• no one is hiring until after the New Year

• job seekers stop looking for a job during the holidays

• no one has time to interview or make decisions about hiring

• companies are having hiring freezes

• there are no job openings right now  

Considering all the doom and gloom of a recession, recent events of September 11^th and so many more lay offs than ever before, Oh My God, what are we going to do this holiday season?  Well, guess what?  Santa’s been laid off too! 

         What would be my words of advice for Santa?   First, I would suggest a haircut and trimming his beard.  I’d also suggest ditching the red suit and boots for more suitable attire in today’s business environment.  Then, I’d suggest he get networking.  Guaranteed if he waits to start his job search until after the holidays, the competition will get wind of his lay off, and immediately there will be imposters on every street corner filling his boots.

         Most job seekers are distracted by commitments during December, namely gift buying, tree trimming, holiday cooking and family commitments.  But those distractions can be networked into your job search.  That’s the best way to keep the pot churning with new leads, contacts and interviews.

         Most of the job seekers you’re competing against have slowed their search by now, believe the Holiday Myths, and are waiting until January to start looking for work again.  During this period, employers who are hiring must choose from a much smaller pool of candidates.  Lucky You!

         Considering that networking is the number one most effective way to finding a job, especially in today’s job market, why not increase your networking opportunities now during the holidays.  Here are a few tips to keep the wheels turning, while you have a festively great time in the process:

Revisit your contact list. 

     Call everyone you know and wish them “happy holidays” from now through year-end.   You’ll get to spread holiday cheer and have an opportunity to bring them up to date in order to ask, “do you know of anyone in my field that I should be contacting...”?

Widen your network

      Who haven’t you met and would like to meet before the end of 2001?  What a perfect reason to call your network and ask if they know this person and would provide the introduction for you – now or in the future.  

 Attend Holiday Parties

     You’ll probably attend at least one holiday party this season.     Stay one step ahead of your competition, when you put on your holiday cheer, and network with those you meet.  Get information as well as a different prospective on a company or job opportunities when asking probing questions about their work. 

 Always Carry Business Cards

     Whether shopping with your kids at the mall, attending your spouse’s company party or headed to your neighbor’s for a holiday open house, you never know whom you may run into.     Take advantage of those opportunities.   And remember to follow up with those you meet.

     So, not sure what to do this holiday season?  Santa does.   And, he’ll never know who’s standing next to him while waiting to say hello to his host.  It   could possibly be his future employer – or the person who will introduce him to that next employer.   

        No matter who you are, the idea is to network now more than ever.  Ask for information, create new leads, follow up on old contacts, etc.  And, cultivate your leads into additional leads.  You’ll find that networking can lead to additional information, interviews and potential job offers now and not long after the New Year. 

        So belly on up to Santa at that next party and wish him a “Ho Ho Ho and a Merry Christmas” and then ask him how the two of you can help one another in your respective job search.   You’ll find it worth your time, and may even increase your number of contacts along the way.  And, surprise!  You may be employed in a new position sometime in January just in time for the competition to return to the job search scene.  Good Luck!

Warmest Regards,

Rosemary Augustine

If you or someone you know needs help during their career transition with a resume, interviewing or job search strategy, please direct them to my website www.careeradvice.com .  They will find useful and free information for their situation.  Or if they need personalized help, they can contact me directly at 610.647.8863.  My fees and services are posted on the website.  At times my travel schedule does not permit me to take new clients.  If so, I have several colleagues I can refer for you to contact.  Thanks!