5 Reasons to Continue Your Job Search During the Holidays

by

Each year, as we roll into the holiday season, many job seekers wonder: Should I continue my job search during the holidays? The truth is that the month of December might be the best time to look for a job! You’ll likely have way less competition and be able to capitalize on the opportunities that are available to you this time of year. Here are just five of the top reasons to keep that job search rolling:

Job Search

1. Employers Are Hiring

If you are inclined to think that employers stop searching for new employees during the holidays, think again. This is especially true if their budgets are tied to the calendar year because they know how much money they have available to spend on recruitment and salaries. They might also be more apt to hire before the end of the year so they can maximize their budgets, instead of potentially losing that money after the calendar flips. And in some industries, January is a busy month, so they want to staff up now to be able to hit the ground running come the new year.

2. Less Competition During the Holidays

Since many job seekers put a hold on their job search during the holidays, there are plentiful opportunities for you if you keep your momentum high. While the average corporate job opening receives 250 resumes, with fewer people looking toward the end of the year, that number drops significantly. That means that your resume is more likely to be seen by the employers and recruiters who are looking for you.

3. Exceptional Networking Opportunities

December is full of parties, events, and other gatherings—so much so, that most people have very full calendars. That’s a big plus for you and provides you with multiple opportunities to meet key decision makers and others who can help in your job search. Whether you go to events thrown by professional associations, alumni networks, corporations, or friends and family, you’re bound to interact with some great people. Remember to let them know that you’re looking and be specific about the kinds of roles and industries you’re targeting.

4. Seasonal and Part-time Roles Could Become Permanent

The holiday season is a prime hiring time for several industries, including retail and hospitality. If you are unemployed and looking to do something to get your foot in the door or earn a little extra cash, you have a great opportunity to prove yourself and transition what started as a seasonal or part-time role into something more permanent. This is also true of contract positions. If a company is bringing on additional help during the holidays, that work may continue well into the new year. And if you’re already a member of the team, the likelihood that your contract will be extended is high.

5. Gain an Edge on New Year Job Seekers

New Year’s resolutions being what they are, there is often a surge in hiring come January 2. That results in more competition for the roles that interest you. By continuing your job search during the holidays, you’re positioning yourself for success, whether it’s in the month of December or further on down the line. Even if companies are waiting until they receive their 2022 budgets to start hiring, by starting (or continuing) your efforts now, you’re getting on their radar. That’s because hiring managers and recruiters probably have a good idea what’s coming down the pike, even if it’s not currently advertised. And if you meet them and start chatting at a holiday get-together, guess who they’ll have top of mind when they’re ready to hire? Yep: You.

DO Continue Your Job Search During the Holidays

There’s no doubt that by maintaining momentum on your job search during the holidays, you will put yourself in a great position to find success—if not in 2021 then certainly in 2022. Continue to reach out to employers and recruiters, apply to positions, and mix and mingle throughout the season. Your commitment can pay off dividends on your quest to find the perfect next job.

Looking for more support in your job search? Blue Signal Search is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Resume and Career Services, Powered by Blue Signal, in early 2022. Get on the mailing list now to learn more about this exciting new offering that will put you in the driver’s seat of your career and get you educated, empowered, and employed!

Resume and Career Services Logo

Ready to level up your career?

Sign up now to access courses and lessons as soon as it launches!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How To: Negotiate a Flexible Schedule During a Job Interview

by

Updated research shows that 55% of global businesses offer some capacity for remote work. Since the pandemic, workers have been redefining work/life balance and targeting opportunities with a flexible schedule. It has now become extremely important for companies to loosen the reins on what a typical employee’s work schedule and location look like. 

Remote work, hybrid schedules, increased and/or more relaxed PTO options, and unconventional working hours are just a few types of common flexible schedules job seekers are looking for in today’s job market. It’s critical for employers to cater to these common requests and present job opportunities as negotiable when it comes to a flexible schedule. Doing so will also grab the attention of those passive candidates who currently have an ideal flexible schedule, and aren’t looking elsewhere for fear of not having that same flexibility in a new role. For those looking to make a career move but will require an atypical schedule or work environment, we’ve laid out a few ground rules on how to tackle the discussion with your hiring manager. Read on for tips on how to sway the conversation in the right direction and negotiate a flexible schedule during the interview process.

Negotiate a Flexible Schedule - Make A Plan

Make a Plan:

The first step in the process is to map out a detailed plan to present to the company and/or hiring manager you’re interviewing with. Start by reflecting on your personal must-haves and differentiating between your nice-to-haves when it comes to the flexible schedule you want. Next, clearly map out how this flexible schedule would work logistically. Be prepared with an answer for all common situations or questions that may arise. When building your case, make sure to gather personal data and specific experiences to share. These will give real-life examples of how and why you’d be successful in this type of flexible schedule. Also, be sure to ask yourself if what you’re proposing makes or breaks whether you accept the role. If a flexible schedule is a “nice-to-have,” be sure you aren’t presenting it as an ultimatum. When drawing up your plan, be sure to compare your request to the insight you gather through past interview discussions. Then prepare for questions/concerns based on those findings. 

Negotiate a Flexible Schedule - Prepare to Compromise

Prepare to Compromise:

After you process what terms in your work schedule and expectations are must-haves and what are nice-to-haves, start preparing to compromise. In most negotiations, the end result will tend to include some sort of halfway point between both parties. Prepare for what you’re willing to give up so you don’t end up agreeing to terms you aren’t happy with. Though you’ll be hoping your ideal flexible schedule can be achieved, go into the conversation with a few revisions to the proposal in your back pocket. We suggest preparing at least two alternative options to present. These will be useful in case the initial ask is too far off from the company's standard routine/comfort zone. If the employer is skeptical, a great compromise strategy is to suggest an initial trial period. This helps set both parties at ease. It gives you the opportunity to prove your ability by showing how successful you can be working a flexible schedule. With this deal, the employer won’t feel any pressure to commit to a permanent change.

Assess the Situation

Assess the Situation

Your next step in preparation should be to assess the situation and evaluate who you're negotiating with. Does the company you’re applying for embrace forward-thinking principles that align with a flexible schedule? Or do they encourage the traditional 9 to 5 work schedule? When the floor opens up for you to ask questions, take advantage of diving deeper into this topic. Present strategic questions to be answered that will give you further insight into their working culture and outlook. Questions surrounding what the typical working day looks like, whether you will be given portable equipment/computer, if you’ll be required to access emails outside of the office, as well as what it’s like interacting with team members and cross-functional departments. These questions usually lead to insightful responses from the interviewer that you can dissect. 

Another topic that will help you gain further insight is asking about COVID-19 protocol. See how the company handled moving to a remote or flexible schedule. Ask how this may have changed their outlook on work, and the success it may have had for some departments. In most cases, the hiring manager’s facial expressions, tone, and body language will tell the whole story.

Negotiate a Flexible Schedule - Present the Discussion

Present the Discussion: 

Be absolutely sure to only present or mention the discussion around a flexible schedule after you receive an offer letter. This will ensure there is no animosity or negative inclinations when the employer is making their final hiring decision. When presenting your case, clearly map out what the options would look like. Ensure you're communicating your ask in a confident and positive way. Touch on how this flexible schedule will benefit them as an employer and as a company. This will help shift the focus from your personal needs. 

As mentioned before, this is the time to use tangible data. Prove how you’ll be successful in an unconventional working environment. With any negotiation, remember to stay practical, not emotional. Leave your ego at the door. Don’t let pushback or skepticism throw your confidence. Keep a level head throughout the discussion and continue working toward a result you’ll both be happy with. In closing, reassure your continued commitment to the company. Share your appreciation for the job offer, and excitement to be successful in the role. Afterward, consider sending a thank you note!  

Confirm the Consensus in Writing

Confirm the Consensus in Writing:

Though we’re sure companies will have the best intentions in mind, it is always important to get the discussion result in writing. You never know what kind of communication can get caught behind the scenes. It’s always best to cover your bases. A great way to do this is to kindly ask them to update the offer letter. Have them include the flexible schedule agreement you came to in your discussion. This protects both you and the company as it will include terms and conditions like initial trial periods and timelines. This will set expectations for progress reports down the line to discuss how it is going. This means no one will be caught off guard when the follow-up discussion is presented. Your manager will also stay diligent in monitoring how your flexible schedule is working throughout that trial time. 

The typical working environment of 9 to 5 in the office is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Though it is still possible for a company to reject the idea of working remotely or offering flexible hours. Be prepared for this outcome and, if it happens, don’t get discouraged. This is why mapping out your must-haves early on in the process is important. This will help everyone come to a decision that they’ll be confident in long term. If you’re unable to reach an agreement and a flexible schedule is on your must-have list, it’s most likely not a great fit overall. In the end, the most important thing is to trust your gut. Understand your needs when it comes to choosing your next employer. As always, reach out to Blue Signal for any further guidance on how to facilitate conversations with hiring managers and negotiate terms that are beneficial to both yourself and a potential employer.

Digital Recruitment: The New Normal of the Staffing Industry

by

The Coronavirus outbreak caught many of us off guard. Social distancing, fear of an unknown disease, and, most of all, closure of many businesses around the world has left a huge impact on people's psyche and financial wellbeing. As what we knew of the structure of a business changed to meet the “new normal,” hunting for employment online has significantly increased since last year.

As we have seen, many companies took their business online. Following suit, the recruiting process also needed to be updated to ensure safety and minimize physical exposure by using digital recruitments strategies. For both employers and job seekers, being online is a must! In order to properly leverage this advantage the online job marketplace holds during these otherwise uncertain times, read on for some best practices regarding digital recruitment and its changing landscape.

 

As a Job Seeker, Identify Businesses Thriving in 2020

Events of this year have had a huge impact on everyone’s lives. Even with the tragedies and trials 2020 has instilled, there is always a silver lining. Since March of 2020, social gatherings and travelling seem to be a thing of the past. The economy has taken a dive, particularly in the areas of business that thrive on these social norms including tourism, entertainment, F&B, and retail.

On the other hand, online purchases, virtual education, and digital content creation are in high demand in 2020. When thinking about applying for a job, keep in mind those verticals that have best adapted to the times, and are more likely to be hiring. People with skills in digital media will probably have better luck than those in in-person fields. If possible, try and build out skills in these remote-work areas of operation.

 

As a Business, Build Out your Online Presence to Attract Quality Candidates

With people online more than ever, virtual marketing strategies are crucial in keeping audiences engaged with a brand. In several cases, online touch points such as social media pages, websites, and digital advertisements may be the only way people interact with a business. In order to attract candidates to a business, a company needs to have a strong online presence. Whether that’s through third-party recruiting firms or posting on job sites, potential employees need to see a brand that’s thriving in order to want to jump on board.

The power of Google search is essential for those seeking employment. To tap into that market, the perfect candidate needs to be able to find opportunities easily. To get to the top of the organic search results, companies must have an organized and SEO optimized website. Additionally, having a site containing quality content related to the business can offer a potential glance into its strategies and aims as a company. If the candidate shares the same beliefs and visions, they are much more likely to want to work there. But first, they need to be able to find what exactly those beliefs and visions are.

Let's not forget about social media! There are almost 3 billion users on Facebook, and nearly 27 million users on Instagram in 2020 - making both perfect platforms to market and promote a business. Linking websites to socials, and socials to sites, ensures that candidates can easily track and learn more about a potential employer, gaining invaluable insight into company culture and other key factors.

 

2020’s Best Digital Recruiting Strategies for Candidates and Hiring Authorities

1. Hire a Recruiting Firm

The US staffing industry consists of numerous agencies that can make a search a whole lot easier. The majority of them have digitized their recruiting strategy long before the pandemic struck and are using softwares and other tools to uncover perfect matches. In times of crisis, company leaders don’t have time to scroll through numerous application letters to select the ideal hire. Recruiting companies can help cut down the time a role is left open, and actually save businesses money.

 

2. Create and Maintain a LinkedIn Page

The staffing process is made easier through the use of networking platforms such as LinkedIn. This growing community of job seekers use this online platform to discuss job opportunities, best practices, industry insights, and so much more. Participating in a space like this helps keep businesses at the forefront of innovation, and at the top of mind for applicants. And, once they have a job opening, companies can post on LinkedIn to find easily accessible, qualified candidates in the peripheral network of the industry.

 

3. Streamline your Video Interviewing Process

While online presence and using the right digital recruiting strategies are essential in gathering potential hires, video interviewing is a decisive factor that allows insight into each of the candidates personally. The video interview also allows employers to build a relationship as a steppingstone in a successful collaboration. To get the most out of this process, employers and hiring authorities should really nail down what it is they want to see from the interviewing process. Before stepping in front of a camera, they should understand what the end goal is, and create a pathway to achieve it.

READ OUR LATEST BLOG POSTS

Learn How to Improve Your Hiring Process and other Industry Insights.

Blue Signal Search awarded Top 100 Best Places to Work in Arizona by AZ Big Media 2025

Best Places to Work in Arizona 2025: Blue Signal Search Named Top 100 by AZ Big Media
Banner image with title Healthcare Tech Trends Driving the Future of Hiring, overlaid on a digital healthcare background

Healthcare Tech Trends Driving the Future of Hiring
Blue Signal named to Forbes 2025 list of top executive and professional recruiting firms

Blue Signal Search Awarded on Forbes America’s Best Recruiting Firms 2025 List
Top 10 U.S. cities for data center and AI infrastructure jobs in 2025 infographic by Blue Signal

Top 10 U.S. Cities for Data Center and AI Infrastructure Jobs in 2025
Smiling woman using a laptop with Blue Signal logo, next to bold text reading “Full-Time vs. Contract Hiring in 2025 – What’s Right for Your Business Now?”

Full-Time vs. Contract Hiring in 2025: What’s Right for Your Business Now?
Blue Signal ranked #2 executive search firm in Arizona 2025 by Ranking Arizona, AZ Big Media

Blue Signal Search Named Top Arizona Business by AZ Big Media in 2025 Ranking
Professional man thinking with global map and text: “Is Your 2025 Hiring Plan Built for What’s Next?

Recession Proof Hiring Strategy for 2025: How Employers Can Adapt to Economic Uncertainty
High demand jobs in 2025 blog header showing professionals across industries with global hiring connections

High Demand Jobs in 2025: What Everyone’s Hiring For Right Now
Why Your Company Needs an AI Leader - Learn the Importance of AI Leadership for Business Growth | Blue Signal Search

Why Your Company Needs an AI Leader Now
The $100B semiconductor boom in Arizona is creating a hiring surge. A futuristic cityscape with semiconductor circuits in the desert symbolizes industry growth.

The $100B Semiconductor Boom: Why Arizona’s Biggest Challenge is Hiring
Blue Signal Search recognized as a Top Staffing Firm to Work For in 2025 at the World Staffing Awards, presented by Candidate.ly.

Blue Signal Search Recognized Among Top 100 at the World Staffing Awards 2025
Blue Signal Search ranked the #1 largest Phoenix-area executive search firm by Phoenix Business Journal. Image features Phoenix skyline with Blue Signal and Phoenix Business Journal logos.

Blue Signal Search Ranked #1 Largest Executive Search Firm in Phoenix
Headshot of Katt McCool, Recruiting Manager, alongside text that reads "Monday Market Share Series: Recruiting for Legal Jobs in 2025" with the Blue Signal logo, set against a blue-toned background featuring data charts.

Monday Market Share: Legal Recruiting
1

Top Engineering Certifications for Career Growth & Higher Salaries
AI chatbot with Blue Signal branding assisting in hiring with smart AI prompts for recruiters and hiring managers.

50 AI Prompts Every Hiring Manager Needs for Smarter, Faster Recruiting
Graphic for Monday Market Share featuring Lisa Garstang, Director of Recruiting, with a focus on C-suite hiring. Background shows financial graphs and charts in blue tones, with the Blue Signal logo.

Monday Market Share: C-Suite Hiring
Group of diverse healthcare professionals smiling, representing the top 12 healthcare certifications to boost your career.

Top 12 Healthcare Certifications to Boost Your Career
Interview panel in a professional setting representing top hiring trends for 2025.

Top Hiring Trends for 2025: What Employers Need to Know
Blue Signal Search Recognized as a Best Place to Work in Arizona for 2024 by Phoenix Business Journal. The image features a scenic view of a canyon at sunset with logos of the Phoenix Business Journal and Blue Signal Search

Blue Signal Search Recognized as a Best Place to Work in Arizona for 2024 by Phoenix Business Journal
Silhouettes of professionals with digital data overlay, representing technology trends shaping the workforce in 2025.

Technology Trends Shaping the Workforce in 2025

Coronavirus and its unprecedented impact on the economy has left a global wreckage in its wake. Luckily, digital recruitment can help to keep businesses going and people employed when used correctly. With safety as the number one priority today, new strategies in the staffing industry can ensure growth without risk. Being online has proven beneficial for job seekers and employers to stay in the game. As the staffing industry continues to change to meet the needs of employers and employees alike, digital recruitment will continue to play a larger part in the success of many industry verticals. Do you feel prepared? Contact one of our expert recruiters today to discuss your digital strategy and strengthen your position within the new normal.