5 Reasons Christmas is a Great Time for a Job Search

It may not feel like it, but the end of the year is actually a great time to start looking for a job. Whether it’s a change in career, a chance to gain new experience, or taking your first foray into the working world, December is a good time to get stuck in and here’s why:

1. Plenty of casual and temporary positions available

A lot of businesses look to hire casual staff around the holiday season to finish last minute projects, or handle the rush of people getting ready for Christmas. If you’re just looking to gain experience and bulk up your resume, then now is a great time to start applying!

Retail work is particularly abundant, and gives you the opportunity to work on your teamwork, communication, and time management skills.

2. New year, new team

Some businesses start looking for candidates to start in the New Year, beginning the hiring process in December. There’s a fair amount of turnover at the end of the year – people finishing up positions, moving away, new positions or teams being created for the following year – so it’s best to start looking now.

Plus, many people don’t begin looking until January, so getting a head start on it now is a good way to get ahead.

3. Networking made easy

The holiday season is also a great excuse to start reconnecting with your professional network. It’s easy to fall out of touch with people you’ve worked with in previous jobs, contacts you’ve made at conferences or events, or even people you’ve met just from working or studying in the industry. Christmas is a great excuse for a catch up, and can be an easy way to start getting the word out that you’re looking for work. Who knows? Maybe their work have been looking for someone and you fit the bill!

4. Build your skills

Christmas, and the holiday season in general, also presents a great opportunity to volunteer. Not only can you give back to society and help people in need, but you can build your skills while doing so!

Volunteering is a fantastic way to make new connections, build some of the skills employers look for, and, when added to your resume, makes you look like a well-rounded and conscientious person. It can also be heaps of fun, and gives you the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

5. You’ve got the time

For most, the end of the year means less work, less homework, and more time to relax before the New Year. If this is the case for you, then it also makes December the perfect time to start refreshing your resume and cover letters!

If you haven’t brushed off your resume since the job you had 5 years ago, it’s time to give it a revamp. If you need some feedback, swing by Drop-in with a printed copy or use RateMyResume for immediate, online feedback.

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