By Patrick Rowan, Partner
Job searching during the holiday season can feel uniquely challenging.
Hiring managers and decision-makers may be focused on completing projects before they go on vacation, recruitment processes are often postponed until after the holiday shutdown, and many people are busy with office parties and luncheons, trying to squeeze in their social engagements, shopping, and travel during the holiday rush.
Although you may think it’s futile job hunting with all of this going on, it’s important not to let any of this put a hold on your job search.
Here are some thoughts for you as we enter the busiest phase of the holiday season:
Recruitment Never Stops.
The recruiting process may slow down over the holidays, particularly because hiring managers and key decision-makers will be taking vacations, and they will be needed to attend interviews and make hiring decisions.
View the holidays as a brief delay and continue to reach out to your connections to seek opportunities, ask for networking meetings, and apply for jobs.
Add a warm, friendly, and professional holiday greeting in your cover letters, emails, and texts, reflecting the season’s festive spirit.
Decision-makers may not want to engage in communications until after they return from vacation, or at least during the days when most celebrations occur, but your message will be noticed. Leaders will be checking their text messages, emails and voicemails, possibly daily.
If your message strikes a chord, and the individual is working on a key hire, or is aware of another, you may get an immediate response, suggestion, or referral.
An invitation to an interview could also be extended. Continuing your job search through the holidays can help you secure interviews and networking meetings in early January, when people are back in the office, refreshed and focused on hiring again.
Festive Networking.
The holiday season is a time when people are celebrating, gathering, meeting and connecting, and opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with old friends and colleagues are all around you.
Don’t turn down any invitation. Take every opportunity to attend festive events and parties related to your profession, but also attend community and charitable events where you can meet new people or be introduced to others.
Be prepared to take note of names, numbers and email addresses, and be sure to follow up promptly on any leads or suggestions.
Send personalized festive greetings to your contacts, recruiters, and ex-colleagues, subtly reminding them of your job search while expressing good wishes, gratitude and updates and inviting them for lunch.
Engage with your LinkedIn network by sharing updates, commenting on posts, or sending holiday greetings.
Research and Refresh.
You will need to take a break, too, so use this time to set goals, update your resume and LinkedIn profile, apply to recruitment ads, identify and research organizations, and plan your job search strategy for the new year.
Consider taking an online course or earning a certification to strengthen your qualifications. Doing this during the holidays will help you to stay positive, proactive and organized, and will help you to be ready for the hectic job search when the holiday season is over.
Volunteer.
Volunteering can help you network – it may place you in direct contact with other professionals who can provide valuable career guidance, referrals and suggestions.
Not only will this help your job search, but it will help you feel the spirit of the season, which is all about giving and helping others.
Work.
Consider taking a seasonal, temporary job in the retail, hospitality and logistics sectors, where hiring increases during the holiday season.
These opportunities will keep you busy and may transition into a permanent position.
Enjoy the Holidays.
Holidays are a special time – be sure to balance your job search with your own holiday activities, celebrate with friends and family, and relax.
Remember, the holiday season is not just a time to reflect and recharge, but also an opportunity to stay connected, stay proactive, and set yourself up for success in the new year.