A common misperception on the part of job seekers is that the holidays are a poor time for job hunting prospects. As a professional recruiter, here are three reasons why the holiday period is in fact an excellent time to seek a new opportunity:

1. New budgets generally call for hiring additional resources. The budgeting process for the coming year generally takes place the final quarter of the year. With new business strategies mapped out, senior management aggressively begin to look for prime talent. This is an excellent chance for candidates to passively market themselves through networked contacts or recruiters. Make yourself available for coffee, lunch or an after hours meeting to discuss possible opportunities and sell yourself to prospective employers.

2. Holiday parties present exceptional networking opportunities. Traditionally, we are taught not to mix business with pleasure. But, in todays competitive employment market, we counsel candidates to do just the opposite. Holiday office parties are an excellent chance to network with other internal department heads, outside vendors, and even specific competitors. These settings are an excellent chance to meet and greet people and thus expand your network.

3. Create momentum going into the New Year. Above all else, job searching is a mentally taxing task. You alone are responsible for putting yourself in a position to succeed. Part of that process is staying motivated to completing the task. The holiday period is an excellent chance to create positive momentum for your job search both now and going into the New Year. Tune up and revamp that resume, calls network contacts to wish them Happy Holidays (and stay on their radar), and meet and greet new people at networking events. Positive thoughts and actions today will create positive momentum in the future for your job search.

Dont let this holiday period catch you unprepared. While others are busy shopping at the malls, take advantage of this opportunity to advance your career for today and tomorrow.

William Werksman

William (Bill) A. Werksman is the Managing Partner and Principal Shareholder in Resource Partners. With the explosion of gaming as a national industry, Bill founded Resource Partners to serve client corporations across all jurisdictions. Bill is experienced in all facets of executive search including compensation analysis and executive development training. Mr. Werksman has built strong relationships within the local and national gaming community based on his respect and understanding of the recruitment process and its core importance to corporate development. Bill understands that leadership and intellectual capital are the prime source of competitive advantage. His firm of committed professionals delivers on a national and international basis across industries, expertise levels, and market penetration. His direct involvement consistently helps clients maximize their investment in key employees and further enhance bottom line results.

His education includes a Bachelors Degree in International Relations and a Bachelors Degree in Communications both from the University of Southern California. A skilled professional recruiter and advocate for his clients, Bill has personally completed hundreds searches while managing a staff of full time recruiters. With a diverse client base encompassing publicly and privately held companies, Bill?s experience and tenacity allow him to find and secure the critical candidates his clients? desire and need for their continued growth and success. He is a frequent speaker to executive forums and career seminars throughout the western region as well as contributing author to many career focused web sites. Bill personally directs the firm?s pro bono search activities offering their services to charitable organizations, non-profit organizations, public cause or public service organizations, volunteer organizations, medical research and cure foundations, or other select causes or organizations.