No, it wasn’t there. So, I asked him if he knew where to find them. He explained that he was the “Frito-Lay guy,” and gestured to his array of chips and snacks on the shelf on the opposite side. “Hmmm…,” I said, looking at the chips – none individually wrapped. “Thanks, but I was really looking for something in small packages.” He stopped what he was doing, stood up and walked down the lane, noting that what I wanted was probably there. I was impressed that he was being so helpful, especially since I wasn’t looking for “his” stuff.

I thanked him, picked out some snacks, and then remembered that I needed pretzels! Usually, I find what is on sale. Today, there was no question that I was going to choose Frito-Lay snacks. (Sometimes, there is more to your choice than price!) Laughing, I told the man that he had sold three bags of his pretzels by helping me find his competitors’ treats! I have a feeling that I’ll remember my little encounter with the Frito-Lay man whenever I am looking for snacks. Will I always choose that brand? Maybe not, but this story will most likely cross my mind every time.

Turning back down the lane, I said to myself, “I guess I know what I am blogging about today!”

If you are a regular reader, you already know the career connection…If you are looking for a job, have you considered focusing more on how you can help other people? Small acts of kindness not only help you engage and connect with your community (whether it is online or in person), they also may remind you of your valuable skills that you can use to impact others.

I’ve written about the value of volunteering during a job search, but just reaching out to your immediate community and making an effort to extend yourself and help people who ask (or even those who do not ask) can have a real impact. You never know what might result from focusing part of your job-search strategy on helping other people.

What do you think? Has helping other people helped you in your job search? Do you think making an effort to think more of others has the potential to improve your mood – and maybe your prospects? Share your ideas in the comments!

Did you miss these?

1. What job seekers can learn from Susan Boyle’s loss
2. Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays
3. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1
4. Senator Edward Kennedy’s lesson to job seekers
5. ROI, your job search and social media

If you have been keeping up with my series about how and why to use the holidays to advance your job hunt, you know there are many reasons and many ways to make the best of the holiday season. Click HERE for a launching page that links to all of the advice from my expert panel of colleagues and friends.

With so much great advice about how to use the holidays to network, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit an important, but overlooked topic to help job seekers stand a head above the rest at this busy and fun time of the year.

Networking is great. Meeting a lot of new people is terrific. However, knowing what to do once you’ve made a contact is just as important as finding the contact. How can you hook your contacts? Here are my tips for being remembered:

1. Send a nice note. In the mail.

If you met someone at a party or gathering and you want to keep in touch, send a nice note. I like typed notes, some people prefer a hand-written message. At this time of year, a card with a nice hand written note is fine. Be sure to include enough information to help the person remember when and where you met and what you discussed. Don’t forget that not everyone observes the same holidays, so avoid specific references to a particular holiday unless you know for sure. Greetings for the new year are usually appropriate and cannot steer you too wrong!

Of course, sending a note relies on you having the correct contact information, so don’t forget to exchange business cards.

2. Cover your social networking bases.

When you meet someone and you think there is a professional connection, ask if they are on LinkedIn and if it would be okay to connect. Then, be sure to follow up right away (after you get home – not from your iPhone!) with a request to connect. Again, even if it is shortly after the party, remind the contact where you met and what you discussed. Don’t assume he or she will remember everything you talked about!

Connecting on LinkedIn provides many advangages. Of course, growing your network is always important, but also remember that your new friends will now have a chance to see your updates (and you theirs). In general, keeping tabs on someone is easy on LinkedIn and a very low impact way to stay in touch.

Also be sure to ask if the person uses Twitter. I’m a big fan, and I hope more people will begin to use if for professional purposes. Do NOT ask to connect via Facebook unless you are invited after an incidental meeting. Typically, this is not considered proper etiquette.

3. Set a Google alert for the name of the person you met and/or the name of their company.

No, I am not suggesting that you stalk the new contact! However, if Google can help you easily find out news or information about someone with whom you are trying to build rapport, all the better! When you learn that XYZ company  has won an innovation award or that Julia Smith has been named a top ten PR rep, you will be able to be among the first to send a follow-up note. This helps keep you top of mind. It sets you apart from every other random contact, which is important in this competitive market.

4. Make a strong personal connection.

In the midst of your initial conversation, hopefully you learned something personal about your new contact. For example – he is a Bulls fanatic or she went to UGA. She’s a photography buff and is a scrapbooker. He is a world traveler, but hasn’t made it to Asia. You get what I mean – make a point to learn something interesting about people you meet. This gives you several benefits:

• You will earn bonus points for being a good listener, for asking questions and for being attentive to your new friend’s interests. We all enjoy talking about ourselves. When you engage around a topic that tweaks someone’s passions, you are more likely to be remembered later.
• You now have a new “hook” to use for follow up! Assuming you keep your eyes on the newspapers and Internet, you are bound to come across a post or article of interest to your contact. Send it along via email with a personal note. Again – the point  here is to maintain a “top of mind” status. You sent an article on tips for travel in China and your friend thinks about you in a day when you would not otherwise cross his mind.

You can do everything “right,” (know what you have to offer, have a great twitpitch, know where to look, have great materials…The list goes on and on. However, if you don’t follow up with your networking contacts, all of that work could easily go down the drain. Don’t let that happen to you!

Other responses to the question from Career Collective members:

@MartinBuckland, Elite Resumes, “Season’s Greetings and your Job Search”

@GayleHoward, The Executive Brand, “It’s Christmas: And a ho-ho-ho-hum?”

@KCCareerCoach, Career Chaos, “The Gift Every Laid Off Job Seeker Needs”

@resumeservice, Resume Writing Blog,“Holiday Resume Sparkle: Outshine the New Year Job-Search Mob”

@heathermundell, life@work, “Have a Holly Jolly Job Search”

@sweetcareers, Sweet Careers, “Holiday Job Search Tips for College Students 2009″

@careersherpa, Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheers”

@careerealism, CAREEREALISM.com, “Holiday Tip for Job Seekers: 4 Ways to Impress Others with Your Professionalism”

@heatherhuhman, HeatherHuhman.com, “4 Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Job Hunting”

@LaurieBerenson, Sterling Career Concepts, “Three Resolutions to Take It Up a Notch”

@KatCareerGal, Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog, “Avoiding the Holiday Blues in Your Job Search”

@WorkWithIllness, WorkingWithillness.com, “Avoid this Minefield: No Holiday Here!”

@DawnBugni, “The Write Solution Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays?”

@andyinnaples, “Shift Your Focus to the Highest Impact Job Search Activities During the Holidays to Leverage Your Time”

@erinkennedycprw, Professional Resume Services, “How to keep up the Job Hunt during the Holidays”

@keppie_careers, Keppie Careers, “Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year”

@ValueIntoWords, Career Trend, “Navigating the Mistle Toe of Job Search”

@GLHoffman, What Would Dad Say, “Merry Christmas! Can I Buy You Coffee to Talk About Me?”

@BarbaraSafani, Career Solvers, “Holiday Networking Can Facilitate New Year Opportunities”

@expatcoachmegan, Career By Choice Blog, “Expat Networking: Holidays Are a Great Time to Nurture and Grow Your Network”

@chandlee, The Emerging Professional Blog, “Footprints & Associations: Job Search Tips for the Holidays”

@JobHuntOrg, Job-Hunt.org, “(Holiday) Party Your Way to a New Job“

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by Robert in Toronto

Did you miss these?

1. Holiday networking tips and advice
2. In-person networking tips and free ebook offer!
3. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
4. Holidays are great for networking.
5. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays

Last year, on December 23rd,  I called an applicant to invite her for an interview. She cried. She told me I didn’t know what it meant to her to receive my call, the best Christmas present she ever could have gotten. Then I got all choked up…… She thought it was impossible to get an interview during the holidays.

She lost her job 2 months earlier and since then had spent countless hours scouring job boards, employment websites and submitting resumes. Mine was the first call she had received. She was amazed the call had come within minutes of clicking the submit button.

I’m blogging this to let you know to not relinquish your job search because it is a certain season. Employers have year round needs and opportunity. We may take a little time to decorate, eat cookies and take a few days off but we still need to conduct business and meet our goals to accomplish our mission.

If you are unemployed you can’t afford to “take a vacation” from your job search. You must be relentless. Rise each morning as if you are going to work and then go to work on finding opportunity that matches your skills and employment goals.

Treat your job search as a full-time job!

When you find yourself becoming discouraged, remember that when you are depressed and down on yourself it shows and it could impact your interview. Think of your job search for what it is… you are marketing your skills and yourself as a product for prospective employers to lease. That’s right, an employer leases your time and talent! Make yourself as marketable as possible, showcasing your talents. An employer must feel that if they do not hire you they will be losing out.

If you fear rejection think about it this way.. In sales it can take 10 “no’s” to get a “yes”. You might get the yes the first or tenth time you ask for the sale, you can’t predict. Each “no” you get brings you closer to the “yes”! To be effective, you need to be steadfast and approach each potential customer with the same confidence and presentation – because that could be your sale. If you waiver, become doubtful, skip a step or lack thoroughness you could jeopardize the sale.

A job search is no different!

The key to a successful job search is to remain steadfast and remain consistent in your approach.

♦Treat each opportunity as if it will be a a “yes” and know that each “no” will only bring you closer to your new employment.

♦Present yourself to each employment opportunity as if it were the only opportunity. It will keep you sharp and make you work hard to win it.

♦Prepare for each opportunity by researching each company you apply to then target your resume for that particular job. It’s time consuming but it will stand out from the mass template submissions employers receive. Invest the same time and energy in your resume as you would if you were on the job and being paid to create an important presentation or report.

♦If you have anything less than a professional sounding email address create a new account such as firstname.lastname@host.com. Whimsical, cutesy, goth, TMI, sexual in nature, etc., type email addresses are simply inappropriate. After all, at least in my inbox the first thing I see, my first impression of a candidate, is their email address.

The key is to maintain a consistent professional image from A to Z

♦Keep a spreadsheet for (or jot in a notebook) the positions you have applied to. Include the company, contact, phone number, email address and date submitted.

♦Follow up with a call or email a few days later to ask if you are being considered a candidate. If the answer is no, ask for feedback on why. Don’t be afraid to ask – It will help you understand employer and industry needs and help you refine and target your search to match your skills. Thank the Recruiter for taking the time to provide you with valuable feedback and ask to be considered in the future for positions that match your qualifications. If a Recruiter has been particularly helpful it can’t hurt to follow up with a brief thank you email or note.

♦Start answering your phone in a professional way. “Hello, this is Sam” is a good greeting. Answering with “Yeah, who is this?” is less than impressive to a potential employer.

♦When a potential employer calls understand that is the first step in the interview process. That call is a phone screen. Put a mental “suit” on and conduct yourself professionally as if you were in a face-to-face interview.

♦If you are invited to interview in person ensure you arrive 10 minutes early. If you are not familiar with the location do a dry run. The day of the interview is not the day to get lost. Use that 10 minutes to psych yourself up for the interview and envision the job offer.

♦Dress, speak and act like the position you aspire to. One step up from the position you are interviewing for is a good guideline. Put on your best clothing and grammar (without gum in your mouth, of course), hold your head high and pretend you are the leading role in a movie. Be self-conscious of your posture and body language. Try really hard to have good eye contact.

♦Listen carefully to the interviewer’s instructions and questions. Focus and answer appropriately. Don’t deviate from the questions and do not offer up personal information. Remember it is a job interview and keep your comments to your skills, abilities and talents in regard to the position you are interviewing for. Arrive prepared to discuss examples of your performance, teamwork and people skills at prior places of employment.

♦Let the interviewer know you have done your research. Ask questions to show you are interested and engaged. If you don’t know what to ask some possibilities are about the number of employees and/or locations, what is a typical day like for a person in the position, examples of employee recognition, etc.

♦Thank the interviewer and offer a handshake. If you are still interested in the company at the end of the interview tell the interviewer. Something like, “I am very interested in this position, more so now after the interview and meeting you.” Ask for a business card and send a follow-up thank you email as soon as possible.

Be sure to take a look at all the great advice from my colleagues:

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

Part 9 – Ronnie Ann – Take advantage of other peoples’ resolutions

Part 10 – Alison Doyle and Andrea Santiago – Use parties and festive occassions to fuel your job search

Part 11 – Sharlyn Lauby – Take your job search social

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by mysza

Did you miss these?

1. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
2. Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you
3. Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays
4. Use parties and other festive opportunities to your advantage for job hunting
5. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays

I thought it would be good to have another opinion from the HR perspective, so I asked Sharlyn if she would share some ideas to help job seekers during the holidays. This is her reply:

Miriam – I totally agree with your “don’t stop now” approach.  I believe there is an assumption that organizations don’t hire during the holiday season, which I’ve never found to be true.  Companies are hiring.  But even if you take the approach that companies aren’t, this is a great time to network and remain tops in everyone’s mind.

Some of the things I suggest to people:

• This is a great time to call colleagues and wish them happy holidays.
• Invite those people you’ve been meaning to network with to connect with you on LinkedIn.
• Get a Twitter account and start following recruiters and people in your industry.
• Volunteer to help out at your favorite charity’s holiday fundraiser so you can meet people.
• Attend association holiday networking events.
• Catch up on your business reading and invite some people over for a book club discussion.

The point is: this is a social time of year, take your job search “social.”

For much more advice about job searching during the holidays…

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

Part 9 – Ronnie Ann – Take advantage of other peoples’ resolutions

Part 10 – Alison Doyle and Andrea Santiago – Use parties and festive occassions to fuel your job search

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by sunnyUK

Did you miss these?

1. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1
2. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
3. Holiday networking tips and advice
4. Use parties and other festive opportunities to your advantage for job hunting
5. ROI, your job search and social media

Alison Doyle, author of About.com’s guide to job searching suggests:
View every holiday event you attend as a networking opportunity and accept all the invitations you receive, both personal and professional. You never know who may be able to help. Friends and family, as well as business acquaintances are typically more than happy to assist. A word of warning – don’t overindulge. You don’t want to be remembered as the guest who had one too many drinks.

Andrea Santiago, a medical recruiter and author of About.com’s guide to health careers reminds her readers that the holidays are a prime time for networking. She suggests keeping at your search by focusing on these possibilities:

• Travel – You never know who could be standing next to you in the security line or sitting in the seat next to you on the plane! Be prepared to strike up a conversation.
• Parties and Gatherings – Be prepared to meet new people, no matter if you’re gathering at your Aunt’s house, your in-laws, or at a friend’s holiday party. Remember, the people you meet don’t even necessarily have to work in the healthcare industry in order to be valuable contacts.
• Down Time – Depending on your travel and celebration plans, you may have more down-time than usual during the holidays. If you have extra time off from school or even from a current job if you’re employed, or downtime in between travels or waiting to board a plane, use this time to do some on-line networking, or maybe read a helpful book.

For much more advice about job searching during the holidays…

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

Part 9 – Ronnie Ann – Take advantage of other peoples’ resolutions

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by trazomfreak

Did you miss these?

1. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
2. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
3. Take your job search social
4. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1
5. Be in it to win it – job hunting during the holidays

These are Ronnie Ann’s ideas about holiday job searching…

I’m so happy you’re writing about this, Miriam. Through the years, I’ve heard people say it’s not worth looking for jobs as we get into December and the holiday season. Well, I think it’s exactly the right time to be looking…in all meanings of that word.

It’s true that many employers may wait until the new year to post a new job, but at any given time there are still jobs that need to be filled ASAP. And since so many people hold back from looking at all during this time, you may have an even better chance applying for any jobs that do get posted. Less competition can be a good thing! You only need to find one job to make it worthwhile, right? It’s at least worth a try.

But here’s my favorite part. Even in tough times, people will make New Year’s resolutions to quit their old jobs in 2010 and find new ones. So this is exactly the right time to get a jump on the crowd and start planting those networking seeds – your best chance at finding a great job.

And the holiday season is a golden opportunity for networking. There are more parties and chances to connect. In fact, in my own career, I once decided to switch from the private to non-profit sector, and when I met someone at a holiday party who worked in non-profit, I casually mentioned what I was thinking about. Well…he got me to someone who got me to someone else – and long story short – I found what I was looking for!

Don’t forget – casually is the operative word;  you don’t want to look like you’re all about you. Listening and NOT being in “sell-yourself mode” is the key to good networking. (For my favorite tip on networking you might enjoy reading: The Simplest Job Networking Tip of All.)

As I see it, now is always the exactly the right time to start looking. Good luck!

Don’t miss the rest of the series and advice from many of my colleagues:

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by toettoet

Did you miss these?

1. Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year
2. Use parties and other festive opportunities to your advantage for job hunting
3. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
4. How to use the holidays as a time for self assessment
5. Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays

I’m always telling my readers to do something different and to stay ahead of the crowd, so I was glad to see that Anita’s advice starts in that vein…You never know what information may be exchanged over the candy dish at a holiday party!

These are Anita’s thoughts on the subject of looking for a job during the holidays:

I think you should NOT take a break from hunting for a job during the holidays, because that’s what a lot of other people will be doing. That gives you a chance to make some inroads. Sure, some managers will be gone for the holidays, but a lot of them will be sticking around to finish up year-end work.   If you can present yourself as the person who can hit the ground running and be on board raring to go for 2010, it can be pretty appealing to them.

Also, the latest research I’ve done shows that companies (especially technology and health care) are contracting with more recruiters. That means these employers need hires to be made, and they’ve got the money for salaries.  So, now is the time to really get your name out there and network.

Don’t forget that a lot of people will be using social media to post about holiday parties or company volunteer activities. Pay attention and you might be able to volunteer at an event where you can meet a hiring manager or make a contact. Or, you may be able to learn key players through a Facebook page talking about a holiday get-together.

The key is thinking ahead: Do your research about these employers and be looking to put yourself in their line of sight. Maybe that means attending a tweet-up, volunteering at the local food bank or finding a friendly employee posting holiday pictures and talking about a gift exchange.

What are your experiences with job seeking during the holidays? Share in the comments!

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – personal branding expert and coach

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by sharynmorrow

Did you miss these?

1. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
2. Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays
3. Job seeking during the holidays: use the time to research and prepare
4. Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you
5. Use parties and other festive opportunities to your advantage for job hunting

Walter suggests (bold are his ideas, commentary is mine):

1. Put aside the idea about people not hiring during the Holidays. Whether it’s true or not, it can become an excuse to do nothing. I like this take on the subject. In fact, whether there are jobs to be found or not depends on many factors. Taking the position that it does not matter, and that it is important to move forward with your job hunt regardless, is a very good approach in my book.

2. Stop making your interactions with people about job leads. Instead, focus more on getting to know other people so you can build stronger, long-term relationships. Excellent advice! The majority of people I see who have not been successful at networking are approach their contacts as a job seeker first. The fact is, relationships are key to creating opportunities. So, don’t bring your resume to holiday parties. It is okay, however, to bring your business cards! (More about that later!)

Walter’s additional suggestions, which he first offered (and expanded on) in his post Own Your Life. (Be sure to read the original post!)

Use this time to refocus on happiness practices to keep your spirits up and create a positive foundation for the New Year:

- Count your blessings.
– Practice acts of kindness. 
– Savor life’s joys. 
– Thank a mentor/benefactor.
– Learn to forgive.
– Invest time and energy in family and friends.
– Take care of your body.
– Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardship

Learn more about Walter, an expert on career planning and personal branding.

What are your experiences with job seeking during the holidays? Share in the comments!

photo by tonivic

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

Did you miss these?

1. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1
2. Keeping things in perspective for your job hunt
3. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
4. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
5. Holiday networking tips and advice

Or, maybe you have a job, but it’s time to find a new one? You think the holidays are not a good time to get started looking? I hope this series on job hunting during the holidays can change your mind! (Stay tuned for more advice on the subject!)

Turn this holiday season around and try to think of it as an opportunity to jump start your job search if you have come to a rolling stop and to rev up your plans if you haven’t even begun, but know that the time is coming. (It’s here!)

Yes – you can conduct job search networking over turkey, stuffing and pie or champagne and cookies! Any time that you have a chance to meet new people and expand your circle, there’s a possibility that you will speak to someone who can significantly alter your job search’s course.

Do not waste this time of the year. This is actually the PERFECT time to job hunt, and there are a lot of reasons why. (Many of which I will detail in this series.)

For starters, it is unlikely that you will be very successful with your job hunt unless you network well. Networking is a huge topic, and I have tons to say on the subject, but let’s start here:

If you’re going to a party or holiday get-together, you will probably have an opportunity to meet some new people.

How can you introduce yourself with an eye toward seeing if there is a potential career link with your new acquaintance?  Ask someone if they have special plans for the holidays…Strike up some conversations that have NOTHING to do with your job search.

You never know where you’ll meet the professional connection that will link you to a new opportunity.

Bring your A-game to the party. First up – decide what to say when asked what you do. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: If you sound like Debbie Downer or Tired Tom, it’s unlikely anyone will want to spend much time chatting, let alone become a possible resource for you.

You need to bring your pitch – call it your elevator pitch, your escalator pitch – your “twit pitch” – whatever you call it, you need to have it. Follow THIS LINK for tips on how to create a proactive introduction that helps people recognize who you are and what you offer.

I highly recommend that job seekers take a look at Katharine Hansen’s book, Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling to Get Jobs and Propel Your Career. Read my review HERE. I don’t know of another resource that outlines the importance of being able to tell your story as it relates to your job hunt. Because, let’s face it – you need to know (and be able to share) your own story.

I wrote an ebook on the subject of how to optimize your networking for holidays (or anytime, really). Subscribe to receive my blog via email and receive a copy for free! Click here to subscribe and receive a free ebook.

Stay tuned for more information and resources. Please share your stories and ideas about job search during the holidays in the comments.

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by jamesyu

Did you miss these?

1. Why to keep up your job hunt (and your spirits) during the holiday season
2. Holiday Networking – Free Ebook
3. Holiday networking tips and advice
4. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
5. Take your job search social

Joe talks about “Networking with a purpose.” This is so important. I hear from people all of the time who insist that they have been doing EVERYTHING for their job hunt – including networking. However, upon further inquiry, it is clear that they could be doing a lot more.

Joe offers this advice, which I believe is right on target. (Points are his, commentary my own):

Make meeting others a priority. So often, networking is something careerists only think about when it is time to look for a job. It should be something you do all of the time, no matter what. Joe suggests setting goals of how many people to contact in a certain period of time. It is key to focus on your networking, as we all know there are so many other priorities that take our time.

Network with empathy. This is a great way to describe how to network. Joe reminds readers to focus on making networking a two-way street. What do YOU offer? This is not all about taking – be sure you are also giving.

Find a location. You can meet people in all types of groups and programs. Join groups – both professional and personal, as you never know when or where you will meet someone who is a great match.

Ask questions. A lot of times, job seekers focus on how to ANSWER questions. It is just as important to know what questions to ask! I always tell my clients to be sure to know what they WANT to know when meeting a great networking contact. It sounds obvious, but often, people go into meetings (or informational interviews) without a clear goal. Have a goal – and great questions to ask. You won’t be sorry.

Listen for Clues. Good listening is so important. I’ve written about this and cannot say it enough.

Take notes. Personally, I write down everything I want to remember. You don’t want to forget who you met, what they told you, if you should follow up…There is so much to remember! Don’t miss an opportunity because something slipped your mind. Most people will be flattered if you make a point to write something down during a conversation!

Read what Joe has to say in his book…A great read!

What do you have to add about networking well?

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by mag3737

Did you miss these?

1. Networking – Informational Interviewing/Getting Started
2. Networking is About Relationships
3. Networking – Something You Do or Something You ARE?
4. Seven Days to Online Networking – a review
5. Build Your Networking Base as a Connector