should be trimming your resume and tying a pretty bow on your LinkedIn Profile because this is the most wonderful time of the year to launch a holiday job search. In fact, according to CNNMoney “69 % of recruiters surveyed said they place as many or more candidates” in December than any other month.
Holiday job search obstacles like vacations and zero-balance budgets are antiquated as searching for gifts in a paper catalog. December is the perfect time to pound the snow-covered pavement and take the necessary steps to secure a new position.
Why a Holiday Job Search is a Great Idea!
Recruiters are fighting hard to fill searches before year’s end.
Some companies are experiencing the Thanksgiving-to-New-Year slowdown, but recruiters know carrying a search into the New Year kills the momentum. Trying to reconnect with potential candidates after the holiday break feels like starting from scratch as everyone returns to their normal schedules. Use this to your advantage! Actively network with recruiters you know and seek out those working on searches you are interested in.
Money, Money, Money!
The current budget may be at $0; but next year’s budget is already in place. Getting a head start on next year’s hiring in November and December allows managers to ring in the New Year with a team that is ready to rock n’ roll. They are extending job offers as the holidays wind down, with start dates in early January. In addition, cutting back on taxable operating profits and investing in recruiting fees is a smart use of the remaining budgets.
You will be the shining star on top of the company tree.
Job seekers push their search to the New Year, assuming companies shut down after Thanksgiving. You’re not falling for that lie, are you? Remember, holiday networking opportunities abound, but the hiring manager’s phone is probably very quiet. This means your call will ring loud and clear! Stand out and shine as a candidate who isn’t putting off his/her job search until the New Year.
The holiday season is the social season.
Sending a card to a company you’ve interviewed with in the past or offering a “happy holidays and good wishes for a new year” to a hiring manager are the perfect ice breakers. Connecting over the holidays is natural and feels less “salesy,” allowing you to reestablish contact authentically, bringing your name (and your resume) to the minds of those doing the hiring.
The best gift you can give yourself is a new job!
Lighter holiday hours give you time to tighten up your resume and LinkedIn Profile.
Looking for a job while you have one can be tricky. Take advantage of your holiday vacation time. Make sure your experience is current, update the verbiage to reflect hiring trends and job requirements, reach out to colleagues through LinkedIn for recommendations, leads, and maybe even a hot chocolate date. Don’t forget to refresh that ‘Summary’ while you’re in there!
Believe it or not, we are smack-dab in the holiday season. Don’t let vacation days and holiday parties derail your job search efforts. While some will say goodbye to 2017 unwrapping gifts, you could be welcoming 2018 by unwrapping the perfect Job Offer.
