LaSalle Network

The weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year are often the busiest of the year. With many managers scrambling to make the most of their annual budget, and others planning for January, companies are looking to add staff, or research for next year’s hires, before midnight on December 31, 2009.

Showing up when others are taking off may land you that new position to ring in the New Year!

Swim in the Smaller Pool

The holidays are swiftly approaching, and the majority of Americans will use this time as a welcome vacation from their tedious careers. Don’t make this mistake. The pool of job seekers actively pursuing open positions is significantly smaller during the holiday season, and unemployed job seekers should capitalize on this smaller pool of competitors. In a time of gluttony and excess, when others are focused on the holidays, utilize this time to prove to employers your determination and focus.

Stave away the winter blues by vowing to advance your job search one day at a time. Set a goal to complete one substantial step towards employment each day. For example, connect with 15 new contacts on LinkedIn, research five companies and apply to postings on their Web site, or attend a networking event.

Earn Extra Holiday Cash and Career Experience

Regardless of your employment status, seasonal or part-time work during the holidays is an effective way to earn extra cash and gain valuable work experience. Job seekers who take on additional part-time employment within their desired career path are viewed as going above and beyond the expected employment strategy. In some cases, a part-time or seasonal position can even lead to a full-time job with the company or industry of your career dreams.

Capitalize on Gatekeeper Absence

During the holidays, many administrative staff members request time away from the office. Gatekeepers, who protect the process of connecting with management, will often be absent, making it more likely to reach the decision-makers within a given organization. Also, many managers spend more time in the office in the winter months to compensate for time off taken by their staff. Use this time to your advantage, and call the company and ask for the hiring manager directly. In this economy, managers receive a plethora of responses to each job opening, and making a tactful and professional phone call inquiring about the status of your application can go a long way.

Don’t wait until the week before Christmas, however, to inquire about open positions. Increase your chances of getting hired this holiday season by submitting your application early, and beat the post-Thanksgiving rush.

Tis’ The Season – Take Advantage

No time of the year is more crowded with networking opportunities than the holiday season. Family parties, your spouse’s company holiday celebration, even your child’s Christmas pageant – all opportunities to land your next job. Talk with everyone you can, and when asked “How are you?” respond with an abbreviated, informal elevator speech of two to three sentences. Chat casually, yet professionally about your job search goals, and remember to remain optimistic. No one wants to spend time at a holiday party talking about how long you’ve been unemployed, but a quick plug of what kind of position you’re hoping to land, as well as what you’ve been doing to obtain this goal is appropriate. Also, don’t forget to look the part; dress professionally when attending holiday functions – lose the holiday sweaters and bell earrings.

In addition to networking at holiday functions, create a list of your contacts and send a non-denominational, understated holiday card to put you at the forefront of their minds. Steer clear of cheesy, over-the-top messages and stick with something simple like, “Happy Holidays! I look forward to connecting with you in the New Year!” Do not send cards to people with whom you’ve never corresponded. A holiday card should serve as an unimposing reminder to people with whom you have interviewed or discussed your job search. A stranger will toss the card in the trash.