Title:Ten Reasons to Apply For a Job During the Holidays
Author:Barbara Adams, CPRW, CEIP, CMRC, CFRW
Date:November 2010
Source:www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com
A common misconception exists among job seekers that job hunting during the holidays (essentially December) is pointless — employers are not hiring, there's too many people on vacation, or simply that companies are too busy closing out the year to pay attention to new staff. I feel that job hunting during the festive season is actually a good idea, and here's why.
- Less competition for existing jobs. Since many people do fall prey to the misunderstanding that "nothing happens in December," it means there's less competition for available jobs. If you are smart enough to press on while others are sitting on the sidelines, you have an advantage. A friend of mine received multiple interviews last December, the supposedly slow month.
- Some companies may in fact be scrambling to get staff on the books in the current year before budgets change for next year, making it impossible to bring on new staff. The crunch is on to get new employees on board before 12/31.
- Other companies are just the opposite and have hiring plans that begin in January, and therefore want to start the year off right. That means they need to be interviewing qualified people in December. If you're not applying, you're not interviewing.
- Many executive recruiters are paid a higher percentage of commissions near the end of the year — good news for you.
- Networking opportunities abound in December with parties, church socials, neighborhood get-togethers, and other seasonal events. Employers and hiring managers may simply be in good moods at this time of year, and it could be much easier to get a foot in the door. Meet more people, get more referrals while everyone is in a festive state of mind — sounds like a plan.
- If you can be flexible to accommodate a busy hiring manager's schedule during the hectic holiday period — and why wouldn't you be — then you have an advantage versus someone who is off skiing in Colorado.
- With many job seekers only planning their search in December to be ready to hit the market after the first of the year, you have an opportunity to get in front of hiring managers whose job openings may not be subject to end-of-calendar or fiscal year constraints. Many times, when an employer needs a new employee, they need them as soon as possible. So while your neighbor is mixing the eggnog, you can be mixing it up with an HR department.
- Winning companies don't slack off during the holidays. While overall capacity may be a bit lower and the interviewing process might be more challenging, these companies still have the drive to succeed. Their success may mean your success. Don't assume the best job openings lay dormant in December — now is the time to dig, not hibernate.
- Continuing your job search, even during the busy holiday season, means you are keeping your foot on the gas and pushing ahead — sure to be noted by some as positive actions taken during an otherwise "down" time. If nothing else, it will keep your momentum moving forward; you simply never know when the right opportunity will cross your path. You can't score a goal if you're not in the game.
- You have time now to make a move. If you have school-aged children, they are going to be on vacation for a couple of weeks near the end of the year. If you get a job offer that requires a move, you're in position to act quickly and lessen the disruption to school for your kids. It won't be easy; but it's not impossible, either. Since there is a window of opportunity in this regard, be prepared to open it.
Companies may be hiring to beat a deadline, to hit the ground running in January, or simply because they have positions to fill that are immune to any seasonal influence. Many people are sitting on the sidelines — don't be one of them.
