You may think the phrases “job hunt” and “holiday season” couldn’t possibly be in the same sentence – or mindset. But in fact, the opposite is true. There are some solid reasons to move ahead with your search with November & December right around the corner. Whether you are searching for a seasonal position during the busy months for certain industries, or full-time work, below are some tips to help you become a master of your holiday job search!
Beat the Odds
By staying on track with your job hunt during the holidays, you can:
- Encounter less competition: In fact, many people do take a break from their job search to celebrate the holidays. Hint: Their loss could be your gain, as you face less competition and thus, a greater chance of a hiring manager considering you for a position.
- Take advantage of seasonal networking opportunities: The holiday season tends to be chock full of parties and events. Look at every one of them as a chance to meet other professionals in your field, as well as additional valuable contacts.
- Beat the January rush: Other job hunters are not the only ones who may postpone plans until the start of the New Year: many companies ramp up hiring in January due to new budgets and a renewed focus on business goals. If you apply for a job during the the last quarter of the year, it allows you to be in contact with these decision-makers and in the queue as soon as 2025 gets underway.
Seasonal Job Search Tips
Optimize your strategy for job hunting during the holiday season by:
- Updating your resume: Focus on crafting a memorable document highlighting your strongest qualities and most valuable transferable skills. Make sure you tailor both your resume and cover letter to each job you’re seeking.
- Creating a realistic schedule: A job search schedule can be an invaluable tool at any time, but especially during the business holiday season. It can help you to not only establish a realistic career timetable but also to build a healthy balance between your search and enjoying seasonal festivities. And even if you devote only 30 minutes a day to your professional goal, your schedule will keep you accountable and feeling good about the progress you’re making.
- Ramping up that networking: When you attend events during the holidays, play it tactfully but take advantage of every networking opportunity that crops up – whether it’s via a work-related contact or a personal friend, neighbor, or community or family member. Have your elevator speech ready for the appropriate point in a social conversation.
Last but not least, consider the potential for a temp-to-hire job this holiday season. Often, these positions can be the gateway to the permanent position you’ve been waiting for.
The career experts at PrideStaff Modesto are here to help you find your next position, and help you with whatever we can in order to find the right fit for you. Reach out to us today to learn more about best practices, and get help finding your next position!
