Job Hunting During the Holidays
by Janet Farley, Ed.M.

The weather outside may soon be frightful, but the holiday season job search opportunities can be oh so delightful.

You just have to be prepared for them.

1.  Don't be gullible.

It's a common misnomer that organizational hiring comes to screeching halt from Thanksgiving until the afterglow of the holidays fade in January. That just isn't so. It may slow as employees take off time from the job to kiss under the mistletoe but it hardly stops altogether.

Some employers even ramp up interviewing and hiring in a mad dash to exhaust year-end funds. Others simply have more time to devote to staffing in what could be their downtime.

Serious job seekers aren't gullible and they aren't lulled into inactivity at this time. They keep up the pace and power through the tinsel.

2. Network like there's no tomorrow.

There simply isn't a better time than the holidays to network.

You're invited to holiday party? Excellent. Go and be festive. Take your business cards and two-minute pitch with you.  Make it your mission to talk to people you don't know and expand your network in the process. Just don't overindulge in the spiked punch unless you want to be remembered for the wrong thing.

Send holiday greeting cards to those in your professional circle and casually drop that you're in the market for a new position and would appreciate any intel they could offer.

Volunteer for the greater good within your community. Feed your soul while rubbing shoulders with others who might be able to put in a good word for you somewhere. It's a total win-win for everyone.  

3.  Focus on your consistency of effort.

While it may be ever so tempting to take the job search pace down a notch, don't do it. Consistently continue your efforts on a daily basis and you could well be rewarded for doing so.

Realize, however, that already employed others may be slowing their level of work related effort. In other words, if you need to connect with an employer, don't wait until five minutes before closing time to do so.

4.  Use the holiday downtime wisely.  

Review your LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook accounts to ensure you're projecting the kind of image you want prospective employers to see.

Take the time to contribute meaningful and relevant dialogue with your online contacts as well. While you're at it, update or simply tweak your resume for added appeal.

And if you must, take advantage of holiday sales to boost your professional wardrobe. This should be fun for you too, right?  

5.  Consider temporary or seasonal employment.

Sure, it may not be your ideal situation but if you're in dire need of a paycheck or just want to get your foot in any door with a particular company, don't turn your nose up at the prospects.

You never know when a temporary gig could turn into something with a real future.

6. Set up informational interviews.

Some employers may have more time on their hands right now and if they do, take advantage of that by setting up informational interviews. Use the opportunity to get face time you might not otherwise get to experience.

Remember that the purpose of an informational interview is not to ask for a job. It is to get information about a particular job, company or career field. It is an excellent opportunity to grow your network and that could lead anywhere.

Don't underestimate the power of well-handled informational interview.

7. Enjoy the holidays, too.

It's good to drive on with your job search during the holidays but it's not so good to miss out them altogether. Keep the balance of the universe in check. Spend time with those who matter to you. Make a positive difference in someone else's life. Count your blessings and go back for seconds.

When you're old and gray, you'll be glad you did.

Janet Farley, Ed.M. is a Colorado Springs, CO based freelance writer and author of several career related books, most recently Military Life 101: Basic Training for New Military Families (Rowman & Littlefield, July 2016).

 

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