“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Career Monday: A Strategic Guide to Job Hunting During the Vacation Days and Holidays

Job hunting is always tough but the vacation and holiday season can require an even more strategic approach. These are some basic principles and concrete steps to take for making the most of the special opportunities that exist at this time of year.

Basic Principles for Job Hunting During Irregular Seasons

1. Recognize that people’s schedules may be more irregular than usual. During these seasons it’s important to keep in mind that people may be out of the office more. Avoid becoming anxious just because your phone calls or emails fail to get returned promptly.

2. Be gentle with yourself. For all the joy they brings, vacations and holidays can be an emotionally intense period under the best of circumstances. Take it easy on yourself when you’re trying to cope with the financial and psychological impact of being unemployed.

3. Nourish your spirits. Devote some regular time to activities that help you feel better. It will make it easier to project a positive attitude that improves your chances for a getting a job offer. Get plenty of physical exercise to help stay energized.

4. Take a long-term perspective. It’s common for job searches to take longer than usual these days. Set incremental goals so you can acknowledge the progress while you’re waiting for a job offer.

5. Welcome the reduced competition. By continuing your job search during these “slow” periods, you distinguish yourself from all those who may be tempted to take a hiatus. You might find that fewer applicants are coming forward for the openings that interest you.

Vacation / Holiday Season Job Hunting Strategies

1. Network more. It’s a great season for networking. Accept party invitations. Talk with more new people. A good lead can come from unexpected sources. Volunteer work is another way to meet new people and try out new experiences.

2. Reestablish old connections. Send out cards and make some phone calls. Sending written greetings gives you a ready-made reason to get in touch without putting people off by asking about job prospects directly.

3. Consider a temporary position. Many companies hire temporary help this time of year. It could be a great way to pick up some extra cash and expand your skills.

4. Devote more time to research. If things slow down, use this extra time wisely. Go online or visit the library to research potential employers and industry trends.

5. Update your resume. This may also be a good time to review your written materials like resumes and cover letters. Look for ways to tweak your content to highlight your strong points and the contribution you could make to a potential employer.

6. Learn new skills. You may also want to focus on mastering some new skills. Public libraries often offer free computer courses or workshops with experts who can assist you with your plans to start a small business of your own.

7. Make plans for the year ahead. Keep your hopes up by planning for the year ahead. Set monthly goals for your job search. Make contingency plans so you’ll feel more secure. Visualize finding the career opportunity that you seek.

It may feel especially unpleasant to be unemployed during vacation time or holidays  when the rest of the world seems to be celebrating. Be kind to yourself to manage your emotions and relieve stress while you play an active role in building a better career future.

Leave a comment

Never miss an opportunity to earn HRCI/SHRM credits, identify a mentor, or connect 1:1 with another HR Girlfriend in your city or across the country.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Author picture

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
All
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
HR Q&A

Q&A: A remote employee told us they were injured at home during their workday. What are our responsibilities?

When an employee informs you that they were injured while working from home, take the claim seriously and follow your usual procedure for a workplace ...
Read More →
Affirmation

Affirmation: My choices today support my goals for tomorrow

Each day is a reminder that I am one step closer to my goals. Keeping that in mind helps me to stay on track with ...
Read More →
Career Mondays

Career Monday: How to Make the Most of Working from Home

Working from home is becoming much more common. On the surface, it sounds ideal. You can work in your robe while you talk to your ...
Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap