It's a Wonderful Time of Year To ...

By Martin Buckland - Executive Career Management Professional

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Similar to the traditional summer holiday months, many job seekers suspend their job search during the Christmas season but in fact, you can actually use this time of year to your advantage. It’s wrong to think that companies don’t hire in December. There are numerous reasons HR personnel find themselves hiring during the busiest holiday season of the year.

While you’re making your shopping list and hitting a crowded mall, businesses are in the midst of planning their manpower requirements to meet the 2016 strategic vision. Savvy department managers might have money left in the 2015 budget to put towards hiring an additional staff member. Retirements and other vacancies also need to be filled. No matter the time of year, companies still need a productive workforce.

By continuing your job hunt in December, you’ll have less competition as 70% of job seekers drop out of the job market and shift their focus to the merriment of the season. With so many holiday events in December, this is a wonderful time of year to expedite your job search through networking. Referrals and social networks were ranked the top two sources of quality hires in 2015 with job boards and career sites in the bottom two.

The holiday party season provides opportunities to ask your network for help (http://aneliteresume.com/networking/how-to-ask-your-network-for-help/). You might connect with former colleagues and clients at industry events and business functions on top of the informal opportunities to network attending community events. Both kinds of networking (http://aneliteresume.com/networking/the-two-kinds-of-networking/) allow you to promote your personal brand to a captive audience (http://aneliteresume.com/coaching/personal-branding/).

The key to successful networking at any time, but most importantly during the holiday season, is to maintain professionalism and make a positive first impression. Your demeanour and attire can either boost or crush your credibility. Limit your alcohol intake as it only takes a split second or an extra sip of seasonal spirits to derail your job search and worst, have that moment captured and posted on social media.

By aggressively networking during the holiday season, it is possible to start the new year with the best gift of all …. a new job.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martin Buckland, President of Elite Resumes, is a leading resume writer, career coach and job search strategist with a global clientele. Martin currently holds the following certifications: Certified Professional Branding Strategist, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Professional, Job and Career Transition Coach, Certified Job Search Trainer and Co-Pilot Executive Coach. Visit my website at http://aneliteresume.com/.

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