Holidays can mean a lot of things for different people: family get-togethers, reunions, getaways, shopping, glittery lights, cheery Christmas carols, exchanging gifts, even red Starbucks cups. Add one more: that oh, so elusive job searching.
Holiday season is hiring season
As the year comes to a close, companies are deeply engrossed in finalizing their business and budget goals for the incoming fiscal year. Retail, operations, and financial services are just some of the major industries who are in need of additional workforce during the holidays.
Another insider secret disclosed in a Forbes article is that there is a spike in final notices handed out during the holidays. May professionals want to spend the time off with families and friends, even going on out-of-town trips to tick a dream destination off their bucket list.
With the influx of shoppers and resignation letters, the need for workers rise. This was evidenced by Walmart's massive hiring in 2012; according to a report by Jobs & Hire, the famous supermarket chain added up to 50,000 job openings.
Holiday season means less competition
Many professionals are preoccupied with everything they have to accomplish during the holidays and job searching takes lesser priority on their to-do list. With other candidates taking a break from their job search, it's easier to get noticed by hiring managers come January.
Business Insider reveals that employment agents are more likely to hire a candidate that they're constantly communicating with. This could mean that job seekers need to be flexible with their schedules, that is, obliging for an interview and assessment even on short notice.
Holiday season is happy season
Based on feedback from a survey conducted by Accounting Principals on hiring managers, recruiters are happier, friendlier, are and easier to approach during the holidays. Because of the prevailing good cheer from the holidays, there is a high probability that recruiters experience it, too. When they are in a charitable mindset, job seekers have higher chances of landing an interview.
