Should job seekers take a break during the holidays?
Special to Pioneer Press
Gaye Lindfors
Updated: 11/18/2009 12:51:42 AM CST
Editor's note: As part of the Watchdog: Your Next Job project, the Pioneer Press asks experts to answer questions about unemployment-related issues. Human resources expert Gaye Lindfors of St. Paul talks about why job seekers shouldn't relax too much over the holidays. Lindfors is author of a new book, “Find a Job: The Little Book for Big Success.”
Q: Now that my Halloween candy has been distributed, I'm thinking about turkey dinners, shopping extravaganzas, and December holiday events. I might as well suspend my job search until January — everyone is so busy and no one's hiring anyway. What do you think?A: Suspending your search now isn't the best strategic move. You can accomplish a lot during these 45 days. In addition to applying for jobs and staying in touch with potential employers, you can increase your networking and professional development efforts.
Q: But do companies even hire at the end of the year? If they aren't hiring, this seems like a good time to just take a break and then start up fresh in January.
A: Some companies are still hiring. People will find jobs in November and December — you could be one of them.
But even if hiring slows down, use these last few weeks of the year to jumpstart your job search for the new year. Think about it. Holiday parties. Holiday cards. Volunteer opportunities. Thank you notes. A perfect time to create and nurture relationships. And you've probably heard it before but the best way to find a job is to talk to people. And no other months offer better opportunities for that!
Q: So what should I do?
A: Here are six job-search activities that will keep you motivated and help set you up for a successful
2010 job search:
- Volunteer. It will nourish your spirit and you'll make a difference. (You'll also be networking.)
- Send thank you notes. Make a list of all the people who have helped you during your job
search. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to tell them you appreciate them. Don't ask for anything -- make your comments about them. Be grateful.
- Reassess your marketing material. Does your 30-second elevator speech comfortably roll off your tongue? Does your business card look crisp and professional? Does your resume need a second look?
- Reconnect with relatives and friends from the past. The holidays provide a natural time to reconnect with others. Don't focus on asking for a job, but rather create or nurture the relationships.
- Read instead of watching TV. Take 30 minutes every evening to read a book that will get you closer to your goals.
- Take classes and attend seminars. Check out your local newspaper or online resources for community classes, computer classes, workshops or podcasts in your industry or field. Stay current.
Q: But what if I really need a break?
A: Then take a break. (Just don't make it a 45-day break!)
Looking for a new job is hard work — emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Take some time to refresh your spirit, replenish your energy, and reconnect with those you care about. Slow down, think about what you are grateful for, meditate and pray, and laugh.
Decide now what days/weeks you're going to take a break from your job search. And then live (guiltfree) fully present in those moments.
Remember, a lot of job seekers are going to put a hold on their job search until the new year. Then they will probably spend most of January setting up appointments, working on their resume, and getting back into the game.
You can be the re-energized job seeker on Jan. 2 with appointments scheduled, a job search strategy that's activated and new connections identified. You'll be ahead of your competition. And that will make a difference.
These next 45 days could land you your next job, and/or get you motivated and prepared for making 2010 your best year ever. Use your time wisely.