Business tends to slow down during the holiday season, so you may be tempted to put your job search on hold while you tie up loose ends from the previous year. However, this is a big mistake. If you stop looking for a job during the holiday season, you risk losing momentum and missing out on great opportunities. Here are six reasons to continue your job search after Thanksgiving and into the new year.
1. Business Never Stops
You may not be as busy during the holiday season, but that doesn't mean business stops entirely. Recruiters and HR managers still make time to review resumes and conduct interviews. Some companies even do extra hiring right before the end of the year, making this the perfect time to line up something for January.
2. You Need to Stay Motivated
A lot of job seekers have trouble staying motivated, especially if they have spent months looking for a new job. Once you are motivated to improve your circumstances, you're better off continuing your search during the holiday season. If you stop applying for positions, you may have trouble getting back into the game.
3. Triumph Over Competitors
Some of your competitors may slow down during the holiday season, or they may stop looking for jobs entirely. If your competitors are out of the game, even temporarily, you have a much better chance of securing an interview with a desirable employer. Recruiters may even be impressed with your tenacity if you continue looking for work during the holiday season.
4. Networking Is Common
The holiday season presents many opportunities to connect with people in your industry. Holiday parties are fun, but they are also a good source of job leads and networking referrals. If you attend a holiday party, make sure you carry business cards with you at all times. You never know when you might meet the person who leads you to your next job.
5. You Have Extra Time
If you are employed, you must balance your usual responsibilities with reading job advertisements, filling out applications and sending in resumes, making it difficult to find a new job. The holiday season often comes with a few days off, giving you extra time to search for opportunities and meet with potential employers. If your industry tends to slow down during the holidays, you may even have more time to apply for jobs.
6. It's Easier to Connect
The holiday season presents a great opportunity to connect with past colleagues and previous employers. When you reach out to an existing contact, be sure to mention you are looking for new opportunities.
Instead of slowing down during the holiday season, take the opportunity to connect with existing contacts and attend networking events. While everyone else is drinking eggnog and opening gifts, you can keep polishing your resume and stay in touch with recruiters to get an edge over the competition. If you make the effort, you may have a new job in time for the new year.
Photo courtesy of jannoon028 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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