The fact is that even during the holidays, companies are looking for talent. After all, the New Year is just around the corner, and most of them don't want to be making up for lost time as the New Year gets under way. What does that mean for you if you are on the lookout for a new job? It means you need to continue to look by networking all throughout the holiday season.
It also means that there are additional networking opportunities that you may be overlooking. This is the time for parties…all kinds of parties…office parties, neighborhood parties, family get-togethers, and so on. There is no way to know where you might stumble upon news of an opening or meet someone who is in a position to introduce you to your next boss. You need to get out of the house and attend as many parties and gatherings as possible.
The great thing about the holidays is that there are even more opportunities to meet people in a relaxed setting than you have at any other time of the year. So take advantage of it! Here are four ways to network during the holidays:
Family Gatherings
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You may come from a large sprawling family with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Most of them are employed, and many of them are connected in one way or another with the human resources director of their company. They may know that the company is hiring but holding a posting for the first of the year. Wouldn't it be great if you could glean that information from them in a casual manner over a cup of eggnog? You won't get this information, however, if you stay at home as opposed to going to the family get-together.
It's a long shot, but you never know!
Neighborhood Parties
Parties are an opportunity to meet people, and you never know who you'll meet. You could go to a party given by a neighbor and end up talking to the CEO of Company XYZ. Conversation leads to the CEO learning that you are currently available. "Hey, we could use a guy (or gal) just like you with your skills and experience! Send me your resume tomorrow and let me see what I can do."
BOOM! You may be on your way to your next job. If you stay home, however, that conversation will never even have the opportunity to take place.
Get Yourself Invited To Parties Where Your Spouse Or Significant Other Has Been Invited
You aren't just tagging along…you are the +1 and you serve a purpose in that way. But you also put yourself in the position of being available to chat with people who know other people who might be in the market for someone with your skills set. Again, if you stay at home, you won't ever know, so you just have to find ways to get out and mingle with people.
Find A Toastmasters Group Near You
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Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization with local clubs all over the world, in over 126 countries and with over 300,000 members. Toastmasters is a great way to network in a totally safe environment. You can find clubs near you by going to toastmasters.org and selecting "Find a club." Unless you live in the middle of nowhere (literally), you will find a club that meets at a time and location that is convenient for you.
Not only will you meet great new people, which allows you an opportunity to network with folks you might not otherwise meet, but you also have an opportunity to work on your communication and leadership skills. These are skills you will need on your next job no matter what type of job you'll eventually land.
Networking is a must during any time of the year, but during this holiday season especially, you may find additional opportunities to get out of the house, meet new people, and network your way to a new job.
If you're looking for additional networking opportunities in the New Year, join Work It Daily! In Work It Daily's platform, you'll have the opportunity to network with professionals in your industry and geographic area. You can also network with professionals outside your industry all around the world.
Happy networking!
