Should I bother job hunting between now and Jan 2nd, or just try to relax?

Anonymous

December 20,2023 at 7:56PM UTC

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Should I bother job hunting between now and Jan 2nd, or just try to relax?

I'm waiting for news after a 3rd interview for the same position, but I think the recruiter is on vacation. Emailed them a week after, was told they haven't made a decision yet.

I've seen very few jobs posted recently, probably because everyone else is on vacation.

I've been sending out a set number of resumes, and spending a set amount of time teaching myself new software, every day for the past 3 months. I got 2 of the 4 certifications I'm working towards. I had to put 1 of them off because I found out I needed to learn some prerequisites first. I'm getting burnt out.

(I've been job hunting for 6 months, upped my game 3 months ago.)

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AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 8:14PM UTC
Relax and try and enjoy the holidays. Hiring managers are checked out so I suggest you make the most of the holiday season.
You will reset and refresh.
AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 9:24PM UTC
For what it's worth, I'm actively hiring and have several interviews scheduled this week and next (candidate's choice!). But this may vary by industry and job type.
AnonymousDecember 24,2023 at 1:34PM UTC
Curious what industry you are in?
AnonymousDecember 26,2023 at 5:10PM UTC
I'm in buildings and construction :-)
RichardDecember 20,2023 at 9:48PM UTC
I would relax nobody is hiring our the holidays
AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 10:10PM UTC
I can see pros and cons.
My personal experience, I kept sending resumes out during the holidays. I managed to snag an interview and a few informational calls right before the New Year. By first week of January, I was offered a job. I also still carved out time to rest and enjoy my holidays.
So it just depends on your personal vibe I'd say. Listen to your body; if you need rest, take rest. At the end of the day, your personal wellbeing should be your priority!
Good luck to you!
AnonymousDecember 21,2023 at 12:49AM UTC
Do a little of both. Keep up the search in case something about a New (budget) Year posts, so you can be one of the first ones to apply, but realize that the response may not be as quick as it has been. I just got an "invitation to apply" for a job opening in January. Above all, have a blessed holiday!!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 21,2023 at 5:17AM UTC
I would recommend you do both. Don't take your foot off the gas in your job search but don't make yourself crazy either.
How busy hiring is really depends. For me, personally, it's never really slacked off much during the holidays - I am currently working on four offers in different stages.
Lot of folks out on PTO but those that are around sometimes have a bit more time on their hands.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Jessie D'Amato FordDecember 21,2023 at 1:05PM UTC
Don't stop! Never stop. I took a day off this week to play Santa and get my wrapping on - best thing I could have done. But I'm still seeing jobs posted and still applying so take a few days here and there but don't stop applying!
AnonymousDecember 21,2023 at 5:08PM UTC
It depends, if you can handle crickets give yourself a break...then you will be fresh in the new year...if that will cause you stress or distress then don't
AnonymousDecember 22,2023 at 11:56AM UTC
I actually think now is the best opportunity to job hunt because most people are taking a break for the holidays. I know it's draining but it could give you an advantage.
AnonymousDecember 22,2023 at 1:15PM UTC
I would keep looking and applying. Personally, I'm taking Christmas weekend off more for my sanity than anything else.
AnonymousDecember 22,2023 at 5:01PM UTC
What type of job are you looking for? There is an open position where I work for a salesperson, with salary and commission. I normally wouldn't post that here, but we need a GREAT salesperson. The location is Plano, TX
AnonymousDecember 22,2023 at 7:58PM UTC
Let me add my oar to your boat as I'm in the same situation.
Like you, I'm awaiting feedback/affirmation for a role where I had 3 interviews (recruitment/HR/hiring executive). I was told the final decision-maker is on leave until mid-January. It has something to do with budget concerns based on our compensation negotiations. I am not seeking a golden parachute - but an equitable salary (what I stated is midrange for my level) and benefits.
I let them know that I will entertain all offers of employment (not just theirs) as I need to work. And yes, I am still sending out my set number of resumes for roles. Even as the pickings are getting slim right now.
I look at job boards and company websites that I am interested in, but it also helps to look at recruiter sites, and even some of those public boards (LinkedIn, Monster, ZipRecruiter). I even looked at CraigsList (I know, cringe!). Every source for work.
Depending on your field, besides certifications, look at building a portfolio. Even coders can benefit from project portfolios. I've even seen some labor-centric portfolios online.
And yes, as others have said, don't forget to take time for yourself. I'm sure you're stressing - being out of work for this long is harrowing and is driving me bonkers. I cycle between depression and futility, but I do make it a point to accomplish something productive every week - even if not related to my career (transplanted some of my houseplants last week).
*huggles*
Look forward to the new year, hon.
G C HesseDecember 23,2023 at 1:41PM UTC
I thought everyone KNEW that from Thanksgiving weekend this is known as "DEAD TIME" until after the 1st of the year?!?!
No reputable company hire or do interviews.
There are so many job openings that it's hard to comprehend how you haven't found a position.
But then you state your career field.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 23,2023 at 2:05PM UTC
This is not true. I have filled 11 jobs direct hire since November.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 24,2023 at 12:08AM UTC
YOU SAID: "No reputable company hire or do interviews."
This is absolute BS nonsense. I am currently in process with four offers for candidates and have completed probably an additional three since Thanksgiving.
Please don't dish out incorrect "advice" like this to jobseekers.
Where's a down vote button when you need one.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 24,2023 at 1:04AM UTC
I agree. I have had a great November and December. Just a ridiculous comment.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 24,2023 at 3:39AM UTC
Right? It's tough enough out there for jobseekers without having to read this BS nonsense. And then be insulted on top of it - "I thought everyone KNEW".
AnonymousDecember 24,2023 at 2:25PM UTC
I just received two job offers in the past week from reputable companies and am interviewing for a third position next week, also with a reputable company.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 23,2023 at 2:03PM UTC
keep going. i have placed a lot of candidates this month--competition is low. Great time to look and interview.
GirlBossanova934974December 24,2023 at 1:23PM UTC
Now is one of the best times to apply for jobs. Why? Because so many other applicants have taken off this time. If you go to LinkedIn, you now see many well paying jobs with 1-10 applicants where you might see many times that. Recruiters are working now. Companies are making offers. HOWEVER as you appear to be in a software related business, be wary of companies who are out there with supposed jobs to fill. In reality, they are not serious about filling anything. They are looking for free consulting. I have had three second interviews like that in the last 2 weeks. I have had maybe 15 interviews in the last 30 days. Lots of companies kicking tires and interviewing right now.
AnonymousDecember 24,2023 at 5:45PM UTC
I would definitely at least reserve time for a quick search every or every other day - who knows what might get posted while most of the world is off between Christmas and the new year, in the hopes that they’ll have several applicants to get rolling on when they log back in on Jan 2?
I was job hunting last year at this time, and it was definitely slow, but I had to keep up at least the pretense of a search for unemployment. I did end up finding a couple of interesting postings, and it picked up in the new year.
Allena HarringtonDecember 27,2023 at 7:36PM UTC
From my experience and what I have learned, October, November, and December jobs will get posted. Recruiters may interview in October, but November and December it is not really going to happen. Most companies are in their 4th quarter and at the end of their budgets, so will not do anything until 1st quarter, mid-February. They will then have their new budgets. If companies hire in December, you got lucky, but not many. Now again this is just from my experience and observation. Which is why I do not really look for a job during that time. I will start mid-January.