By Adrienne Erin
Online Career Tips, Contributor
It’s conventional wisdom that as the holidays approach, job opportunities flit away faster than Santa up a chimney. Job hunters frequently assume that key decision makers are off making merry, and use this as an excuse to slow down their search, shopping for gifts rather than shopping around their resumes.
However, companies need employees to fulfill their needs all year long, and some hiring managers are eager to spend budgeted personnel funds before they disappear with the new year. In many ways, the holiday season is the ideal time of year to ramp up your job-searching efforts, as you have less competition from other job hunters, more networking opportunities with holiday parties and other social occasions, and time off from your current job to spend updating your resume and scheduling interviews. Here are some tips to add some yuletide fire to your job search this holiday season.
Work the Party Circuit
The holidays are full of informal ways to reconnect with old business contacts and make new connections. The next time you attend a holiday party, bring along some business cards and give them out when appropriate. Ask acquaintances for introductions to other party guests in your field, and meet new contacts in a relaxed and festive setting. And, as Business Insider suggests, make sure you give as well as receive — look for ways you can help your new contacts as well.
Take Advantage of Flexibility
Whether you work at a law firm or a rehab center, chances are you have some time off around the holidays. Many companies have a “use it or lose it” vacation policy — so use your time wisely. Take any days off you can to update your resume and portfolio, and schedule interviews or informational meetings. Invite old colleagues out for drinks or coffee, and find out what they are up to and if they know anyone who may be hiring. Even if you don’t have days off from your current job, the often slower pace of many workplaces around the holidays may allow you take a longer lunch or leave early. This slower schedule works both ways; as Forbes points out, hiring managers may have more time as well to return follow-up calls and have in-depth conversations.
Send Out Holiday Cards
Reconnect with old colleagues and acquaintances with a holiday or New Year’s card. (Don’t burn any bridges by sending a card with an obvious religious affiliation – you may accidentally offend your contact!) Include a handwritten note thanking the recipient for helping you in your career, or just send along your sincere holiday wishes. Use this as an opportunity to once again thank any recruiters or hiring managers with whom you’ve recently interviewed for a position.
While it may take longer to hear back from hiring managers who are on vacation, or to receive an offer while key decision-makers are away, there are many benefits to maintaining your job search during the holiday season. So while other job hunters are out drinking eggnog and hunting for mistletoe, keep networking, sending out resumes, and following up with employers — and you may just land yourself a brand-new job for the holidays.
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