Job hunters who persevere over the holidays have a unique opportunity to stand out from others who put off their job hunts until the New Year, according to job search portal CareerCast.com.
Rather than take time off while company recruiters (like everyone else) slow down their hiring efforts from Thanksgiving to New Year's, job seekers should ramp up their search, the site reports.
To stay motivated, job seekers should realize that the common perception that hiring falls off during the holidays is a myth. Candidates who buy into that belief remove themselves from the job market needlessly. And if a large number of candidates make that assumption, it actually opens up more opportunities for those who don't.
To keep yourself motivated, CareerCast.com offers five reasons to focus on an active holiday search:
1. Less competition. Not only do many candidates withdraw from the job market over the holidays, but those who are considering a job change usually stay put into the New Year to make sure they receive bonuses and vacation time they've accrued through the year.
2. Hiring managers are easier to reach. Hiring decision makers are less likely to be traveling as the holidays approach. Instead, they're focused on finishing projects, cleaning out files, meeting with colleagues and attending holiday gatherings.
3. The holiday spirit pervades. Everyone is a little happier at the holidays, so leverage that good will to your advantage when trying to schedule interviews. Keep your networking up -- contacts are often more available and willing to meet as work demands slow down, helping turn short discussions into long-term opportunities.
4. Get a jump on January. People who start work early in the New Year had to interview for that job in November or December, not in January. And for companies that review their staffing needs in January each year, you'll have a head start in case a need arises quickly.
5. Avoid the rush. The New Year is full of reminders to start fresh, turn over a new leaf and set new career goals. Beat all of those to the punch by maintaining your job search through the holidays, and you'll be on board by the time others are making their first calls.
