We get it — job hunting’s a challenge any time of the year, but it can feel like an even bigger slog when the end of the year rolls round. In between Christmas, the New Year and the upcoming Chinese New Year, the last thing you want to do is to be still editing resumes and looking at job portals, when turkey, or bak kwa is awaiting.
And even before that in the October and November months, with our usual monsoon season hitting and the skies grey with rain, momentum tends to slow down for some with energy levels dipping.
At the same time, you might also be thinking companies are winding down hiring, so it makes sense to do the same with your job search efforts. You couldn’t be more wrong, though. Read on to find out why.
Why you should still keep your job search active in the final quarter of the year: Hiring budgets
According to recruitment agency Robert Half, heads of departments of companies will be projecting what their hiring plans are for the next year way in advance, so that the yearly budget for hires can be approved by their financing directors.
“Any hard-won hiring budget will need to be utilised by the year-end to ensure a similar hiring budget can be secured for the following year,” a report by the agency shared.
However, plans often go awry, and some hires may take longer than others, and others don’t pan out, which means that by December, there’s still budget left to add to the headcount!
When is the best month to get your resume noticed by hiring managers and human resource managers?
Simple math — if there are fewer people submitting resumes in December, and more when January of the new year rolls around… which month will be less competitive for you to snag your dream job?
No prizes for guessing December — but perhaps a job for you awaits! Fewer applicants mean more chances of your CV being noticed, and perhaps a quicker hiring process as well! Hiring managers are also easier to reach, given they’re moving into a lull period, after all. Plus, they might be in a better mood!
Don’t just eat and drink — network!
More parties (both physical or of the conference call variety) during the end of the year also means more networking opportunities. Of course, that’s not to say you bring your portfolio and resume, and pass them out to everyone who crosses your path.
But while you’re being social, feel free to slip in the occasional “Yes, I’m looking for something interesting job-wise” into the convo. You’d be surprised what kind of leads on new opportunities you haven’t heard about, could pop up from friends and family as well!
Also, those online season greetings on Facebook to ex-colleagues and bosses might be a good time to also ask if their companies are hiring. You gotta be in it to win it, remember!
When do temporary work positions become permanent?
The end of the year period does mean more companies hiring temporary staff to meet with certain seasonal demands. Yes, we know you’re gunning for that permanent gig, but remember there’s always a chance to get converted to a full-time role if you impress when times are busy — which is why they’ve hired you in the first place, right?
In a worst-case scenario, you may still be able to get a good recommendation to add to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Read More: Jobseekers — The Value of Temporary Jobs and Where to Find Them
Momentum, momentum, momentum
You might have already been on the job hunt for a couple of months now, and you’re in a well-oiled groove — why stop now? This is the same as any exercise regimen — practice makes perfect, and good habits need time to form, so just maintain your momentum with your daily pop-ins to MyCareersFuture.
The key to any successful job search or career change is persistence and patience, and no marathon winner ever won by taking long pauses in the middle of their runs. Keep at it!
