By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services
A common misconception during the holiday season is that companies stop hiring; however, business typically continues as usual. While holiday travel and vacations may cause additional challenges for interview scheduling, the increased pressure from upper management to fill open positions before the New Year sparks hiring managers to fill positions in order to not lose them. Hiring managers may also post positions prior to the holidays with the intention of gathering resumes and conducting interviews after the New Year.
Regardless of a company’s hiring procedure during the holidays, it is best to not assume that they are taking an extended vacation. Thus, keep your job search in mind when attending any future holiday parties since you never know whom you might strike up a conversation with or who might be hiring. Here are five tips for you to consider:
- Create a strategy. What type of party is it? Is it your spouse’s work party or a neighborhood shindig? Or is it with a professional organization you are a member of? Consider those that might attend and have your A-game ready.
- Show up on time. While I have heard you should show up fashionably late to parties, think about the prime time you could be missing if you show up too late. You may have a better opportunity to network with some key people prior to the large crowd showing up.
- Use business cards. You do not have to spend a lot of money on personal business cards, but they should be both clean and professional looking. Be sure to include all pertinent contact information, a LinkedIn profile link, and a personal tagline and/or your unique selling proposition. Remember to leave enough white space so your cards are visually appealing.
- Strike up conversations. How do you know the hosts or how long have you worked for the company are both great places to start. You will likely receive a variety of responses, which can then further direct your conversation. Building rapport by asking personal questions, such as if they are traveling for the holidays, is also essential, and may provide you with additional information to include when sending a follow-up.
- Pitch away. You will need to have your unique, 30-second elevator pitch ready. This is important since you will likely be asked the question, “What do you do?” Be certain not to focus on the fact that you are unemployed, which screams desperate. Stress your background and what you are interested in for your next career move.
As you likely noticed, all of the above-mentioned suggestions require action on your part. Do not be passive during your job search, hoping and waiting for employers to come knocking at your door. Be intentional. And do not use the excuse that companies are not hiring during the holiday season to put off your job search. Remember, your competition may be less during the holiday season, so seize the opportunity.
[Related: Job Networking Tips for the Holidays]
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