This program is different from most other job search programs because I reject the idea job search is an effective activity or, that it works at all. As you will see during our time together, career and job transition is a process not a search. Whether you are a graduating student or seasoned professional, career and job transition can be compared to planning and orchestrating a political campaign. Politicians who seek to get ‘hired’ for elected office do not conduct a political search; they conduct a strategic campaign. So must you. And once you embrace this new way of thinking, you will 1) have much more control over your future, 2) secure rewarding opportunities quickly at the pay you deserve and 3) genuinely enjoy the process! I have worked with people who have been unexpectedly terminated, downsized, rightsized and capsized. I have worked with those who have bosses from you-know-where, who are stressed out from working in toxic environments and who are toiling every day at jobs that are downright uninspiring. Many clients and audiences I have addressed over the past 20-plus years are still in “what do I want to be when I grow up?” mode. And yet others are hampered by golden handcuffs; cuffed to an unexciting and taxing job. They are unable to seek out new opportunities because they can’t relinquish their current job because of economic and financial considerations and are so exhausted and stressed out at the end of the day, they haven’t the energy to pursue a better position. Finally, I have worked with employees wanting to start their own enterprises as well as entrepreneurs wanting to convert to employees. I know you and the challenges you face. When I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in the mid 1970’s, the unemployment rate was near 8%. It took me months to find a management trainee job that paid just ten cents over minimum wage! However, I accepted the job and worked my way up to an operations manager in just 6 months. Then, at age 26, I quit my job and started my own company and sold it for a handsome profit at age 30. I subsequently went into business in partnership with a French company and proceeded to lose just about everything by the time I was 31 years old. I came close to bankruptcy. I continued to struggle finding my place in the labor market over the next seven years. Then, in 1991, one of my best friends hired me as his marketing director. A year later he fired me. Well, actually, he was conveniently out of town, so he had my secretary inform me I was fired when I returned from my vacation. How many people are fired by their secretaries on orders from one of their best friends? So there I was, 39 years old, broke and broken. I was broke financially. I was broken physically; 15 pounds out of shape. And most critically, I was broken emotionally. I had lost my confidence, my dignity and any hope for the future. I was forced to reinvent myself but had idea how to do it. So I sought out and worked with some of the world’s most reputable coaches, poured through more than 1,000 books and audiotapes and, by the age of 45, found my passions, became an industry leader and well-respected author and national trainer. The point I am making is I have experienced much of what you are currently experiencing. I’ve been there, done that and worn that tee-shirt. But I succeeded as will you. Since 1993, I have interviewed thousands of hiring managers, HR professionals and executive recruiters to determine what they look for and what they want when they are hiring. Armed with this information, I discovered most of what you’ve been taught about the job search makes no sense, is contrary to effective and accepted methods of marketing and is an exercise filled with fear and anxiety; not excitement and anticipation. So I set out to identify a common sense and motivational process that would successfully work for anyone…and found it! Since then, I have assisted tens of thousands of people to clearly identify, pursue and achieve meaningful jobs and career objectives. So I invite you to spend some time with me in this webinar so you too can achieve all you deserve. In fact, I invite you to treat our time together as an enjoyable journey that will do for you what it did for me…give you confidence, self-respect and genuine enthusiasm for creating a better future. Sorry, this event already happened! Please go to our webinar page to review our upcoming FREE webinars. You can also check out our past events in the archive section.| |
Finding a job during the holidays is no easy task. You have to navigate vacations, slow hiring processes, and increased competition. Yet with the right strategy, it can be done.
This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
Bigstock
When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
Bigstock
Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
Bigstock
Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
Bigstock
It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
Bigstock
The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
Need more help with your job search?
Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!