The holidays are never fun when you’re in the middle of a job search.
However, there are ways to connect with potential employers during the busy holidays. Attend any and all holiday gatherings and pass out your business cards. Volunteer to help others less fortunate than you. Most extremely successful people are philanthropic and you never know what connections can be made. It is also good to put yourself in situations where you appreciate what you have even if you are in a job search.
Many times the holiday period is less busy and stressful for the people you need to meet. Budgets are done, projects are winding down and the festivities of the holidays makes for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Schedule at least 5 networking meetings each week, get referrals from each meeting and grow your network. Companies have new hiring budgets and many new opportunities during the first quarter of the year. While your competition may be distracted by the holidays, you need to stay focused. Remember a job search is a full-time job.
Rick Christensen: Director, Career Transition Practice
Rick has been a career consultant for over 20 years, serving a very broad-based and diverse clientele. His specialties include effective group facilitation, one-on-one coaching and consultation at all levels including senior executives.
Rick’s passion is coaching individuals through career transitions, developing career management strategies and in identifying and sharpening competencies to open doors to new opportunities. His efforts have assisted thousands of individuals achieve their full potential.
