If you’re looking for a new job over Christmas, your chances might be increased because others are taking the month off job-hunting.
Many employees considering jumping ship might be tempted to put off their job-hunting until after Christmas, with the view that prospective employers are more likely to be thinking about office parties than recruiting.
However, in doing so they might be missing out – while recruitment agencies aren’t as busy as the shops in December, they say they’re at least as busy as during the rest of the year.
People are looking to get their hiring done and get someone on board for the start of the new year. In fact, because the end of the year represents a time for wrapping up projects and allocating budgets, many decisions – including hiring decisions – are taken at this time.
As with the advent of all-day shopping, business activity increasingly takes place 364 days a year. So if you want to find a new job, now is the time to start looking.
And if you’re looking for a new post over Christmas, your chances might be increased because others are taking the month off job-hunting – so you have less competition, and might be able to command a better package as a result. As for waiting for January 5th, you could take away your scarcity value because other candidates are thinking the same thing.
The holidays actually provide more opportunities for jobseekers to connect with potential employers. According to the experts at leading career services company Lee Hecht Harrison, people who view the holiday season positively often have success because they make the most of available opportunities.
“People who believe the misconception that job searching is a waste of time between Christmas and mid-January are reducing their chances of landing an offer at a time that many hiring decisions are made,” says Leonard Posey of Lee Hecht Harrison.
“During the holidays, competition is reduced and most organisations have developed their budgets for the coming year and can predict their hiring needs and goals.”
The executives at Lee Hecht Harrison offer these tips for capitalising on this season’s opportunities:
- Set measurable goals and work towards them every day. Don’t give in to depression or procrastination. You should approach your job search with the same gusto as other seasons of the year.
- Attend holiday gatherings: Holiday parties provide valuable
networking opportunities. Be sure to let people know you are looking for a new position. - Be flexible: The end of the year is a busy time, so be prepared to interview on short notice.
- Volunteer your time for a worthy cause: Many charitable
organisations need extra help during the holidays. Volunteering can offer great chances to network. - Send Christmas cards to companies with which you’ve recently interviewed: It’s a great way to follow up and remind hiring managers that you are still open to meeting with them.
Remaining upbeat and making the most of the many job search opportunities that the season brings may lead to a great new year, complete with a new position.
Debbie O’Halloran
