This time of year I frequently hear from job seekers that they are taking some time off from the job hunt, considering that everyone is on vacation for the holidays. It's even worse this year... because of the recession, it is easy to rationalize that the job search is a pointless endeavor at this point.I'd argue, however, that it's the very best time for you to be looking. Although it is probably true that many companies have stopped looking or are in a shutdown mode, you cannot assume that there are no opportunities. And, in fact, if you think of your fellow job seekers as opponents in a game seeking limited resources in order to "win," then you can see that this is a golden chance to lessen your competition.
How to proceed? Just continue to watch the job advertisements over the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. While it's unlikely that you'll find a company that will call you during this period, there's still a possibility that you might. And it need not stop your merry-making if you celebrate these holidays. Some of us in the recruiting profession do take the time to check our e-mails and voice mails on at least one day during this week to get a leg up on the new year.
Be ready to move at a time when nobody else thinks it's a good time and you could find yourself with a new job before anyone else in 2009.
Happy holidays!
(Photo by Andrea S Nilsson, Creative Commons)
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