If You Are Looking For A Job, Take Advantage Of The Holidays!

By Sylvia Smith, Member of the Community Job Club

Believe it or not, we are knee-deep in the holiday season. Whether you found frost or three inches of snow on your pumpkin, we are definitely heading into one of the best times of the year—for job seekers, that is.  So as you begin to plan your Thanksgiving menu and decide whether or not the stuffing will be cooked inside or outside the bird, don’t let your job search go by the wayside along with the giblets.

I must admit that I am one of the many exasperated job seekers thinking, “Maybe I should take the holidays off and enjoy the family, food and parties that are ahead. The job can wait.” Wow, was I ever wrong! It’s easy to let your resume collect dust and get a few gravy stains as it gets folded and used as a recipe book marker for that new stuffing or eggnog recipe you’d like to try. The holiday season is one of the best times to look for a job—really! I have been in and out of temp jobs just to keep my brain from turning into mashed potatoes and to continue building my skills set. Contrary to what you may think jobs are out there and the hard economic times are definitely looking up—just ask your fellow job seeker or fellow networking buddy. Recently, during my experiences with networking and job seeking I am constantly finding a common theme: if you are looking for a job, take advantage of the holidays!

Right now, there are tons of jobs out there. You’d be surprised at how many people actually know someone who’s hiring.  Keep shopping around for a job at the top of your holiday list. Be ready to whip out those “in-transition” business cards. Your next employer could be the uncle of that Starbuck’s associate topping off your latte with extra cream. Never be ashamed to let anyone and everyone know you’re in the market for your next gig.

Still not convinced? Think about it. Events like employees “finishing out the year” before retirement,  or someone leaving a job to begin a “new chapter” often coincide with the end of the calendar year. I know what you’re thinking: “Who’s hiring anyway? Aren’t the employers closing their 2011 books?” Not necessarily. Some employers may anticipate new product development, acquisition of offices, or even a maternity leave. Someone has to step in either temporarily, or permanently to fill their needs. Some employers don’t mind waiting until the end of the year to hire. Some of their tight budgeting may ultimately allow room for a new hire. By now, some job seekers have put their resumes aside thinking 2012 will be a better year. This just narrows the playing field for the serious job seekers. So, make it your 2011 resolution to find a job. It’s not too late to step up your job search. Networking opportunities will always be out there.

Why not join a network such as the Stow Community Job Club?  Their networking activities and support system never go away. Too many holiday parties to fit in a job club meeting? Add one more party to your list and Join us by attending our annual Holiday Get-Together. Come join us December 8, 2011 (6–9 p.m.) at the On Tap Grill in Stow. You can join other job seekers to network and share in their successes.  If you’re in transition this could be the most wonderful time of the year to find a job! And who knows? You could be one spiced cider away from that wonderful support network and dream job!