If you're thinking, "Why job search during the holidays?" You might want to change your thinking to, "Yes, I will job search during the holidays." 

Now, we're not suggesting that you spend eight hours, six hours, or even four hours a day on your job search during this time; but we are suggesting that you take advantage of some opportune times. There are several reasons why you should not stop looking completely.

Here are five reasons why you should continue to job search during the holidays. We know that conducting a job search during the holidays presents challenges, but we also feel that it offers opportunities. Let's make 2024 a year of success.

Most job seekers are taking a break. And, yes, most employers are taking a break. But there are some recruiters and hiring managers who can't resist checking their email or texts to see if THE resume came through. And if your resume is it, you might get a text on Christmas Day saying, "Sue, so sorry for disrupting your Christmas, and I hope you don't think I'm a lunatic, but I love your resume and would love to touch base with you on 12/27/23." There you go, proof that some employers work during the holiday.

According to Dan O'Keefe, Director of Customer Success at Oracle, employers are still hiring. He says that there are hundreds of positions available at Oracle. It's true that there have been major layoffs, but now companies have to fill the gaps created by the layoffs. With budgets in place, companies have a better idea of what they can spend. You might not be interviewed during the holidays, but interviews may come shortly after.

Are you an early riser? Well, if you are, there's no rule against checking your email and LinkedIn DMs during the holidays, even Christmas morning. There might be that ideal job waiting for you to apply for. It doesn't speak ill of your character to conduct the job search during the holidays. Plan to tailor your resume and apply for the position the following day. 

You'd be surprised how many opportunities are discovered by attending family and other social events. This is not a time to bow out of social events because you're not "feeling it." This said, be sure that you put on a friendly front and come across as positive. You should bring a pen and a small pad of paper to take people's contact information. 

Whether you're staying in the same occupation or thinking of changing your career, the holiday season is a time to develop a strategy on how you're going to go about the job search in 2024. We suggest that you write your plan in a notepad or on a spreadsheet. This is especially valuable if your job search has been disorganized. Think about ways to better write your resumes and cover letters. Dedicate more time to researching positions and companies. Visualize a new you when it comes to interviewing. The new year will offer promise if you maintain a positive approach.

Have you wondered, “What’s in the mind of a recruiter” when applying for a job? Well, you can have this question answered when Caitlin Outen joins us to talk about her time as a recruiter at Amazon and now as a Talent Partner, North America at Petroplan in Houston, TX. We’ll talk about the steps she goes through to fill a position. What skills and attitudes she looks for in candidates. Some of the hardball questions she uses in interviews. And much more.

Caitlin is an enthusiastic, passionate and empathetic Recruitment professional who loves building relationships with job seekers, hiring managers, and everyone in between. Her goal is to fill essential hiring needs and provide a stellar customer experience for everyone involved. Caitlin’s mixed recruitment background makes her a natural when it comes to coaching, motivating, and empowering job seekers throughout their job search.

Online Event: Thursday, December 28, 2023 - 2:00 PM

MassHire Lowell Career Center offers more than 25 job search webinars a month. Topics include Résumé Writing, Interviewing, LinkedIn, and more. 

MassHire Programs & Services are funded in full by US Department of Labor (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration grants. Additional details furnished upon request.