Executive Job Search and the Holidays

Think the holidays are the time to kick back in your job search? Think again.

The widespread perception among those in career transition is that nothing happens over the holidays and they may as well just relax. While I am all for fully enjoying this time of year with your family and friends, you may be missing out on some important opportunities if you decide to relegate your job search to the back burner until January.

It is true that companies and their hiring managers as well as recruiters are human and things do tend to slow down a bit over the holiday season. However, there ARE still opportunities coming up and hires being made.

Also, your competition likely have the widespread perception mentioned above, and have effectively removed themselves from the arena–leaving you with a much smaller group of candidates to compete with.

A surprising number of positions are filled this time of year–as evidenced by no lack of LinkedIn profiles with jobs that have start dates in January. Many companies and departments have just been allocated new budget funds to spend on hiring, and they are eager to use them.

The holidays also abound with opportunities to build your network, in a time when folks tend to be mellow, receptive, and extra considerate. 

Susan Joyce’s 2013 book, New Year, New Job: 101 Tips from the Job-Hunt Experts for Your Holiday Search points out:

* Only 3% more jobs were filled in January and February of 2013 (vs. November and December of 2012). (And it is very likely that many of those job offers made in January were based on interviews that happened in November and December).

* Only 1% more jobs were open in January and February of 2013 (vs. November and December of 2012).

(You can get the e-book for 99 cents on Amazon, or if you are a Kindle Unlimited Member, borrow it for free:  New Year, New Job.)

Bottom line: If you totally quit researching companies, making recruiter contacts, and sending out your executive resume from Thanksgiving through the New Year, you could be doing yourself a disservice.

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