The holiday season is busy for everyone. There are more activities, parties and overall events planned in the last few months of the year than in any other timeframe in the 10 months prior. If you are looking for a job, it can be difficult to juggle seasonal obligations and interviews. However, the holiday season offers opportunities for job seekers that may not be open in other parts of the year. Below we discuss the pros and cons of searching for a job during the holiday season.

Pro: Opportunity Increases

Many people halt their job search during the holiday season because they assume hiring managers stop searching until the New Year. This is simply not true. In fact, for some hiring managers, the job search ramps up for seasonal help. Not wanting a short time gig? You may want to consider it differently. A large percentage of hiring managers will offer a temp-to-hire position. This means the initial position is temporary, they are open to offering a full-time position once the temporary position ends.

Taking a short-term position during the holidays is a great way to get your foot in the door. You may not otherwise have the chance in other scenarios. Even if you are not offered a full-time position, you leave with more experience and a job to help build your resume.

Pro: The Hiring Pool Decreases

Many people looking for a position will take a break during the holiday season so they are open to travel or tend to holiday obligations. Therefore, the hiring pool lessens during the last few months of the year so opportunities increase for those that are still in the game. The competition for one job may go from 10 candidates to 2 simply because they can’t get into contact or schedule the other 8 for an interview. Keeping yourself available for interviews is a great opportunity to show your dedication and willingness to work!

Pro: Build Your Skills

If you are looking for a position during the holiday season, you are likely going to get some interviews. Even more so if you are applying for seasonal positions. This is a great opportunity to sharpen your interview skills as well as learn new skills should you accept a short-term position. Seasonal positions offer more training while also expanding your skillset by giving you tasks you may have not done before. Building your skills, whether they be in the interview or on the job will only benefit you moving forward.

Cons: Schedule Challenges

Many workers save their PTO time throughout the year so they are able to use it during the busy holiday season. If you accept a position during this time, you are less likely to be qualified to take PTO. Usually PTO is offered after the first 90 days or given to employees that have been their the longest. This will leave you with schedule challenges when attempting to plan around your own holiday events.

Cons: Bonus Qualification

Many companies offer a Christmas bonus to their employees during the months leading up to the holidays. However, if you are hired during this time, you may not qualify for the bonus or your bonus could be significantly smaller due to the amount of time you have worked there in comparison to others.

Con: Delayed Training

If you accept a long-term position during the holiday season, then training for that position may be limited. Many employees take time off during the last few months so you may be left with minimal or sporadic training sessions during your first few months as trainers may be in and out of the office. If you are quick learner or very hands on, this may not be a problem. However, something to consider or ask about if you feel it may be an issue.

There are many amazing benefits to searching for a job during the holiday season and also some challenges. There are learning opportunities and great ways to gain experience if you choose to take a short-term holiday position. As long a you stay focused on your goals and keep going you are sure to be successful.

For more helpful tips on finding a job, check out our blog HERE.