They Don't Hire During The Holidays...Do They?

Companies do hire during the holiday season. The myth that they don't has been around for so long that it discourages job searchers from staying active. This is a great time to look even harder for that new position.

• Use it or lose it: Companies may have requisitions for positions they have not filled. They either have not found the right candidate or they have been too busy to dedicate time to a search for the right candidate. Remarkably, the position may not have even been posted. Or it was posted earlier in the year and never re-posted to attract more candidates. As the year comes to a close, if that position has not been filled, the department may lose that requisition. If they don't want to lose it, they have to fill it immediately.

• The competition has been downsized: Those in direct competition for the jobs you are intersted in have given themselves a layoff. They have downsized themselves right out of the market by believing the myth or deciding to take some time off to "relax and regroup" or because the kids are home from school. Certainly, you can take time to enjoy the holidays. Just keep your efforts up and running and take advantage of the fact that there are fewer people staying active in their job search.

• New year, new projects: For many companies, new projects, new clients and new budgets abound so it's a perfect time for a new employee. Companies are geared up and ready to roll up their sleeves and get back to business. As opposed to those departments who have not filled their open requisition and are in danger of losing it, some companies did fill their requisitions during the year and have new requisitions approved for employees starting after January 1st, so they are interviewing now.

• It's a networking bonanza: Holidays result in meeting and greeting more people than any other time of the year. You will see people you don't see any other time of the year, you will reconnect with old friends and you will meet new people. Since networking is a key element in a job search, you must have this art form down to a science. Have different versions of your "personal presentation" rehearsed so it comes out sounding natural. Stating that you are actively pursuing a certain type of position or are targeting a couple of named companies should sound like you are confident in your plan. Even when asked how it's going, reply in a positive manner that you certain the right opportunity will come your way. Use this face-to-face time to ask about their position or company and ask if you can get together soon to discuss business. Informational meetings are a great way to find out about other segments of your industry, investigate new industries and get referrals to other people you should meet. And don't forget your networking/business cards. They are your season's greetings card!

So, don't let the myth result in the mistake of not continuing your job search. This is exactly the time of year that might give you a competitive advantage.

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