Why Lawyers Should Job Hunt Over the Holidays
While fighting off the holiday-itis at work is hard enough, trying to take on a job search during that time can feel daunting. However, it is actually a great time to update your resume and actually apply to jobs for quite a few reasons that don't just apply to lawyers.
No, it's not very likely you'll get hired, or even interviewed or called before the end of the year (or at all in this market), unless you were applying for a position for an immediate opening. But, when the office you applied to is back in full swing in early January, your application will be in the pile to get reviewed. Fortunately there's so much going on during the holidays it can be a bit easier to be patient.
Slow December for Applicants
Although everything seems to slow down to at least three-quarter time in December, if you're actually sending out resumes, you'll be among a smaller pool of candidates. And while applications definitely slow down in December, job openings certainly do not. Employers trying to spend money before the end of the year often will pay for and place job ads in December when they are looking to hire in January or later in the first quarter. Also, employers really looking to burn money might even try to hire before the end of the year. So it can literally pay to get those applications in during the holiday season.
Fast January for Employers
Usually, January is the month of playing catch up from the slow December. Along with clearing out the backlog of work from the previous year, if new hires are needed, the applications received in December can be tapped for talent.
If you spent the time over the holidays to update your resume and cover letter, and actually sent out a few applications, applying for the newest openings in January will be breeze, even if you're buried in the fast January grind at your current position.
Have an open position at your law firm? Post the job for free on Indeed, or search local candidate resumes.
Related Resources:
- Legal Sector Lost 1,100 Jobs in October (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Tips for Using a Third Party to Help With Your Job Search (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Should You Hire a Recent Tech Savvy Law Grad to Fix Your Firm's Tech? (FindLaw's Strategist)
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