Job Searching Over the Holidays: What You Need to Know

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An IT worker and his partner celebrating the holidays while searching for new job opportunities.

Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing Blog! I know, we’re in October right now, and we haven’t even reached Halloween, but the November and December Holidays are just around the corner. You are probably excited for some family time, holiday traditions, football games, maybe you are traveling somewhere, the good (and maybe not so good) food you and your loved ones make, it is all just weeks away. The holidays take up so much of peoples time and energy and you might think, this is a horrible time to look for a new job, no one could be hiring, right? Yes and no! In this blog, we are going to go over the pros and cons of navigating the job search during the holidays.

Pro: Networking Opportunities

Use the social aspect of the holiday season to your advantage. Attend networking events, holiday parties, or even virtual meet-ups. The season of giving is not just for gifts and cheer. The gift of a new job could be at one of these functions! Introduce yourself to people, mention that you’re looking for new opportunities, and make a great impression. You will make a lasting impression on them, thus pushing you closer to your newest job opportunity.

Pro: End-of-Year Budget Spending

Companies that operate on a calendar fiscal year often have a budget to spend before the year ends. If a department has the funds to hire but hasn’t yet filled a position, they may rush to make a hire before the year’s close. This can lead to quicker decision-making and hiring processes with roles where a start date in January is desired. Putting yourself out there might just land you your next job, and quicker too!

Pro: Competition is Scarce

Job searching during the holiday season can sometimes mean less competition, depending on the industry and role. Many job seekers tend to put their job search on hold during November and December, assuming that companies aren’t actively hiring or that it’s better to wait until the new year. This can create a unique opportunity for those who choose to keep searching, as fewer applicants mean a higher chance of your resume being noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. This goes hand in hand with the previous point about end of year budget spending, streamlining the process for the business and the candidate.

Con: Be Aware of a Potential Slow Hiring Process

While some companies are eager to fill positions quickly, it is quite possible many businesses slow down their hiring processes during the holidays. With key decision-makers taking time off, there can be delays in interviews, approvals, and final hiring decisions. Job seekers may find themselves waiting longer than usual to hear back, and the process might stretch into the new year. Be sure to time out when you may want to start a new job, and be mindful of the possible delays during the holiday season.

Con: Distractions and Holiday Obligations

The holiday season brings with it a whirlwind of activities, from family gatherings to holiday parties and end-of-year festivities. Balancing these commitments while maintaining a focused job search can be tough. Many job seekers find it difficult to stay motivated and dedicated to their search during this period, especially when distractions are at their peak. This can lead to a less effective job hunt, where applications are rushed or fewer opportunities are pursued. If you feel like you cannot bring more attention to your job hunt during these months, then you might want to rethink your timeline for a new job and search before the holiday months or wait after the new year.

Con: Lack of Immediate Start Dates

One of the challenges of job hunting during the holiday season is that even if you secure a job offer, you might not be able to start immediately. Many companies prefer to onboard new hires at the beginning of the year, after the holidays, when their teams are fully staffed, and business operations are back in full swing. This delay can be problematic for job seekers who are looking to begin work as soon as possible, particularly those who are unemployed or in urgent need of income. Be mindful of these possible date restrictions when

In Conclusion

Job searching during the holiday season has its unique set of pros and cons. While there are fantastic opportunities to network and possibly find companies eager to spend their year-end budget, there can also be delays and distractions that slow the hiring process. For those who choose to keep their job search active during this time, it’s important to stay patient, adaptable, and prepared for potential setbacks. Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of the holiday job market can help you make the most of the opportunities available while planning around the challenges. By staying focused and proactive, you might just find that your next great job opportunity arrives with the holiday cheer!

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business looking to fill your important IT roles, visit us at cpstaffing.com to learn more!

If you are a candidate and are looking for dream role, visit us at jobs.cpstaffing.com for our latest job postings!

And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for new jobs, insights, blog posts and more! https://www.linkedin.com/company/computerpeoplestaffing

Written by Jeff Weiss

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