The Write Solution

A returning client asked recently if she should wait until after the holiday to “even start looking” since everyone is on vacation this time of year.* Combine “holiday slowdown thinking” with a “slow economy mentality” and we’ve got a bunch of talented professional sitting around on their hands waiting for the magical moment when it’s right to start a job search.

This is what I told her:

“As far as a job search this time of year – keep your eyes open and do a targeted search all the time, regardless the season. True, hiring slows to slower than its normal glacial speed, BUT it does not stop. Critical positions are filled on Christmas Day if need be…. OK. I’m going for the drama, but you see what I mean. A “targeted search” means you’re looking every day and have notifications set up when new jobs post and you’re using other Internet marketing tools to research companies. And you’re responding to jobs that fit your criteria. There is no holiday from being open to opportunities. But know responses may be slower than their normal slow pace.

“You’re right in some aspects about this time of year. Doing a “shotgun approach” during the holidays has the potential to stall because of the heavy vacation schedules in most companies. Although, if you need a job you do the research and the follow-up to make it happen, regardless the time of year. Someone’s always got a day off sometime. Do what you need to do to find your bliss and forget what the rest of the world is doing. Make it happen.” 

As far as searching in a slow economy, CareerBuilder.com editor, Kate Lorenz gives marvelous tips on Job Searching in a Recession. In fact, recession or not, it’s great advice.  

Job searching, like sales, is a numbers game. The more you get out and do, the more you succeed. There is no perfect time to start a job search. In fact, properly managing your career means you’re always searching; always open to opportunities; always preparing for the next big thing. 

*PS – I went to Indeed.com and did a quick search for the positions we’d discussed when we did her update. Two weeks ago we found two positions; today there are five – in a recession, during a slow season. Get busy.

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