Every year, as the holidays approach, the majority of job seekers and career changers make the mistake of putting their efforts on hold. They believe that there is no point in looking for new opportunities during the holidays, and that no hiring decisions are made until late January, so "why bother?" Many people decide to do nothing from mid-November to the second or third week of January! Making such assumptions about the holidays is a huge mistake!
When it comes to the holidays, I recommend becoming a "contrarian" and doing what all the other job seekers aren't. Because the majority of them are taking a long vacation, this creates real opportunities for you!
In reality, the holidays are an excellent time to network and make new contacts for your job search or career transition.
Many businesses are finishing up their budget planning for the coming fiscal year. This is frequently the best time to get in front of hiring managers and ask them to create a position for you the following year. Many managers must fill positions early in the year or risk losing the budget for that position.
Furthermore, once year-end bonuses are paid, a predictable percentage of employees will leave their jobs, resulting in a large number of new vacancies!
HERE ARE 10 CAREER-SAVVY HOLIDAY TIPS:
- RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVERYTHING
Business is all about building relationships, and those relationships are formed in social settings! Most people are naturally more convivial and generous during the holidays. There has never been a better time to strengthen existing bonds and forge new ones!
In November and December, there are numerous networking opportunities in your social life, community, and professional circles. Consider all of the companies that are throwing holiday parties. In November and December, many charities hold their final fundraisers of the year. Because of the bake sales, holiday fairs, and other festivities, this is the best time of year for productive networking!
- SMALL TALK HAS MAJOR BENEFITS
Most professional associations hold a holiday party for their December meeting, which is more casual than the formal presentations held throughout the year. Bring no resumes to these events. Make a simple, elegant business card that includes your name, phone number, and e-mail address. Prepare to make interesting small talk in order to make new contacts. Inquire about the people you meet, their jobs, and their interests. Remember that "themselves" is everyone's favorite subject!
Volunteer opportunities are more plentiful during the holidays than at any other time of year. This is a great way to help others, feel good when you need a pick-me-up, have a renewed sense of purpose during your job search, and network with other professionals. Volunteering also provides you with something to talk about with the new people you meet!
Make follow-up calls and new outreach calls the day after the holiday. You'll find that whoever is at work that day will not only be open to a conversation, but will be relieved to speak with someone! If you've been having trouble reaching out to people, don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Choose a seasonal, nondenominational theme - a winter scene is usually best. This is the time to send cards to everyone on your "career list," including executive search firms, Human Resources professionals, hiring managers, and people you've met in the last year. Don't include any information about your job search in the card. Send out your cards early enough so that people remember to invite you to their holiday gatherings! Include your contact information with the card so that the recipient can contact you.
- GIVING IS BETTER THAN RECEIVING
Remember the old adage, "It is better to give than to receive" at this time of year? This is especially true when trying to connect with people during the holidays. Giving to get is the quickest and most effective way to get help. Ask the people in your network who they would like to be introduced to or if there is any way you can assist them. Become a true "connector," and you will be "connected!"
Technology has advanced significantly. Use the holidays to connect with people on business networking websites like http://www.LinkedIn.com and http://www.MeetUp.com. Connect with local businesspeople online, then take your relationship "live" with a face-to-face meeting.
- BECOME AN OPPORTUNITY DRIVEN PERSON
Some job seekers become overly negative or cynical during the holidays because they perceive a "lull" in their career transition. Avoid falling into this trap. Take positive action while others are "giving up" until early next year. Positive thinking and speaking will turn you into an opportunity magnet, ready to attract, interview, and "hire" your next employer.
If you're in a career transition or looking to advance within your current organization, these strategies should help you see the holidays in a new light! Instead of "vacationing" from your career development activities, seize this underutilized opportunity to make real progress in your quest. Then you'll truly have something to rejoice about!
