6 Tips to Jumpstart Your Holiday Job Search
Seventy percent of jobs today are not advertised. Unlock the Hidden Job Market, a new book from executive career consultant Duncan Mathison, shows how smart job seekers target the larger hidden job market by approaching it with different attitudes, upgraded networking techniques and job searching tools that are specifically relevant to today’s economy.
So what does this mean to those who are looking for jobs during the holiday season?
Do not fall into the holiday slump. The dumbest thing a job searcher can do now is put off the search until after the first of the year when there might be more jobs out there. People will be hired after the first of the year, but they will be the ones who got introduced to the hiring manager in the next few months.
The smart job searcher who is targeting the hidden job market understands that managers have the most flexibility in creating jobs during the budgeting season when they are looking at priorities and positions. Strike now when the iron is hot.
Kick the networking into high gear. Your goal is to meet people who would manage someone with your skills and capabilities. When budget decisions are being made, there will be a manager who thinks. “I could use this person next year…”
Ask about budgets. Talking to someone from one of your target companies? Ask them if they know what the staffing plans are for the next year. Don’t be put off by general statements that there “might be more cuts”. You are interested in knowing if they might add a position in your specific functional area.
Ask about employer’s priorities for the coming year. Do they want to launch a new product? Open a new market? Improve their quality operations? Install a new system? Start a new program? In some situations this planning might be a closely kept secret but for many managers it’s not. They don’t tell because nobody bothers to ask. Knowing what they will be working on may give you a clue about how your skills can help.
Keep your eye out for situations where your mix of talents might offer two for the price of one. Sometimes employers think they have to hire two people when they think they cannot get the skill set in one person. (“We need one person who knows about X and another who knows about Y.”) You might bring both. Once a manager meets you and decides you would be an asset for their team, they will adjust the new position to meet your skills.
Start the process of getting hired before the position is approved. Until the manager gets approval, they may be reluctant to promise a job. But you can always ask questions to get the ball rolling before other others get wind of the opportunity. For example, you might ask, “Are there other people you think I should meet as this new position is under consideration?”, or “If you get the budget, do you feel confident I would be the right person for this position?”
Unlock the Hidden Job Market shows how smart job seekers target the larger hidden job market by approaching it with different attitudes, upgraded networking techniques and job searching tools that are specifically relevant to today’s economy. Check out the book’s Web site for tips, advice as well as a template for the “anti resume” Targeted Opportunity Profile.
Andrew G. Rosen
Reader Comments (6)
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VISIT www.ChowJOBS.com everyday for job leads in New York City!
Jerome Imhoff
Career Coach/Resume Writer
The Resume Shop, "INK"
San Francisco
The Quiz & Answers
Please indicate “Fact” or “Fiction” for each of the statements below.
1. There is less competition for jobs in December.
Fact. Competition for positions is greatly reduced because of the prevailing belief that employers don’t
hire in December. Most of your competitors will not be looking for a job this month but look out in
January! Many job seekers get offers they wouldn’t ordinarily get by looking in December.
2. There are only a few positions open in December.
Fiction. For most companies, next year’s budget is already approved. Hiring managers either want to
start the year with full staff or have requisitions for positions that begin immediately after the New
Year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys show no pattern of a drop-off in permanent hires at year-
end. In fact, most companies have the same number of openings at year-end as they do the rest of the
year but they have fewer candidates. There may also be pressure to exhaust this year’s hiring budget.
3. January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Fact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Remember, it’s the legwork done in November and December that puts job seekers in a better position
to snag the first-of-the-year positions.
4. Hiring managers are too busy during the holidays to do interviews.
Fiction. Fewer business trips and daylong meetings take place in December making it easier to reach
decision makers. Most managers have reached their goals and are at their desks planning for the New
Year. Managers could also have tips of positions that will open after the first of the year.
5. Calls to potential employers are not welcome during the holidays.
Fiction. For most of the year, managers strive to screen the tide of job hunters coming their way. At
year-end, however, that tide has thinned and hiring managers are in a more giving mood. The best time
to call is first thing in the morning and late afternoon. By mid-day they are likely to be roaming the
halls or taking longer lunch breaks.
6. Holiday parties are great places to get job leads.
Fact. Of course, you have to have your strategy well planned. Collect your holiday presents early by
requesting job leads and referrals from your friends. Be company and department specific in your
request naming your target company and the specific department. Get names, numbers, and permission
to mention your contact’s name in the initial call. Appearing desperate is a downer for everybody.
Engage in some relaxed conversation about job openings.
Make appointments with willing friends and acquaintances for coffee or other short social meetings to
discuss your search. Have your 90-second commercial ready along with a 60 second description of
your ideal job. (See the “Tools” handout for more information.)
7. Sending Holiday greeting cards is a waste of time.
Fiction. Use your holiday cards to update friends, associates, and family on your current status. An
upbeat note in the card will start your phone ringing. Expanding your list of card recipients will put
your name in front of more people, possibly some that you will see at holiday parties.
8. December is a good month to take time off from a job search.
Fiction. The prevailing concept is that companies don’t hire during the holidays. Fact: they do!!
Taking yourself out of the game shrinks the pool of candidates and gives someone else the edge.
9. Traveling during the holidays stops a job search.
Fiction. Okay, it’s a trick question. If you are already interviewing with a prospective employer, taking
a trip is a great reason to call the hiring manager with your contact information. Another possibility is
that your travels may take you to one of your target locations. How about calling potential employers
ahead of time to set up visits?
10. Taking a temporary holiday job is a bad idea.
Fact & Fiction. Taking a temp job to fill the dwindling coffers could be necessary. Selecting that job is
important. Many retail jobs will end after the rush and you’ve taken yourself off of the market at a
critical time. Temp jobs with companies that are on your hit list or if the work closely matches your
preferences and skills could be a great idea. Companies are hiring “temp to perm” more often these
days.