Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Job seeking during the holidays: use the time to research and prepare

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linkup-logoIn an effort to convince you to ramp up your job search efforts during the holidays, I’m sharing ideas and insights from some of my colleagues and friends during this holiday week and next.  Today, I am happy to share some insights from my colleague and fellow Career Collective member, GL Hoffman. GL is Chairman of JobDig and writes at www.whatwoulddadsay.com, JobDig.com, and is a weekly guest writer at US News and World Report.
I’m not surprised that GL’s advice includes a reference to his job board, LinkUp! I often refer candidates to review LinkUp as a tool in their job search arsenel. If you’re keeping up with this series, you’ll note a similarity between Walter Akana’s advice in part 2 and GL’s today – it may not matter if there are jobs to be found out there right now. What matters is that you are out there looking for them!
GL shares his suggestions:

Everyone says the holidays is a terrible time to search for a job.  This may or may not be right.  Companies may have identified some new initiatives for after the new year, for example, and are starting now to identify some quality candidates. Often, the FIRST place these jobs show up is on the company’s own website, inside their career page.  Of course, www.LINKUP.com is a fantastic place to start because only jobs from company sites are there.  Think of LinkUp as the only true job search engine.

For those who are convinced this IS a bad time of year, what better time than to sharpen your skills and identify exactly the companies you want to work for.

If you do send out resumes during this time, always a sure fire way to spice up your resume and cover letter is to actually DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY.  Or, you can do research on any issue that is being confronted by the company.
And then, REFER to this issue in your cover letter.  This technique will move you to the top of the pile.

Some may say…what exactly  do you mean?
Like: “I noted that the city is dropping local waste service for your manufacturing plants, here is how I would have responded…”

The OBVIOUS thing is that it does NOT make any difference what the issue might be, or if you comment is even particularly noteworthy.  Your investment in time alone will elevate your standing.

I appreciate this take on the subject – being involved in a job search is about more than just looking for opportunities; it is also a matter of connecting what you have to offer with what the organization needs. If, in fact, your industry is so slow now that no one is even in the office and networking is totally futile, take some time to do some research. You can still propel your search forward and be up-to-date when the time is right.

Are you relaxing or revving up your job hunt during the holidays? Share in the comments!

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

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.

Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays

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busybee739001547_82f23331df_mIn an effort to convince you to ramp up your job search efforts during the holidays (look below for links to part 1,  2, 3 and 4),  I’m sharing ideas and insights from some of my colleagues and friends during this holiday week and next. Today, I’m happy to share some thoughts from Wendy Enelow, author, trainer and career consultant with 28 years of experience in the careers and employment industry.

Here are some of her ideas regarding job hunting during the holiday season (especially for you busy bees!):

1. Use your down time wisely to support your job search and your career. If you’re currently working, then you’re probably looking forward to a bit of downtime during the holidays, at least a few days off of work. If you’re actively in a job search mode, this time can be allocated to updating your resume to showcase your most recent achievements … writing new and more impressive cover letters … upgrading your LinkedIn profile with new information and new success stories … there’s a lot you can do to enhance your portfolio of career marketing documents and strengthen your online identity. Use your time wisely to further prepare yourself for your current or anticipated job search.

2. READ!!! Use the holiday season to research industries and professions on the rise. Whether you’re currently employed or not, it is always wise to be knowledgeable about what’s hot and what’s not. Dedicate some of your time to learning about the job market in general. It’s always wonderful to operate from a position of power and knowledge, so be certain to stay abreast of what’s happening and what the trends forecast.

I am so glad that Wendy made a point of recognizing the opportunity that currently employed job seekers have at this time of the year. Recently, I have worked with several clients with very demanding jobs who are hoping to make changes soon. They were so busy, it was difficult to schedule our coaching sessions. My most timely advice to them – take advantage of this time of the year, when you will be traveling less and when things at work may slow a bit.

If YOU are a job seeker who wants (or needs) a new job, NOW is the time to act. Are your materials ready to go? How does your resume look? Take action for change while you have a little extra time, or you may find yourself in the same spot for much longer than you would like.

Are you relaxing or revving up your job hunt during the holidays? Share in the comments!

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

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 frankeyscreation

Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays

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candydish385069511_37dd7b353d_mIn an effort to convince you to ramp up your job search efforts during the holidays (look below for links to part 1 and 2),  I’m sharing ideas and insights from some of my colleagues and friends during this holiday week and next. Today, I am happy to share some thoughts from Anita Bruzzese, Gannett syndicated newspaper workplace issues columnist and author. Anita also has a great blog, which I highly recommend!

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

Why to keep up your job hunt (and your spirits) during the holiday season

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happiness.524606342_2a788d5da9_mIn an effort to convince you to ramp up your job search efforts during the holidays (click HERE for part 1 and a free ebook offer), I’m sharing ideas and insights from some of my colleagues and friends during this holiday week and next. Today, I am happy to share some insights from my friend Walter Akana, of Threshold Consulting.

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.

Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1

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pumpkin.pie.305417643_cdfa0079e2_mIf you are unemployed, are you dreading the holiday season? The inevitable question, “What do you do?” and the awkward silence while you think of a good reply? If that sounds like you – take heart!

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