13 Job-Search Tips for the Holidays

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Surprisingly, the holidays are a wonderful time for job seekers! According to HR consultants and recruiters, many companies are not impacted by the holidays; business continues as usual. If an employer needs to fill a position, it will not make any difference whether it is November, December, January or June. Hiring is based on need, not on time of year. In addition, the holidays are a time when professionals may resign to take a new job that will begin in the new year.

holiday-party The holidays are also an opportune time to network because people tend to be motivated to help others as part of the spirit of the season. Also, holiday events are excellent networking occasions. With all of the religious, family and social events taking place, networking opportunities abound! This is a great time to expand that list of contacts and maintain impetus going into the new year. Tell people about yourself, ask for advice and contact names, and collect business cards to follow up.

Following is a list of suggestions to help you maintain your energy level and confidence as you search for a new job during the holidays:

Send holiday cards to hiring managers with whom you have recently interviewed and enclose a brief note reinforcing your interest and capabilities.
Continue to schedule networking meetings to help you maintain a positive mental attitude, bolster your confidence, and maintain focus.
Do charity work and volunteer your time. This will help you maintain a positive outlook and will present networking opportunities.
Use holiday get-togethers with family and friends to remind them about your job search. Articulate your ideal job and the type of work you are seeking.
Research companies by reading articles in business sources, using www.zoominfo.com and www.manta.com to gather information on industry trends, new companies and companies that are in growth in the area.
Re-evaluate your resume periodically to make sure it points you in the direction you want to go and captures all of your relevant accomplishments.
Learn new tasks and skills. Ask questions about things you do not know. This reinforces that you are able to change, have an open mind and are willing to learn new things.
Do small things that you know you do well. (Nothing succeeds so well as success!) The act of doing what you have mastered, allows your confidence to soar.
Do something every day that moves you closer to your goal. Evaluate what you have done. Document what has worked and what has not. Make adjustments. Review these notes frequently. Create a vision for yourself and imagine yourself achieving the vision.
Choose to spend time with positive people. Spend time with family and friends who make you feel good about yourself, who provide positive feedback and offer workable suggestions. Avoid the naysayers and negative thinkers.
Learn from your mistakes. Self-confidence grows from making mistakes and finding out that you can recover from your mistake and learn something from it in the process.
Take a new interest in your dress. When you look good you feel good. When you feel good about yourself, you are more self-confident. Improving your appearance not only builds confidence, but is a useful tool when you are invited to interview.
Take some time off to rest and relax. Without time to rest and relax, the risk of burnout increases, which erodes self-confidence. Spend some time every day doing something you love.