While it may feel like job seeking during the holidays is a waste of time, it is an exciting time to keep searching and connecting with people! Fact is a sizable percentage of people find their next job by connecting with someone they know.

1) Many companies have already set next year’s goals and determined who they need to hire to be successful.

2) The myth that “no one’s hiring near the holidays” is just that – a myth. Statistics for over 20 years shows December is consistently one of the busiest months for job offers!

3) People are often in the mood for taking a little extra time away from the office for socializing. Consider asking people on your “must meet” list to join you for a holiday latte!

What are the most effective job seekers doing during the month of December?

Developing the habit of building connections with people who can help you find the career you are looking for. When it comes to landing a job, sometimes it really does come down to who you know.

Networking does not come naturally to most people and especially when it comes to job search. But networking properly can go a long way if you are looking for a new job. Reaching out to people personally is key, but ensure you have a networking strategy, rather than just chatting with whoever pops up in your mind. Make a list of dream companies you would love to work with.

If you are working on a career change, you might expand your networking to more generalized groups and work through various networking platforms. Consider your industry associations, trade shows and job fairs.

Prepare a networking profile which includes a good summary of yourself, a list of key skills, the job titles of positions you are interested in seeking, target companies and target people to share with your network.

Be initiative-taking – The passive approach of online search, sitting at a computer and clicking the apply button does not pay off enough to warrant spending more than an hour a day. Job search is a contact sport, you must find ways to connect with those who have influence and connections. Make a list of people you feel can introduce you to the decision makers. Work the list.

Put first things first – Prioritize your tasks. Do those job search activities which bring the greatest return and move you most rapidly toward a connection and success? Connecting with the right people is a priority.

Think win/win – As you network, you are building mutually beneficial relationships. Networking that is not win/win is ineffective. Shaping your job search around the principle of win/win assures a great outcome. Always ask you network, “how can I help you?”

Your full-time job is job search if you are unemployed, use the same management skills and principles that made you a success on your job to make your job search successful.

I was released from a company that sold out to an investor firm in 1996 on Tuesday December 17th with no notice and no severance. I was walked out of the office and told to come back after 5 to get my things. I reached out a few people and had a job offer with ownership options 3 days later. It happens and it came from a connection.

I wrote this post because I know it is easy for people to say, they will just take the month of December off since they have been working hard at their job search and need a break. Not buy into this myth, it is really great time to be in front of people, even if the job offer comes in January.

Keep looking up. Ask God to open doors for you each and every day.