Myth vs. Reality: Job Hunting During the Holidays
While many job seekers think that searching for career opportunities during the holidays is a waste of time, the fact is that smart job hunters can take advantage by continuing their quest during one of the best job searching seasons of the year. Despite the tough economic climate, jobs are available and companies are looking for qualified candidates all the time. Let’s look at a few myths and facts about a holiday job hunt:
Myth: Hiring Slows Way Down between mid November and the First of January.
Reality: In our 24/7 world, companies continue to hire all year long.
In fact, December is a crucial time for organizations to bring new employees on board. Many departments have hiring budgets that have been approved for filling positions throughout the year, and some have not been completed. The managers know that if they don't fill the position by the end of the year they will lose that part of their hiring budget. Also, bosses who have just had their 2011 hiring budgets approved want to have qualified individuals selected and ready to start by the first of the year.
Myth: Recruiters and Hiring Managers Don’t Have Time toInterview during the Holidays.
Reality: While the number of days available for interviewing may be reduced by holidays and vacations, the interviewing process does not come to a screeching halt.
The need to quickly fill critical vacancies supersedes time off for recruiters and managers. Candidates and recruiters need to be flexible in scheduling interviews at any time, especially around the holidays. Recruiters and hiring authorities may be out of town or not available to interview for other reasons during part of the holiday season, but candidates should be available on short notice for interviews.
Myth: With all the Distractions, the Holidays are a Poor Time to Continue a High Level of Job Search Activity.
Reality: Smart job seekers increase their job search activity level during the holidays.
Since many job hunters go into hibernation during the holidays, others find that the competition for jobs is reduced and enjoy easier access to decision makers. Those hiring authorities who are in their offices are usually more available, are open to discussing career opportunities and supporting job hunters. By taking advantage of the “Holiday Spirit”, smart job seekers can gain ground on their competition and be considered for more positions.
The Bottom Line: Keep up the Job Search Momentum and Reap the Rewards
Job seekers can increase their visibility and keep a high level of activity going during the holidays by using many opportunities to network and stay in touch with referral sources and potential employers. By using holiday parties and receptions to meet new people, briefly explain their interest in looking for new career opportunities and asking for referrals and suggestions, job hunters can expand their network.
Another tip that I suggest to my career transition clients is that sending out holiday cards to recruiters, employer contacts, previous co-workers and other network contacts in addition to friends and relatives is an effective way of keeping one’s name in front of referral sources and potential employers. Job seekers need to take some time for themselves and their families during the holidays, but they also need to keep up the momentum of an effective job search.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Using the Internet to Find a Job
While the Internet is a great tool to use in finding a new career opportunity, most job seekers don’t use it effectively.
There are 3 main ways to use the Internet to support a career transition:
1.) Research: Use it as a tool to gain information on the economy, industries and trends that effect them. Identify companies that interest you and gain insights into their operations.
2.) Networking: Support your networking by using the Internet to identify people who are important to your job search. By learning the names and backgrounds of hiring managers at prospective employers and people who can be effective referral sources into those companies, you can gain specific information that will be helpful for your candidacy and get introductions to the decision makers. Social networking sites like LinkedIn help you increase your connections.
3.) Job Postings: The Internet is a great source of job leads from the employment pages of company websites to the job boards listing career opportunities from a large variety of organizations. Applying online for jobs has become a very streamlined process.
The problem with using the Internet for finding a job is that most job seekers use the Internet backwards.
They identify a job posting and immediately apply for the position, then sit back and wait for the “Email to Ping” and the “Phone to Ring”, which rarely happens.
To effectively use the Internet, job seekers should research a company before applying for a job in order to gain insights into its operations and to determine what talents and experience it is looking for in a successful candidate.
They should also identify the hiring manager and strive to develop relationships with network contacts who could make an introduction to that decision maker. Even if that is not possible job seekers should gain insights about the company and the job from people in the know so they can modify the application and resume to emphasize aspects of their background that are a match.
By understanding the needs of the organization and developing relationships with people of influence, an individual can gain the advantage over other candidates.
For more information on how to develop and implement successful job search campaigns, go to www.WorkingMyWay.com.
There are 3 main ways to use the Internet to support a career transition:
1.) Research: Use it as a tool to gain information on the economy, industries and trends that effect them. Identify companies that interest you and gain insights into their operations.
2.) Networking: Support your networking by using the Internet to identify people who are important to your job search. By learning the names and backgrounds of hiring managers at prospective employers and people who can be effective referral sources into those companies, you can gain specific information that will be helpful for your candidacy and get introductions to the decision makers. Social networking sites like LinkedIn help you increase your connections.
3.) Job Postings: The Internet is a great source of job leads from the employment pages of company websites to the job boards listing career opportunities from a large variety of organizations. Applying online for jobs has become a very streamlined process.
The problem with using the Internet for finding a job is that most job seekers use the Internet backwards.
They identify a job posting and immediately apply for the position, then sit back and wait for the “Email to Ping” and the “Phone to Ring”, which rarely happens.
To effectively use the Internet, job seekers should research a company before applying for a job in order to gain insights into its operations and to determine what talents and experience it is looking for in a successful candidate.
They should also identify the hiring manager and strive to develop relationships with network contacts who could make an introduction to that decision maker. Even if that is not possible job seekers should gain insights about the company and the job from people in the know so they can modify the application and resume to emphasize aspects of their background that are a match.
By understanding the needs of the organization and developing relationships with people of influence, an individual can gain the advantage over other candidates.
For more information on how to develop and implement successful job search campaigns, go to www.WorkingMyWay.com.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Conference for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs
Phoenix area Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs are invited to “Embrace New Opportunities” at a FREE day-long action summit on April 27, 2010 for executives and professionals exploring career options. Embrace Change 2010 features experts in executive transition, business start-ups and the job market who will team up to present practical, “How-to” strategies at this pioneering conference about change. They will demonstrate how to think beyond the resume today, and will provide the practical strategies for career transition in the New Economy.
I will be speaking on the changing workplace and its effect on the workforce. It will be a message to those in career transition that, whether you are looking for a full time job or other alternatives including starting your own business, you need to understand the trends affecting the workplace and your area of expertise.
EVENT: EMBRACE CHANGE 2010
PLACE: The Scottsdale Center for the Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
DAY & TIME: Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 – from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The FREE Embrace Change 2010 Career Conference will reveal extensive information and insider tips about emerging opportunities in Phoenix. There will be winning tools and strategies for successfully changing jobs and starting a business.
For more information and to register, go to www.EmbraceChange2010.com .
I will be speaking on the changing workplace and its effect on the workforce. It will be a message to those in career transition that, whether you are looking for a full time job or other alternatives including starting your own business, you need to understand the trends affecting the workplace and your area of expertise.
EVENT: EMBRACE CHANGE 2010
PLACE: The Scottsdale Center for the Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
DAY & TIME: Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 – from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The FREE Embrace Change 2010 Career Conference will reveal extensive information and insider tips about emerging opportunities in Phoenix. There will be winning tools and strategies for successfully changing jobs and starting a business.
For more information and to register, go to www.EmbraceChange2010.com .
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Job Search Success in 2010
While the state of the economy continues to produce a soft job market, hiring usually increases during the first part of the year. Here are five essential steps to achieving a successful job search as we begin 2010.
1.) Develop and Implement a Strategic Career Plan
The need to plan an effective job search campaign is always important, and in difficult economic times it is vital to develop a strategy for finding the job that's right for you. Here are the steps of a Strategic Career Plan:
• Assess your skills, knowledge and experience and prioritize them in terms of what are most favorable to you; i.e. what talents you want to use going forward
• Research the job marketplace and identify opportunities that are a fit for you
• Target organizations that interest you and identify the decision-makers
• Develop a marketing campaign, including written communications (resume, cover letters, biography) and verbal communications (network introductions, interviewing and negotiating) that will allow you to effectively represent yourself to referral sources and prospective employers
• Identify and utilize all the avenues available to identify job leads including referral sources, internet job postings, job fairs, recruiters, and direct research and contact with companies
• Set realistic goals on a daily and weekly basis and follow-up on all leads
2.) Increase and Improve Your Professional Relationships
Stay connected to your network of contacts by attending seminars, conferences and other events where like-minded individuals congregate. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet new people and share ideas of common interest. Reconnect with those individuals who have been supportive of you, ask them for referrals to others and be sure to bring something of value to each conversation.
3.) Consider Temporary, Part-time and Project Opportunities
As they emerge from the recession, companies hire individuals to fill temporary assignments, part-time positions and project-oriented roles prior to expanding their full-time workforce. While these may not be the best match for your needs and interests, they can provide you with cash-flow while you continue to look for full-time opportunities. Also, these contingency positions can turn into full-time jobs down the road.
4.) Explore New Career Options
Research the fields and job functions that are expanding and explore new career opportunities that interest you. Attend events sponsored by an organization on the periphery of your current area of interest in order to expose yourself to new ideas. Gain introductions to people in those fields to get their insights as well as referrals to decision makers who could hire you. Take a chance at making a change to a career that allows you to follow your interests and your passion.
5.) Keep a Confident Attitude and Strive to Build and Maintain Momentum
By developing a plan and sticking to it, you are setting yourself apart from a lot of people who have lost confidence and are not maintaining a high level of job search activity. The result is less competition for you, so take positive advantage of this and increase your lead development.
Have a healthy and prosperous 2010, and make it the year of strong commitment to your career success!
Brad Taft is the Chief Career Strategist of Taft Resource Group, a career transition and outplacement consulting firm in Scottsdale. He supports individuals in planning and implementing campaigns to land new career opportunities. Learn more about Brad and his services at www.WorkingMyWay.com and www.AgelessInAmerica.com .
1.) Develop and Implement a Strategic Career Plan
The need to plan an effective job search campaign is always important, and in difficult economic times it is vital to develop a strategy for finding the job that's right for you. Here are the steps of a Strategic Career Plan:
• Assess your skills, knowledge and experience and prioritize them in terms of what are most favorable to you; i.e. what talents you want to use going forward
• Research the job marketplace and identify opportunities that are a fit for you
• Target organizations that interest you and identify the decision-makers
• Develop a marketing campaign, including written communications (resume, cover letters, biography) and verbal communications (network introductions, interviewing and negotiating) that will allow you to effectively represent yourself to referral sources and prospective employers
• Identify and utilize all the avenues available to identify job leads including referral sources, internet job postings, job fairs, recruiters, and direct research and contact with companies
• Set realistic goals on a daily and weekly basis and follow-up on all leads
2.) Increase and Improve Your Professional Relationships
Stay connected to your network of contacts by attending seminars, conferences and other events where like-minded individuals congregate. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet new people and share ideas of common interest. Reconnect with those individuals who have been supportive of you, ask them for referrals to others and be sure to bring something of value to each conversation.
3.) Consider Temporary, Part-time and Project Opportunities
As they emerge from the recession, companies hire individuals to fill temporary assignments, part-time positions and project-oriented roles prior to expanding their full-time workforce. While these may not be the best match for your needs and interests, they can provide you with cash-flow while you continue to look for full-time opportunities. Also, these contingency positions can turn into full-time jobs down the road.
4.) Explore New Career Options
Research the fields and job functions that are expanding and explore new career opportunities that interest you. Attend events sponsored by an organization on the periphery of your current area of interest in order to expose yourself to new ideas. Gain introductions to people in those fields to get their insights as well as referrals to decision makers who could hire you. Take a chance at making a change to a career that allows you to follow your interests and your passion.
5.) Keep a Confident Attitude and Strive to Build and Maintain Momentum
By developing a plan and sticking to it, you are setting yourself apart from a lot of people who have lost confidence and are not maintaining a high level of job search activity. The result is less competition for you, so take positive advantage of this and increase your lead development.
Have a healthy and prosperous 2010, and make it the year of strong commitment to your career success!
Brad Taft is the Chief Career Strategist of Taft Resource Group, a career transition and outplacement consulting firm in Scottsdale. He supports individuals in planning and implementing campaigns to land new career opportunities. Learn more about Brad and his services at www.WorkingMyWay.com and www.AgelessInAmerica.com .
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