Step up job search over the holidays
I have read a couple of articles lately saying not to take it easy in your job search over the holidays. While it is tempting to fall back on the comfort of family during the Christmas season, I have to agree with them. There are a variety of reasons given in the articles but I think it is a combination of factors. Business travel for most people slows down over the holidays. As a long time global traveller I always tried not to travel around the big travel holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Business travel these days is unpleasant enough without having to compete with holiday travelers at airport security. But I digress.
I think there are a number of factors which bode well for aggressive job seekers this time of year. As I already said, hiring managers are more likely to be in the office and have more time to focus on filling their positions. Also most companies run on a calendar fiscal year. This means that there is additional pressure on filling vacancies rather than risk losing the budget in the new year.
I also think that people tend to be in better spirits this time of year. Maybe it is the holiday parties or being with family but people seem happier. I would much rather interview with a happy, relaxed manager than a harried, unhappy one any day.
Maybe is is just coincidence but I have gotten more calls about possible jobs in the last two weeks than I have in the previous two months, but I think not.
So, don’t let up on your search. Miracles happen this time of year.
