As we approach the last couple of months of the year, some may feel like putting a pause on their job hunt until after the busy holiday season. Many people assume that November and December are the worst times to look for a new job, however, that isn’t necessarily the case. Here are some of the main reasons to continue pushing through and searching for jobs during the holiday season.
Networking Opportunities
When thinking of the holidays, one of the first things that comes to mind is all of the parties and gatherings that come along with them. Make the most of those events and create opportunities from them. Put yourself out there by registering for events you may not normally attend, join your friend’s company parties if appropriate, and visit with family. At those events and gatherings, make it known that you are actively searching for a job and see what conversations could arise from that.
Year-End Reviews and Shakeups
While the external work might be slowing down, the internal work isn’t. The end of the year also means year-end reviews. Employees are getting promoted, getting raises, possibly being let go, or moved to other departments. This presents significant opportunities for those looking for jobs, and for those who remain determined to stay top of mind during the holidays. Once these conversations are being held within companies, staying in front of them is important.
More Free Time
Around the holidays, things may become quieter for you in the office and you also may have saved PTO that you can use before the end of the year. In an article on Forbes, they recommend “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.”
Lack of Competition
Because many people do lose focus of their job hunt during the holidays, there is a lack of competition. Be the one who stands out and stays determined. Many people think that employers also halt the hiring process during the holidays, but that is simply not true. In an article on Harvard Business Review they write, “Some people are so busy planning gatherings and going to events that they don’t have the time or energy to focus on a job search. Others mistakenly believe that companies won’t be hiring during the holidays, so they stop applying altogether. In addition, at the end of the year, many people feel burned out and need a break. As a result, I’ve observed that the ratio of people who apply for jobs to the number of jobs available November through January usually works in favor of the applicants. Continuing to apply during the holidays may shift the odds in your favor.”
Productivity
Productivity at the office may dwindle, but it never means that a business is “shut down” during the holiday season. Make the most of this time, and identify areas to incorporate yourself and make yourself stand out. It’s especially significant when what may be considered to be a slow time, is particularly hectic for some employers, therefore you can identify a need and fill that need quickly.