Many job seekers interrupt positive momentum during the holidays because they think that their efforts will be fruitless. Hiring managers are vacationing, they’re preoccupied, they have end-of-year-stuff to do and they aren’t at all interested in speaking with someone who may help their department/effort succeed in the New Year.
The holidays can be a great time to find a job, and here’s why: many companies have a budget process that is in full gear towards year end. Hiring managers want to get teams in place by January 1 so that they are poised to move forward once expanded budgets are available.
Use the holiday period to reach out to hiring managers who very likely have a bit more time on their hands to meet with you during this traditional time of conviviality and good cheer. At the very least, you’ll get a jump on those who think that the holidays are a terrible time for an aggressive job search effort.
Note that the best time to prepare for a job search is when you begin to feel your job may be in jeopardy or when you learn your services are no longer needed. Unfortunately, the dreaded termination conversation often results in anger, a blow to self-esteem and lessened motivation, so preparing for the inevitable before it happens is in your best interests.
If you are presently unemployed, then anytime is a good time. You certainly can’t afford to take an extended vacation if you have a short financial runway. If you can afford to take a bit of time off, do so to care for yourself and improve your mindset, but know that there is a risk associated with losing momentum. Better to extend an onboarding date and enjoy a bit of time off once you’ve secured that new position!
Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com