Don’t Stop Now! Job Hunting During the Holidays…

by Jay Markunas, Career Consultant

Thinking of putting your job search on hold during the holidays? That could be a huge mistake. Career expert, Melissa Victor-Totah, joined us on our latest episode of The Job Search Boot Camp Show. Melissa leads one of the largest job clubs in Central Texas - Career Connections which meets weekly in Round Rock. We asked Melissa for her tips for holiday job search.

The basic fundamental tip she gave us was just get out there! Many of your competition - the other job seekers in your profession - have put their job search on hold for the holidays. That is a huge mistake because there is a large number of companies continuing the hiring process to fill needed positions. In fact, according to Kathy Lansford-Powell of The Launch Pad Job Club says she sees a 30% increase in hiring of her members in the last quarter of the year!

Another tip Melissa gave us was to send holiday greeting cards. You know those newsletters you get from your “cousin Jane” or “uncle Walt”? That year end summary newsletter which tells you everything that has been going on for the year? Melissa recommended sending a similar newsletter to your holiday card list, and in the newsletter let folks know that you are looking for a job - in a positive manner, of course. Being specific about your job search can alert your friends and family to keep their ears open with their friends and family. For example, use something simple like: “I’m continuing to look for that perfect position using my skills in electrical engineering in Texas - or Hawaii, of course! If you hear of anyone hiring, please consider connecting me.”

Of course ’tis the season to be volunteering, and that can certainly help as well as temporary work. Another great suggestion Melissa gave us was to target companies that typically seem to benefit from New Year’s resolutions. A resolution like “lose 10 lbs” can mean people are heading to the gym, biking/running, or eating healthier. “Spend more time with the family” can mean more opportunities at entertainment focused businesses. Look at places like these for opportunities.

And finally, use holiday parties as an opportunity to network. We tend to feel more natural and at ease at a holiday party. Meeting your spouse’s co-workers or spouses of those co-workers can help you make a connection which could turn into a job. The fundamentals are the same: have your “elevator pitch” ready (that is a less than 2 minute positive pitch about what you do and what you are looking for), have networking cards with your contact information and future job title, and maintain good eye contact. Again, remember to remain positive and NEVER EVER bad mouth a current or former employer or boss. But most of all make a connection on a human level. They are at a party to have fun, and they will remember you if you make that one-on-one connection.

Remember that companies are hiring during the holiday season, so Don’t Stop Now!

You can hear the entire episode right here:

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