Networking Tips for the Holidays

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

Ah, the holidays -- a time to rejoice, be merry and enjoy a well-earned break until the new year. But if you're job searching, it's also a great time to kick your job search into high gear.
Believe it or not, the holiday season can be a promising time to secure a new position. "Companies...want to start the new year with the right talent on board before the first week of January," says Kim Batson, a career-management coach with more than 10 years of career coaching experience. She adds that because so many people believe it's better to postpone job searching until January, there's less competition during the holidays. So if you're wondering how to get a jump on the competition as well as get your resume noticed during the holidays, consider these tips.

Network at Holiday Events

Whether you're attending an employer-sponsored party or some other holiday event, make the most of social gatherings by planning in advance. "Set a goal to meet, connect with and learn from three to five people at an event," advises Andrea Nierenberg, a New York City-based speaker and trainer and author of Million Dollar Networking. "Do your research before going so you know something about those you might meet."

Beverly Harvey, president of Beverly Harvey Resume & Career Service, stresses the importance of quality versus quantity when networking at holiday events. "Develop several good, solid relationships instead of trying to develop many relationships that won't be valuable," she says.

Conversations should be focused on the person you're speaking with, not you and your job search -- that can come later, after trust has been built. "When first introduced to the contact you want to speak with, show genuine interest in their lives, interests and careers," Batson says.

This is also not the time to whip out your resume. "Do not bring resumes to holiday functions," cautions Nierenberg. The goal is to start building rapport and setting the stage for future follow up.
You can, however, give out business cards that relay your career field and areas of expertise. "Job seekers might want to use a business card that states their personal brand, i.e., 'Sally Smith, Human Resource Director, Specialist in Diversity Issues' or 'Tom Taylor, Operations Manager, Global Supply Chain Efficiency Expert,'" says Batson.

Follow Up with Contacts

After the event, Nierenberg recommends sending a handwritten, personalized thank-you note to each contact. Batson recommends including a copy of your resume, if appropriate. "Also, because it's a season of gift-giving, it's a nice gesture to send a small gift with your thank-you letter to the most important networking contacts, if it's within your budget," she says.

Network Purposefully

The holidays are a perfect time to reach out to people in your network and potential employers. "It all starts with relationships -- don't do a mass mailing to everyone," advises Nierenberg. "Take the time to call some people, attend events and parties, and connect with people to discuss job opportunities."
Harvey's advice: "Try to target the decision makers -- it's a very sociable time of the year, and managers are more likely to be receptive to job seekers than at other times of the year."

Harvey suggests creating a new resume version for networking contacts who don't necessarily have a job opening. "Create a one-page resume that highlights your most important skills, qualifications and career history, as well as industries or companies of interest," says Harvey. While this type of resume isn't as targeted as a traditional resume, it allows networking contacts to understand your career field. In addition, listing desired employers and industries may spark your contacts' memories about a related job opportunity or networking lead.

Keep Your Network Going

Nierenberg is a strong proponent of staying in touch with and strengthening your network over time. "Find creative ways to stay on someone's radar screen," she advises. "Set a search engine alert -- research your contacts and their interests, and stay in touch that way."

Harvey encourages job seekers to continue communicating with their network into the new year. "If there's been some change in your status, send an updated resume with a note about your new accomplishment," she says.

You can also implement a method to manage contacts. "It doesn't matter if you're using contact-management software, a spreadsheet, a handwritten chart or an old Rolodex -- do what works for you and keeps you on track with your networking," says Harvey.

'Tis the Season for Your Job Search

By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

Many job seekers are tempted to slow down the search (or pause it altogether) during the winter holiday season. But career experts say that taking a break from your job search during the holidays is a mistake -- because hiring doesn't stop.       

At the end of the year, some companies rush to fill job openings that might otherwise be removed from next year's budget. Still other companies will be looking ahead. "Jobs that might have been on hold until budgets are in place will become available in January," says career expert Kimberly Bishop, author of Get Down to Business and You'll Get the Job.

Roy Cohen, an executive coach and author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide, agrees. "There's a belief that recruiting shuts down during the holidays,” he says. “That's a myth -- so when other people take off from their job searching during the holidays, you're at an advantage should an opportunity surface. It's all about numbers and odds."

In fact, the holidays provide some distinct advantages and special opportunities for proactive job seekers. Here's how to make the most of your holiday-season job search:

Be Flexible
Judi Perkins of FindthePerfectJob.com says, "When I was a recruiter, the holidays were one of my busiest times, and I was often on the phone either side of Christmas day." This means that you should be prepared to interview at unusual times, to allow for a recruiter's or hiring manager's busy holiday schedule.

Do Volunteer Work
All sorts of philanthropic organizations ramp up activities during the holidays -- and volunteering can be a great way to network, gain skills and fill the gap that unemployment might otherwise leave on your resume.

"You'll meet other volunteers -- great people who, by nature, will want to help,” Cohen adds. “You'll feel good, too."

Look into Temporary Positions
Many companies have end-of-year crunches -- at the same time that many workers want to take time off -- so they look to staffing agencies to fill gaps. A temporary job can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a new company.

Seek Seasonal Jobs
"The most obvious opportunities are in retail sales or retail-related positions, Bishop says. “There are a variety of part-time and temporary jobs that range from sales and customer service to merchandising, stocking, greeting, gift-wrapping and playing a role in special in-store events.

The hospitality industry also offers opportunities. “Hotels, restaurants and caterers have more events and parties, so they need to staff up,” she says.

Use Holiday Social Events to Network
You don't want to make every conversation about your job search -- but letting people know how they can help you is crucial. "Have your pitch -- who you are, what you want and why -- ready and perfect," Cohen advises.

And try to keep things positive. For instance, when you tell people you're looking for work, also tell them how you've been productive with your time off.

Reach Out to Your Contacts
The holidays are a great reason to reach out to friends and acquaintances as well as to reconnect with people you may have fallen out of contact with. "Send out a holiday greeting, but add a little extra in your message,” Cohen suggests. “Email or snail mail the card to everyone in your job search universe. It should be upbeat -- that you continue and are committed to search for a great job and know that it is only a matter of time and timing.” And be sure to express your gratitude to all those who have reached out to you during your search, he adds.

(If you don't know which holidays a contact celebrates, "Happy New Year" is a safe sentiment.)

And remember that the holidays are a time for giving. Find ways to help the people in your network, and they'll be likelier to help you in the future.

Recommit to Your Job Search
Start the year off right: Make an appointment with yourself to determine your goals for the coming year. Then schedule some time to update your resume, practice your interview skills and polish up your personal brand.