We are now entering the "dead zone" of job-search behavior and mythology. You know--that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's is less than ideal for preparing and executing a project that will yield worthwhile results. The mythology often overtakes reality, as people's perceptions are fueled by constant streams of disheartening data, compounded by old notions of how the pieces of a job-search campaign should be executed. Retreat into the comfort of what you did to get a desirable result three jobs ago and you may be expending considerable effort to no avail. Or, give in to the idea that it would be a waste of time in the current economy.
I know that the news isn't good. A Gallup poll published yesterday showed that only 12% of Americans think that this is a good time to launch a search for the right-fit job. Gallup reports that this perception of the market is the worst since they began tracking this monthly since 2001.
Should this deter you from even thinking about doing anything tangible until 2009? I think not, and I'll offer some quick tips on what you can and should do immediately so you can set yourself up for launch time.
Action Plan for Job Search in December, 2008:
- Conduct targeted research to identify which industries are in current or projected growth mode and compile your data in folders, files or notebooks that will be strategic to your campaign. Sign up for my newsletter to jumpstart your research.
- Do the critical preparatory work for creating a superior resume with meaningful content. Don't just think of this as dumping data into an aesthetic design. It needs to be both macro and micro. Did you ever think of storyboarding your background, accomplishments and interests?
- It's time to clean out the basement or garage anyway, so you might as well unearth content long-buried in boxes that will serve as concrete reminders of what you've done. Look for reports, projects, writing samples, graphs, charts, awards, letters of recommendation, notes from satisfied clients, summaries from performance appraisals and even photos.
- Retrieve the media. Newspaper, magazine or newsletter articles that either featured you, quoted you or that you authored.
- Did you earn any certificates from short-term training or professional development programs? Archive the titles.
Pitch anything tangible into a box or pocket folder. I know--very low-tech, no cost and it works! Ask your kid to share a large-format piece of oaktag or heavyweight paper with you, and promise to replace for a future school project. Now, get to work designing your unique story. This is a brainstorming model and not the finished product. Be as creative as you can without limit, and stretch your thinking. No borders, please.
So, are the year-end holidays really the dead zone for job search? Or is it the best time of all to create a blueprint in the correct chronology?
Use your time wisely, and have FUN accomplishing this.
Phyllis, I'm with you on this one. The sooner you can hunt for a new position, the sooner you can find the dream job. Not only that, but a standing offer from a different firm can reinforce your value to your current employer.
Posted by: Pinny Cohen | January 19, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Holiday Job Hunting: Fact & Fiction
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.
Posted by: Jim Edwards | December 09, 2009 at 12:35 PM