Job Searching During the Holidays

Q. I've heard that the holidays are a terrible time to look for a job. Should I just place my search on hold and wait until the holidays are over?

A. While hiring may slow at the end of the year, particularly during the holidays, it absolutely does not stop. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by continuing your job search momentum and staying focused on your job search goals throughout the holiday season. In fact, more than any other time of the year, this is an extraordinary time to ramp up your networking activities. Make sure to send a holiday card and with a short, personal handwritten note to each person in your network. Attend holiday [arties and get reacquainted with friends, colleagues, and family members. Also, remember that while hiring may have slowed, this may be the time of the year when the hiring authorities you most want reach are accessible. The bottom line: Keep on track and maintain your momentum. In spite of commonly held beliefs, the holidays are actually an excellent time to job search using one of the most effectove methods available to you--networking.