11 Reasons to Look for a Job During the Holidays

Many individuals seeking employment often pause their job search efforts during the holiday season. This is because the holidays tend to be a busy time of year, making it challenging to balance holiday preparations with the task of continuing their job search. However, this decision might not be advisable.

Note

Contrary to common assumptions, the hiring process remains active throughout the holiday season. Employers hire when they have a need for new staff members.

For certain businesses that experience reduced activity during the holidays, this period can offer more opportunities for recruitment. It can also result in decreased competition for available job positions, as some job seekers take a break from their job search during this time.

11 Reasons to Continue Job Hunting During the Holidays

Not sure if you should consider pausing your job search until the New Year? Here are some compelling reasons to continue your job hunt during the holiday season.

Companies are Recruiting

Don’t assume for a moment that companies aren’t actively recruiting. If you visit job boards such as Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, or Dice, you’ll discover thousands of open positions that employers are looking to fill immediately. Make it a habit to regularly browse these top job websites to ensure you don’t miss out on potential job opportunities.

fewer applicants for open positions

Even though you may be in need of a new job, managing a job search during the holiday season can be challenging, given the numerous other activities and commitments. Some individuals find it more convenient to focus on holiday festivities rather than job hunting, which is perfectly fine. However, if you’re skilled at multitasking, you may encounter less competition for job openings. Continuing your job search could provide an opportunity for an interview that might not have been available at other times of the year when the candidate pool was more competitive. It’s also advisable to maintain organization in your job search efforts, as this will assist you in handling multiple priorities effectively.

Additional Networking Possibilities

You couldn’t choose a more opportune time of year for networking. November and December are filled with various social and business holiday events where you can connect with individuals who can support your job search. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Most people are eager to contribute by assisting you, especially during the generous spirit of the season.

Consider having business cards created with your contact details and the URL of your LinkedIn profile, if you have one. Bring a stack with you to distribute to individuals you meet at networking gatherings and holiday parties. Be prepared with an elevator pitch so you can succinctly share information about your background.

Benefits for Unemployment are Limited

There are currently no extended unemployment benefits in effect. The sole source of unemployment compensation available is the weekly benefits provided by your state, which typically lasts for a maximum of 26 weeks, though it may be shorter in some states. If you’re contemplating delaying your job search, it’s important to keep track of when your unemployment benefits are scheduled to expire.

Benefits and Pay are Set for the New Year

Starting January with your affairs in order is always a wise choice if possible. Establishing your compensation for the year not only assists in covering expenses but also aids in financial planning and tax preparation.

A Contract Job May Eventually Become Permanent

If you secure a temporary holiday season job, there’s a chance it could become a permanent position. Companies often retain some of the seasonal hires, and you might be one of them if you leave a positive impression on your employer.

You might still be granted a holiday.

Even if you’re a new employee, you can still expect to have some time off during the holiday season. Many companies close their doors, at the very least, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Some companies extend this break when the holidays coincide with a weekend. Depending on your start date, you might also be eligible for pro-rated time off.

Possible for you to negotiate a start date

Start dates can be subject to negotiation. Typically, a notice period of two weeks is common when resigning from your current employer. However, you might have the opportunity to postpone your start date to a later time, particularly if there are holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas when the business is closed. This could provide you with some additional time to delay your start date.

Spending extra money on holidays

If you secure a job offer earlier than anticipated, you’ll have additional funds to use during the holidays. Moreover, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a job lined up, which can alleviate the stress of the prospect of restarting your job search on January 1st.

Change Your Wardrobe

Shopping for oneself is consistently enjoyable, and it becomes even more satisfying when you can capitalize on holiday sales and discounts. If you have a new job secured, you can use this opportunity to shop for a stylish work wardrobe to kick off your new position. On the other hand, if you’re in the midst of a job search, it’s a great time to snag a few interview outfits at discounted prices.

Use employee discounts when shopping for the holidays

If you land a job in the retail or hospitality industry, you’ll have the advantage of using your employee discounts when shopping for holiday gifts and gift certificates. This couldn’t come at a more opportune moment for holiday gift-giving.

Staffing on Demand

Hiring practices have evolved from being seasonal to being on-demand. Nowadays, when a company determines the need for a new employee or if a current employee departs, they won’t delay in initiating the hiring process. Being prepared for job opportunities at any time will put you in a favorable position for a successful job search.

Don’t forfeit promising job opportunities just because you’ve chosen to temporarily scale back your job search efforts. Even if you reduce your job search activity and dedicate less time to it, you’ll still be in a strong position to secure a job. It’s always preferable to land a job sooner rather than later!