“To search? Or NOT to search?” may be your question as you review your calendar and assess your current or looming job search.
REA’s coaching team recently gathered to reflect on the challenges and potential rewards of a job search during the holidays. We’ve discussed “Hunt or Hiatus?” and share our collective observations here as a holiday gift to you:
If you are going to HUNT:
- There’s a PERCEPTION that this is a “slow season,”… but it really isn’t. HR managers and recruiters are typically working very hard this time of year to fill vacancies and to use their annual budgets to avoid cuts in the coming year.
- Since there is that perception, there are often fewer candidates, and that can translate into less competition for some great opportunities.
- People seem to be in a better mood during the holidays. As such, hiring managers (and others who have their ear) may be more apt to be helpful. They may also have more downtime, particularly as vacation time stalls group productivity, so it’s a good time to set up meetings.
If you’re planning to take a HIATUS:
- This is a perfect time for planning! Finalizing a resume, updating a LinkedIn profile, developing a marketing plan, and gathering other tools (BTW…holiday specials on business and greeting cards are prevalent), are all worthwhile activities.
- There are myriad opportunities to volunteer this time of year, too. Giving back enhances sense of purpose, and we know the value of developing new skill sets and extending networks, right?
- Clear the cobwebs! Take care of issues that may be preventing progress in the search. It’s a good time for rejuvenation, family time, and life organization.
- Get to know your new community! For all the reasons it’s a good time to job hunt, it’s also a great time to immerse into your new hometown and build new networks.
Whatever road you choose…The holiday gift that everyone can enjoy is enhanced networking opportunities! Remember to track your contacts and to follow-up appropriately! (Greeting cards are an obvious option to share seasonal outreach and update existing networks about life changes.)
If you want to read others’ thoughts on this topic, here are links to relevant articles shared by our coaching team:
- Top 11 Reasons to Job Search During the Holidays
- Quintessential Holiday Job Hunting
- Don’t Sing the Holiday Season Blues: A Six-Step Guide to Successful Job-Hunting between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day
- How to Leverage the Holidays for a Successful Job Search
- Yes, Virginia, You Can Find Work in December
Happy hunting! (Or not…)