Job Search Strategies: Keep Momentum in Festive Times

‘Tis the season to find your dream job

Deck the halls with boughs of holly. While the festivities are well underway, your mind is elsewhere. You’re in the middle of your job hunt, and you don’t know whether to keep going or take a holiday break. The last thing you want is to lose momentum. 

In this guide, you’ll learn that a job search during the holidays can actually be a smart move. Plus, you’ll find out some of the best job search strategies to keep the momentum going during festive times.

Do companies hire during the holidays?

It is a common myth that companies freeze hiring over the holidays. While you may find the job boards are more sparse than they once were, the truth is that businesses need talent when they need it. The festive period does not mean companies don’t need to hire new staff. 

What’s more, since other candidates tend to slow down their job search during the holidays, you might have an advantage. Continuing your job search during the holidays may be a smart way to boost your chances of success since fewer people are applying for roles. Don’t let this period curb your enthusiasm. There are still plenty of vacancies out there and potentially fewer people applying. 

Why you should job search during the holidays 

While the idea of kicking back and relaxing may be appealing, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to find a new role over the festive period. Believe it or not, there are some great advantages to continuing your job search during the holidays. Let’s take a look now.

Less competition from applicants 

During the holidays, people are busier than ever, from attending family get-togethers to traveling around the country. For that reason, fewer people are looking for jobs and, indeed, applying for them. That can put you in a prime position when job searching during the holidays. 

Now may be the perfect time to apply for your dream job since there will be less competition. Staying on top of the job boards and looking on LinkedIn may be the key to your ultimate success. Keep moving forward, and you may have a head start over everyone else. 

Hiring processes can be long 

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to hear back from a job application. From that point, the hiring process is likely to take a matter of weeks. Put simply, you always need to account for a lengthy hiring process when you are applying for new jobs, especially when performing your job search during the holidays. 

If you are already looking for a job, pausing for the holiday season is a bad move. This approach will set you back even further and means it will take you longer to get a role. It’s important to keep your motivation going strong throughout the festive period. 

You may get more time off 

Do you want to get some extra time off? Starting your job search just before the holidays could be the answer. If you do manage to land a role in that time, you could get some paid time off during the festive season. That means you can celebrate your win over the holidays. 

Of course, many companies only offer benefits like this one to seasoned employees. However, you never know what advantages you may gain by searching for a job during the holidays. If you are lucky, you could end up with additional time off and a new job when the new year rolls around.

Many new networking opportunities 

The holidays are prime time for networking. While looking on job sites is one way to find out about opportunities, you should broaden your search tactics. Over the festive period, there is likely to be a rainbow array of business functions and events. Attending the right ones could help you open new doors and find out about upcoming job vacancies, too. 

Start by looking on an events website to see whether there are any networking events happening near you. Before you attend, make sure you have business cards and an elevator pitch ready. That way, you will be prepared to make some valuable connections. 

Expert strategies for job hunting during the holidays

Losing motivation? If you are struggling to stay on track, we have you covered. In the following section, we will take a look at the best strategies you can use for your job search during the holidays. 

1. Update your professional resume now

Making sure that your resume is up to date is a must. When job seeking, it’s important to put your best foot forward. That means creating a resume that wows potential employers.  Here are some of the approaches you can take to revamp this document: 

• Update the details. Make sure the minor details are correct. That includes your contact information, the dates of certain jobs, your skill set, and any qualifications you have. 

• Perfect your summary. Your resume summary needs to wow hiring managers. This freeform part of your application has the power to catch their attention. Draft an engaging and informative blurb that turns readers’ heads.  

• Optimize it for the ATS. Many businesses now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to monitor incoming resumes. The software ranks each resume by how well it fits the criteria of the job. Including keywords from the job advert can help you pass the test.

• Keep it sleek. Your professional resume should be easy to read. Ensure that you choose a design that has plenty of white space. This approach prevents the page from looking too ‘busy,’ which can be off-putting for hiring managers. 

Related reading: Looking for more advice? Getting started from scratch doesn’t have to be hard. Check out our full guide on how to write a resume, where we unpack the process. 

2. Make a realistic job-search schedule

Sticking to your job search during the holidays can be hard when you have a lot going on. You can’t dedicate every hour of the day to looking for new roles. To help you get over this hurdle, create a realistic schedule that works for you. Consider the existing constraints you have when making it. 

It may be helpful to write the schedule down or even create a to-do list. You can use the calendar app on your phone, for example, to block out time in which to look for jobs. Be sure to factor in breaks and time for socializing during the festivities. It’s all about having a balance. 

3. Create a ‘hit list’ of potential contacts

Reaching out to the right people could help you supercharge your job search. One tactic you can use is creating a hit list of potential contacts. Who do you want to reach out to? This can include former employers, other professionals, or even clients. Speaking up about looking for work is a speedy way to find out about new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask around. 

4. Look into seasonal job contracts 

During the holiday period, a whole load of seasonal contracts will crop up. If you are looking for full-time employment, you may not bother to apply for these positions. However, that is a mistake. It is worth looking at these jobs as they could turn into long-term roles. 

Check out the temporary contracts that are available in your field. If you land one of these positions and then prove yourself, you could find that the company keeps you on after the holidays. While there are no guarantees, it’s always smart to leave no stone unturned. 

5. Make networking a real priority 

Networking is a straightforward way to increase your chances of success. Whether you are networking online or in person, you can find out about upcoming roles this way. Over the festive period, you’ll find there are plenty of events that you can attend. Look for the ones that suit your field and make them a priority. You never know what you may discover. 

Job search during the holidays is a “GO”

It’s important to continue your job search during the holidays. While it’s all too easy to lose momentum, now is the time to pick up speed. Make sure your resume is on point and that you’re ready to apply now. 

Looking for a job this festive season? Get your free resume review from our team of experts today! Find out how you can elevate your application and beat the competition. 

Recommended reading: 

• Why Is It So Hard to Find a Job? (+ 5 Tips)

• Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume (+ Examples)

• 15 of the Best Job Search Websites For Your Search