As the year winds down, many people slow down, too. Companies often freeze hiring, and sales can take a backseat as people take time off to enjoy the holiday season. It can feel like a slow, quiet period with fewer opportunities if you’re an entry-level job seeker or an experienced B2B sales professional. But guess what? The holiday season is actually a perfect time to build your network, make connections, and set yourself up for success in the new year.
If you’re an entry-level job seeker, you might be wondering, “How can I network during a time when everyone seems busy?” It might feel like all the hiring activity has stopped, but trust me, this is not the time to give up. Networking during the holiday season is actually one of the best ways to make connections that can help you land a job in the new year.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into some simple, actionable tips on how to network effectively during the holidays and why staying proactive is important even when things seem quiet.
Why Is Networking Important During the Holidays?
Before we get into the tips, let’s take a step back and understand why networking during the holidays can work in your favour.
- People Are More Accessible: With the end-of-year slowdown, many professionals have a little more free time. They may be more willing to meet with you for a quick chat, even if it’s virtual.
- Holiday Spirit Encourages Generosity: People are often more open to helping others during the holidays. A simple message wishing someone well or a holiday greeting could open the door for a new connection.
- Preparation for the New Year: Many companies are gearing up for the new year and may already be considering their hiring needs. Your connection might be just the one who can connect you to a job opening when things pick up.
Networking Tips You Should Try
Now, let’s get into some actionable networking tips you can use during this holiday season which includes:
- Start with a Simple, Thoughtful Message
- Attend Virtual Holiday Events and Gatherings
- Leverage Social Media to Stay Visible
- Reconnect with Old Contacts
- Set Networking Goals for the New Year
- Join Online Communities
- Use the Time to Improve Your Skills
1. Start with a Simple, Thoughtful Message
When you think about networking, you might picture cold emails or awkward LinkedIn messages. But a friendly, simple message can go a long way during the holiday season. You don’t have to dive straight into what you need. Instead, start with a warm holiday greeting.
Here’s an example of what you could send:
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season! I wanted to take a moment to reach out and express my gratitude for connecting with me here on LinkedIn. I’m excited to continue learning and growing in my career, and I hope the new year brings you much success. Looking forward to staying in touch!”
This type of message keeps it light, shows you’re thoughtful, and keeps the door open for future conversations.
2. Attend Virtual Holiday Events and Gatherings
During the holidays, there are often fewer formal events, but many companies and organisations host virtual events, casual gatherings and end-of-the-year parties. These can be excellent opportunities to meet people and expand your network without the pressure of a formal meeting.
For entry-level job seekers, attending industry events or companies end of the year hangouts can help you get familiar with professionals in the field. For experienced salespeople, these events can serve as a way to connect with potential clients or colleagues in a low-pressure setting.
Search for free or low-cost webinars, holiday networking events, or industry meetups. Even if these events aren’t directly related to your job search or sales, they can help you build relationships that might turn into future opportunities.
If you find an event that seems interesting, make sure you’re prepared! Have a concise introduction ready that highlights who you are, while focusing on making a genuine connection first.
Example: Look for online events in your industry, such as “Virtual Networking Event for Sales Professionals” or “Tech Holiday Mixer.” Follow up with people you connect with after the event to keep the conversation going.
3. Leverage Social Media to Stay Visible
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are great tools for staying in touch with your network, and the holiday season gives you a chance to showcase your personality. Sharing a holiday greeting, posting about something you’ve learned, or commenting on industry news shows you’re active and engaged.
You don’t have to share just your work. Share personal stories, accomplishments, or even fun holiday traditions. Being genuine and approachable helps you stand out in your network.
This is a great way for job seekers to let others know you’re still looking and open to opportunities. For sales professionals, staying active on social media can keep your clients engaged and remind them of your expertise.
Share a post that looks like this: “As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on my growth in [field/industry]. Grateful for the connections I’ve made this year and excited for what’s to come in 2025!
4. Reconnect with Old Contacts
This is a great time to reconnect with old classmates, professors, or former coworkers. Don’t worry if you haven’t spoken to them in a while. People often enjoy hearing from old friends or colleagues, especially during the holidays.
A simple message like this can work wonders:
“Hey [Name], I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the holiday season! I’ve been thinking about how much I learned in your [class/job] on how to perform under pressure and wanted to check-in. It was really insightful and I’m currently applying the tips.
Reconnecting with people you’ve known in the past is a great way to start building your network without the pressure of reaching out to strangers.
5. Set Networking Goals for the New Year
While the holidays are a time for building relationships, it’s also a time to reflect and set goals for the new year. Take this time to think about the type of people you want to connect with and how you can expand your network in 2025.
Write down your networking goals for the new year, such as attending specific industry events, connecting with five new people each month, or reaching out to people you’ve met at conferences or webinars.
Example:
A job seeker might set a goal like, “I will reach out to 3 professionals in the tech industry each month to learn about their careers and potential opportunities.”
A sales professional might aim to “Reconnect with 10 clients to discuss their 2025 goals and see how I can help them achieve success.”
6. Join Online Communities
In addition to social media, online communities can be a great way to meet people who share your career interests. Platforms like Slack or industry-specific forums host groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals.
Join the Revsity community if you haven’t done so. It’s a great place for entry-level job seekers to connect with other job seekers and professionals, get career advice, and access free resources to upskill.
Joining communities like these helps you stay connected with people who understand your journey and can give you access to job opportunities that aren’t posted publicly.
7. Use the Time to Improve Your Skills
Even though it’s the holidays, you don’t have to wait for the new year to get started on self-improvement. Use this time to take online courses, attend webinars, or read books related to your field.
Not only does this show you’re committed to your career, but it also gives you something meaningful to talk about when networking. You could mention the course or skill you’ve been working on in a message to someone you’re connecting with.
Revsity offers courses and training that can help you improve your skills and stand out in the job market. Taking a course during the holidays can be a great way to stay productive and motivated.
Keep the Momentum Going
Networking during the holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s all about staying proactive and making meaningful connections in a way that feels natural and not forced. You don’t need to send dozens of messages or attend endless events—just make sure you’re staying visible, building relationships, and preparing for a successful new year.
And remember, even though the job market may slow down during the holidays, now is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for your career. The new year will bring new opportunities, and by networking during the holidays, you’ll be ahead of the game.
