Job Hunting Over the Holidays: 6 Key Tips to Remember
If you’re looking for a new job and the holiday season rolls around, it might be tempting to hit the pause button and enjoy the season.
However, the holidays can be a good time to make progress on your search. While many hiring personnel take time off for the holidays, companies don’t shut down completely and business decisions still need to be made — including decisions on filling open positions.
On top of that, employers are more desperate for talent than ever right now and the job market is in your favor. If you’re looking to take advantage of the situation, consider the following tips.
Tips for Job Hunting Over The Holidays
1) Think Temporary for Quick Cash
In some industries like retail and shipping, businesses want to hire additional staff to meet increased demand. These jobs are a great opportunity to make a few extra bucks.
Most seasonal jobs are part-time and meant to be temporary. However, it’s not uncommon for an employer to hire a seasonal employee for a full-time job after the holiday season. If you’re focus on getting full-time employment, a seasonal job can be a great way to get a foot in the door at a great supply chain company.
2) Parties are Perfect for Networking
You may not associate holiday parties with your career, but these events are perfect for networking. Held once a year, holiday parties often bring together people who have something or someone in common.
At this year’s functions, let people know you’re trying to find a new job. Simply mentioning a job search in passing can open up new possibilities you never even considered.
3) Volunteer Your Time
The number of opportunities to volunteer explodes during the holiday season and volunteering is a great way to gain experience, learn skills and network. Needless to say, it is also a fantastic way to help those in need in your area. Try find an opportunity that is right for you, look on social media or visit local nonprofits.
4) Use Up Your Downtime
If you are employed and the holiday season tends to be slow, take advantage of the situation. If your employer wants you to use vacation days during this time, spend some of your paid time off networking and connecting with old colleagues. If you get off early from work, use that time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
5) Reach Out Online
The holiday season is the perfect premise for touching base with old friends, coworkers and bosses. If you’re not going to see these people at holiday parties, go ahead and touch base over text message or social media. Start out any conversation as a social call, and eventually get around to mentioning your job search.
6) Send Cards and/or Gifts
Think back over the past couple years of your career and you’ll probably think of a few people who helped you along the way. The holidays are a great time to express your gratitude with either a car or gift. It’s a bit tacky to mention your job search while giving something, so just let your gift speak for itself.
We Can Help You Over the Holidays
At ZDA, we work throughout the holiday season to connect job seekers to career opportunities. Please contact us today to find out more.
