Photo credit: www.higheredjobs.com
As students wrap up their semester and prepare for winter break, many may find themselves contemplating whether to pause their job search during this holiday season. After the rush to complete classes and exams, it’s a natural time to seek a break. Yet, for those actively seeking employment, the dilemma remains: should one continue the job search or take a complete hiatus? Is there even a worthwhile job market during December and January?
Contrary to popular belief, December often sees a modest level of job postings despite many colleges and universities being on break. In fact, data from HigherEdJobs indicated that in December 2021 and January 2022, more than 35,000 job listings were created each month, close to the average of 41,000 monthly postings overall.
However, it is important to note that while listings may be available, hiring activities—such as search committee meetings and candidate screening—tend to slow considerably during this period. Mark Coldren, the associate vice president of human resources at the University at Buffalo, describes this time as a “blackout” phase that can persist until mid-January. He emphasizes that this is a period with little movement on campuses, suggesting that potential job seekers might not miss much by delaying their applications.
This situation presents a mixed bag for job hunters. On one hand, it may be beneficial to pause the search until the new year, allowing job seekers to return refreshed. On the other hand, there’s a risk of accumulating a backlog of applications when January arrives. Instead of completely abandoning the search, a balanced approach is advisable. A temporary deliberate slowdown can help maintain some momentum without sacrificing relaxation time.
“Setting clear goals for your job search during this break can be highly effective,” recommends Scott Winstead, founder and editor-in-chief of MyElearningWorld.com. He suggests identifying specific roles of interest, researching companies, and reaching out to industry contacts. By establishing defined objectives, job seekers can remain engaged while allocating time for rest and recovery.
Rather than letting the holiday season affect productivity negatively, job seekers could set manageable targets, like completing a certain number of job applications or dedicating brief periods to review openings and connect with colleagues. This approach allows for a fair blend of holiday enjoyment and ongoing professional development, thus easing the transition back into a rigorous job search once the holidays are over.
If the idea of pursuing job applications seems daunting during this festive time, shifting focus to other beneficial activities can still serve the job search. “The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your professional network,” advises Mark Phillips of HireEducation. Sending holiday greetings, touching base about upcoming plans, and engaging with mentors can foster genuine connections that might provide career opportunities later.
Networking doesn’t have to be cumbersome; rather, the holidays provide a unique context for more casual and authentic conversations. It’s an opportune moment to send holiday cards that mention your search, arrange informational interviews during this slower work period, and participate in social functions that may enhance your network.
In conclusion, while the winter break may alter the rhythm of a job search, it does not necessitate a complete halt. Job postings continue, and the potential for expanding one’s professional network is ripe during this season of connection. Striking a healthy balance between rest and job seeking can position you for success in the new year.
P.S. It’s also a good time to review your account settings on HigherEdJobs to make sure you’re receiving relevant job alerts and appearing in the resume database for potential employers.
Source
www.higheredjobs.com