Five Myths about Holiday Job Hunting

It might be tempting to put your job search on hold during the holiday season. Here are some of the myths about job hunting in December...

Myth #1: "No One Hires in December!"

This one is a complete myth! Most companies have yearly budgets allocated to recruitment and some have not spent it for the year. For those companies whose fiscal year ends in December, they might be looking to use that budget or line up a good candidate for the beginning of the year once their budgets are renewed.

In December, you can sometimes secure a better position as a result of this very common misconception. There are fewer candidates who are actively seeking employment this month, and as a result, there is less competition in the marketplace which increases your chances of landing that dream career. Employers are still hiring, even when others might not be looking. Take full advantage of the reduced competition in the marketplace and hunt for the right opportunity now.

Myth #2: "There Are No Good Openings Available Right Now!"

I can say firsthand that employers are looking right now. When they have an opening on their team, they don't care if it's December or January. They have a need and require that opening be filled. In fact, we have found that there has been a relatively stable need throughout the whole year.

The good news is that December openings are some of the most fruitful. They are more urgent as jobs that open in December are created out of necessity—something has changed in the business or someone important resigned—and need to be filled as soon as possible. This can work in your favour if you stay diligent about monitoring job openings throughout the otherwise slow month of December so you can get engaged on these searches immediately.

These jobs are filled quickly, and the hiring organization will exercise a fair amount of flexibility in what kind of profiles they are open to. Companies hiring in December know that a lot more candidates will be on the market in January, but they simply can’t wait.

Myth #3: "No One Has Time to Interview During the Holidays"

December is a slow hiring month. Most of the fall searches have come to a close and hiring managers have to wait until January to recruit for new initiatives. But while you are less likely to land a new job in December, that doesn’t mean that you should put off or suspend your job search completely.

This month is the best time to reactivate and strengthen your network. The holiday season evokes a sense of community, gratitude, and a desire to?give back?which creates the perfect environment for networking.

Leaders and recruiters may have a smaller workload, leaving them with additional time to schedule informal catch-ups and introductory meetings. You are also more likely to receive responses to your check-in emails in December.

The first three weeks of December are usually jam-packed with activity and employers trying to get interviews conducted before they leave for their holiday.

For some, things will inevitably slow down in the fourth week but it doesn't stop altogether. In fact, people are usually less stressed that week overall and this can make for a much more pleasurable and relaxed interviewing climate.

Myth #4: "You Won't Actually Start Working until January 2nd"

This one really depends on the employer. Some companies need you to start in December while some would rather have you start in January. In fact, we have had some candidates even be able to secure the start date of their choice and still negotiate time off for the holiday break.

Working with a good recruiter can ensure that you get the start date of your choice, as well as your preferred holiday schedule.

If you are about to receive a year-end bonus, the right recruiter can ensure that you get your bonus before your new start date.

Myth #5: "I'm Better Off Waiting Until January"

That's what everyone else is thinking too! You can submit your application and begin interviewing well before January and gain that advantage over those who waited.

The early bird gets the worm. Whoever arrives first has the best chance of success! As well, some opportunities are very time-sensitive. You can secure that opportunity well before the January job hunters arrive in the marketplace.

As William A. Ward said: “Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing, and dream while others are wishing.”

If you are going against the grain, you will be rewarded.

Besides, there is nothing better than starting the New Year in a brand new position.

Happy Holidays & Success next year!