Myth vs. Reality: Job Hunting During the Holidays

Myth vs. Reality: Job Hunting During the Holidays
While many job seekers think that searching for career opportunities during the holidays is a waste of time, the fact is that smart job hunters can take advantage by continuing their quest during one of the best job searching seasons of the year. Let’s look at a few myths and facts about a holiday job hunt:

Myth: Hiring Slows Way Down between mid November and the First of January

Reality: In our 24/7 world, companies continue to hire at a high level all year long.
In fact, December is a crucial time for organizations to bring new employees on board. Many departments have hiring budgets that have been approved for filling positions throughout the year, and some have not been completed. The managers know that if they don't fill the position by the end of the year they will lose that part of their hiring budget. Also, bosses who have just had their 2008 hiring budgets approved want to have qualified individuals selected and ready to start by the first of the year.

Myth: Recruiters and Hiring Managers Don’t Have Time to Interview
during the Holidays

Reality: While the number of days available for interviewing may be reduced by holidays and vacations, the interviewing process does not come to a screeching halt.
The need to quickly fill critical vacancies supersedes time off for recruiters and managers. Candidates and recruiters need to be flexible in scheduling interviews at any time, especially around the holidays. Recruiters and hiring authorities may be out of town or not available to interview for other reasons during part of the holiday season, but candidates should be available on short notice for interviews. When several company representatives are involved in the hiring process, a schedule of multiple interviews may need to be spread out instead of concentrated over a day or two.

Myth: With all the Distractions, the Holidays are a Poor Time to Continue a High
Level of Job Search Activity.

Reality: Smart job seekers increase their job search activity level during the holidays.
Since many job hunters go into hibernation during the holidays, others find that the competition for jobs is reduced and enjoy easier access to decision makers. Those hiring authorities who are in their offices are usually more available, are open to discussing career opportunities and supporting job hunters. By taking advantage of the “Holiday Spirit”, smart job seekers can gain ground on their competition and be considered for more positions.

The Bottom Line: Keep up the Job Search Momentum and Reap the Rewards

Job seekers can increase their visibility and keep a high level of activity going during the holidays by using many opportunities to network and stay in touch with referral sources and potential employers. By using holiday parties and receptions to meet new people, briefly explain their interest in looking for new career opportunities and asking for referrals and suggestions, job hunters can expand their network.
Another tip that I suggest to my career transition clients is that sending out holiday cards to recruiters, employer contacts, previous co-workers and other network contacts in addition to friends and relatives is an effective way of keeping one’s name in front of referral sources and potential employers. Job seekers need to take some time for themselves and their families during the holidays, but they also need to keep up the momentum of an effective job search.