Job searching during the holiday season is a unique experience thanks to the conflicting schools of thought about whether or not it’s a good time to look. Regardless, there are open jobs during the winter holidays and multiple benefits to applying this time of year. However, if you’re looking to enjoy your holidays and wait until the New Year to hit the ground running, you can still use this time to make meaningful progress toward your search.
The holidays offer unique benefits, and the associated downtime offers a chance to work on your preparations at your own pace. If you want to be ready for a strong start to your job search in January, use the holiday season to prepare!
Update your materials
One of the easiest things you can work on at your own pace is to update all of your application materials and social media presence. While you don’t need to over-tinker, it’s a good time to make necessary changes so everything is ready to go when you resume your search.
Updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter strategy is great, but you can go even further by researching target companies, creating a personal schedule, and making email drafts. This will get some of your busy work done while relaxing a bit and keeping some momentum going so that it doesn’t feel as jarring when you shift into full search mode. You can even take advantage of holiday deals to update your wardrobe or get any supplies you need for the coming year.
“While it’s important to relax and enjoy the season, consider using some of your free time to continue your job search. Staying productive can help you maintain momentum, which may result in a job sooner rather than later.” –Indeed
Network
Networking is a year-round job and you shouldn’t be only doing it when you actively need a job. But the winter holidays are an ideal time to network thanks to holiday parties and seasonal gatherings. You may (rightfully) dread talking about work or a job search when asked while catching up, but this simple opportunity can open doors if handled correctly.
At holiday parties, you may be able to hear about jobs that will open in the new year or potential plans to expand. You can send season’s greeting emails to your network and offer to catch up, which is an easy icebreaker to get a conversation flowing. The Muse’s Stacey Lastoe suggests reaching out to your references to update their contact information and verify that they’re still willing to speak on your behalf. This can save you a step further in the process.
“Pro tip: Reach out to people you haven’t talked to in a while by sending holiday cards, messages, or emails.” –
Try a seasonal role
Maybe you aren’t ready to commit to the long process of applying and interviewing for your dream job just yet, but there are still plenty of other opportunities if you’re looking to stay busy and keep your momentum going. With both unique seasonal roles and volunteering opportunities available, you can stay productive while potentially building your resume and making new contacts.
Volunteering is already one of the most underrated ways to advance your career, allowing you to showcase and develop your skills and network while doing good in your community. TopResume’s Amanda Augustine says that with many nonprofits needing extra help during the holidays, it’s the best time to reach out and do some good. There will be even more people helping out this time of year, meaning even more potential contacts. Similarly, taking a seasonal job can have some of the same benefits while offering you a chance to earn a little extra holiday cash.
Take a break
While doing some work during the holiday break is a great way to keep momentum, don’t forget to relax and enjoy the season. Holidays are about taking time to recharge and spend time with loved ones. The job search process is stressful and the job market is tough. It’s extremely easy to burn out and tank your mental health while producing less quality efforts.
Even if you have extra time, you don’t need to devote all of it to your search. Take some time to enjoy yourself and catch up with the people you matter. Strike a balance in your preparations so that when you put your search into high gear, you’re in a good headspace and truly ready to begin the journey.
“When you have downtime, it might allow you to focus more on crafting high-quality applications than you may while balancing your time and attention between work and your job search.” -Indeed
Wrap up
By using your time wisely and taking advantage of some common holiday trends, you can enjoy your holidays and be ready to attack your job search in Q1. Being refreshed and having your preparations in place means you can hit the search hard whenever you’re ready.
Before You Go
View Current Job Openings
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Follow NexGoal on X
“Like” NexGoal on Facebook
Connect with NexGoal on LinkedIn
