Should You Stop Job-Hunting Over Christmas

Should You Stop Job-Hunting Over Christmas This week, we asked should you stop job hunting over Christmas?  The majority  of your answers were  no, never stop looking! To stand out as a candidate, you must stay ahead of the game. Persistence and focus is key to landing job-hunt success. If you search in quieter seasons, its likely that youll have less competition! However, its important not to overwork  during the festive period. There’s some really useful advice provided by contributors to the discussion below. Thanks to everyone that participated for their feedback, and have a great festive break! Join our  #UROpinion  discussion  every Monday  on LinkedIn, where you can comment on our latest discussion now!   Heres the Link Humans  answer to the question: Jörgen Sundberg Director Lord of the Dance @LinkHumans Social Media Agency Well the job market certainly slows down over Christmas but that gives you a chance to stand out, as therell be less applicants. If you can find a company that wants to finish their rounds of recruitment over the holidays for a January start, you could be on to a winner. Alexandre Bourgeois Account Executive Baron of Baguettes @LinkHumans Social Media Agency As a job seeker, I think you should never soften your efforts! Almost everyone in the discussion agreed that you should never stop applying to jobs, and that the holidays are  key time to get ahead of the competition and apply for vacancies  with less applicants! Liz DAloia Mobile HR Solutions | Starting at $150 for Small Business | HR Virtuoso Company Top Contributor Never stop looking! You never know what seeds that are planted over the holidays will sprout when budgets are finalised and people return from vacation in January. Freyja White Senior Professional Recruiter at COASTLINE I dont find the job market slows down at all in fact quite the opposite. Companies are in the last month of their fiscal year, their budgets for the New Year are already approved and sitting on their desks, they know who they are replacing in the new year and what new positions are being added to their departments and they are raring to find new people to hire. So, no, dont slow down a job search at all! Claire Giancola-Belmares, MBA Director of Talent Acquisition, Thomson Legal at Thomson Reuters; Dakota/Scott County Workforce Investment Board Give yourself the gift of a new opportunity in the New Year! The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on your current situation, research and make a resolution to propel your job search. Estelle Leisegang Talent Manager Evrst Business Solutions I agree. This is the time for serious job seekers to use to their advantage. Christina E. Rodriguez Chief Advising Officer I Job Search I Resumes | Linked In Profiles Give yourself the gift of consistency and persistence. Businesses dont turn off the lights for the holidays! Carolyn Hipkins explained that she  would be applying to jobs that are relevant, regardless of the time of the season. Carolyn Hipkins Seeking new position in Public Relations/Public Affairs with NPOs, social enterprise organizations. If a company is advertising it positions over the holidays Im applying. Whilst the job hunting is an all-year task, Amanda Davis  said that time away from the pressure of searching for a vacancy is essential. Gain focus and recharge over the Christmas break! Amanda Davies Managing Director at ISV Skills Testing Training, Co-active Coach On the flip side, dedicated candidates know that finding a job is almost a full-time job itself. Like any worker, some time off, away from a situation and the pressure (from others and they can put on themselves) is ideal for recharging the batteries. Even just a few days off restocks the energy reserves, focuses the mind and gives new found momentum. Hence candidates should perform better. Similarly, Samuel Rossi says that job seekers should use festive gatherings to gain contacts you otherwise wouldnt have access to. Samuel Rossi Former Director Operations at Design Home Gift Paper, Inc This is a fantastic time to soft cell yourself at neighbourhood parties, and holiday gatherings of family and friends. I wouldnt make the evening about how you are looking for a job, but a quick mention to an acquaintance might uncover something you might not have thought of Both Jose Watson and Emma Gunes reveals the employer perspective on hiring in the holiday season: Jose Watson Pioneering Spirit Recruiter for Lowes Home Improvement I say take advantage of this slow season to really get your employment brand out for candidates to celebrate new careers! Emma Gunes Recruitment talent resourcing tech entrepreneur Never stop looking and I believe companies should never stop hiring. Christmas is a great time to get your vacancies visible on the job boards when others are taking their foot off the pedal. Candidates have more time on their hands to consider their options. We have always made some great placements between Dec/Jan and encourage our clients to launch campaigns right through the holidays. What are your thoughts on this weeks question? Let us know in the comments! #UROpinion Whats the number 1 thing you should never include in your #CV? Tweet or reply here http://t.co/N6QNVD5cMd pic.twitter.com/0FIw1aLPLr â€" Undercover Recruiter (@UndercoverRec) December 8, 2014