Whether you’re home on break from college, a retiree looking for a way to boost your income, or someone who needs a holiday job for some extra cash to cover the presents you purchased, you may need some tips for getting hired during the holidays. Similarly, if you are looking for a long-term position, the holidays are a great time to make your next big career move as companies like to fill all open positions and be fully staffed going into the New Year.
Competition for seasonal jobs can be stiff, and companies may not have many long-term positions available this time of year, so don’t just assume you’ll walk in to a new job. That said, the good news is, there are some things you can do to give yourself a leg up on the competition and increase your chances of getting hired during the holidays.
1. Don’t Assume It’s Too Late
Sometimes, people assume that if they aren’t hired by Black Friday, they won’t get hired during the holidays. The Ladders’ Debra Donston-Miller explains that companies actually often hire more people during December, in order to fill open positions before the end of the year. Waiting until the first of the year to apply or slowing down your job search during the holidays could be a costly mistake, so continue to inquire about open positions and submit resumes and applications through the end of the year if you really want to land a job before the first of the year.
2. Know that Some Companies Experience a Holiday Lull
The holidays can be a great time to get hired for a long-term position, especially for people applying with companies and organizations that experience a holiday lull. Decision makers sometimes are more accessible and ready to listen to pitches during the holidays, so arrive with a strong resume and be ready to present yourself as a valuable resource for the company.
3. Take Advantage of Open Houses, Holiday Events, and Networking Opportunities
Various companies and organizations, specifically banks, local organizations, and professional associations, host holiday open houses and events that couple as networking opportunities.
Remember to take a handful of business cards and put your best foot forward as you hobnob with decision makers and managers at holiday events. If you are acquainted with someone who already works for the company or organization that you would like to be hired by, ask to be the plus one at holiday parties so you can make connections yourself. Or, use the holidays and their associated events as an excuse for reconnecting with former colleagues or friends that can provide you with networking opportunities.
4. Send Holiday Cards to the Right People
Chances are, you’re already planning to send holiday cards to distant relatives and long-lost friends, so consider adding networking contacts, recruiters, and employers to your holiday card list. Greeting cards are a simple way to reconnect with former employers or to connect with new networking contacts, or even other individuals who may be able to help you with your job search. And, you can easily slip your business card in the envelope, too.
5. Consider Working From Home
Working from home is a popular option for people who are job searching during the holidays. It provides flexibility, and gives you the option of working as much or as little as you’d like. The holidays are an exceptionally busy time for companies’ customer service divisions, so you have a good chance of getting hired during the holidays if you work for a virtual call center. You may take orders, make sales, or provide another service over the phone during the holidays while you work from home.
Or consider taking advantage of the sharing economy by starting a business of your own from your living room. From freelance writing to providing temporary housing to pet sitting, there are many companies available today that make it easy for you to be your own boss, and they go to great lengths to provide safety measures and protections for you and your potential customers. With many people traveling and in need of accommodations or reliable pet sitters during the holiday season, it’s a great time of year to kick start your entrepreneurial dreams.
Getting hired during the holidays is not as difficult as it may seem, when you take advantage of the conditions created during the season. By utilizing these tips for getting hired during the holidays, you just may find yourself in a new position before the New Year.
About the Author
Erica Francis loves working with ReadyJob.org to teach young people how to get started in the job market. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, crocheting, and acting at her town’s community theater.
Photo credit: Bohed
