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Maintaining an Effective Job Search During the Holiday Season

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During the holiday season, it’s a common assumption that the professional world slows to a crawl, with hiring managers out of the office and companies pausing their recruitment efforts until the new year. This common belief leads many job seekers to put their search on hold, deciding to wait for January to resume their efforts.

This assumption may be even more poignant this year because of the recent reports of job cuts, economic issues, fallout from the government shutdown, etc. Maybe you’ve even been recently impacted by layoffs and are trying to figure out what to do next. All the bad news might be enough to convince you to just pack it in and “wait till next year.”

But here’s a truth that can give you a significant advantage: while many people step back, companies are still hiring. (Yes, even in challenging economic moments.) In fact, organizations often need to fill positions before the end of the year to meet departmental goals or use up their annual budgets. That means if you continue your job search during this time, you could face less competition and can uncover unique opportunities that others might miss!

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to navigate your job search during the holidays, you’re not alone. The key is not to press pause but to adjust your strategy.

Why You Should Keep Your Job Search Active

The idea that hiring freezes in November and December is largely a myth. Many managers are motivated to finalize their teams before year-end. When you continue sending applications and networking, you stand out in a smaller pool of candidates. An inbox with 50 resumes is much more manageable for a recruiter than one with 500. Your application has a greater chance of being seen and considered.

Furthermore, the festive atmosphere can work in your favor. People are often more relaxed and open to conversation. This creates a perfect environment for networking and building genuine connections that can lead to job opportunities, both now and in the future. Staying active shows recruiters and hiring managers that you are dedicated, motivated, and serious about your career goals.

5 Tips for a Successful Holiday Job Search

You have the power to turn this season into a period of great opportunity. Here are five actionable tips to help you make the most of your job search during the holidays.

Leverage Holiday Gatherings for Networking

Holiday parties and community events are more than just social occasions; they are valuable networking opportunities. While you shouldn’t hand out business cards with your appetizers, you can engage in natural, meaningful conversations.

Focus on building relationships. When someone asks what you do, you can mention you’re exploring new opportunities in your field. For example, you could say, “I’ve been a project manager in the tech industry for the past five years, and I’m currently looking for a new role where I can help teams build innovative products.” This approach is conversational and opens the door for follow-up. You never know who might have a lead or be able to connect you with someone in their network. Remember to be genuine and focus on the connection, not just the transaction.

Tailor Your Resume for Seasonal or Temporary Roles

Many industries, such as retail, e-commerce, and logistics, ramp up their hiring for seasonal positions during the holidays. While a temporary role might not be your ultimate goal, it can be a strategic move. These positions can provide income, help you gain new skills, and get your foot in the door at a company you admire.

Take the time to tailor your resume for these roles. Highlight transferable skills like customer service, time management, and organization. A seasonal job can sometimes lead to a permanent offer, and at the very least, it adds recent experience to your resume and expands your professional network. It shows you are proactive and willing to work, which are attractive qualities to any employer.

Connect with Recruiters and Hiring Managers

While some decision-makers may be on vacation, many are still in the office planning for the year ahead. This can be an excellent time to reach out. Their schedules may be less hectic, and they might have more time to review your profile or have a brief informational interview.

Send personalized connection requests on LinkedIn or follow up on previous applications. In your message, acknowledge the time of year and keep your request brief and respectful. For instance, you could write, “I know this is a busy time of year, but I was hoping to connect regarding potential opportunities on your team in the new year. I’m very impressed with [Company Name]’s work in [specific area].” This thoughtful approach can help you stand out and build a bridge for future conversations.

Set Realistic Goals and Practice Self-Care

A job search is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s important to avoid burnout, especially during the holidays. It’s okay if your progress is slower than at other times of the year. The goal is to maintain momentum, not to exhaust yourself.

Set small, achievable goals for each week. This could be sending out five targeted applications, connecting with three new people on LinkedIn, or spending an hour on a professional development course. Celebrate these small wins. Equally important is to take time for yourself. Enjoy the festivities, spend time with loved ones, and recharge. A positive and rested mindset will make your job search efforts more effective and sustainable.

Take Control of Your Job Search This Season

Don’t let the holiday myth slow you down. By staying proactive and strategic, you can turn this season into a productive and empowering phase of your career journey. You have the ability to build on your accomplishments, make valuable connections, and position yourself for the perfect role. If you’re ready to create a personalized strategy that works for you, I’m here to help. Just schedule yourself for a free initial consultation with me on my calendar here. Happy Holidays!

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Job Searching Through the Holidays? Here Are Some Ways to Boost Your Prospects for the New Year

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The holiday season can stir up a mix of emotions, especially if you’re between jobs. It’s a time for celebration, but if you’re job searching, it can also feel like a source of anxiety. While others are indulging in festive fun, you might be tackling resume edits or scrolling through job boards. It’s easy to feel a little stuck or even disheartened. But here’s the truth you need to remember—this season is still brimming with opportunities. Yes, even now.

The holidays offer a unique moment to reset, refocus, and take control of your job search in ways that can set you up for success well into the new year. Here are a few practical, manageable steps you can take to gain momentum.

Tap Into Holiday Networking Opportunities

Holiday events are more than just parties—they’re golden opportunities to make connections. Whether it’s a neighborhood gathering, a professional mixer, or even a virtual get-together, these moments bring people together who you might not otherwise meet.

Start by letting close friends and family know what kind of role you’re looking for—you never know who they might be able to connect you with. When networking, focus on building genuine, lasting relationships rather than asking directly for job leads. A simple, “I’d love to hear about what you do and share a bit about my career goals,” can open doors without feeling pushy. And don’t forget—follow-ups matter. After a conversation, send a thank-you note or LinkedIn message to keep the connection alive.

Refresh Your Resume and Online Profiles

With the new year approaching, now is the perfect time to do a deep-dive update on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Think of it as a way to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward for prospective employers.

Focus on highlighting your most recent achievements and measurable successes. Use keywords relevant to the roles you’re targeting to ensure you pop in recruiters’ searches. On LinkedIn, consider posting a short update sharing your goals for the new year as a way to signal your job search. The more polished and active you appear online, the better your chances of standing out.

Leverage the Power of Gratitude

The end of the year is an ideal moment to express gratitude to past mentors, colleagues, and industry contacts. Sending a quick holiday message or a thoughtful card thanking someone for their guidance or support can rekindle connections and keep you top-of-mind.

A small gesture could lead to unexpected opportunities. For example, someone might respond with a job lead or offer to make an introduction. This isn’t just about networking—it’s about nurturing relationships that can grow over time.

Don’t Stop Applying

Don’t assume that companies are slowing down their hiring during the holiday break–in fact, some companies increase their hiring during the holiday season. Likewise, a lot of job seekers “take a break” during the holidays, which means you may have less competition. So don’t slow your roll. Keep looking for job openings for which you’d be a good fit, and apply for them. You might be surprised at what turns up for you. Additional tip: Don’t be afraid to apply to seasonal holiday jobs in your chosen field, either–these can often turn into permanent positions if you do a good job.

Volunteer

The holidays are a season for giving–and giving back. And while you’re between jobs, you’ve got more time now than you will when you get hired. Volunteering for a good cause during this time offers many benefits because not only will you help others, you’ll help yourself as well. If you’ve been feeling down and discouraged, it will get you out of your self-reflection and help you focus on others. Depending on what you do, it might even be something you could add to your resume! Use this time to give back and do some good in the world.

Let’s Make This Holiday Season Count

The holidays might look a little different than the rest of the year, but that doesn’t mean your job search has to stall. By taking advantage of networking events, polishing your application materials, and being proactive, you’re setting yourself up for success—one step at a time.

Still feeling unsure about where to start? Sometimes, a little guidance can make all the difference. I’d love to help you refine your approach and build a plan designed for you. Schedule a free consultation with me today, and let’s make your job search something worth celebrating this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

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How to Use the Holiday Season to Shift Your Mindset

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For many people, the holiday season is a time filled with joy, laughter, and of course, a fair bit of distraction. For some, it’s a mixed bag of emotions, particularly if they have suffered some sort of loss. For the job seeker, it can be a time of uncertainty–and possibly even discouragement if you’ve been between jobs or careers for a while. Do you continue applying for jobs over the holidays? Or do you take a break and unwind?

Actually, either option is a great one. As I’ve shared in years past, the holiday season can actually be a great time to find work, or you can use the time to unwind and recharge your batteries, so to speak. But one thing I’d like to suggest this year, especially if you are feeling some weariness with your job search: let this season be an opportunity to shift your mindset. In other words, take some time to get a clear perspective on things and renew your resolve.

What’s a Mindset Shift?

First off, let’s break down what we mean by a “mindset shift.” It’s a change in how you view and approach a situation. In the context of your job search, it means stepping away from viewing it as a daunting task and instead seeing it as a journey of self-improvement and growth. The benefits of such a shift are numerous – increased motivation, better focus, and a more positive outlook on the whole process.

Here’s why this is so important: when you’ve been grinding away at your job search for some time, it can begin to wear on your emotions and your outlook–especially if you’ve faced a number of rejections. Your mind may begin a pattern of “negative reinforcement” where you’re just going through the motions, but you begin to expect more rejections. You have less confidence in getting hired.

And the problem is–that shows. Without meaning to, you may be conveying an unspoken vibe to the job interviewer, whether it’s a sense of desperation or of rejection, and it makes it more likely that they’re going to seek a candidate who is more confident and enthusiastic.

Another way of looking at it is this: Whatever you believe about yourself, you’re right. If you convey to a job interviewer that you genuinely believe in yourself and that you’re the right candidate for the job, they are more likely to believe in you, too. If, however, you go into an interview with a negative outlook and expecting rejection, you’re more likely to get exactly what you believe.

That’s when it’s time to work on your mindset. And the holiday break offers you a perfect opportunity to do so.

Tips for Renewing a Positive Mindset Through the Holidays

If you’ve been feeling run down in the job search and you want to make the most of the holiday season to start fresh in the new year, here are some tips that will help.

  • Take a Break from the Job Search. Seriously. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step away for a bit. It might seem counterproductive, but giving your mind a rest can actually give you a boost in the long run.
  • Practice Self-Care. This could be anything from taking a hot bath to going for a run to meditation. The point is to do something that makes you feel good and helps relieve stress.
  • Reach Out to Your Network. Feeling isolated can make you feel down and discouraged, especially at the holidays. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional contacts for support–even if it’s just to vent. Conversely, if someone in your network could use some help and encouragement, look for ways to lend support, not just receive it.
  • Set Small, Achievable Goals. Instead of focusing on landing a job, concentrate on the steps it takes to get there–such as polishing your resume, working on your Linkedin profile, etc. Each step you accomplish is a victory in itself.
  • Stay Active. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. Regular exercise can help keep your spirits up during challenging times.
  • Try Something New. Consider taking a class or starting a hobby. These activities can provide a welcome distraction, and you might pick up some new skills along the way. Or consider volunteering for something you’re passionate about—it feels good to give back.
  • Celebrate Your Achievements. Any victory, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Applied for a job? Great! Updated your resume? Fantastic! These are all positive steps forward.
  • Speak Affirming Statements to Yourself. Out loud. In front of a mirror. It may feel weird at first, especially if your brain is filled with self-loathing thoughts. But saying positive things about yourself can help boost your self-confidence and shift your mindset in a more positive direction. And as you hear yourself say it, you’ll start to believe it.
  • Tap Into the Joy of the Season. Take time to enjoy the holiday season, whatever that means to you. Whether it’s watching your favorite Christmas movie or baking cookies with loved ones, these moments can bring a sense of joy and happiness that can positively impact your mindset.

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to feel weary sometimes. Job searching is a journey with ups and downs, but with the right mindset, you’ll come out stronger on the other side. Keep pushing forward, my friend! You’ve got this.

And remember, if you are looking for more in-depth help in landing the job you want, I’m available, even during this season. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, just click here to access my calendar. Happy Holidays!

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Keeping Spirits Bright: Tips for Recharging During the Holiday Season

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The holidays can be a stressful time of year, especially if you’re currently involved in a job search. While not everyone suffers from this, the “holiday blues” are a real thing; it’s well-documented that rates of depression often increase this time of year. And with the added pressure of buying gifts and dealing with family obligations while trying to land a job, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

But here’s some good news; you don’t have to buy into this stress. Even in the midst of difficulties, the natural “down time” of the holiday season presents the opportunity to hit the “reset” button. If you take advantage of this opportunity to recharge, you can set yourself up to come back even stronger after the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

Make Time for Self-Care 

It might sound trite, but the priniciple works: when things start to feel overwhelming, take some time to focus on yourself. This might mean taking a long bath, going for a walk, or reading a book—whatever helps you relax and recharge your batteries. Set aside some time each day to do something that brings you joy. Doing this won’t necessarily take away the stressors in your life, but it will create some space and perspective so you can deal with the stressors more productively.

Stay Connected 

If you’re feeling down or discouraged, one common impulse is to withdraw from social activities, friends, or family. But actually, this can create loneliness, which can make the problem worse–not to mention spending too much time alone can cause you to develop some unhealthy feedback loops in the mind as you try to “work out” your troubles, causing you to lose perspective. To combat this, try to resist the urge to withdraw and use the holiday season as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family members, both those who are near and those who live far away. Try setting up regular video calls or sending thoughtful texts throughout the season. This will help keep in touch with those you care about, even if you can’t be together in person. Plus, having someone to talk to can help boost your mood when you start to feel down.

Keep the Job Search Going

Seriously. Don’t assume that prospective employers don’t want to talk to you just because it’s the holidays. As we shared in this post from the past, many employers continue to hire right through the end of the year, and since a lot of job seekers DO call off their search during the holidays, there will be less competition for those job openings, so your odds of getting hired actually go up! You can also continue networking online by attending virtual networking events or joining an online job search group on social media where other people may have helpful advice or leads on new openings. 

One important point: if you’re genuinely tired and want to take a break from job searching during the holidays, that’s okay, too. Don’t feel guilty about that; do what’s best for you. But if you have the desire and the energy, there’s no reason why you can’t keep applying for work during the holiday season–and there may even be some advantages in doing so.

Reset the Calendar and Make a Plan

As the end of the year approaches, I like to take some time to reflect on the past year, tie up loose ends, and sort of “close the chapter” on the old year. Then I start thinking about what’s ahead for the new year and start planning fresh strategies. I’d recommend you take a similar approach. (I’m not talking about New Year’s resolutions–I’m talking about setting goals for your job search.) Take an inventory of what you did this past year. Acknowledge what you did that worked for you, and think about how to implement those things in the new year. Also be honest what didn’t work so you know what changes you need to make. Even if you don’t emerge with a hugely detailed strategy, the simple act of saying “goodbye” to the old year and “hello” to the new one helps put you in a healthy mindset so you’ll emerge into the new year with fresh energy and purpose.

Finally, no matter what challenges life throws at you during the holiday season, it is important to remember that it won’t last forever! By taking care of yourself physically and mentally, staying connected with others, and staying engaged, you can remain positive despite any difficulties you may be facing this season. And by taking a little time to make a plan for next year, you can approach the new year ready to take on the world again. So take a deep breath—you’ve got this!

As always, I’m here to help if you need deeper assistance with your career search and landing the job you want. Just click here to access my calendar and set up a free 30-minute consultation.

Happy Holidays!

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Tips for Maintaining Your Job Search During the Holiday Season

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The holiday season may be “the most wonderful time of the year”—but that doesn’t necessarily make it easy. For some, it’s a particularly stressful time due to the pressures of family expectations, buying gifts and fitting all those holiday parties into the schedule. If you’re in between jobs, these pressures can be amplified. You might be telling yourself (as many others do) that the holiday season is “down time” for employers, that no one is hiring, no one is looking at your resume….blah, blah, blah.

People who really believe the holiday season is a “slow” time of year haven’t paid attention to the traffic. Why do you suppose everyone out there is so stressed? Everyone is out doing stuff. Business is going on. And yes, employers are still hiring this time of year.

My point? If you’re committed to the job search, the holiday season is the time you don’t want to slow down. If nothing else, you’ve got less competition because of all those other people who stopped looking for work by making the same assumptions you did! You may have to change your strategy up a little bit, but there’s no reason the holidays have to put a damper on your job search. Here are some tips to make the most of this time of year when looking for work.

Stay in the Moment

Many job seekers start disengaging mentally from the hunt around Thanksgiving without even realizing it. Avoid this temptation; stay engaged. Assume companies are still hiring, keep working your job leads, keep scheduling those interviews. Remember, a lot of job seekers have left the marketplace because they assumed the holidays were slow. If you stay in the game when others drop out, your chances of getting hired are significantly higher. It’s plain old mathematics.

Use Holiday Parties as an Opportunity to Network

Yes, technically holiday parties aren’t the place to “talk shop,” but if you listen to the conversations, chances are that’s exactly what people are doing—because what else are they going to talk about? Be sensitive to the moment—you don’t want to break the festive spirit by being overbearing—but it’s completely appropriate to mention during your party conversations that you’re looking for work. Networking happens all the time, even when people aren’t doing it on purpose. Don’t miss the opportunities to network casually during these parties—you never know what opportunities will turn up.

Expand Your Holiday Card List

The holidays are a perfect excuse to “ping” potential employers, networking contacts and recruiters with a holiday greeting. It’s a great way to keep your name top-of-mind because holiday cards aren’t considered invasive. They’re expected. Take advantage of this opportunity to stay connected.

Make Use of Any Extra Time

If you’re doing a job search while still employed somewhere else, if you experience a slowdown at work, use that down time to your advantage by scheduling more interviews and doing more online networking. Again, don’t assume these places aren’t hiring; instead, consider the possibility that other firms are also experiencing a slowdown, and therefore they may actually have more time to talk to you!

Target Temp Jobs Where Appropriate

Depending on what type of work you do, some firms actually hire extra seasonal help over the holidays. If you get on as a seasonal employee and work your heart out, you may be able to parlay that opportunity into a permanent position after the holidays. Keep a sharp eye out for any companies on your hot list that are hiring seasonally, and don’t disqualify yourself from these opportunities.

Now, if you want to take the holidays off from your job search, be my guest. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just don’t use the holiday season as an excuse not to try. With a bit of creative thinking, you can carry on an effective job search any time of year, including the holidays. If you want some extra help coming up with a strategy, that’s why I’m here. Shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com, or call me at 646-320-1126. We’ll set up a free 30-minute appointment to talk about your goals.

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Four Tips to Celebrate the Holidays on a Budget

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Let’s be honest: The holiday season can be particularly challenging for people who are between jobs and/or changing careers. When extra money is scarce and you can’t buy as many gifts for family and friends as you like, it’s easy to feel demoralized. We tell ourselves the holidays aren’t about money or things, but knowing that doesn’t always change the way we feel.

However, if this season is financially tight for you, there are plenty of alternatives for celebrating with your family without spending money you don’t have or going deep into debt for gifts you really can’t afford right now. The key is to make the season less about things and more about experiences that you can share together. Here are 3 fun tips for enjoying affordable holiday activities with your family or friends this year.

1. Check Out Local Community Events

You can find free or cheap community events to attend in almost every town or city in America this time of year, from city-hosted parades to special plays and choir performances at local houses of worship. Check your local paper or the Internet for holiday happenings in your area, and select a few to attend with the family.

*Additional tip*: If you live here in New York City, one great resource I’ve found is Club Free Time, a membership-based website that lists a huge number of free cultural and entertainment events every day across the city, plus provides free or dirt-cheap tickets to everything from Broadway shows to concerts at Carnegie Hall. For an annual fee of less than $20, you can have access to this list not just at the holidays, but year-round.

2. Host a Holiday Movie Night

You can’t go wrong with holiday movies, and there are hundreds of them available, either free at streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, or available to rent for a small fee. (Each streaming service usually offers a free trial if you don’t have a subscription; if you don’t stream videos, look for DVDs or Blu-Ray at your neighborhood outlet.) Pick a few of your favorites, pop some popcorn and have a family holiday movie night. Better yet, invite some friends and make it a party!

*Alternative tip*: If you like laughing at the ridiculous, try putting a spin on the evening and making it cheesy holiday movie night. Alongside the classics, nowadays you have more than your pick of straight-to-video holiday flicks!

3. Go Caroling

Caroling is one of those activities that many people avoid for embarrassment reasons, but everyone loves once they break the ice! (Pun intended.) Pick a favorite neighborhood, gather a few friends and go for it!

*Alternative tip*: Instead of going outside, think about scheduling a time to sing carols at a local nursing home. The residents are always grateful for a bit of holiday cheer.

4. Volunteer

Believe it or not, one of the best ways to forget the stress of your own immediate circumstances is to look past yourself to help someone else. (It’s also a great way to get into the holiday spirit.) There’s plenty to do, from wrapping toys for underprivileged tots to serving holiday dinners to those with nowhere else to go. Find a local charity, shelter or soup kitchen and schedule a time for you and the family to volunteer. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did.

Regardless of how you observe the holidays, by exercising a bit of imagination, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season with the people you love without breaking the bank in the process. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to take some time for yourself to plan for 2018. This could be your greatest year yet!

Happy Holidays from us at GiraffesConsulting.