Dear Experts, I'm about to be formally offered a position I really want. I know this from the basic language and tone of my conversations with the hiring manager. I'm just waiting for her to finish speaking with my references and actually put an offer in front of my face. Exciting, yes. Of course I do not plan to quit my current job until I have accepted an offer and have it in writing, but I figured I'd solicit advice sooner so I can prepare. See, my current job is...unique. I am one of five people who work for the company. I work from a home office with just my boss so our relationship over the years has grown from employee-employer to friends. In addition to my professional duties pertaining to the business, he has come to treat me a bit like a personal assistant. I do things like watering plants, helping him pick out an outfit for a dinner, giving advice, depositing personal checks, etc. It's a very relaxed atmosphere, filled with blurred lines and inside jokes. In a way, I'd say he's a bit dependent on me. I'm terrified of quitting. I know it's the right thing for me, but I'm really scared of it blowing up into a big personal thing, when my decision to leave is primarily professional. More important than the friendship, I want to make sure that I can count on him to give me a good recommendation in the future considering this was my first job out of college. How do I handle this the best way? Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter: Q#434 Boss could be mad, u can't control it. Hopefully he'll get over it. Helps if ur grateful, lots of notice. (@juliaerickson) Q#434 Set start date so u can give 2-4 weeks notice. Tell boss TY, u grew so much, gr8 opportunity now 4 your career. (@juliaerickson) Q#434 Be direct, upfront and professional. All good things come to an end. If you do it professionally, he'll understand. (@gradversity) Q#434 Start with pos. points of job, thank for opportunity, support of your decision, you have to move on. (@marysevinsky) Q#434 By having an adult conversation. Sit him/her down & submit your resignation. Be honest. You'll get respect. (@blogging4jobs) Q#434 As a biz owner, he should understand. Offer plenty of transition time & help him find replacement. (@jtodonnell) Q#434 Wow! Start w/appreciation for gig and move to how you feel need to grow professionally. Ease out. (@beneubanks) Q#434 Remove the emotion. Hard, but you make decisions on what's best for you long-term. A true friend will understand. (@EmilyBennington) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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