The end of the year may be the best time for job seekers to find that perfect position.
Sarikas says that it may be easier to get an interview during December because for many professionals, their work load is lighter around the holidays. Unless the person you’re interviewing with is closing the books for the year or involved in a significant time-constrained project, this is an easier time of year to get on someone’s calendar, she says.
Who&apos;s Hiring this Holiday Season?
On the flip side, the holidays tend to mean time off for many hiring managers, and it can be difficult to train a new employee during such a busy season. However, for the determined job seeker, great opportunities are still available.
Job seekers should use this time of the year to their advantage by using holiday gatherings to aid their job search and find openings.
Tina Chen, director of operations at Carlisle Staffing, a temporary and permanent staffing firm based in Westmont, Ill., says that during this time of year, many companies are still fulfilling last-minute client requests, and for job seekers, this means hiring opportunities.
Chen says the notion that it’s easier to get hired during spring and summer months is a myth.
“People think there is a better chance of being hired [during the spring and summer] and therefore opportunities are more scarce,” says Chen.
Anthony Morrison, vice president of Cachinko, advises unemployed workers get strategic with their end-of-year job hunt.
“If you are set on getting hired before the new year, look to industries that experience a surge of business in January. Many retail businesses end their fiscal year in January and February, so you might have some luck snatching a position following Christmas,” he says.
Mary Marino, founder of online jobs board EmploymentPipeline.com, says that in many cases, the “actual hiring” for a position won’t occur until 2012, but getting a first interview with a company in December can give candidates a leg up.