The holiday season brings excitement, joy, and a sense of community—but it can also present significant staffing challenges for businesses. Some industries are bustling with activity, while others may see a slowdown or seasonal shift. Industries like manufacturing, warehousing, and construction can have varying needs during this time. We’ve put together some helpful tips for navigating both scenarios—whether you’re currently employed or seeking new opportunities.
Current Employees: Managing Your Time and Opportunities
If you are already working in a manufacturing, warehousing, or construction role, it’s important to be mindful of how the holiday season may affect your personal time and work schedule. Here’s how to approach it:
Plan Ahead: If you need time off for the holidays, be sure to advise your supervisor or Account Manager about your availability as early as possible, ideally one or two months in advance. This will allow your team to adjust and accommodate your needs.
Understand Your Benefits: Make sure you know whether you are eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO) and how to request time off during the holidays. This can help you plan your time effectively.
Take Advantage of Overtime: The holiday season is often an excellent opportunity to earn extra pay through overtime. If you’re in a position to do so, consider taking advantage of these hours to increase your paycheck, especially if you’ve recently started the job
For Job Seekers: Focus on Career Research
If you’re currently seeking a new role, the holiday season might feel like a challenging time to find opportunities. Many employers are focused on their existing staff and busy workloads, making hiring less of a priority. Here’s how to make the most of this time:
Research Careers: While many companies may not be hiring actively, this is still a good time to research potential employers and industries. Take a deep dive into your field of interest to understand company cultures, benefits, and growth opportunities.
Prepare for Post-Holiday Hiring: Although employers may not be hiring during the holidays, keep an eye out for new job postings after the New Year. Stay connected with companies that align with your career goals and reach out again once hiring picks up.
Update Your Resume: Your resume is the key to landing your next role, so now is the perfect time to review and update it. Ensure that the information is accurate, relevant, and concise—remember, a resume should ideally be one page. Remove irrelevant positions that don’t align with your field, as this can help focus the employer’s attention on your most relevant skills and experiences.
Merithall Staffing: We’re Here for You
Although our office will be closed during the holiday season, we’re still committed to helping you find your next opportunity! Here’s how to stay connected with us:
Check our website: Stay up-to-date on new job openings by regularly visiting our website.
Apply for roles: You can continue to apply for jobs directly through our website or give us a call to ask about current opportunities.
Walk-in visits: We will be available on the following business day, so feel free to walk into our office when we’re back in action!
We continue to recruit and work with clients who are actively seeking employees during the holiday season. If you’re looking for work, we look forward to connecting with you soon.