Don't Stop Your Job Search on Any Occasions
Employers Are (Still!) Hiring Just like any other part of the business, hiring still goes on late in the year. Operations, mergers, production, orders, service, buyouts, and projects are always running in most companies. In fact, some industries may even have more significant needs during the holiday season, as major transactions and deals are often negotiated during what others might consider downtime. Back in my IT management and recruiting days, we focused more on January projects and planning for resource needs than holiday vacations.
Budget Requirements Must Be Met
Both end-of-year budgets and new-year headcount forecasting can drive hiring during the holiday season. The typical hiring cycle for an executive can take weeks, if not months. Employers anticipating the need for new sales leaders, for example, may need to initiate their hiring process by the end of the year to get a new hire onboarded by February.
Everyone Else Is Lying Low Less competition from other candidates means less resumes clogging employer inboxes and Applicant Tracking Systems—and more attention for you. Of course, you’ll want to focus on both applying and diligently following up with employers during this time. While others are focused on the season, you can also get ahead of the hiring game by setting a Google alert for companies in your industry. Signing a new contract, closing on an acquisition, opening a division, or releasing a new product are items to watch out for, as these activities can translate into a need for more employees.
Opportunities To Network Are Abundant
what other time of the year will you walk into a room full of company executives, partners, and other decisionmakers? You can, of course, research companies whose managers you hope to talk with, and mention industry happenings of shared interest during an event. Although you shouldn’t monopolize a holiday gathering by talking shop, you can offer to meet for coffee or after-work activities—perhaps looking ahead to other professional events, industry conferences, or seminars during which you can connect.
Recruiters Are Staying Alert For Jobs And Candidates Alike
Like other businesses that don’t take a holiday, recruiters are particularly watchful for end-of-year hiring needs from their clients (employers). Reach out with a short note on LinkedIn, send an e-mail with your resume, or give them a call to find out if their clients are in need of your talent. Get a jump on the competition – and stay top-of-mind at your target employers – by ramping up your search during the end-of-year holiday season instead of waiting it out.