While many people are laying low and giving up their search for that new job, many yet are finding that the Holidays are a wonderful time to connect with people they could not reach before.
I was speaking with someone today that told me that it was the day before Thanksgiving several years ago that he was wrapping up to head home to beat the crowd. For some reason he decided to make a final call to the CEO of a company that he could never reach. Not expecting anything more than leaving a message he was shocked when the CEO herself, not even the admin assistant answered the phone. The discussion led to the biggest account of his career.
Here are the reasons why instead of taking it easy this week before Thanksgiving you can actually make more progress than ever before.
1. Generally there is no business travel over the holidays for decision makers – Due to this fact and the fact there are people there that take the week off, executives and decision makers are not travelling and they aren’t packed with meetings. You can find them at their desk.
2. Most budgets have been completed - The majority of companies have deadlines to have their budgets completed before the holidays. With this in mind, Decision Makers are now planning where they will find that new talent after January 1. Job Seekers know that before January 1 is the time to make their intentions known and not fight the crowd of resumes after the New Year begins
3. People are Friendlier – It’s a short week. The majority of employees are busy talking about family, football, food, travel plans, etc… Though stressful, it is an enjoyable time in the office where people smile and are happy to help you. It’s the Holidays and people are in a giving mood. Let them give you information that will help you in your job search.
4. People want to Help - I mentioned this in the paragraph above, but it’s worth mentioning twice. Ask for Help. Explain your Situation. Find out who you can speak to. This is the time of year when you ask “Please Help”, they generally will. Don’t beg, be professional, but asking for assistance can get you much further this time of year.
5. The people in the companies are setting thier own personal goals - Now is a good time to engage people on their new years resolutions. Talk positively, engage them in conversation, find out their interests by talking about the new year. You will find out things about people now that you never did before.
6. That Evening Drink , Lunch Appointment or other is much easier to do – Executives have a little more time on their hands and don’t mind getting out of the office as much during the holiday season. Use this time to make appointments, meet for coffee, etc.. and network like you never have before.
So set those holiday plans to work your market, make more phone calls, set appointments and create goodwill with the companies you want to work for; and … HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY YOURSELF!!!!
Holiday Job Hunting: Fact & Fiction
The Quiz & Answers
Please indicate “Fact” or “Fiction” for each of the statements below.
1. There is less competition for jobs in December.
Fact. Competition for positions is greatly reduced because of the prevailing belief that employers don’t
hire in December. Most of your competitors will not be looking for a job this month but look out in
January! Many job seekers get offers they wouldn’t ordinarily get by looking in December.
2. There are only a few positions open in December.
Fiction. For most companies, next year’s budget is already approved. Hiring managers either want to
start the year with full staff or have requisitions for positions that begin immediately after the New
Year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys show no pattern of a drop-off in permanent hires at year-
end. In fact, most companies have the same number of openings at year-end as they do the rest of the
year but they have fewer candidates. There may also be pressure to exhaust this year’s hiring budget.
3. January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Fact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Remember, it’s the legwork done in November and December that puts job seekers in a better position
to snag the first-of-the-year positions.
4. Hiring managers are too busy during the holidays to do interviews.
Fiction. Fewer business trips and daylong meetings take place in December making it easier to reach
decision makers. Most managers have reached their goals and are at their desks planning for the New
Year. Managers could also have tips of positions that will open after the first of the year.
5. Calls to potential employers are not welcome during the holidays.
Fiction. For most of the year, managers strive to screen the tide of job hunters coming their way. At
year-end, however, that tide has thinned and hiring managers are in a more giving mood. The best time
to call is first thing in the morning and late afternoon. By mid-day they are likely to be roaming the
halls or taking longer lunch breaks.
6. Holiday parties are great places to get job leads.
Fact. Of course, you have to have your strategy well planned. Collect your holiday presents early by
requesting job leads and referrals from your friends. Be company and department specific in your
request naming your target company and the specific department. Get names, numbers, and permission
to mention your contact’s name in the initial call. Appearing desperate is a downer for everybody.
Engage in some relaxed conversation about job openings.
Make appointments with willing friends and acquaintances for coffee or other short social meetings to
discuss your search. Have your 90-second commercial ready along with a 60 second description of
your ideal job. (See the “Tools” handout for more information.)
7. Sending Holiday greeting cards is a waste of time.
Fiction. Use your holiday cards to update friends, associates, and family on your current status. An
upbeat note in the card will start your phone ringing. Expanding your list of card recipients will put
your name in front of more people, possibly some that you will see at holiday parties.
8. December is a good month to take time off from a job search.
Fiction. The prevailing concept is that companies don’t hire during the holidays. Fact: they do!!
Taking yourself out of the game shrinks the pool of candidates and gives someone else the edge.
9. Traveling during the holidays stops a job search.
Fiction. Okay, it’s a trick question. If you are already interviewing with a prospective employer, taking
a trip is a great reason to call the hiring manager with your contact information. Another possibility is
that your travels may take you to one of your target locations. How about calling potential employers
ahead of time to set up visits?
10. Taking a temporary holiday job is a bad idea.
Fact & Fiction. Taking a temp job to fill the dwindling coffers could be necessary. Selecting that job is
important. Many retail jobs will end after the rush and you’ve taken yourself off of the market at a
critical time. Temp jobs with companies that are on your hit list or if the work closely matches your
preferences and skills could be a great idea. Companies are hiring “temp to perm” more often these
days.
Jim,
Great response and it makes a great article in itself.
Thanks for that feedback. I hope many people see it.
Bill
The Job Swami Career Advice Site
I was recently laid-off, even though I have a great "track record", and have never been in this situation before. The article you posted is a great help and I hope others in my situation read it as well.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike, Please check out this article I wrote for someone in your position
http://www.thejobswami.com/2009/08/21/the-emotional-swing-of-losing-your-job-what-to-do-next/
Feel free to email me at thejobswami@gmail.com if you feel a little lost in all this. The initial reaction is the worst but in a couple days the fog and shock go away and if there's anger get through that (as my article says) then focus on your new job.. finding a job.