Many people have said the Christmas holiday season is not a good time to look for work. However, time and experience have proven the opposite for many! The reason why this has become “a thing” is due to many job seekers assumptions about people’s availability and willingness to connect. As well, job seekers often assume the worst when they consider whether or not companies use the months of November through mid January to do any hiring or networking. Well the truth is, both networking and hiring take place throughout the holidays. So then, what can you do to take full advantage of this time of year? Here are a few things to consider:
1. Year – End!
The latter part of each calendar year for many companies represents year end activities. This consists of extra work for both junior and senior staff members who are often over loaded with their regular work load. A job seeker that reaches out to them at this time could represent a solution for them as they are right in the middle of considering how they will manage it all. Just this week, I talked with a senior accountant in a law firm that was meeting with a new Canadian with overseas accounting experience to see if they might be a fit to come in for two days a week to help manage the work load and untie their hands to focus on year end. As I asked questions about the planned interaction the accountant disclosed that they also had been considering bringing in someone to help and a regular basis and this person, if proven capable could be offered a more permanent part time role in January 2017. I have heard this story repeated often!
2. Budgeting for Human Capital
This is the time of year many HR managers and “decision-makers” do their hiring and training budgets for the New Year. They are considering if they have the financial wherewithal to bring in people in the early part of the New Year and when it will be feasible to start them after the holiday season. If they are able to find a fresh contact that is skilled and ready to go, it can represent a quick solution that would avoid the increased work load of postings, reviewing applications, interviewing, short-listing and hiring, saving them time and money.
3. Christmas Social Activities
Many supervisors have said they have a reduced work load heading into December and really enjoy attending social events, Christmas networking opportunities and truly see value of making meaningful connections during these social events. One of my clients was waiting for the entrance door to be unlocked for a social gathering along with what they thought was another desperate, unemployed job seeker. Only to find out he was a senior manager at one of her dream companies. A kind greeting from my client resulted in a short conversation followed by an exchange of business cards initiated by the manager. During the event a couple of times their eyes met and knowing smiles were exchanged. That week after her immediate follow up she received a call with much more than she could have ever expected. Not an invitation to meet for coffee, nor an request to interview, but rather a straight out job offer. The manager later commented on her being early, being conversant, dressed professionally and following up.
4. Proactive Networking
Reaching out to a targeted list of professionals that you want to connect with for coffee, lunch or and information interview have been known to be successful during this time. Not only are people often more available, but they are often more generous with their time. Interacting is a common and customary practice for decision makers. The ratio of getting a “yes” is higher during phone requests, Inmails and emails (in that order) during this season than other times of the year.
5. Acceleration of Business at Christmas
We would all understand that the retail industry sees their largest inventory fly off the shelves between the months of November and December. With the recent increase of Black Friday events north of the US border we are seeing sales beginning earlier than previous years. And, let’s not forget about Boxing Day sales which seem to have leaped into Boxing Month sales continuing right into the middle of January. The accounting departments in retail companies are especially busy at these times, as well as increased challenges with inventory, supply chains, shipping, etc. But wait there is more…outside of retail, other companies are managing the wrap up of their calendar year which may, or may not, be directly affected by the seasonal bustle of the economy. You may not want to stand behind a point of sale system or load product in a warehouse but don’t be guilty of disregarding other opportunities that may be available in the here and now.
6. Showing Appreciation!
In general, people do not say thank you or show appreciation enough. As well, a timed, and well-placed thank you card, Christmas card, box of chocolates or Starbucks gift card can go along way to getting your face before the people that have supported you, connections you want to maintain or follow up for recent networking. The price does not have to be significant for the impact to be significant. It is in the doing of it where things happen. Somewhere in the interaction you can remind them about your current career pursuits, your goal for the New Year and your willingness to help them if they ever need anything from you. In fact, in the Christmas traditions of some, a dish of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa carefully set out on Christmas Eve, and some carrots for Rudolf and the eight tiny reindeer, go along way to increasing the Christmas cheer to those giving out the gifts. (Mom and Dad)
7. Volunteer.
With so much going on around the city and so many charity events to support different causes, there are no shortage of opportunities to give back and help. Whether you are helping distribute meals on the East side or pile up gifts for less fortunate children, you will be shoulder to shoulder with other professionals that could be meaningful contacts. Volunteer, engage people, include career conversations and do your follow up. Many career moves have been first made at a volunteer event. There is just something about giving…things just seem to come back and fall in your lap!
8. Throw a Party!
Are you looking for an excuse to get people together? Why not create your own networking event by throwing a party or having a baked goods exchange to help build up your festive holiday desserts. Invite guests, friends, professionals, family or anyone else that you believe would attend. Then somewhere during the night call everyone together for a moment to wish them well and to encourage them to share leads with each other. Then tell them what you career goal is and ask for “people to talk to and places to look.” Then watch those around you have success…and be ready as someone will likely come and provide a lead to you as well.
So, looking for work at Christmas time and over the holiday season does have some great potential. Why not give it a try and see if you can generate some connections. It may be the best Christmas gift you ever gave yourself!
Good luck!
Russell
Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions, a Certified Career Consultant and your DAP Career Coach. Russell will be delivering the Winter/Spring Career Workshop Series from January – April 2017 to prepare DAP students for 2017 CPA recruiting and overall job search strategies. Russell is also available to DAP students for online coaching appointments set up through email and will be on-campus from time to time for in-person coaching appointments.
Contact Russell at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca.