Get Hired During The Holiday Season? Yes, You Can!
Share
With the holiday season approaching, many people think that hiring by organizations slows down almost to a trickle. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Even if the want ads may not be as plentiful as they are at other times of the year, organizations always need people to fill vacancies. By understanding the subtleties of the season and working with them, you can get hired even during the holidays. Here are a few points to keep in mind:


1. Upcoming budgets: Many organizations have their budget review and planning in January, meaning that departments must use up their currently allotted budget by the end of the year. And if departments need people, they will try to hire them. Use this fact as your impetus to start your job search at a time when most people won’t.

2. Explore the hidden job market: Even if companies are hiring, they may not have the time to place ads, so don’t use ads as your only guide to finding job opportunities. Search for the companies where you want to work and the possibility that they have the type of work you want to do. While you may need to send out a lot of resumes, you still could find that one offer – or several.

3. Relaxed moods: Many businesses become more relaxed as the holidays approach – more gatherings, fewer people in the office. Use this to your advantage. Hiring managers could be more open to chatting about available positions that are either available now or in the new year. So get chatting!

4. Less competition: Other job seekers may buy into the myth that no one hires during the holidays, so make that work for you. By sending out your resume, chatting to friends and acquaintances about potential opportunities, or meeting with recruiters means that you have access to more potential interviews – with less competition.

5. Network when you can: Holidays mean many things to many people, and for some, it means social opportunities. Get out and attend as many of these as possible. They may just be holiday parties, end of year workshops in your profession, and such, but whatever they are, remember that the more people you meet, the greater your chances are to get hired.

6. Be open to new opportunities: As you start your job search, you may have a specific idea about what you want from a new position, and that’s good. But don’t let that idea limit you to what is out there. Consider every new opportunity that comes along, even if it wasn’t in your original job path. You could find some delightful surprises, or it could reinforce that what you thought you wanted was correct.

7. Patience is a virtue: When more people are out of the office, and those who are there are filling in for those who aren’t, the pace at businesses can become slower. Therefore, you need to wait patiently – things will happen.

8. Evaluate your job search and interview strategies: Even if you have to wait for opportunities to unveil themselves or come to fruition, this doesn’t mean there is nothing for you to do. Take this time to reassess your job search strategies, review your resume, and investigate your interview techniques. Polishing off these aspects will make you more confident when talking with others before and during your interview, and that will enhance your chances to get hired.


The holidays can be a wonderful time, not just for getting back in touch with people, but for job searching too. Keep in mind the points above to help you get hired – even during the holidays.