Job seekers hear lots of stories about job seeking through the holidays, and not all are true. One persistent myth is that there is no hiring between now and the end of the year. A whole month of no business activity. Really? No! Just as business activity and production does not stop, the need for key people does not stop, just because of the year-end holidays.
Don’t slow down -capitalize on holiday networking opportunities to build your job search momentum. Challenge conventional wisdom, and you might find the reality is quite different from the myth! Here are six reasons to accelerate your job search during the holidays.
Competition decreases
The funny thing about myths is that lots of people believe them. And the Holiday Job Search Myth is no exception. If other job seekers back off from their job search believing that nobody is hiring, this translates to less competition, which is great news for you! Intensify your search and take advantage of the fact that others have slowed down their efforts and made an early start on holiday traditions -crafts, baking, decorating, and the proverbial eggnog sipping.
Business travel slows down
One benefit of being a job seeker is that you don’t have to fight airport crowds and post-pandemic airline delays doing yet another business trip. And neither are busy executives. Anyone who was traveling this year is back in town and may be available to meet for informational interviews and give you some AIR -advice, information, and referrals.
People are more receptive
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Holiday parties with family, friends, and industry associations are coming back post-pandemic, giving you opportunities to network. And, decision makers, like everyone else, are in the holiday mood and more accessible. What’s more, if you play your cards right, you might be invited to the company’s holiday party where you can meet other senior execs for more advice and information.
Budgets drive decisions
No budget approval, no job! When budgets expire at the end of the year, no manager wants to go to their boss and ask for approval to hire next year because they didn’t get the position filled this year. They need to get that vacancy filled in a hurry! Target that decision maker and show them you are the talented person they have been looking for. It’ll solve their problem -and yours!
Recruiters want their commissions
If there’s an executive recruiter involved, rest assured they want to maximize their year-end commission. And they don’t get paid unless they find the successful applicant (aka you!) before the end of the year. They will do everything in their power to fill the job. And you’re well qualified, experienced, and prepared, so why shouldn’t it be you in that position?
Maintain your momentum
Winning that great job does not happen overnight. You must work your job search diligently and persistently. Maintaining momentum is key. If the competition has decided that celebrating and shopping are more important than job seeking, they have dropped back to the end of the line. So, if you haven’t already won the job, you’re at the front of the line come the beginning of January! Ready, willing, and able!
So, work to clarify your distinct value proposition. Solve the business problem that keeps the hiring manager awake at night. Have a clear personal brand message so you stand out and position yourself for your next role. Become effective and impassioned in selling a product you know best -YOU!