Why you shouldn’t write off job hunting over the holidays

Conventional wisdom says that the holidays aren’t the best time for job-hunting, unless you’re looking for a seasonal gig selling mistletoe.

But that’s a myth. You could be missing lucrative opportunities to snag a great new role. Here are three reasons why it’s a great idea to put (or keep) yourself in the job market during the holiday season.

Hiring Is A Year-Round Process

Don’t suspend your job hunt because you don’t think companies are hiring. They are. Even businesses that seem to go dormant during the holidays often hire new teams or set up operations for their busy periods.

Towards the end of the year, most companies are trying to wrap up their headcount plans for the year ahead, while also kick-starting their hiring for the next 12 months.

If a company decides that they need a new employee or if a current employee moves on, they won’t wait to start the hiring process. So if you’re hiring-ready, you’ll be positioned for success.

Use It Or Lose It Budgets

When budgets expire at the end of the calendar year, there can be urgent requests to fill roles while the funds are available. With a short window to secure talent, employers want to find the right person before the year’s budget ends.

This sense of urgency could mean your resume will receive greater attention. Also know that hiring managers who have not yet hit their hiring objectives may feel the pressure to give offers quickly. This means the hiring timeline may be expedited, and you could hear back in a matter of days instead of weeks or months.

Your Competition Is Sleeping

While you’re eyeing up prospective employers, other job seekers may have decided to lay low. Use this lull in activity to your advantage. The holiday season is a great time of year to bubble up to the top of the applicant tracking system and any urgent-to-fill positions are yours for the taking. Plus, this is an opportunity to showcase your tenacity.

The holiday season actually offers job seekers valuable opportunities not seen at other times of the year. Here are three ways to keep your search moving forward:

1.   Update Your Personal Brand

No matter where you are in your career, unless you’re considering retirement, you’re probably not at your last job. You need to think about your personal brand. Depending on your circumstances, you may have an extensive personal brand or a more limited one. The point, though, is that you do have one.

At a minimum, make sure you have a great resume and cover letter that highlights all of your skills, experience, accomplishments, and credentials. Fine-tune your professional and social media presence as well.

2.   Up Your Networking Game

It’s a great time to reconnect and catch up with alumni networks, past recruiters and former-colleagues. Use the new year as an ‘in’ to update people on how you’re doing, ask about their lives, and share your goals, including career changes you want to make.

Don’t be shy. Most people are thrilled to have the opportunity to pay it forward by helping you out, especially during the season of giving.

3.   Use Your Free Time Wisely

Holiday vacation time can give you a breather to reflect on personal goals for the upcoming year, and you’ll benefit from taking a closer look at your top achievements. You can focus energy on researching companies and refreshing your interviewing skills.

By being prepared, you’ll have a head start over other job candidates that just start looking for new jobs at the beginning of the year.

In short, don’t neglect the job market just because of the dates on your calendar. You can find numerous ways to leverage the spirit of the season. And if you’re looking for great opportunities,

head for The Hill Jobs board to browse hundreds of jobs right now.

If you’re interested in working in economic development, check out the range of opportunities with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), an independent federal agency. DRA’s mission is to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of the 10 million people living in the 252 counties and parishes within the lower Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt. Worth noting, the company offers remote working options.

Take a look also at the great possibilities at the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), the global equity derivatives clearing organization. Its mission statement is to hire the very best, and the organization is focused on creating exceptional employee experiences. Some of these components include hybrid work flexibility; tuition reimbursement; student loan repayment assistance; generous PTO and parental leave, plus competitive health benefits including medical, dental and vision.

If you’re creative and eager to join a dynamic globally connected team, it’s worth checking out opportunities at The Trade Desk in New York. The media buying platform works with global brands, and their agencies, to deliver relevant ad experience to consumers around the world. If a people-centered culture is a must for you, know that this company is committed to fostering inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day.

For hundreds more roles and to find a job that fits, visit The Hill Jobs board today