You’re probably feeling like you just got done taking the turkey out of the oven or off the grill, and the holiday rush is right upon us. So if you’re feeling like searching for a new job is no where on your “to-do” list this week, and building a strategy for how to survive another holiday season is dominating your free time, you’re not alone. However, do you know why this is the BEST time of the year to be on the hunt for a new gig? We have three solid reasons you should add “find a new job” to your end of the year madness.
- Hiring Managers are feeling the pressure
As long as it’s 2016, hiring managers have approval to hire a certain number of candidates. However, they know that once January rolls around, everything is up for discussion. So the five or six openings they have on their team that they’re racing to fill this year could disappear just because the calendar changes to 2017. Not only are hiring managers worried that their open jobs are going to go unfilled in 2016, they’re reading the same things you are about hiring in 2017. Fast Company and Forbes are both predicting this week that the job market will remain strong in 2017 further driving up the cost to find, retain and hire great staff. The “War for Talent” that many hiring managers face in 2016 is not looking to let up in 2017.
In addition, there’s that presidential election happening next week, and the outcome of what’s being called “one of the most divisive races in history” may affect hiring plans for Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike. If you’re even considering making a change in your career, call your recruiter, identify the open positions you want to chase now, and kick off your job search, even if it’s just to “see what’s out there.”
- Holiday networking
‘Tis the season to reconnect with old colleagues, visit with friends that you only see once a year, and have a built in reason to just say ‘hi’ to people in your network. Take advantage of all the holiday gatherings that are happening just because of the time of year, and figure out if there’s an opportunity out there that makes sense for you to pursue during the holidays. We are not suggesting that you hop on stage or steal the spotlight to announce your impending job search, but you should do your research beforehand to know who might be at an event you’re attending, and make it a priority to get an introduction to key individuals who can help with your job search, or introduce yourself to someone who has a connection at a company you’d like to pursue. -Make sure you’re using LinkedIn to get data like this before you attend a holiday party, networking event, or set up a holiday lunch with a former colleague. Knowing how someone can help you makes it easier for you to ask the right question, and it makes it easier for them to say yes when you ask for their assistance.
- Stay out of the January crowd
On January 6, 2016, money.cnn.com reported a 70% increase in people searching for jobs. Monster.com reports that at least five of the highest job serch days for the year occur in January and February. So the January rush to want to kick off the year with a new job is more than just a feeling, it’s a reality.
Another reason to avoid the January rush is the vacation time you’ll likely have to use to get to interviews. Wouldn’t you rather use your remaining 2016 days instead of starting 2017 with a deficit? -Especially if your company takes a “use ‘em or lose ‘em” approach to its vacation policy, using your 2016 days would work in your favor. While “burning” days at the end of the year to go shopping and celebrate the holidays can be fun, wouldn’t it be more fun to start 2017 with a job that you look forward to getting up in the morning to go to?
We’re hoping that you’re getting to the end of this blog, and are picking up the phone to get on your recruiter’s calendar this month, and cruising over to LinkedIn to update your profile and do some research on companies you’d like to pursue. You can start 2017 with a new job you love, and we can help!