‘Tis the Season to be Jobby - Now is Not the Time to Ease Up on Your Job Search

By Chelle Shell


Contrary to popular belief, this is not the time to take a holiday from your job search. It is the time, however, for you to put it in high gear and run with it!

This time of the year is perfect for you to have less competition. Think about it. You were about to clock out from your search. Think of how many others believe this myth just like you did, until you clicked on this article! As long as you don’t jump on the magic vacation carpet ride you’ll be amongst the smart ones. You will be in a smaller talent pool for those recruiters and organizations who are currently looking for employees and need to get them hired as soon as possible.

Get out and network! There is a party almost every day from Thanksgiving until then end of the year. I know you’ve heard network, network, network until you’re having network nightmares but there is reason to this madness. The more you put yourself out there, the more people you meet, the more knowledge you gather, the more likely you’ll land a job. So accept those holiday party invitations without guilt and use them to your advantage. Free food and drinks are also a nice incentive.

Now is also a good time to follow up with those who have promised an interview or those who have already interviewed you. Gatekeepers have their guards down and chances are many staff members are on vacation at this time of the year. So be prepared to talk and don’t just assume you’ll get that same voice mail you’ve been getting. You may actually get the HR Manager or Hiring Manager on the phone right away.

The early bird gets the worm. Approximately 50% of all nonprofit organizations’ Fiscal Year begins in January. Organizations that reassess their staffing needs at the beginning of their FY will be ready to move as soon as they return to work and you’ll be fresh on their minds.

This is also a great time to volunteer. Many of us these days, even if we have a job, are experiencing major personal budget cuts and this includes gift giving. Give the gift of time to one of your favorite causes and preferably a volunteer job where you can utilize your specific skill set. Not only will this get you in the spirit of giving, it will also help you build your resume. It may even get your foot in the door of the organization of your dreams.

I’m not a modern day Scrooge, so be sure and take a few days off for Thanksgiving and for your December Holiday. Spend time with friends and family and have some fun, but don’t use the Holidays as an excuse to be lazy. What would be a better gift to yourself than a new job in the New Year?

About the Author
Michelle “Chelle” Shell has worked in management for over 14 years in positions ranging from recruitment to public relations. In her current role as Client Development Manager for Opportunity Knocks she assists national nonprofit organizations and recruitment agencies connect with talented, qualified nonprofit professionals and HR management solutions. Chelle is active in her transitioning neighborhood association as well as local tennis associations. She is also a Board Member of ANP, Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals.

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