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We recommend you continue your job search during the holidays — don’t slow down! This season is good for networking to prepare for the hiring surge at the beginning of the year, and upgrading your current search materials.
Recruiters and hiring managers may tell you that hiring slows down over the holidays. While we at 1StopResume.com do not dispute this, we want you to know your networking efforts should never slow down and to keep in mind, people DO find jobs at this time of the year.
What follows are suggestions for moving your job search forward during the holidays.
There are professional associations related to most trades and career choices. This is a great time to research those near you and to get involved.
If you want to know who is hiring in your area, meet hiring professionals in your field and connect with people who have similar backgrounds, join an association. These groups accept new members all through the year and usually charge a nominal membership fee. The number one reason people join these organizations is to network.
You have probably looked at your own resume a zillion times. Have you had a professional in your field review yours? This is a good time to put your resume in front of a hiring professional for comments. There are also specialists on the web who, for a moderate fee, will evaluate / critique your resume.
Remember, in this elevated unemployment period, thousands of resumes may be sent in for any one job. Your resume may look good to you, and now is a good time to make sure it looks good to hiring professionals.
Let’s get real. If you post your resume on the “right” website you will get noticed. The problem is, no one really knows whether a posting will bring in that job offer.
We suggest you throw a wide net for your resume to be seen and sourced by many hiring professionals.
Here are some websites recommended in your job search. Some of these sites are utilized by employers to search resumes for qualified candidates.
One very important site to post your background and resume is LinkedIn. This professional career site is excellent for networking with others and joining groups that support your career.
Since this is the time of year many people contact friends, family and associates, have your address book ready. You will want to mail a holiday card and your resume to two groups:
Business Associates ~ Put together a list of business associates to send new year greetings along with your resume. It is okay to tell them you are looking and encourage them to let you know whenever they hear of an open position.
Recruiters ~ These people receive thousands of resumes every week. To keep your name and background in front of them, send them a card. Include your resume and thank them for their contact during the past year. They will remember you.
We can assure you, right now ... “You WILL get a job or otherwise create a new business for yourself!” To stay in the game without stress, be sure to take care of your physical and mental health.
Recruiters and hiring professionals can sense whether you are overly eager or stressed about your job hunt. We DO know it is difficult to keep focused on your job search every day, so do something that makes each day worthwhile. Start a walking program. Talk to supportive people. Don’t tell or listen to stories of “gloom and doom.” Research companies where you want to work. Spring clean during the winter. Learn to cook healthy meals. Read to your children. Write that book. Take your partner on a date. Paint the living room!
Do something for yourself during this time that makes it more memorable. It is up to you whether you see your job search as a negative process or view it merely as a rerouting experience.
Much of your job search expense is tax deductible. This month, go ahead and pull together the receipts and mileage logs to claim on your tax return.
If you are not aware which job search items are deductible, we suggest you talk to a tax professional or visit the IRS website for details.
Stay in touch with those who will move your career forward and remain positive. It is okay to enjoy the holidays and the coming of the New Year. Know that 2012 is your year!
1StopResume.com utilizes several sources to bring you revolutionary and fundamental job search wisdom. While we would like to acknowledge individually those websites, books and articles, authors, and masters, this list would be extensive. We thank these sources for their contributions.