When employers start breaking out the eggnog and winding down the calendar year during winter holidays, it doesn't mean firms forget about December hiring. Quite the contrary, the end of the year may present the ideal time to perfect your job search techniques and capture a full-time job.
Some offices take a week or two off from Christmas until past New Year's. Firms typically stay quiet as companies let employees rest and relax before work ramps up again in early January and it's back to business. However, a spike in December hiring beyond temporary and seasonal work for retailers marks the right time to inquire about staffing needs for the coming year.
Annual reviews may happen in December just ahead of the Christmas holiday. For many employees, that means a Christmas bonus and a great start to the new year. Unfortunately for some workers, a performance review may mean a pink slip. Because of turnover at the end of the year, some firms may look forward to December hiring as they replace workers who didn't live up to expectations.
Get your network going during the lull because many managers and supervisors actually have time to develop a relationship with you. Holiday parties and gatherings with your friends, family and neighbors represent a great time to network and pick up on leads.
Turn that temporary job into full-time employment. After the retail season winds down, your hard work from Black Friday to Christmas Eve may just pay off as a full-time opportunity for December hiring. Work extra hours, show up early and stay late during this four-week period to catch the attention of HR. Even if you don't land a job after the holiday rush, at least you earn the praise of your supervisor who can edify you to the next HR manager you see.
Keep in mind that one-third of temporary holiday jobs occur in hobby, toy and gaming stores. Even though these jobs may not be glamorous, at least you have a position that pays the bills. Nearly half of all hiring in the fourth quarter occurs due to the winter holiday shopping rush, so you can possibly use this job as a stepping stone for something greater.
Remember that December hiring occurs as a prelude to next year. Companies finalize budgets for the coming year in December, so it never hurts to ask the HR manager what positions could open up in preparation for a busy year.
Because this time of year generally slows down, staffers in HR and recruiters may actually have time to call you back rather than simply take a note that you called or emailed. Getting a call back from someone responsible for hiring at the firm is more likely to happen in December.
Take advantage of the December hiring lull and make some noise by reaching out to employers. Even though you may have exhausted your job search during the previous 11 months, this slow time marks the perfect time to land a position when most other potential employees take a break.
Photo courtesy of basketman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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