People seeking work often take a break around the holidays — which is exactly why some experts say it’s a great time to find a job.
From mid-December to mid/late January in Australia and New Zealand, almost everyone, the employed and unemployed alike, take off for the beach. While those with a job go on holidays, those without work often take a respite from the incessant and draining job search, often believing that employers aren’t hiring until the following year.
But because so many temporarily drop out of the job search, this time of year could be a great time to double your job seeking efforts. Many employers tell us that they get only 20% of the normal responses to their job ads over this time of year. With less competition, that means you are much more likely to be considered for interviews than at other times of the year.
Another reason it could be a better time than most to look for work is that companies might have “use it or lose it” budgets, meaning they have a certain amount of money that won’t show up next year if they don’t spend it this year. That may spur a number of organisations to hire before the year’s up. Many companies also often start big projects at the beginning of the year so they’re looking for staff now.
But while some believe it to be a great time to look for a job, some career counselors question whether this time of year is any better than others. “I wouldn’t say it’s the best time, but I wouldn’t say it’s a bad time,” says one. “It’s a little quieter now, so people who might never have time to answer the phone now can.”
Career counselors strongly suggest never giving up in the job search, even around the holidays. But inevitably, seekers will either be fatigued with looking by the end of the year or will simply think it’s not a good time to contact potential employers. “Remember – a lot of people aren’t going to be around this time of year,” says another counsellor. “But you might get an interview or go out for a cup of coffee because things are quieter around the office.”
So don’t look at this time of the year as a break — because you may get an unexpected holiday gift in the form of a new job.
Now is an excellent time of the year to contact CV Pro and get your CV up to date! Maybe a new CV would be an excellent Christmas present for yourself!
From mid-December to mid/late January in Australia and New Zealand, almost everyone, the employed and unemployed alike, take off for the beach. While those with a job go on holidays, those without work often take a respite from the incessant and draining job search, often believing that employers aren’t hiring until the following year.
But because so many temporarily drop out of the job search, this time of year could be a great time to double your job seeking efforts. Many employers tell us that they get only 20% of the normal responses to their job ads over this time of year. With less competition, that means you are much more likely to be considered for interviews than at other times of the year.
Another reason it could be a better time than most to look for work is that companies might have “use it or lose it” budgets, meaning they have a certain amount of money that won’t show up next year if they don’t spend it this year. That may spur a number of organisations to hire before the year’s up. Many companies also often start big projects at the beginning of the year so they’re looking for staff now.
But while some believe it to be a great time to look for a job, some career counselors question whether this time of year is any better than others. “I wouldn’t say it’s the best time, but I wouldn’t say it’s a bad time,” says one. “It’s a little quieter now, so people who might never have time to answer the phone now can.”
Career counselors strongly suggest never giving up in the job search, even around the holidays. But inevitably, seekers will either be fatigued with looking by the end of the year or will simply think it’s not a good time to contact potential employers. “Remember – a lot of people aren’t going to be around this time of year,” says another counsellor. “But you might get an interview or go out for a cup of coffee because things are quieter around the office.”
So don’t look at this time of the year as a break — because you may get an unexpected holiday gift in the form of a new job.
Now is an excellent time of the year to contact CV Pro and get your CV up to date! Maybe a new CV would be an excellent Christmas present for yourself!
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