Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
~ Robert Collier
If you are in a job search or about to start one, the holiday season can actually be a great time to find a job, contrary to popular opinion. Many job seekers think that job hunting between Thanksgiving and the middle of January is a waste of time and energy. Don’t buy into this myth! Why?
Employers don’t stop hiring just because it’s the holidays. And because of so many people’s perceptions, you can reap the benefits of reduced competition for jobs, including gaining access to decision-makers who are in the office and in hiring mode! Spending budgets before year-end, strategic initiatives, market demands, competition, turnover and many other factors drive hiring.
Here are 7 tips to help you keep job search momentum this holiday season:
1. Use downtime to your advantage. If work is slow, you have vacation time or you’re unemployed, schedule some networking meetings. It’s a great time to connect with friends and acquaintances you haven’t been in touch with for awhile. Combine celebrating with letting others know you’re in the market for new career opportunities.
2. Create a job search action plan and schedule. Commit to at least one thing to accomplish every day. Tell yourself that anything less is just not acceptable. And believe it. And act upon it! Staying focused and in control with positive movement each day will have a domino effect in keeping your spirits high and your search in steady momentum.
3. Update your resume and marketing materials. (Here are some tips) This is a great time to review and update your resume, cover letters, LinkedIn profile or other marketing collateral.
4. Connect online. Send emails or use social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) to get in touch. It’s a great time to ramp up your online identity and expand your network. If you’re feeling like a fish out of water with online job search, treat yourself to a copy of The Twitter Job Search Guide by Susan Britton Whitcomb, Chandlee Bryan and Deb Dib. I also recommend Jason Alba’s I’m on Facebook. Now What??? And I’m on LinkedIn. Now What??? (The latter also available in DVD).
5. Tap into personal or professional events. If you’re attending a holiday social event (personal or business), it’s a great time to mention that you are job searching. Accept all invitations you receive if possible. You never know who may be able to help you. Friends, family and business associates are usually happy to help where they can.
6. Send “Happy Holiday” or “Happy New Year” greeting cards with your business card (not the one with your employer, but one designed for YOU as a branded career professional) to networking contacts, recruiters and to employers with whom you have interviewed. Send them to well-connected family and friends as well.
7. Check the classifieds in your target job searching markets throughout December and into January. Those employers are still conducting searches. Continue to check job boards and company websites as well.
Leave the New Year’s resolution about ramping up a job search later to others. Beat them to the punch. I wish you a most happy holiday season and prosperous, peace-filled 2011!
