Why Christmas is a great time to find a job (9 reasons)

Don’t believe the rumours. The jobs market does not go into hibernation as soon as the tinsel goes up. And neither should you.

Looking for a job over Christmas will give you an edge over the competition. If you’d like to start the new year with a new job, don’t sleep on this opportunity. Read on for nine reasons why.

1 Parties = networking

Take full advantage of the party season. Company Christmas dos, fundraisers, and even friends’ parties can offer plenty of networking opportunities – as long as you approach it in the festive spirit. Don’t show up at a friend’s house party in business mode, just let your interest in new job opportunities come up in conversation naturally. Remember, you should never come across as desperate.

2 Goodwill to all job hunters

Even the most Scrooge-like hiring managers tend to feel a bit more generous at this time of year, so take a moment to reach out with a friendly email or phone call. Make sure you start by wishing them a happy Christmas if you’re following up about a potential interview, this will boost your chances of getting one.

3 The January hiring season starts early

Yes, a lot of employers prefer to hire in January, whether for budget reasons or festive ones, but they start looking in November and December.

Hiring timelines are often a bit longer than usual at this time of year, as HR departments need to get everything finalised before the holiday shutdown. Don’t worry if you don’t hear back right away, many employers will look at CVs and schedule interviews during the holiday season and then make the offer after the New Year.

4 Seasonal jobs can be a foot in the door

If you’re looking for a job over Christmas, you’ll find an abundance of seasonal jobs with companies that need extra help over the busy season. These jobs can offer you a great opportunity to showcase what you can do and sell yourself as a permanent employee.

Even if the role isn’t what you’re looking for long-term, the company may well have openings elsewhere that would be a better fit. Do your best to impress, get to know your boss, and discuss your ambitions with them.

5 Less competition

A lot of your competitors will stop looking for jobs during the festive season. If you keep looking, you’ll get the opportunities they’ll miss. Those who are already employed, often the best candidates, are particularly likely to put a Christmas freeze on jobhunting.

But there are still plenty of companies hiring, so now’s your chance to be a bigger fish in a smaller candidate pool.

6 If you snooze, you lose

Conversely, if you decide to take a break from job hunting until January, there are plenty of good candidates out there who won’t. They’ll take the opportunities that could have been a perfect fit for you.

Don’t let another candidate steal your Christmas present! Put yourself out there.

7 Companies don’t put their growth plans on ice

Employers don’t halt their growth plans for two months of the year. They’re still expanding - or trying to - throughout gingerbread latte season, so they may well need to take on new people in November and December.

8 The Christmas party is a great way to meet the team

It’s hard to be intimidated by your new boss when you’ve seen them tipsy and wearing reindeer antlers. Bonding with your new team at the Christmas party will completely change the mood of your first weeks in the job and make it a much happier and easier experience.

9 The Christmas party is a great way to say goodbye

If you’ve enjoyed a good relationship with your old company, this is the best time of year to say goodbye. You can exchange presents, tell people what they’ve meant to you, maybe give a few hugs and make some happy memories together.

If your time at the company wasn’t so happy, remember you never want to burn bridges, so don’t go out in a ball of flames, you don't know what the future might hold.

Convinced? Get in touch today to discover how we can help you find a job that’s a real gift.

‹ Back