Looking for Work during the Holiday Season

Dear, Anita,

I’ve been looking for a full-time job for months. Now that the holiday season is here, I don’t seem to see as many permanent positions listed on the job boards, and for those that I do apply to, I am not getting any response. I want to be able to buy my kids some toys for under the Christmas tree, but I’m losing hope.

Dear, All I Want for Christmas is a Job,

I don’t have any hard statistics, but the general consensus is that many job seekers give up the search between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. It may be true that your job hunt may be less productive, because hiring managers can be absent during the holidays. But I’m an eternal optimist, and I say, “Don’t give up!” In fact, take advantage of the lack of competition these lethargic yuletide yahoos are creating. Many companies budget on an annual basis and may have full-time positions they need to fill before year-end.

Keep on with your current plan of applying for all of the jobs for which you are qualified. This may be time to head to your local coffee shop with your laptop and indulge in a peppermint mocha. In addition, attend any and all of the seasonal soirées to which you’ve been invited (yes, even the one with the “Ugly Christmas Sweater” theme). Use holiday parties as networking opportunities. You don’t want to be a Gloomy Gus, but be sure to mention that you are still actively looking for work. You never know whose best friend’s uncle has just the job for you. Send holiday cards to anyone with whom you have interviewed in the last few months. Circumstances may have changed, the new hire may not have worked out, or a new position may have opened up.

Don’t turn up your red Rudoph nose at seasonal or temporary work. My friends at The Select Family of Staffing Companies work with retail, distribution, warehouse, and other industries that staff up during the holiday season. You never know; if you shine like a star on the Christmas tree, you may be offered a permanent position.

Holiday Job Seekers: Have you ever been hired smack-dab in the middle of the holiday season? Have you taken a seasonal or temp job to get by?

Do you have a question for Miss Anita? Visit http://anitaclew.com/ask-anita/.

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