Everyone seems to be busy, except you. Businesses are focused on end-of-year wrap-ups and are talking holiday parties and employee bonuses, not new hires. You don't feel like celebrating at all. You're out of work, either downsized or you called it quits. But...you never expected it to be this difficult to get back up with something new. Should you wait out the holidays and start looking in the New Year?
Contrary to popular belief, recruiters, human-resource managers and staffing firms say that holiday time is actually a prime time for hiring. Some businesses want new hires to fall in this year's budget, as they may have unused finances to spend before any cutbacks come next year. Some companies plan ahead and want to fill next year's staffing needs. So get started on that new job now.
Since your situation is unique, it’s important to ask these questions:
1. How much time can I be out of work without budget or emotional strains?
2. Can I take a mini-vacation to regenerate and develop a new plan?
3. Do I need to get agreement from my partner (or anyone else) to take planning time?
4. What do I need to do to better understand my financial picture now?
5. If I need money coming in, can I make just enough to carry me through this interim period? (Consider doing something different, maybe even fun, to break up the monotony temporarily, such as retail sales in a holiday shop or delivering toys to children).
6. What have I learned about myself from my recent job?
7. What kind of work do I want to do next and how does it fulfill my career values?
8. How can I maintain an upbeat attitude and speak positively about this change?
9. What day will I assign to sit down, write out and begin my plan of action?
10. Who do I need to utilize to help me to stay on track with my plan?
Actions for job seekers include:
1. Draw up a contacts list, include family and friends.
2. Make phone calls and ask folks to be your "ambassador" and introduce you to others.
3. Make good use of informal holiday parties. Network, network, network.
4. Keep your business cards handy to give out, especially in unexpected situations (e.g. your seat mate on an airplane).
5. If you’re changing work, make up simple inexpensive cards with your contact information. Include your prospective work if you know it and a catchy slogan, such as: "Margaret Shelton, Website Designer: "I make your star sparkle apart from all others."
6. For organizational work, contact top recruiters in your field who live in your area. As an entrepreneur, contact old clients.
7. Send out a holiday letter with a funny note that shows you changing hats and ask for referrals in your desired field. If you have an existing job but need clients, include a short special offer.
8. Identify companies that match your values, through associates and online referrals.
9. Draw up a clear list of your greatest strengths, transferable skills, talents and former achievements. Be sure these are reflected in your updated resume.
10. Get up-to-date with your accounting. Better to know clearly where you stand for the period you plan to be off and what monies will be needed for any marketing.
Don’t get bogged down in over planning that can limit actions. Let your goals list lead you to clear actions without reinventing your list daily, focusing on the most important career goals first. Say no to time stealers. Secondly, commit to completing a few steps each day so you can have a sense of accomplishment and see yourself moving forward.
Structure your time so you don’t drop out exercise, eating healthy regular meals, or family time ― these are your refuelers. And finally, don’t forget to drink eggnog, rejoice and be merry. You’re in a temporary transition phase. Carry your head up and have a positive attitude. You're a magnet that is attracting something even better!
