Many job seekers take some time off from searching for employment during the holiday season, but employers continue to hire. Whether you’re just looking for seasonal work for extra cash or are in search of a permanent new position, job searching during the holiday season has many benefits that might just help you land your dream role. If you’re looking for a job during the holidays, follow these five tips to help you get hired.

Update Your Resume

Updating your resume if you are looking for a job during the busy holiday season is essential. Include everything you have done and how you can present those accomplishments in the best light possible. If you have gained experience in programming or software knowledge, make sure they’re listed in your skills section. You can also emphasize soft skills such as communication and time management on your resume. Include projects, awards, or leadership positions that prove you can do the job well.

When updating your resume, ensure it’s relevant to your desired job. Hiring managers will check for errors and inconsistencies that reveal a lack of attention to detail. You don’t want them to get the impression that you’d make careless mistakes on the job. Once your resume has been formatted correctly and is error-free, upload it on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed; this will allow you to be visible to potential employers searching for candidates with your qualifications and have them reach out to you.

Make a Schedule

The holidays are a great time to catch up with friends and family, but it can also take a lot of work to maintain your job search. You might be invited to holiday parties or other social gatherings that distract you from your search. Or the season’s busy pace can make it hard to follow through on your job search tasks—searching for jobs, updating your resume, researching companies, etc.

Set aside 20 minutes daily to work on your job search to stay on track during the holiday season. This will allow you to stay focused and organized throughout the holidays. You can also use this framework to manage other blocks of time in your schedule. For example, prepare for interviews or send out resumes weekly by blocking time on your schedule and following through with practical tasks each day. By sticking to a plan and taking action, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday festivities!

Start Volunteering

During the holiday season, you can find many ways to give back to your community by volunteering. You’ll give back to your community and expand your network by meeting new people and learning about new interests. To get started, look at your own network of people. For example, a friend may have a cause needing help, or a former coworker may organize an event around her favorite cause. If you are seeking volunteer opportunities in your local community and have a small social circle, try using websites like VolunteerMatch. These sites allow you to search for volunteer opportunities based on your skills, interests, and location.

Volunteering for a community organization can help you gain experience and develop skills to make your resume stand out to hiring managers. If you decide to volunteer, include your experience on your resume—it shows that you’re an active and engaged member of the community who genuinely cares about others, which is an attractive quality in any candidate. It also indicates that you have initiative and are willing to take time out of your schedule to help others—both crucial traits for employers to see.

Attend Holiday Networking Events

Consider attending networking events or professional parties where you can connect with peers in your desired field. For example, you could share your business cards with them during the festivities or get to know them better casually. And since everyone is relaxed during this time of year, it’s the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with people who may be helpful down the road.

If someone you meet at a holiday party or other event is aware of a job opening, they may contact you to see if you’re interested. Networking is essential to getting your foot in the door at a new company, so try to exchange business cards with as many people as you can at holiday parties and other gatherings. It’s also essential to keep your eyes open for details about industry trends and gossip from other people who might not even realize that they’re sharing valuable information with you.

Consider a Seasonal Position

While you may be looking for a permanent position, consider taking on a temporary job during the holidays. Seasonal jobs are a great way to gain experience, build your resume and demonstrate your skills. Even if it’s not in your industry, you can use a seasonal job to develop skills that will help you in your career. Seasonal jobs come in all shapes and sizes: retail work at the mall, office jobs, food service, and package delivery gigs.

When looking for a job, consider seasonal jobs. Other job seekers often overlook these positions, but they can be a great way to find employment during the holiday season. You can find seasonal jobs on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor or in groups on social media sites such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Keep in mind that some employers even hire temporary or seasonal employees permanently later because they’ve proven they’re hard workers and dedicated to their job.

You may rush to get your shopping done during the holiday season and attend as many parties or office events as possible. It can be easy to neglect your job search during this time of year. To make your job search successful, consider updating your resume and creating a schedule for yourself. You can also volunteer at organizations that need assistance and go to local holiday events. Consider a seasonal position so you can enjoy the holidays while working!

About EG Workforce Solutions

We’ve been in this business for decades and have developed a deep network of professional connections. Whether they’re companies looking for talent, job seekers looking for work, or an up-and-coming store in need of some temporary help, we know the right people to bridge the gap between the hiring and the hired.

But what’s more, we get to know people. From employers hiring to candidates looking, we take the time to listen and learn. We hear your likes, talents, and needs. We gain an understanding, and with it, we’re able to facilitate lasting relationships between businesses and people.