4 Ways to Make Your Holiday Job Search More Joyful

There is no perfect time of year for job hunting. It’s a daunting pursuit under the best of circumstances; add the approaching seasonal festivities to the mix and pounding the proverbial pavement can feel overwhelming.

But it does not have to be.

Seeking employment at this time of the year can even give you a special advantage. Though hiring may slow toward the end of the fourth quarter, companies still have mission-critical hiring needs, and they may even have allocated budget to spend before the end of the year. Here are four tips that just may give you the confidence you need to navigate these chaotic and distracting days:

1. Network at Social Gatherings

Make connections the old-fashioned way. Take a break from the digital job boards and take the opportunity to share your availability and professional interest with friends and acquaintances at parties, family gatherings, and other social events. Develop a crisp elevator chat to leverage when asked what you are interested in pursuing, where you would like to work or what type of role you want. Sometimes the anecdotal referrals you receive in casual conversations can be the most valuable. After all, it can be who you know, and the direct, personal approach never gets old. You can make the most of the season by sending follow-up holiday greetings to stay on your contacts’ radar. Reinforce your goals with a brief statement like: “Great meeting you. I’m excited to see what 2025 will bring as I pursue new opportunities in [industry/job field].”

2. Take Advantage of Less Competition

Since many job seekers are reluctant to pursue employment at the end of year, you’ll likely face less competition because many candidates stop job searching between mid-November and year end. This can help you stand out and move through the process faster, but you’ll still need to present yourself with the most effective, targeted materials. No matter the time of year, your resume is your most critical tool — tailored for the opportunity you are seeking and containing all the appropriate key words and applicable platform references to put you on the short list. Just as essential is your carefully crafted cover letter — selling your unique experience and interest.

3. Prepare for Your January Blitz

You may want to use the final weeks of 2024 to prepare for January when hiring typically accelerates. If you apply now, you could be first in the January queue when hiring picks up again. Spot On Recruiter Lynn Danen provides this valuable insight: “Some of the openings posted toward the end of the year are designed to attract pipeline candidates for jobs companies don’t plan start interviewing for until January.” This kind of knowledge can give you an edge as you manage expectations for your job search.

In the meantime, spruce up your credentials. “It’s a great time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile,” says Spot On Recruiter Melissa Pavlicin. “That includes embedding the most relevant keywords in your resume and adding recent recommendations to your LinkedIn profile.” For more suggestions, read our LinkedIn how-to post. Also, take the time to polish your interview skills by practicing your answers to common interview questions. Check out our Spot On advice here. Remember, your resume gets you in the digital door, and preparation keeps you moving through the process.

4. Reach out to Recruiters

Reach out to recruiters and make valuable connections. Though their plates might not be as full, recruiters are still active at the end of the year. They appreciate the initiative, but before you reach out, do your homework. Reflect on your professional accomplishments and successes. Get clear about what you want and the distinctive value you offer your target employer.

“Don’t apply to everything,” counsels Spot On Recruiter Tami Rosas. “Create a strategic plan to go after a specific type of role in a specific type of company in a specific location.” She explains that it helps “to make a list of your must-haves versus wishes versus dealbreakers” to help prepare you for the most productive conversations with recruiters and hiring managers. You never know. You might be exactly right for an urgent open role.

Overall, don’t forget self-care. These are stressful times, and the holidays can contribute to job-search anxiety. Make time for rest, relaxation, and connecting with loved ones. Stay positive and patient. Create new connections and try these strategies while you recharge and position yourself for success in 2025. Though some hiring managers can seem disengaged and unresponsive, there are always companies who are aggressively seeking the perfect candidates for 2025.

So, no bah-humbugging . . .  and let us know if we can add some good cheer to your holiday search!