4 Tips for Finding a Job This Holiday Season

4 Tips for Finding a Job This Holiday Season4 Tips for Finding a Job This Holiday SeasonWith shopping, vacations and the general desire to reduce stress during the holidays, December is a tempting time to take a break from the job search. After all, nobodys hiring during the holidays- right?Wrong. At year end, lots of companies are finalizing their budgeting for the following calendar year, spending whats left this year for fear of losing it, and making hiring decisions accordingly. And, with some of your competition taking it easy, there may be no better time to snag the perfect gift for yourself a new position. Heres how1. Take Advantage of the Holiday CheerWe all know that most jobs dont even make it to the job boards- they are either filled internally or through word of mouth recommendations. Holidays give you a great excuse to check in with your network and find out what might be available. Get your foot in the door with an informational interview, especially at a time when ever yone is in the holiday spirit.2. Holiday Cards are not Just for Loved OnesTheres more to the job search than submitting your resume for every opening you find. Its about maintaining your contacts and keeping your anthroponym top of mind with those involved in the hiring process. So when you are mailing those holiday cards out, take the time to send some holiday well-wishes to those in your professional network.3. Companies Make New Years Resolutions TooEveryone starts out with high hopes for the coming year, and every company will want to start off 2014 with a bang. In order to get the ball rolling, they will want to hire in December and spend the remainder of their 2013 budget in the process. The end of the year is the perfect time to spend whats left- why shouldnt that extra budget item be you?4. Parties are Networking OpportunitiesIf all else fails, take advantage of holiday gatherings involving friends and/or family. You never know who will be there, and it may open up some oppo rtunities for you to make a good impression. Make sure to have a good time, share your job search story without coming across as desperate or pushy, and try to meet as many new people as possible while solidifying your existing relationships. And whatever you do, dont drink too much or ruin someone elses experience with a sob story.