While there is no good time to be unemployed. The holidays just might be the worst. People who are out of work are particularly susceptible to depression that can set in around the holidays, said China Miner Gorman, regional senior vice president of the Boston outplacement consulting firm Lee Hecht Harrison.
And ironically, it could be the most opportune time for those looking for work – to find it. In fact, Gorman said, the highest percentage of job offers are generally made during the first quarter of the year.
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“Those who let seasonal depression take them out of the job hunt reduce their chances of landing an offer when many hiring decisions are being made,” said Gorman. “The people who land jobs in January very often are those who were active in December.”
Lee Hecht Harrison has some advice for job seekers to help them overcome the holiday season.
Volunteer: While there are volunteer opportunities year-round, many charities need extra help at the holidays. Prepare or serve meals at a shelter, or help organize a food, clothing or gift drive. It will be an energizing experience and will help put your own situation in perspective.
If you are invited to a party or professional function, go. By staying home and isolating you not only feed your depression, but you lose out on valuable opportunities to connect with people.
Set goals for your job search. Even in December, set a target number of networking contacts you want to make, letters you want to send, meetings you want to set up, etc.
Dawson & Dawson Consultants, of Houston, Texas, also encourages job seekers to capitalize on the holiday season.
