12 Reasons to be of good cheer if you are looking for a New Job:
1. This year more than any other, there is NO stigma to being out of work. Period. If you are between jobs, hold your head high and tell others what you are looking for. They would love to help you.
2. Most people consider the holidays the worst time of the year to find a new job. This completely false myth cuts down on your competition, as other job candidates back off on their job search until January. Staying on course can help you jump out ahead of everyone else.
3. Yes the economy is picking back up slowly, but it IS picking back up. The client who started her new job this week is proof, as is the very, very high number of promising opportunities other clients are being considered for.
4. There is ALWAYS first quarter hiring. Managers are planning for 2011, including staffing needs.
5. It's a perfect season for job creation: get in front of the person who should be over the job you'd do, and show them how you can save them money, make them money or solve a problem. Help them build you into their Q1 2011 plan. (Note: offering to work on contract even sweetens the deal by reducing the risk to put you on the payroll)
6. The holidays offer a natural reason to reach out and reconnect with lost friends and business acquaintances. It is also the season to touch your network again and offer them good wishes.
7. There are always fantastic, single day or short-term opportunities to volunteer during the holidays. You'll feel good helping those less fortunate, have something positive to talk about at holiday social events, and just might meet someone who can help you land that job you want.
8. Catching up with others gives you a perfect, natural occasion to plant the seed of what you are looking for.When someone asks what you've been up to, be upbeat, clear and concise about what you offer/are looking to do. Let them know what you’d appreciate them keeping an ear out for.
9. The holidays offer a high concentration of social events and opportunities to network. More than any other year, there is no stigma to being out of work, so get out there and chat with people. Don’t shy away from events and occasions to network!
10. At holiday events you have easier access to talk to literally anyone you'd care to meet, including higher level managers.
11. It can be easier to get informational interviews when work slows a bit and only a percentage of staff is left in the office. Managers are also more likely to answer their own phones and emails.
12. People are generally feeling more good will toward others. If you've been stalling about asking a networking contact for an introduction, the holidays are a great time to ask for that favor.
Bonus - 13. Many companies have a "use it or lose it" policy regarding open positions rolling over into the New Year. I've seen hiring decisions move at lightning speed when the right person was found and the deadline to get them on the books was approaching fast.
I have two clients who've been hired for positions that start in January. In previous years I've helped a client iron out the particulars of an offer that included a company-preferred start date of December 30. I've had a client receive his written offer by courier on Christmas Eve, and another that was invited to the company Christmas party as his first introduction to his new staff.
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1. This year more than any other, there is NO stigma to being out of work. Period. If you are between jobs, hold your head high and tell others what you are looking for. They would love to help you.
2. Most people consider the holidays the worst time of the year to find a new job. This completely false myth cuts down on your competition, as other job candidates back off on their job search until January. Staying on course can help you jump out ahead of everyone else.
3. Yes the economy is picking back up slowly, but it IS picking back up. The client who started her new job this week is proof, as is the very, very high number of promising opportunities other clients are being considered for.
4. There is ALWAYS first quarter hiring. Managers are planning for 2011, including staffing needs.
5. It's a perfect season for job creation: get in front of the person who should be over the job you'd do, and show them how you can save them money, make them money or solve a problem. Help them build you into their Q1 2011 plan. (Note: offering to work on contract even sweetens the deal by reducing the risk to put you on the payroll)
6. The holidays offer a natural reason to reach out and reconnect with lost friends and business acquaintances. It is also the season to touch your network again and offer them good wishes.
7. There are always fantastic, single day or short-term opportunities to volunteer during the holidays. You'll feel good helping those less fortunate, have something positive to talk about at holiday social events, and just might meet someone who can help you land that job you want.
8. Catching up with others gives you a perfect, natural occasion to plant the seed of what you are looking for.When someone asks what you've been up to, be upbeat, clear and concise about what you offer/are looking to do. Let them know what you’d appreciate them keeping an ear out for.
9. The holidays offer a high concentration of social events and opportunities to network. More than any other year, there is no stigma to being out of work, so get out there and chat with people. Don’t shy away from events and occasions to network!
10. At holiday events you have easier access to talk to literally anyone you'd care to meet, including higher level managers.
11. It can be easier to get informational interviews when work slows a bit and only a percentage of staff is left in the office. Managers are also more likely to answer their own phones and emails.
12. People are generally feeling more good will toward others. If you've been stalling about asking a networking contact for an introduction, the holidays are a great time to ask for that favor.
Bonus - 13. Many companies have a "use it or lose it" policy regarding open positions rolling over into the New Year. I've seen hiring decisions move at lightning speed when the right person was found and the deadline to get them on the books was approaching fast.
I have two clients who've been hired for positions that start in January. In previous years I've helped a client iron out the particulars of an offer that included a company-preferred start date of December 30. I've had a client receive his written offer by courier on Christmas Eve, and another that was invited to the company Christmas party as his first introduction to his new staff.
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