Five Reasons Not to Stop Your Job Search for the Holidays

People get ideas in their head, making change difficult. They hear people saying, “everyone’s on vacation, who will even read your resume?” Or they think, “I’ve got a lot going on in December, maybe I should make plans for January?”

So we decide to wait, justified in our “research” into when people get hired. But this is not the whole story. People do get hired between Thanksgiving and the New Year. And sometimes it as actually easier. Why is this?

1. There is less competition – People fall into patterns. They get caught up in the mindset that no one is hiring during the holidays and so they slow down or stop their job search. This leaves many positions available for those who are still actively working their plan to land their next job.
2. Hiring managers are under less pressure and more willing to listen – ‘Tis the season puts people in a more festive mood, increasing your chances of connecting.
3. There are abundant networking opportunities – Holiday parties and events crowd company calendars. These are great ways to get in front of someone who can connect you with someone who can hire you.
4. Company Budgets – Use it or lose it can be a motivating factor for hiring managers. “If I do not spend all my budget, I won’t be able to justify it next year.” You could be the right person at the right time, helping the hiring manager make their budget while landing your dream job.
5. Temporary employment can lead to full-time permanent positions– Taking a temporary job gets you out in the workplace. It can generate some cash for the holidays and help keep you energized. Plus, your ability to network is expanded as you have access to managers within the organization.

January will be crowded. Everyone will be making their New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and land their dream jobs. Doors to your dream job will be packed with people who took the holidays off.

Right now, the door is open and there are only a few people in line. Use these tips to your advantage. This puts the odds in your favor of ending up in your new hire orientation before the ball drops in Times Square.