Many job seekers take a break from job searching during the holidays, however, that may be a mistake. Contrary to what you might think, hiring doesn’t stop during the holiday season. Employers hire when they need new employees. Some businesses may be slower during the holiday season, which means it’s a great time to hire new employees.

Here are some reasons to keep your job search going during the holiday season.
Employers are Hiring: Don’t think for a minute that companies aren’t hiring. Check company websites and job boards, like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Monster, Dice, CareerBuilder and you will see thousands of available jobs that employers need to fill now. Set up automated notifications on these job boards, so you don’t miss out when new jobs are posted.

Less Competition for Available Jobs: Continuing your job search during the holidays could give you an opportunity for an interview that you may not have received during another time of year. One reason is because the candidate pool may be less competitive during the holidays vs. another time of the year. People are wrapped up in preparing for the holidays and putting their job searches on hiatus, but if you keep yours going, you just may get that interview or even the job!

Networking Opportunities: The holidays are a great time to network and there are many social and business holiday functions during November and December when you can connect with people who can help your job search. Put yourself out there! Most people welcome the opportunity to pay it forward by helping you out, especially during the season of giving. Make business cards with your contact information and link to your LinkedIn page and portfolio (if you have one). Bring your business cards to every networking event to give to the people you meet there. Also, be sure to have an elevator pitch ready so you can quickly share information on your background.

A Contract or Temporary Job Could Become Permanent: If you are hired on a contract or temporary basis over the holiday season, you might get to keep your job. It’s possible that the company needs longer term help, and this could be the way for you to land your next permanent position.

You May Be Able to Negotiate a Start Date: Start dates can be negotiable. Two weeks is standard, if you are giving notice to your current employer. You may be able to push that out to a later date, especially if there are multiple days over the holidays when the business is closed. That would give you some extra time to move a start date back. Of if the company is short-handed over the holidays, they may want you to start sooner, which means money in your pocket just in time for holiday shopping!

Keep the job search going this holiday season, as that may be the key to landing your next job.