If you're thinking that you should abandon your job search job until after the holidays, think again. The holidays actually are a great time to find a new job.
During the holiday season, most job seekers give up their searches for the season as they accept part-time seasonal jobs to help pay the bills, or decide to take a break and spend more time with family. But putting your search into hibernation until January can be a big mistake. When using the right techniques, many job seekers find interviewing and networking for a new job to be easier during the holidays than at other times of the year.
Businesses typically set their budgets for next year in the fall, and will begin filling openings that start in January. Yet with many job seekers out of the running, these companies tend to receive fewer applications during the holiday season, which improves the odds that a candidate with a strong resume will get called for an interview. In addition, at companies that experience a "holiday lull," key decision makers may be more accessible and receptive to hearing a well-rehearsed elevator pitch. And the season also offers resourceful job seekers a treasure trove of networking opportunities, from attending parties and charity events to simply sending out holiday cards with your information to key contacts.
Want to get the most out of your job search during the holidays? Check out these seven tips can help you get a jump on the competition and land a new job before the end of the year: