Use the Holidays to Step Up Your Job Search

That’s right. This holiday season is a good time to step up your job search activities. While companies use the holiday season to relax recruiters continue to search for candidates at all times of the year. It’s the needs of the business such as growing markets, competitive pressure, and business initiatives that drive these recruiting efforts. These areas do not take a break.

Some people give up their job search between Thanksgiving and New Years. Granted that hiring during the holidays can be complicated sometimes because key decision makers may not be available the need to hire still remains. Companies have already developed their budget and business plans and have allocated funding for new hires for 2009. I started recruiting at the beginning of December for openings in my market that must be filled the first week of January. For those who continue to plug away during the holidays will be the ones who will reap the benefits.

If you are attending a holiday social event, it is definitely appropriate to mention that you are job searching. Accept all the invitations you receive, both personal and professional. You never know who may be able to help. Friends and family, as well as business acquaintances are typically more than happy to assist.

Send a "Happy Holidays" or a "Happy New Year" greeting card to networking contacts, recruiters, and to employers you have interviewed with is another good way to connect with those who can help with your job search.

Send e-mails or use a professional or social networking sites (like LinkedIn, MySpace, or Facebook) to get in touch. The holiday season is a good excuse to touch base and a good time to reinforce or expand your network.

Get a seasonal job. Retail may — or may not — be your dream job. But getting a seasonal job, many of which are in retail or other service industries, is a great way to earn some extra cash while building up your resume and exposing yourself to new networking opportunities. Most seasonal jobs are part-time, so you would still be able to dedicate full-time energy to your job search as well. I delivered pizzas. I was able to increase my network and discover “hidden jobs”.

You can also volunteer. Spend a few hours every week helping others and gain a little perspective on your own struggles. Plus, many volunteer placements offer leadership and executive experience to help you round out your resume and opportunities to meet people you may one day want to work with or for.