Many people wonder if any hiring goes on during the Holiday season, and with it fast approaching, they decide to put the brakes on their job search. I’d like to strongly suggest you keep the pedal to the metal!

In more than 18 years of recruiting I can recall numerous times when a client called in the thick of the Holidays and said “I need this person yesterday” or “we need to have this filled by the end of the year”. Could be that they just need more help, while other companies don’t want to go through the review process for their open requisitions and possibly lose that opening in the New Year, but during the Holidays companies hire!

Consider this, because some people do choose to put their search on hold during the Holidays, there are fewer people competing for those open jobs. That’s not a bad thing in any economy.

The thought that companies stop, or slow hiring during the 4th quarter of the year is mostly a perception, but for some a reality. Some companies might “hold off” for the New Year to keep their books lean, but just as many must hire to fill seasonal spots for increased shopping and spending during the Holidays. The bureau of labor statistics reports an average of more than 650k every year.

The perception of a slower Holiday hiring season really stems from the drawn out interview process for perm hires because schedules get tighter and folks take time off to be with loved ones during this festive season. This is an opportunity to interview with folks that are in a great mood. It’s also easy to break the ice in an interview during the Holidays, so don’t slow your job search down.

Spread the cheer and your resume throughout the Holiday season!

Safe travels, Wayne