The holiday season is upon us, and it may not seem to be the optimal time to look for a new job.

 

However, there is a phenomenon that makes this a great time to update your connections and find a new role, and that would be an exciting way to ring in the New Year.  

 

In simplest terms, your competition pretty much quits while the job market just slows down a little.  I call this the Holiday Slow-Down Advantage, and it could be the advantage you’ve been waiting for! 

 

If you’ve heard people say things like, “The job market dries up during the holidays,” “No one’s hiring until the New Year,” or “Everyone’s on vacation,” you’re not alone.  These are the comments we hear from job seekers every year about this time.  

 

It’s true that many companies slow down and hiring managers take vacation time around this time of year.  This can make a job search, which is already a challenging process,  seem twice as difficult.  Candidates get discouraged by companies’ lack of responsiveness, so they put their job hunt “on hold.”

 

Meanwhile, hiring managers at companies who still have key positions open are committed to getting them filled before the New Year. We hear leaders say: “The pool of candidates is so small,” “I really need to get this position filled,” and “No one is applying.”  

 

How do I know this? Every year, I’ve helped countless people get hired between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.  I encouraged them not to take their “foot off the gas” like many of their competitors. In fact, this is the time to push the pedal to the metal!  This is as true now as it ever was, as candidates are also fearing and hearing of so many layoffs in the news.

 

So, while other job seekers take a break from job hunting, this gives you, as a candidate, less competition and a significant advantage - the Holiday Slow-Down Advantage.  You now have a much better chance of standing out!

 

By networking, building relationships with new people, and submitting job applications during the holiday season, you are getting on a company or recruiter’s radar before the beginning of the first quarter as new budgets take effect and the mad rush of the new year takes over!

 

Risk waiting, and you’ll end up in an overcrowded job market in January when everyone is clamoring for that “new year, new career” - comparable to the mad rush at the gym after people make their New Year’s resolutions. In fact, a CareerBuilder study has shown OVER 75% of the workforce is either actively looking or open to looking for something better in January. Don’t get lost in this sea!

So, it’s an important time to look at how you can take advantage of the “Holiday Slow-Down Advantage.”  There are a few key things to consider in your networking and job search to make the most of your unique advantage this holiday season. These include: 

 

1. Personal connection: Reconnect with people in your network and ask how they’re doing, how they thrived this year, and what their goals are for next year. Set up a virtual meeting, maybe toast with eggnog, and have fun. 
2. Giving: As you reconnect with people in your network, ask them how you can support them through the holiday season. 
3. Feed your relationships with recruiters by showing them gratitude for ANY conversations you’ve had with them, insights they’ve provided, and the hard work they do matching candidates with companies. This shows you care and understand the role they play.
4. Send a Holiday E-card that includes a link to your LinkedIn profile. Be thoughtful in blending a personal touch with a professional connection. This pays dividends when those people hear about opportunities for you.
5. Finally, share with your network, the organization, or the charity you are supporting this holiday advantage season. Explain why the cause is dear to your heart and any leadership role you may hold with the organization.  For example, We are super committed to the environment and support the Environmental Defense Fund for their work globally.     

Your unique approach will boost your positioning and get you closer to being the one best candidate for a job you love. 

 

So how about you?

How will you keep your energy and spirits high as you stay in contact with people this season? 

Thank you for reading this message and best wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity from me, my team, and my family to you and yours.  As always, we are here to help with your resume, LinkedIn profile, or anything related to managing a leadership career you love.  Feel free to contact me at at [email protected].