Bad Career Advice: No One Hires During The Holidays
September 20, 2011
Around this time every year I start to see the usual “the sky is falling” posts (mostly from “career advisors”) about how job seekers better get their resumes and profiles updated now and get a job before Thanksgiving because from then until the New Year nothing happens.
I call BS. This is a myth.
I am not going to link to the post that has my attention because I left a comment on the site and it is still in “moderation”. I doubt it will be approved but in case you are wondering if it was “inappropriate” I have a screen shot of it below.
You judge if I was being fair.
My issue with the post was a bulleted point that said between the holidays hiring “...generally comes to a screeching halt...”
No it does not.
Does it slow down? Yes, and there are many reasons for it including:
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End of the year vacations
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Budgets are used up
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Business activity tends to slow down so the whole business function slows down
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Preparations for the New Year (not the party but the new year)
Here are the reasons to continue doing your job search and why it can be a productive time of year:
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Budgets tend to be a use it or lose it so they use it and hire people.
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Holidays tend to be a time of job transition. Some folks will give their notice as they move to a new job and they need to be replaced.
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Many companies will interview during this time so they can give offers starting Jan 2.
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Take advantage of the “slower” business activity. Recruiters, HR and Hiring Managers may have some free time to talk with you.
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If they are not interviewing for open positions get an informational interview.
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Because most job seekers slow down (or stop) their search there may be less competition.
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Even if you cannot get an interview during December you can at least be at the head of the line in January.
I did an informal poll of my search firm colleagues and most of them say (myself included) December is usually one of if not the busiest month of the year.
You can buy into the BS the myth that no one hires during the holidays and take six weeks off or you can do your job of finding a job.
Here is my comment left on the site that has not been published (click to enlarge):
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Great post Mr Minnesota. I'm not surprised the "expert" didn't want to have a discussion on his site. I'm glad you have here.
I would like to point out though - that in my opinion not only does hiring "not" slow down - it can be quite busy in fact. Furthermore - as a job seeker why not take advantage of your competition's "holiday slumber" and be on the ball?
Why wait until January 2 to revive your job search? You're only asking to be one of HUNDREDS who rush to "update their resume" after the holidays.
Stay frosty people.
Posted by: Jerry Albright | September 20, 2011 at 10:23 AM
I have a number of positions to fill before year-end and my hiring activity will INCREASE from now to the end of the year. Please people, keep applying.
Posted by: Cyndi Camarillo | September 20, 2011 at 10:44 AM
As a recruiter myself, I have seen delays due to the holidays (vacations and trying to get stuff done before year end)...but I have never not had a stack of open positions on my desk during the holidays and made several hires during that month or so over the holidays (recruiters don't take the month off - as would be the case if no hiring happens and therefore nothing to do).
It is a myth...plain and simple.
Posted by: Eric Putkonen @ MinnesotaTechJobs.com | September 20, 2011 at 10:45 AM
As a recruiter myself, I have seen delays due to the holidays (vacations and trying to get stuff done before year end)...but I have never not had a stack of open positions on my desk during the holidays and made several hires during that month or so over the holidays (recruiters don't take the month off - as would be the case if no hiring happens and therefore nothing to do).
It is a myth...plain and simple.
Posted by: Eric Putkonen @ MinnesotaTechJobs.com | September 20, 2011 at 10:47 AM
I have no plans to slow down my search. I am on a mission. I hope I dont look to selfish when I say I hope no one else reads this post lol.
Posted by: Tonya | September 21, 2011 at 11:46 AM