There’s good news for job seekers:  new postings always increase in October, November and December, and the “holiday months” are some of the busiest months for interviews and offers. Why is this?  Because teams that want to expand, create a new job, etc. have to budget for that position in the August/September budget cycle, and their approved headcount increases become effective January 1.

At large corporations, November and December are busy months for bringing in candidates and having someone lined up, ready to fill that chair in the new year.  You’ve probably noticed there’s an uptick in openings on my Job Bank, every November and December.  Smart job seekers don’t pack it in for the holidays, they keep networking, attending events, asking for informational interviews, etc.

A great week to pursue one-on-one meetings are the workdays following Christmas.  Unless you’re the accounting department, closing the books and collecting receivables, it’s the slowest week of the year.  No one has trade association lunches, department meetings or RFPs due.  If someone’s at the office, there’s generally not that much going on – making it easier to land on someone’s calendar for that lunch or coffee. 

Smart job seekers know that being “out and about” increases the number of people who remember your qualifications when they hear about a possible job opening.  I call it “strategic product placement:” you need to meet new people who, while they might not have a position available, can be an advocate for you in your search.  Make sure you’re attending events in September and October, to boost the advocates who can keep you in mind…and don’t stop in November or December, either.

More good news:  here’s an industry event sure to deliver new contacts for your search: the Montrose Power Mixer NOCA Networking Night on Wednesday, September 21st at Westside Jaguar, 9600 Brookpark Road, from 5:30 – 8:00 pm.  In addition to NOCA (Northeast Ohio Communications Advocates) marketing communications participants, 15 suburban chambers of commerce have been invited.