This is the time of year when everything except shopping grinds to a halt. Managers complain their employees don’t want to work. Teachers say students can think only of vacation and presents. Realtors maintain no one wants to buy or sell a house.
For a jobseeker, the holidays are an opportunity to zag. As in zig-zag. If everyone else is zigging, try zagging.
Lots of jobseekers give up their search during the holidays. Granted, it is a busy time, but if you’re willing to put in extra effort, you may have less competition for jobs now than at any other time of year.
In addition, some companies are looking for ways to spend their hiring budgets before the year ends so their budget for next year isn’t cut. You could be the solution to their problem.
How to
Here are a few tips for getting back in touch, as is the spirit of the season.
- Recontact anyone in your network you haven’t communicated with in two weeks.
- Mention in your holiday cards that you’d appreciate connections to companies that are hiring.
- Ask your contacts for specific referrals to decision makers and recruiters.
- Request recommendations on LinkedIn from present and past superiors, peers, and direct/indirect reports.
- Follow up with companies for which you’ve interviewed. Sometimes a hire doesn’t work out.
- Go offline. Make a phone call. Set up a coffee appointment. Ask for an office tour.
- As a way of connecting, ask for advice from people in your target companies.
- Offer a solution to a company’s problem. If you don’t know their problem, do more research.
Finally, at the end of every day, spend at least 10 minutes adding to your gratitude list. Thanksgiving may be past, but if your job hunting, you’ll have plenty more to be thankful for soon.
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