An Incredible Season for Career Progression
Many job-seekers take a hiatus from job searching during December, thinking their companies have stopped or will slow down on hiring altogether. Yet according to career experts, many employers use these final weeks of the year as one of their most productive times to hire talent – budget preparation for next year can begin, open roles need to be filled before deadlines pass or early-year initiatives needing new talent are often being planned in December so those staying active may experience far less competition – giving themselves increased visibility than their counterparts who step back altogether
Just making this shift in mindset alone could open doors that remain closed throughout the rest of the year.
Companies Still Seek Talent Before Year’s End
Businesses remain on deadline, even during this festive season, to meet hiring needs. Hiring managers want their positions filled by January so teams can hit the ground running when 2019 rolls in, while certain departments risk losing headcount or budget if offers aren’t finalized before year end. With deadlines in mind, businesses rely heavily on urgency leading them towards faster responses, quicker interviews and in some instances quicker decision-making processes.
Job-seekers could benefit from sending applications during the holidays as this might attract attention more quickly than expected.
Less Competition, More Opportunity
An attractive advantage of holiday job searches is reduced competition. Many candidates assume no one is hiring, giving active applicants an exceptional chance to rise above others and become visible. Meanwhile, recruiters typically reviewing hundreds of applications are suddenly reviewing much smaller volumes; making targeted resumes and thoughtful outreach even more impactful than before.
Fewer individuals networking or interviewing makes it simpler to build meaningful relationships with hiring teams.
Now Is an Ideal Time for Building Relationships
At the close of every year, conversations become less formalized; recruiters and managers become more open to informal chitchat, quick introductions or follow-up messages with prospective hires or potential colleagues. This offers great opportunities for reconnecting with professional contacts you admire or getting acquainted before official vacancies open in January.
These thoughtful touches often result in early interviews or first-in-line consideration when hiring ramps up in the new year.
Strategically Take Advantage of Season
Holiday season offers the ideal time and place for updating resumes, refreshing portfolios, and clarifying long-term career goals. Furthermore, now is also an opportune moment to conduct company research, make applications in advance, and plan out early year job searching strategies – helping job seekers build real momentum before January’s rush begins!
Though the holiday period might seem inert, hiring decisions are still being made behind-the-scenes, with those staying engaged being those most likely to benefit from staying engaged with their jobs during this time period.
