Should You be Job Searching During the Holidays

Should You be Job Searching During the HolidaysShould You be Job Searching During the Holidays1.If you happen to be looking for work right now, you may think that means the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years Day are a perfect time to take a break from your job search. But in reality, the opposite may be the case.For a variety of reasons, this could be the perfect time to ramp up your job-seeking efforts. Heres why you might want to think about job searching during the holidaysCompanies are hiring.You may think that businesses are focused on things other than recruiting right now, but take a quick look at the job postings, and youll realize thats not the case. In fact, many companies are extremely active in the job market during the holidays, as theyre looking to fill open positions so they can start the new year at full strength. Its the perfect time to take advantage of their eagerness to hire.Job Search Browse Open Flexible JobsYour competition may be taking the month off.If others with your skills and training decide to temporarily shelve their job searches during the holidays, that could clear the path for you. With fewer competing resumes, yours will more easily rise to the top. And if youre available for an interview this time of year, you could be more likely to get one. Also, showing that youre willing to keep plugging along while others are taking a break may be seen by potential employers as a sign of your strong work ethic.Parties are built for networking.Even people who dont like the schmoozing aspects of looking for work are bound to end up at a party or two during the holidays. Dont dwell on your job search while enjoying these festivities, but also dont be afraid to talk about your situation to friends and acquaintances. You might just make a connection with someone who can help you land your dream job in the new year.You have the perfect excuse for contacting people.You know all of those holiday letters you receive from friends and family? The fact that we all get them shows that people expect to hear from others with whom theyve had little recent contact at this time of year. Use this opportunity to reach out to recruiters at companies to which you have previously applied, or to shoot a quick message to people youve met at earlier networking events. Update them on your recent activities, and let them know that youre still seeking employment. Word your message in a way that emphasizes your seasons greetings, but you should be able to do that and still remind them that youre looking for work.You can make productive use of your free time.This tip comes from a Forbes article. If youre looking for a job and currently employed, this time of year will likely open up some free time due to the holidays, the article says. Rather than using all the extra weekday hours to sit back and relax, make your days off productive by using them to look for jobs. It might not seem like a fun idea now, but youll be glad you did when your j ob search comes to an end sooner than expected.Taking a break could lead to bad habits.Youve likely developed some productive job-seeking routines during the brde few months, and its wise to keep on moving. If you slow down your job searchover the holidays, it could make it difficult to get back into the swing of things once you restart it, says an article from Undercover Recruiter. By continuing your hunt, youll keep the momentum going and wont miss out on any opportunities that arise during this time.A temporary position could become permanent.Many people who are out of work find seasonal employment this time of year. Look for a temporary gig at a company you love, and it could give you the upper hand in landing a permanent position there, according to an article from The Balance Careers. Companies typically keep some of the temps they hire for the holidays, and you could be one of them if you make a good impression on your employer.While accelerating your job search may be the la st thing you want to do during the already busy holiday weeks, investing the time and effort could pay off more quickly than expected. And really, what better gift could you give yourself and your family than a new job for the new year?Find a job that fits your lifestyle SIGN UP FOR