Job seekers often suspend their job searches during the holidays, the period from mid-November to early January, thinking that employers have also postponed interviewing and hiring during this period. Though December is known for being a slower hiring month, many employers are indeed still hiring either to meet the needs of the holidays, to prep for the new year, to replace someone who left, etc.
Don't stop your search
For saavy job seekers, the holidays are no time to slow down a job search. When other job seekers decide to take time off from their job searching during the holidays, you're at a prime advantage for new opportunities. There's less competition, so your odds of finding a position increase.
When a company has fewer resumes to look at, your chances of being selected for an interview increase. Actively look for jobs and apply, you have a much better chance of landing a job!
Connect at holiday events
The holidays are time for get-togethers with family and friends. What better time to drop hints that you're looking for a new opportunity? Your friends and family are your best source of potential connections that could lead to a job offer. Let them know you're looking and what you're looking for, who knows, maybe they know someone who's hiring!
Get in touch with your network
Other than talking about your job search to your family and friends during holiday gatherings, the holidays are a great time to get in touch with other people in your network you haven't been in touch with in awhile. Think about who you've lost touch with--whether it be former bosses, co-workers, roommates, high school friends, etc.--and send them a note via email or LinkedIn. Wish them a happy holiday season and let them know what you're up to. Hopefully you'll rekindle a relationship that can benefit both of you.
Be flexible
If you happen to get an interview during the holiday season, be flexible about interview times. Recruiters or hiring managers may have busy holiday schedules so being flexible about interviewing at unusual times can be beneficial. In addition, don't worry about having to start a job right away. Secure the job offer first and then negotiate a starting date that convenient for both you and your future employer.
Send a holiday card
A great and easy way to make a positive impression is old-fashioned holiday cards. Taking the time to hand write thank you notes to those people who have assisted in your job search or in your career is just good karma. Everyone likes being thanked and the holidays are a great time to do that.
Bottom line: keep up your job search.
Though you might feel like job searching during the holidays is a drag, keeping up your job search could actually be more beneficial to you than competing on January 2nd with everyone else who took a break during the last 6 weeks.
