During the holidays, it’s easy to feel like you are carrying the entire national deficit on your shoulders. While many people head to the mall to buy gifts and plunk their kids on Santa’s lap, others spend their days searching help-wanted ads and online job boards, hoping for a little bit of Christmas cheer in the form of a full-time job.
Because of the constant pressure to spend, spend, spend, the week before Christmas can be a challenging time for serious job seekers. No matter how much stress you feel, try to keep your head up. The idea of maintaining a positive attitude isn’t just a cliche. It’s actually good for your health, your family and your career.
Here are some tips to help with job searching over the holidays, without letting the season get you down:
Use your time wisely. With the exception of businesses that hire seasonal workers, most employers set their recruiting efforts aside for the holidays. Expect a slower pace. Use the time to improve your resume, write a stand-out cover letter and prepare yourself to answer tricky interview questions.
This is also a great time to read the newspaper and search the Internet for information on local companies, and discover new online resources that cater to your industry.
Make a list and check it twice. While the kids write lists of can’t-live-without-them toys, make your own list of the talents, skills and expertise that you will bring to your new employer.
Are you ambitious? Write it down. Do you have a knack for evaluating market trends? Mark that down, too. Are you are an expert in your field, or are you able to learn quickly to expand your knowledge base? Can you establish rapport with new customers? Maybe you’re a great team builder, a real motivator. Or perhaps you look like a million bucks in a double-breasted suit. It doesn’t matter how trivial it seems. Creating a list of your strengths can give you the boost you need to get through the season.
Write your resolution before the new year. Job seekers seem to get a burst of energy after Jan. 1. They suddenly take action and flood the e-mail circuits with resumes and cover letters. This year, beat them to it by sending your resume materials before offices close for Christmas and New Year’s. The sooner you start building a relationship with the hiring manager, the better. You can always follow up with employers next month.
Take some time off. For job hunters that desperately need that next position, taking a break may seem like an impossible challenge. But if you feel stressed or burned out, a short break can get you back on track. Fit in some quality time with your family and friends. Tell them what’s going on. Do things that make you smile, simply because you like doing them.
If you feel discouraged in your job search, remember that the slow hiring season will come and go. Keep your wits about you. Know your strengths, prepare for the new year, and then shift your focus away from job-seeking for a while. Now is the time to enjoy the people in your life.
Send job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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