The benefits of job searching during the festive season

There’s a general assumption that companies postpone recruitment over the Christmas period and whilst it can be tempting to delay your job search until the New Year, here are 4 reasons why it is worthwhile continuing your efforts and avoiding temptation to put your job search activity on ice!

Less Competition

December is a busy month and it is very common for job seekers to put their job search on hold to enjoy festivities, spend time with family and friends and relax. This means there are less applicants and therefore less competition for live roles. Furthermore, less competition and a limited candidate pool may increase your chances of securing a job after your interview, due to less candidates being shortlisted.

Networking Opportunities         

The festive season is a perfect time to network! Towards the end of the year, Hiring Managers may have more time and clarity to talk about upcoming recruitment plans. With less applicants they may make more time to review the cover letters and CVs they receive and set up remote meetings in advance of 2022. Morale is high over the festive period, and as it’s the season of giving, you may find that people are more willing to help. Reconnect with your network, take the time to research companies that you would like to work for and consider some speculative introductions with the view of arranging meetings for the New Year.

Get ahead of the curve  

Typically, there is often an influx of new job seekers in the New Year. It’s predicted that the ‘Great Resignation’ phenomenon will create a New Year surge with 3 in 4 workers considering leaving their jobs in 2022. This is a good reason to get ahead of the ‘New Year, New Career’ surge and take advantage of the unprecedented demand for candidates whilst there’s less competition.

Hiring Budgets

As the year draws to a close, companies may have money to spend in their hiring budget and will open up positions that would be highly beneficial to the company, but which they previously were unsure they'd be able to afford. Keep an eye out for these types of positions as the year draws to a close, in particular interim and contractual opportunities.

Whilst there is an assumption the market quietens down throughout December, it’s important to remember that companies are still hiring and business will continue.  Consider the benefits of continuing your job search throughout December, reconnect with your network and use the festive period to your advantage.

Renovo is the UK’s leading outplacement and career transition specialist. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you please call 0800 612 2011 or email info@renovo.co.uk