Get Into the Holiday Spirit for a New Job

 

 Jobs Employment, Career Job, Employment Job

 By: Sheryl Dawson 

With unemployment at double digits throughout much of the country and with serious concerns about joblessness weighing on the nation, "job shopping is a holiday priority for many". Even though a layoff or job change can put a real damper on one’s Holiday spirit, now is not the time to slow down on networking and job search efforts.

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Total Career Success (http://totalcareersuccess.com), a career transition firm specializing in helping individuals transition to better jobs for better pay and advance their careers, encourages job seekers to use the holiday spirit to their advantage. Ken Dawson, CEO of Total Career Success and co-author of Job Search: The Total System, 3rd edition, shared, "A common misconception about the Holiday season is that business ceases when the festivities begin. The holidays are a social time, with parties, association functions and increased travel. Smart job seekers use these holiday events to reconnect with old friends as well as develop their professional and personal contacts."

Dawson added, "Networking during the holidays more than any other activity will further their job hunt and position them to be ahead of their competition come January 4." He recommends the following tips to ensure success in holiday job searches:

 Attend holiday parties and join the festivities. You can make excellent contacts, which may otherwise take weeks to uncover. Given that the number one reason people find new positions is a positive attitude, be sure your holiday spirits include being positive and upbeat about your future.

 Be open about your job search and share information not only about what you are seeking, but exchange information you have gained which can benefit others. Remember giving is better than receiving, and in this situation it will create better results for you!

 Use your holiday cards, hardcopy or electronic, to update your friends, associates and family on your current status. A note on a card is an upbeat way to get the word out. Then follow-up to personally exchange greetings and contacts.

 If you’re going to be traveling, plan ahead, notify potential employers, and let them know you’ll be in town and would like to drop by. The out-of-towner has the psychological advantage over someone locally.
 Don’t hesitate to network with potential employers during the holiday season. With many companies in the midst of budget planning, managers may have tips on positions opening after the first of the year. And with company activities slowing during the holiday, it can be an ideal time to call a manager who may be catching up in his or her office.

 Don’t fall into the temptation to wait the holidays out by surfing the internet. Online job leads are most productive when integrated with your networking. And be careful when posting your resume on the internet – many online resume services are not secure. Be sure the internet sites on which you post your resume have a posted privacy policy.