5 Holiday Season Perks Job Seekers Should Be Thankful For
The holiday season is just around the corner!
From snow-covered streets to warm fireplaces to festive food, the holidays offer a slew of perks. But they’re also a great time to reflect on the past year, evaluate what worked, and look ahead to see what needs to change.
The same goes for your job search. While you may believe job searching is a pain in the you-know-what, there are lots of things you can appreciate, especially during the the holiday season.
Don’t be a grinch! Check out these five perks you can be thankful for:
1. Seasonal jobs
The holiday season is an awesome time to nab a seasonal job, which may turn into a permanent position in the new year. In fact, Manpower reports seasonal hiring projections have increased in 2013, with industries like retail trade and wholesale seeing the most growth. Check out some local businesses in your area to see if they’re hiring, even temporarily. You may have the chance to get hired, and eventually be brought on full-time after the season is over.
2. Less competition
Although you may have been rejected in the past, the holiday season is typically the time when other job hunters ease up on their searches. This means less competition for you and an increased chance you’ll get noticed by hiring managers and recruiters. In fact, 46 percent of successful job seekers made a direct application to the employer. So, use this time to reach out and cultivate a relationship with a hiring manager.
3. Clearer schedule
In addition to less competition, you probably have a lighter schedule, especially if you’re on break or have flexible holiday hours. A clearer schedule allows you to gauge where your job search is going and what you can do to change things up. It also helps you to carefully make your way through job descriptions and choose more tailored options, instead of jumping at every option.
4. Access to job search management tools
The best part of job searching in today’s tech-savvy world is access to job search management tools. From online resources to basic spreadsheets, you can really take control of your job search on your own terms. Be sure to always stay on track of where you’re sending your resume, hiring manager contact information, follow-up schedule, and where your application stands.
5. Options galore
No matter what your interests are, there are options available to you. From the aforementioned seasonal work to remote jobs to working in an industry you’re passionate about, you can typically find something in your job search that will work for you. Plus, because many companies revamp employment opportunities at the end of the year, you’ll likely find some new choices as you roll into 2014. Staying optimistic is the key!
While the job search can turn you into a scrooge, choose to be a thankful job seeker this holiday season. A little reflection, as well as a lot of tools and resources, can be the key to the ultimate present you’ve been looking for.
What do you think? What are some other things job seekers should be thankful for?
Image courtesy of Phil Roeder; Flickr
