3 Reasons to Be Thankful for The Job Search This Season

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It's the holiday season once again.

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Pumpkin spice lattes are here, and someone has a snowman already in their front yard. With Thanksgiving and many other celebrations around the corner, the spirit of gratitude is in the air.

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Holiday dinners are scheduled, and gift lists are in full-effect. Despite the oncoming festivities, the job search remains an active pursuit for many.

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Looking for a job on top of holiday shopping and cooking can be taxing and cumbersome. Yet, it’s important to remember that there’s still much to be thankful for this holiday season, even during the job search.

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Here are some things to keep in mind to help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude to keep your spirits high for the job search road ahead.

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1. Job surplus is at a record high

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While you may not have found your dream job just yet, all job seekers this holiday season should be excited that the market is now in their favor.

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Since February 2020, the US has had more job openings than available workers to take them for the first time. Employer demand for workers is incredibly high. And at the same time, the labor supply is low.

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Moreover, turnover is on the rise. According to the federal Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary, this past August, a record 4.3 million workers left positions. The job market is tightening with more quits and voluntary separations rising year-over-year. More and more employees are leaving companies in pursuit of better opportunities.

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While this puts a strain on businesses, job seekers are empowered now more than ever to explore their options. If you’ve been nervous about pursuing a job or career change, be encouraged that today’s talent market conditions are leaning in favor of candidates. You can now be flexible in your job selection. There’s ample choice for everyone.  

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2. Job flexibility is on the table

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, workers have successfully proven the same productivity in the office can be performed at home. This has also made remote work a non-negotiable for many job seekers.

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While some companies have started the journey to resume functions in brick-and-mortar offices,  many businesses have remained remote or adopted a part-time remote work lifestyle as part of company culture.

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Since the pandemic, Pew Research reports that 71% of workers are doing their job from home all or most of the time.

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Companies have also been more accommodating to employees who work at home by allowing special arrangements for events to address mental health, family needs, education desires, gym time and more. As a result, non-traditional work schedules are growing in popularity.

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If you've been dying for a more flexible work environment, now might be your time to pursue a new role. Employers are trending up for making flexible accommodations that encourage work-life balance for productive employees.

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3. Recruiters can help your job search

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At times, the job search can be overwhelming. Identifying new opportunities, applying to countless job openings and waiting to hear back from employers can be overwhelming. But, the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone.

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Recruiters are here to help you in your journey.

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As an advocate, a recruiter will work with you to find a role that fits your talents and needs. Recruiters often have access to jobs that often go unposted online, giving you the inside scoop to opportunities over other job seekers. Some even have direct lines of communication with employers, giving candidates a leg up in knowing what companies precisely need in a candidate.

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These representatives help job seekers tailor and update their resumes according to industry standards. They can also help identify the areas of improvement to make you more marketable to employers, from skills to certifications. Additionally, when a job offer does come on the table, they can help you navigate difficult conversations, such as compensation and offer packages.

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Building a relationship with a recruiter will always be an asset during your job search. If you haven’t enlisted a recruiter yet to help you in your job search, start today.

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