Holiday Job Searching -- Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thinking about taking a break from your job search? Think again. December is not all about vacations and holiday shopping. The truth is, plenty of businesses don't stop their hiring processes to spread holiday cheer-- and many businesses are doing peak sales and need the extra staff. If you're job hunting, this is a most wonderful time of the year.

Short-term Retail Positions

There are plenty of short-term retail positions created during the holidays. This is not just working a booth at the mall. Plenty of retailers are adding cashiers to handle the increase in customers, and adding floor managers to deal with the new stock. Deliver drivers are needed. Any of these positions could lead to more work, and all add experience to your resume.

Competition for Positions

Because so many job seekers stop their search during December, this means less competition for you. At this time of year, recruiters see a fraction of the resumes and applications they usually get, and many of those candidates are hard to get a hold of. Step up your job search. Answer your phone. You just might be the best candidate for the job.

Winter Seasonal Work

Many positions for winter seasonal work are hiring now. Recruiters would like to have these positions filled and ready to start for January. If you're a summer seasonal worker, now is a great time to look for winter work for year-long income.

Be Positive

Holiday stress can cause many job seekers to become frustrated, depressed and give up their job searching. Stay positive. Recruiters are just as stressed about the holidays. A positive attitude will make a great impression. It might just get you the job.

Give and Ye Shall Receive

At this time of year, there are plenty of volunteer organizations looking for extra hands. Volunteering your time puts you in a great networking position, while also adding skills and experience to your resume.

Keep up a positive attitude and work hard to job search this holiday season. Even a short-term position can work into something more come January when vacation season starts.

[A word of warning: Do be mindful of job scams. Grinches don't slow down for the holidays.]

We can help! Come on over to our office. We don't slow down for the holidays, either. See our holiday hours. If you're job searching, our experienced employment counsellors can help. You don't have to job search alone.

More articles on job searching during the holidays:

5 Reasons to Continue Your Job Search over the Holidays

Holiday Job Searching

How to Job Search over the Holidays

Job Hunting During the Holidays

5 Tips for Managing the Stress of Starting a New Job

Starting a new job can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you get through the first few days.

1. Get organized, plan your day.

Spend some time the night before to plan your day. Choose your clothing, make sure it's all clean and pressed. Pack your lunch. Charge your cell phone. Pack a notebook and pen to take with you. If your job requires special tools or equipment, make sure they are in working order and ready to go.

2. Know your workplace.

You probably did some research about your new company during the job search and interview process. Now is the time for additional research. Prepare the night before by reviewing what you learned in your interview. Take another look at the company website, this time to learn the company's mission statement and philosophy. It's now your mission statement, your philosophy.

3. Know your job.

Keep a copy of the job ad, or job description, with you during the first few weeks. This will help you to learn the functions of your new role. Study the company's policies and procedures. Avoid making too many changes too soon in your new job. You want to learn the culture of your new environment before you try to change it. Don't compare your new employer to your old employer. Forget the probation period. Adjust to the rhythm of the workplace right away. You might have a 90 day probation period, but the truth is, no one needs 90 days to learn their place, and if they do, this may not be the right job for them.

4. Keep calm and carry on.

Relax. No one expects you to remember everyone's names in that first day. Be patient with yourself. You didn't learn everything about your last job in one day. You're not expected to know everything about your new job, but you are expected to be a positive contributor to the workplace.

You might want to review our post, "6 Topics to Avoid Discussing at Work".

5. Review your accomplishments.

You were hired for a reason. Keep your résumé with you during the first few days, and read it. Review your accomplishments throughout the day. Stay positive.

If your stress level is becoming too much for you to handle, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association. They can help.

Additional Reading:

* Starting a New Job: How to be Comfortable

* Four tips to overcome fear and anxiety in your new job

photo from flickr commons