FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: David Hults--(314) 966-3888
Are the Holidays a Good Time To Shop for a Job?
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 5, 2007 -- With some exceptions, the holidays aren't the best time to look for a new job but that doesn't mean you can't do some window shopping in preparation for landing a new position in the coming year, says St. Louis career coach David Hults.
"Unless you're interested in hot career fields such as nursing, engineering or pharmacy, many companies won't begin filling openings until after the first of year when new budgets typically are approved," says Hults, CEO of activ8 career coaching. "However, the holidays are a great time to start networking with people who may have a job opening in the next few months."
The key to effective networking is to be prepared, Hults says.
"You actually could be doing more harm than good by beginning to network without being fully prepared for the conversations you will be having with those who may know about future job openings," Hults says. "Just as you prepare a shopping list before buying those holiday gifts, you should make sure you're clear about what type of job you are seeking and what sets you apart. Otherwise, you will be perceived as unprepared, or worse, come across as someone begging for a job."
Hults recommends job seekers be as specific as possible about the type of job or career they want and what they bring to the table. "For example, don't say that you want to work in marketing but rather say, ‘I'm looking to work as an account manager for a promotional agency's marketing department.' Instead of saying ‘I am good with people,' state ‘I excel at motivating co-workers to learn new cutting-edge technologies that make the company competitive.' "
The most important question job seekers should ask themselves before beginning to network is: What are the things I do that always result in success?
Now you are ready to network. But how? Hults recommends job seekers take advantage of opportunities that naturally present themselves during the holiday season.
Standing in the checkout lane
Standing in line waiting to pay for your holiday purchase can be a great time to strike up a conversation with someone. You never know where the conversation may lead. Just showing a real interest in someone else and what they do could open up a conversation about your personal career- change goals.
Volunteering
The holidays are a time for giving, so consider volunteering your services to a charitable organization or even a for-profit company. You'll make contacts and maybe even get a chance to show off your skills to a potential employer.
Attending holiday parties
Organizations you belong to may be hosting holiday parties, which can be an opportunity for you to talk with not only other members of the organization but their spouses or significant others as well. Attending your child's holiday concert could be another opportunity to network with other parents.
"It's important when networking in these situations that your goal not be to ‘work the room' and gather as many business cards as possible but rather be open to meeting new people and look for ways that you can help them solve a problem or reach their goals that come up in natural conversation," Hults says. "You might be surprised a couple months later when you get a call about a possible opportunity because someone you met at a holiday event referred you to someone else needing to fill an opening."
To find out more about job hunting during the holidays or another career-related topic, please call St. Louis Career Coach David Hults directly at (314) 966-3888.
Since 1987 David Hults has helped professionals and executives develop their careers and implement action plans to make theireight-hour workdays work for them. He is a writer, motivational speaker and workshop leader on a variety of career-development topics and author of "From Cornered to Corner Office," a book that helps professionals navigate career obstacles ranging from ineffective bosses to self-imposed limitations. He holds a bachelor's degree in human resources from Webster University in St. Louis and has completed course work toward his MBA. He has worked in human resources, employee relations and recruitment, and training & development at Fortune 500 corporations.