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Three resolutions to take it up a notch
Do you make New Year's resolutions? I do, but I think it's important to make them realistic. Maybe it's just because I love all things career-related, but I happen to think that job search efforts lend themself well to resolutions. So in the spirit of the holidays, my gift to you is three actionable New Year's resolutions to jump start your job search. Print them out, work them into your daily and weekly activity plans, and check back with yourself 6-7 weeks into the New Year to see how you're doing.
- Tweak, Edit & Revitalize. Read through your resume. Have someone you trust review it with a fresh eye. Should anything be added or removed? Consider a different opening for your cover letter. Add more selling points to your LinkedIn profile. It's easy to create these documents, get comfortable, and not think about them again. If a period of time has passed, take an afternoon to sharpen your documents.They're the cornerstone of your search.
- The Power of One. I can't take credit for this, but it is very effective when it comes to job searching. Make one more cold call. Send one more follow up email. Mail one more cover letter. Stay at the networking event long enough to make one more connection. Just when you're at the point of calling it a day, push yourself to do one more thing and you'll see results - improved productivity and better odds.
- Pick 3. No, I'm not suggesting you play the lottery - though if luck is on your side, that might help your job search as well! What I'm recommending is that you identify three target companies to research and network. Use your own network, tap into your college alumni network, and branch out through sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Plaxo. Make a commitment to network your way to the decision maker or conduct informational interviews with relevant professionals. Don't just sit back waiting for a job posting. Get in there and put yourself in front of opportunities. This won't happen overnight, but it's worth the investment of time and energy.
Read more holiday-themed career advice here from my colleagues in the Career Collective:
@MartinBuckland, Elite Resumes, “Season’s Greetings and your Job Search”
@GayleHoward, The Executive Brand, "It's Christmas time and a ho-ho-ho-hum?"
@KCCareerCoach, Career Chaos, “The Gift Every Laid Off Job Seeker Needs”
@resumeservice, Resume Writing Blog, "Holiday Resume Sparkle: Outshine the New Year Job-Search Mob"
@heathermundell, life@work, “Have a Holly Jolly Job Search”
@sweetcareers,Sweet Careers, “Holiday Job Search Tips for College Students 2009″
@careersherpa, Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheers”
@careerealism, CAREEREALISM.com, "Holiday Tip for Job Seekers: 4 Ways to Impress Others with Your Professionalism"
@heatherhuhman, HeatherHuhman.com, “4 Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Job Hunting”
@KatCareerGal, Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog, “Avoiding the Holiday Blues in Your Job Search”
@WorkWithIllness, WorkingWithillness.com, “Avoid this Minefield: Drive Your Bus”
@DawnBugni, The Write Solution, "Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays?"
@andyinnaples, “Shift Your Focus to the Highest Impact Job Search Activities During the Holidays to Leverage Your Time”
@erinkennedycprw, Professional Resume Services, "How to keep up the Job Hunt during the Holidays"
@keppie_careers, Keppie Careers, “Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year”
@ValueIntoWords, Career Trend, “Navigating the Mistle Toe of Job Search”
@GLHoffman, What Would Dad Say, “Merry Christmas! Can I Buy You Coffee to Talk About Me?”
@BarbaraSafani, Career Solvers, “Holiday Networking Can Facilitate New Year Opportunities”
@expatcoachmegan, Career By Choice Blog, “Expat Networking: Holidays Are a Great Time to Nurture and Grow Your Network”
@chandlee, The Emerging Professional Blog, “Footprints & Associations: Job Search Tips for the Holidays”
@JobHuntOrg, Job-Hunt.org, "(Holiday) Party Your Way to a New Job"
Categories: LinkedIn,Networking,Career Collective,Job Search
Boy, your last point hit so many. Jobs do exist (per www.linkup.com, even) so job seekers must be more active. Show what you can do to earn the job.
Nice post
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Laurie,
Great suggestions for taking action and staying focused on reasonable goals over the holidays.
If job seekers everywhere had someone sitting on their shoulder encouraging them...Just one more...think of what might happen!
Happy holidays!
Megan Fitzgerald
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Laurie,
You are so right. It makes perfect sense to reevaluate and reposition your job search as the year comes to a close. Nice points!
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Very actionable steps, Laurie!
Tweak, edit and revitalize one's cornerstone career documents IS key, as without those marketing documents at-the-ready, the other activities will likely fall short.
Appreciate your do-able suggestions and the way you've chunked out suggestions in manageable 'bites.'
Great job!
Jacqui
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Laurie,
I especially love your "power of one" comment because it's so true. Do just one more thing, or make just one more connection and see where it gets you.
Nice to-do list!
Erin Kennedy
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Holiday Job Hunting: Fact & Fiction
The Quiz & Answers
Please indicate “Fact” or “Fiction” for each of the statements below.
1. There is less competition for jobs in December.
Fact. Competition for positions is greatly reduced because of the prevailing belief that employers don’t
hire in December. Most of your competitors will not be looking for a job this month but look out in
January! Many job seekers get offers they wouldn’t ordinarily get by looking in December.
2. There are only a few positions open in December.
Fiction. For most companies, next year’s budget is already approved. Hiring managers either want to
start the year with full staff or have requisitions for positions that begin immediately after the New
Year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys show no pattern of a drop-off in permanent hires at year-
end. In fact, most companies have the same number of openings at year-end as they do the rest of the
year but they have fewer candidates. There may also be pressure to exhaust this year’s hiring budget.
3. January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Fact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Remember, it’s the legwork done in November and December that puts job seekers in a better position
to snag the first-of-the-year positions.
4. Hiring managers are too busy during the holidays to do interviews.
Fiction. Fewer business trips and daylong meetings take place in December making it easier to reach
decision makers. Most managers have reached their goals and are at their desks planning for the New
Year. Managers could also have tips of positions that will open after the first of the year.
5. Calls to potential employers are not welcome during the holidays.
Fiction. For most of the year, managers strive to screen the tide of job hunters coming their way. At
year-end, however, that tide has thinned and hiring managers are in a more giving mood. The best time
to call is first thing in the morning and late afternoon. By mid-day they are likely to be roaming the
halls or taking longer lunch breaks.
6. Holiday parties are great places to get job leads.
Fact. Of course, you have to have your strategy well planned. Collect your holiday presents early by
requesting job leads and referrals from your friends. Be company and department specific in your
request naming your target company and the specific department. Get names, numbers, and permission
to mention your contact’s name in the initial call. Appearing desperate is a downer for everybody.
Engage in some relaxed conversation about job openings.
Make appointments with willing friends and acquaintances for coffee or other short social meetings to
discuss your search. Have your 90-second commercial ready along with a 60 second description of
your ideal job.
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I love the way you have provided really easy, smart advice. Although I don't usually quote Dr Phil, he often says "I'll give you advice by putting verbs in the the sentences" and that is exactly what you've done. Well thought out, easy to do, and no-cost initiatives that can really take flight. (I'm a particular fan of "The Power of One"). Great work!
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Another good read. good article
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