It might be tempting to pause your job search during the holidays due to festivities, disruptions, or the misconception that “no one hires during the holidays.” I suggest the opposite — keep applying, searching, and networking. Here are four reasons to maintain your job search momentum and five actions to position yourself for opportunities in the new year.
1. Companies have extra year-end money
Many organizations have “use it or lose it” budgets. They must fill roles before the new year or risk losing funding for those positions. I had a client who interviewed right before Christmas and received an offer days later. If there’s a critical vacancy and a strong candidate appears, companies won’t miss the chance to interview and hire them, even during the holidays.
2. Less competition for open opportunities
The rise of remote work has streamlined hiring, making it easier to schedule interviews. With many people pausing their search, the holidays offer less competition and greater flexibility for interviews. Additionally, not all cultures celebrate holidays in December, and global and remote hiring practices have expanded opportunities. Roles previously limited by location may now be open to candidates worldwide, making this an ideal time to apply for international or remote positions.
3. More chances to socialize (i.e., network)
The holidays are a great time for connecting with people and making new contacts more easily and casually through holiday parties without looking like you are job hunting. Additionally, the holidays give you the perfect excuse to reach out to contacts, catch up, and send them seasonal well wishes. Remember, referrals are important in the job search process.
4. Companies finalize their new year budgets
Have you ever wondered why there is an increase in job openings in the new year? Many private sector companies create their budget for the next year in the fall season and finalize it at the end of the year. This process involves estimating projected revenues and expenses, including preparing to hire new employees, budgeting for vacant and new positions, and launching new initiatives. To maximize your chances, keep your résumé updated during the holidays so you are ready to seize these new opportunities in January.
Setting yourself up for success
If these four reasons make sense, what steps can you take to further set yourself up for success?
Step 1: Reflect and set goals
The most successful job seekers set clear expectations for the types of roles, companies, industries, geographic preferences, etc., they want. Start by creating a list of target companies you want to work for. Research these companies’ values, culture, and recent news updates. Career fulfillment is more than finding a job; it is about working for a company whose values align with yours.
Step 2: Update your résumé and LinkedIn profile
Once you have established your goals, research job postings that align with your desired roles. Study the qualifications, note where you excel, and focus on integrating technical, industry-specific terms into your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like TagCrowd help analyze job postings for frequent keywords, and ChatGPT helps interpret these postings, highlighting key skills and phrases. Doing this will help align your qualifications with what recruiters are looking for.
Step 3: Make LinkedIn networking a habit
Leverage your professional and personal networks by using your target company list to follow organizations and identify potential starter contacts and hiring managers. Start with people you know — friends, family members, and former colleagues — and tell them about your job search goals. Additionally, take time to engage with posts or share content that highlights your knowledge and expertise in your target industries. Doing this boosts your visibility on LinkedIn and draws the attention of recruiters, especially during the quieter holiday period.
Step 4: Use online applications strategically
Most people treat the job search as a numbers game and apply to any positions that look vaguely relevant, regardless of fit, hoping that something will stick. Using the target company list you created earlier, you can set the boundaries of your efforts by applying to jobs you are interested in while managing your time and energy efficiently.
Step 5: Prepare for interviews
The initial research you did when creating your target company list can pay dividends when preparing for an interview. Research your interviewers (LinkedIn is a great starting place). Study the job posting, if available, to anticipate potential questions. Use your résumé to identify achievements that demonstrate how you meet the qualifications. Share these stories using the “challenge, action, and result” framework in an interview setting.
Bringing it together
Hiring happens year-round, and the holidays provide opportunities to leverage downtime. This is the best time to engage your network, take courses on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, and meet new people. Staying active in your job search is important, but remember that your most important obligation is to yourself. If you need a break, it’s okay to take care of your mental well-being and ensure that you’re at your best when you continue your job search in the new year.
This article originally appeared in the Career Connection column in the December 2024 issue of CEP. Members have access online to complete issues, including a vast, searchable archive of back-issues found at www.aiche.org/cep.