Holiday Job Hunting: Seize the Season and Snag the Job
Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season is a prime time for executive job seekers. While it’s easy to assume that hiring slows down, the reality is that companies continue to hire to meet end-of-year goals and prepare for Q1. Did you know that 78% of companies do their hiring in Q4?
To boost your results during this time, also consider that 40% fewer job seekers compete for opportunities in Q4 (LinkedIn 2023) giving executives who stay proactive during the holidays a competitive edge. Here are some practical strategies for holiday job hunting, along with how an executive career coach can help you make the most of this season.
Take Advantage of Reduced Competition
Job postings may drop by 15% during the holidays, but the competition also drops by 40%, according to LinkedIn Talent Solutions. This means fewer applicants per job posting, increasing your chances of getting noticed. Keep an eye on job boards and set alerts for your target companies to catch openings as soon as they appear. An executive coach can help you refine your application materials and tailor your approach to stand out.
Heading 3: Leverage Holiday Networking Opportunities
The holiday season offers unique networking opportunities that go beyond traditional events. Senior executive roles are often filled through networking, so take advantage of the season’s social gatherings. Attend mixers, charity events, or even virtual get-togethers to build connections in a more relaxed setting. Keep in mind that December sees fewer job applications per listing, making personal referrals and network-driven introductions even more valuable. We also recommend hosting your own Fall-Themed Networking events. Click here to get our list of 13 Fall-Themed Low-cost events to expand your networking.
Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile for the Season
With 95% of recruiters using LinkedIn to find candidates, it’s crucial to keep your profile updated (Forbes, 2020). Consider adding recent accomplishments, updating your profile photo, and including holiday-inspired content that’s relevant to your industry or leadership style. Many leaders struggle with common themes this time of year, such as balancing work and personal life, maintaining team morale, and planning for the new year. Posting this type of relatable content on LinkedIn increases your chances of attracting the right recruiters and positions you favorably when applying for roles.
Maintain Momentum and Stay Persistent
While it’s important to enjoy the holiday season, staying consistent with your job search is essential. The average executive job search lasts over six months, but those who continue applying in December often see success by mid-January. Hiring surges by 20% in January when budgets reset (SHRM). Set weekly goals for your job search, and don’t hesitate to take breaks to recharge. An executive career coach can help you stay accountable and maintain a proactive mindset during this period.
Use Holiday Volunteering to Expand Your Network
Volunteering during the holidays feels rewarding and offers a chance to showcase leadership skills and meet new people. In fact, according to Deloitte, 76% of professionals say that volunteering has made them more desirable to employers. Include volunteer work on your resume and LinkedIn profile, and remember to share photos from your experiences on LinkedIn to demonstrate your community involvement.
Conclusion
The holiday season presents unique opportunities for job seekers willing to stay active and engaged. By taking advantage of reduced competition, leveraging networking events, refreshing your LinkedIn profile, maintaining momentum, and using volunteering as a networking tool, executives can improve their chances of landing a new role. For a deeper dive into holiday job hunting strategies, view our recent presentation here. Working with an executive career coach provides additional support, helping you navigate the nuances of holiday job hunting and position yourself for success in the new year.
