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Insight and Advice

Revisit this page monthly for career management and job search articles, advice, and insight from Norine and other leading career management professionals.

"Santa, Bring Me a New Job for Christmas"

10 Tips for Job Searching During the Holidays
by Norine Dagliano

If you are currently unemployed, the holidays can be particularly rough. But take heart, contrary to popular belief this is one of the best times of the year to be looking for employment. Many companies implement a new direction or strategy at the first of the year, resulting in a "First of the Year" hiring surge. With New Year business strategies mapped out, companies start aggressively looking for resumes and interviewing new job candidates in November and December.

Following are some tips to guide you in pursuing your next job during the holidays:

1. Face the facts: looking for work is stressful, and the holidays are stressful. Recognize the symptoms of stress (crying more, sleeping more, eating more, smoking more, coming unglued quicker and more frequently). Create systems and supports to keep stress in balance. Remember, people who are stressed are not attractive employment candidates.
2. Capitalize on the knowledge that most job seekers think the holidays are a bad time to look for work. Take advantage of this time when the competition is not as strong. Demonstrate to prospective employers your motivation and ability to stay on task.
3. Stay committed to your first priority …getting a new job. Stick to a routine. Remember your " 9:00 to 5:00 Persona". Think – look– act like an employed professional. Don't let job search take a back seat to the holidays. Being unemployed does not mean you have unlimited time to devote to the holidays.
4. Re-assess and re-energize your job search strategy. "Plan Your Work and Work your Plan." Make manageable daily job search "to-do" lists and schedule time for them on your calendar. Do things that are less stressful, but contribute to your overall search. Spruce up your employment portfolio and resume. Research target companies. Practice interviewing with a coach. Register with the top online career sites and post your resume.
5. Remain positive …redefine your holiday traditions. Give yourself permission to let go of costly holiday traditions and create new ones that require less time and money. Remember, everyone is stressed; try to give relief as well as seek it. Develop a "helping image". Visualize success. If you have negative thoughts, you will get negative results.
6. Network while you socialize. Learn about other people's jobs and companies. Become known as a talented and likeable person before their company has openings. You will be remembered and have a foot in the door already. Remember, employers hire people they like. Exuberate likeability!
7. Consider holiday temporary or volunteer work. Employed people are more employable. Stay in the game. Get noticed. Once you are connected, your confidence will rise, and confident people are more likeable (see # 6). You will have something new to add to your resume, and the extra cash of a temporary job can't hurt.
8. Exercise. It relieves stress and keeps the endorphins flowing. Take the stairs. Park furthest from the door. Get out of your head (where stress lies) and into your hands (hobbies, activities) and feet! And while you are taking good care or yourself, limit caffeine, sugar and alcohol. They will let you down as fast as they take you up.
9. Laugh. Scientific research has proven that laughter is indeed the best medicine. Look for the humor in your situation; don't take life so seriously. Surround yourself with people and things that make you laugh.
10. Nurture the child inside you. Do things that make you feel good. Acknowledge any negative feelings and thoughts you may have and then let them go. Rediscover the joy of the season. When was the last time you made snow angels or had your picture taken on Santa's lap?

Bonus tip: HAVE A NICE HOLIDAY …UNLESS YOU MADE OTHER PLANS!

View Previous Articles:

Networking  |  Changing Jobs  |  How to Get Help from Friends and Family  |  Redefining Your Goals  |  It's All in The Sale  |  New Job for Christmas  |  Top Ten Tips for 2006

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