Yes, Virginia, Companies Do Hire During the Holidays

If you are job hunting, don't become a victim of the misconception about companies not hiring this time of year. While there are some obvious distractions for hiring managers, many are working hard to fulfill goals of filling open positions by the beginning of the New Year.

As detailed in a recently in the Wall Street Career Journal Online, December can be a great month for job hunters. Many companies must spend the money in their budgets before the end of the year. December finds hiring managers trying to reach deadlines to use budgets.

Hiring managers, like the rest of us, have that feeling of urgency as the year-end approaches and want to start the New Year off with jobs filled so that the company can start the year at full steam.

Positions open up this time of year because some professionals quit their jobs as the holidays approach. They may want to travel to spend time with their families. Also, some may suspect or know outright that there's no end-of-year bonus, so they opt leave their jobs before the holidays and begin the job search after January 1.

Lucky for you, the job seeker. Combine that matter with the fact that headhunters are motivated to hire at this time of year to fatten their holiday paychecks and your timing could not be more serendipitous. Paid on commission, headhunters face long gift-giving lists like the rest of us. End-of-year hiring adds cumulatively to their commissions, meaning that headhunters will actually earn more from a hire this time of year than early in the New Year.

Sticking it out this time of year also means that your tenacity will never be more apparent or appreciated. Also, it's easier to network during the holidays because holiday events present opportunities for networking at parties, your children's school and church. Though people do feel hectic, with shopping and social events, the holiday atmosphere actually spurs people to be more open and magnanimous.

Keep your schedule clear if you want to make the most of the season. Recruiters and hiring managers will be busy, so make the commitment to meet them at their convenience. And don't be surprised if you are asked to interview on January 1. In certain crunch situations, it can happen.

Remember, hiring happens all throughout the year. With the right attitude, you may be about to get the best holiday gift ever!

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