Job Hunting During the Holidays

Though most job seekers deliberately hold back during the holiday period, this is actually considered one of the better job-searching seasons. In fact, one reason is exactly this – most people deliberately wait on the sidelines, so the competition is often less.

Another is that despite this ominous economy as 2008 draws to a close, most people love to engage in holiday cheer and will be more likely to meet with you for networking get-togethers now, and can give you more time before they have to hit the ground running in January. Get them while you can.

Though there will be fewer dollars to throw around in 2009, most managers should have next year’s budgets fairly solidified by the holiday season, so networking at this critical time is an opportunity to include yourself in that 2009 budget.

Holiday Job Search Tips

Send holiday cards to all of your business acquaintances. Respect religious diversity and use generic cards.
Send e-Cards and e-Mail to colleagues in your professional networking sites.
Attend every holiday event you can possibly fit into your calendar. Think beyond your traditional job circle; this includes office parties, community gatherings, school activities, religious services, social club get-togethers, and more.
Dress each morning as if you were attending a holiday event that day or evening, so you won’t leave home inappropriately dressed should you receive an unexpected invitation to a party.
Keep in mind that people are festive during the holidays so if you are out of work, block all forms of gloominess from your persona.
Avoid the “It’s all about me” spiel.
Listen more than talk, but definitely prepare and rehearse your two-minute elevator speech and then work the room when appropriate – you never know who might generate your next job lead.
Don’t dominate one person or a small group of people – circulate and mingle with everyone.
Don’t eat too much and limit alcohol to one drink. Hold your drink in your left hand so you are always ready to shake with a free, dry and warm right hand.
Get introduced to as many new people as you can at holiday events, and then turn them into on-going networking connections after the holidays.
Remember that networking is marketing, not sales, Don’t walk into a holiday party with a huge pile of resumes under your arm. This is the time to lead with your marketing pitch; save the sales pitch (which includes your resume) for solid job leads.
Invest in personal cards if you are unemployed and keep the cards simple: name, address, phone, email, and a very brief professional title, such as Certified Project Manager or Marketing Representative.
Volunteer. Many charitable organizations ramp up humanitarian activities during this time and need extra volunteer help. You never know when you can be serving up food in a soup kitchen alongside a senior executive from a potential employer.

So what are you waiting for – don’t snooze…schmooze!

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