The holidays are nearly here, and it’s time to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and maybe even open a few gifts. With all the holiday cheer in the air, it’s easy to decide you’ll lay your job search aside and pick it up in the new year – but the easy decision isn’t the right one when it comes to finding the job you want.
In fact, the holidays are the best time to put in some serious job search energy. Many businesses actually do more hiring during the holidays, as end-of-year budget reviews reveal that money is left to bring on the help needed. Meanwhile, many job-seekers decide to take a few days or weeks off – thinning the potential competition.
Here are some of the top ways to stay motivated during your holiday job search:
- Spread holiday cheer first, reconnect second. The holidays are a natural time to reach out to family, friends, and former co-workers you may not talk to at other times of the year. Use your holiday letter-writing, card-sending, or visits as a way to get back in touch with the far reaches of your personal and professional networks. A simple greeting is often all it takes to climb back to the top of someone’s recommendation list, and it gives you a chance to hear about job opportunities you may not have considered before. All while taking care of your holiday to-do list!
- Take advantage of the free time to build one-on-one connections. Many businesses slow down a bit at the holidays, giving hiring managers and other professionals more time to grab coffee or lunch with a job-seeker. If you’d rather be chatting in a coffee shop at this time of year than sitting behind your computer sending emails, don’t lose heart. Instead of doing your usual online round of job boards, spend some time connecting with key people at the companies you’d most like to work for. The chances are good that your request for a quick meeting will be granted, giving you an invaluable one-on-one meeting and that chance to get out and enjoy holiday cheer that you’re craving this time of year.
- Think long-term. Skip the usual round of New Year’s resolutions about hitting the gym or getting your closets under control. Instead, spend some time thinking about your career plans through the next year. What do you really want to accomplish? Is there a class you want to take or a credential you’ve needed to earn? When you make a long-term plan, it’s easier to see how your job search plans fit in, and easier to find the momentum you need to keep looking through the holiday season.
At Burnett’s Staffing, our experienced recruiters can help you stay motivated and target your efforts during the holidays and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our employment opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area.