Sunday, December 6, 2009

Job Search Extra Point | Don't take a holiday from job hunt

Great story in the Star Tribune today (there’s a clause you don’t hear every day) about NOT slowing down your job search during the last 45 days of the year.  Just like folks who delay their job hunt in the summer so they can hike through Yellowstone and find themselves, that is a HUGE mistake. I always say find your job, then yourself.

Some highlights from the article:off duty

  • Don’t buy the myth that companies aren’t hiring in November and December. That’s simply not true. Companies often gear up for a new fiscal year (with FTEs in their Christmas stocking)
  • The article describes a woman who was applying for a retail job but refused to work Black Friday or weekends. Seriously? That’s your strategy?  Good luck with that
  • The article also chronicles a person who would not take a 90 day contract because they wanted 6-7 days off at the end of the year. Guess what? Your competition will take that (and already did). Which would you rather have, 6 days off at the end of this year, or 365 off next year?

Don’t Stop Believing

I know it can be a very depressing time of year. It’s dark, it’s cold, and when you are unemployed and short on cash, the commercialization of the season is a constant reminder of what may not be in your stocking this year. That simply sucks. But muster some of that spirit of the season, and take the many opportunities given you this time of year (e.g. your wife’s office party) to meet new people.

As I mentioned in 20 Job Search Answers You Need To Know | #4 How do I start to network, focus on hooking up other people and helping them connect (conjunction junction that’s your function) with no strings attached. You’ll feel better, you’ll help someone out who may need a lift more than you do, and just maybe open a door for yourself. 

It’s a good read – check it out.

1 comment:

mbsweetzer said...

vesparado17
I've seen a statistic several times that cites that most hires happen in December (again, capitalizing on a new budget year), so you're absolutely right. Another supporting point: If you're trying to connect with a busy executive, you might be more likely to find them in the office in December because there seem to be less conferences and client meetings scheduled between T'giving and New Years...