As the year draws to a close, many job seekers face a crucial decision: should they continue their job search in December or pause until the new year? According to career consultant Amy Lindgren, the answer is more nuanced than it might seem. Traditionally, the holiday season has been viewed as a time when job ads dwindle, leading many to believe that employers are not hiring.
This perception has roots in past practices. Lindgren recalls conducting an informal study where her team reached out to 100 companies. They found that many employers were hesitant to advertise openings, assuming that candidates would not be actively searching during the holiday period. This created a cycle where both parties opted out of engagement, perpetuating the myth that December was a dead month for job hunting.
In today’s digital landscape, the situation has evolved. Job advertisements are now frequently duplicated across various platforms, making it difficult for seekers to gauge the actual availability of positions. Lindgren emphasizes that job postings do not accurately reflect the hiring landscape. “We’ve long known that postings don’t represent the bulk of hiring activity,” she states.
Given these complexities, job seekers must evaluate their personal circumstances when deciding whether to search in December. Lindgren outlines three compelling reasons to stay active in the job market during this month:
1. **Immediate Need**: If you require employment, halting your search could mean missing out on valuable opportunities.
2. **Industry Timing**: Some fields, such as tax accounting, ramp up in December to prepare for the new year, creating potential openings.
3. **Fear of Losing Momentum**: Taking a break could lead to difficulties in re-engaging with the job search in January.
Conversely, there are also valid reasons for slowing down or pausing the search. Job seekers might consider the following:
1. **Burnout**: If the search process has become overwhelming, a brief respite may be beneficial.
2. **Personal Commitments**: Traveling or managing family obligations during the holiday season can limit available time for job hunting.
3. **Realistic Assessment**: If you know you won’t be able to commit fully to the search, it may be more practical to plan for a later start.
While Lindgren advocates for maintaining an active search, she acknowledges the value of a more measured approach during December. If candidates choose to reduce their search intensity, they can still make productive use of this time.
“Consider unfinished tasks from your search,” Lindgren suggests. “Have you been meaning to organize your files or create a networking database?”
Adapting your job search strategy in December could involve several steps. For instance, job seekers might shorten their dedicated search hours. Instead of committing three hours each morning, they could reserve just one hour, while keeping the same start time. This approach allows for continuity and easier re-engagement in January.
Networking remains critical, even in December. Seeking out coffee meetings with contacts or sending holiday greetings to those who have supported you can strengthen professional relationships. Additionally, this time can be used for personal development. Enhancing your skills through online courses, such as those available on Coursera, can make you a more competitive candidate when the new year begins.
Regardless of the approach taken, it is essential to schedule meetings for the first week of January. This can help create momentum and reinvigorate the job search process.
As the holiday season approaches, the decision to search or pause hinges on individual circumstances and industry dynamics. By weighing the pros and cons and adopting a flexible strategy, job seekers can navigate December with greater confidence and purpose.
