The holidays are often seen as one of the hardest times to look for a job. Many job seekers assume no one is hiring and pause their search altogether. While there is a slowdown, this unique season also comes with hidden advantages. In fact, with the right approach, the holidays can become a strategic moment to stand out, make connections, and prepare yourself for the surge of new openings that arrive in January.
For anyone looking for a multifamily job, like leasing, maintenance, management, corporate support, or on-site operations, the holiday season offers unique advantages you can use to get ahead.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Stay Active: Less Competition Means More Visibility
While many applicants stop looking during the holidays, multifamily hiring does not stop. Properties still need onsite teams to handle turnover, move-ins, last-minute maintenance issues, and year-end staffing gaps.
“Fewer job seekers are looking during the holidays, so you’re competing with fewer candidates.” – notes career expert Hannah Morgan.
How does this benefit you?
- Your application rises to the top because less people apply.
- Recruiters and hiring managers process smaller volumes of applications and have more time to talk.
- Many companies finalize January job openings in December – reaching out now gets you early access.
2. Use Holiday Events to Network
Holiday gatherings are some of the best networking opportunities of the year because they naturally feel more relaxed and casual. It makes it easier to connect without pressure and awkwardness.
This season is a great time to try new events like:
- Apartment association parties
- Vendor or supplier appreciation events
- Community or chamber holiday mixers
- Your workplace or friends’ and colleagues’ holiday parties
Social gatherings create easy, natural conversations – and those conversations can turn into real job leads. You never know who you might meet. Many people know someone who’s hiring: regional managers, maintenance supervisors, vendors who work with dozens of properties, recruiters, and more.
To find the events in your area, head to your local apartment association.
If you’re in Austin or Houston, start here:
These groups often host mixers, parties, and educational events – all great places to meet people and grow your network.
Just remember: Don’t “pitch.” Simply connect. Ask questions. Listen. And follow up later.
3. Send Holiday Wishes to Rekindle Connections
The holidays give you a natural reason to reconnect with people because it doesn’t feel like you’re asking for anything – it’s simply a genuine reason to reconnect. Think about past supervisors, mentors, former colleagues from other properties or management companies, and even recruiters you had a great relationship with.
A small act of kindness goes a long way during this busy season. The key is to keep it simple and genuine – not pushy. You don’t want it to feel like you’re asking for something.
A great, low-pressure option is to send a friendly holiday message through:
- Phone call or text (if you have their number)
It’s a thoughtful gesture that helps refresh old connections. And when people remember your kindness, you’re more likely to pop into their mind first when new opportunities open up.
4. Refresh Your Resume & Online Image for the January Surge
January is one of the biggest hiring months of the year. Job offers spike – and so does the competition.
The holiday slowdown is the perfect time to refresh and strengthen your application. Consider using this time to:
- Update your resume
Add year-end accomplishments, metrics, and any new certifications.
- Polish your LinkedIn
Recruiters are already planning their January interview schedules.
- Clean up your social media
Remove anything that looks unprofessional.
- Update your online portfolios
This is especially important if you work in maintenance or renovations — photos of your work can make a big difference!
Even spending just 30 minutes a day on these updates during the holidays can give you a major advantage once January hiring takes off.
Make the most of this holiday season with these job-search tips. They’ll help you boost your chances of landing the multifamily job you’ve been working toward.
The key is to stay active while others pause. Use this time to position yourself for the January hiring surge and take advantage of the unique networking and visibility opportunities the season brings.
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