Holiday Events Where you Can Network Your Way to a Job

December 13, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley
Any holiday gathering can be a networking opportunity.

Any holiday gathering can be a networking opportunity.

Over 80% of all jobs are obtained by networking.  From that, you know that networking is an indispensable part of your job search.  A holiday job search is no different.  But the good thing about the holidays is there are plenty of events that you can use to network.  The most crucial thing you must remember is you want to get noticed.

Anytime people come together for any reason, it can be a networking event.  You don’t need a formalized networking event.  All you need is a group of people.  Here I would like to give you a few examples of events that you can turn into an opportunity to get to know people.  This stage is about relationship building only.  It is way too early to look at leads for jobs.

Bring business cards to the event but not your résumé.  Only give your business cards if it seems like the right thing to do.  Don’t hand them out like candy canes.  Request an opportunity to get to know them better after the holidays to just talk.  You don’t want to be a pushy job searcher who’s desperate.  Instead, be friendly, interesting, and capable.

Holiday parties thrown by friends and family are most likely to happen.  At the end of the year, people like to gather with family and friends to celebrate the season.  Colleges and universities like to have a holiday gathering that is simply socializing.  They want to generate interest in reunions and the needs of the school.  Business and civic associations will have holiday get togethers to celebrate the season.  These events bring people together to eat, drink and be merry.  Attend and meet people.

Volunteering during the holidays is a tremendous opportunity to meet like-minded people.  If they are volunteering, they likely have a generous spirit.  In addition to networking, volunteering will allow you to use your skills or learn new skills.

Temporary seasonal jobs allow you with new people to meet.  If the job is a retail or customer service position, you will meet new people and acquaintances.  You could have an opportunity to tell your story.  If the position is related to your target job, your boss could become permanent.

Community events attract large groups of people.  Consider a position on the planning committee.  Get to know the other people on the committee.  Taking a leadership role is beneficial for your résumé.  There are parades, tree lighting, fairs, musical events, and church events for you to attend and meet many people.  These events will give you an easy way to enter into a conversation.

The law of large numbers is working in your favor.  The more people you meet, the better chances you have of finding the person who will be able to help you.  Meet as many people as you can and follow-up.

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Conquering Holiday Job Search Stress Part II

December 11, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Festive Woman in Red Santa HatIn my last post, I gave 8 tips to reduce your stress this holiday season.  Stress while unemployed is normal.  Stress during the holidays is also normal.  But combine the two and you have more than your share of stress.  Below I have continued with more suggestions to reduce stress. 

 1.)  Ask for help from others to do things you usually do.  Share the tasks, you aren’t the only one that can or should do everything.  Things may not be done to your exacting standards, but they will be done.  Remember you are also lowering your expectations.

2.)  Eat healthy and in moderation.  The rich, high calories foods available at this time of the year lead to eater’s guilt in January when the pounds are tallied.   The same goes for alcohol which has its own issues when consumed in large quantities.  Exercise will clear the cobwebs, give you more energy, and reduce stress.  A brisk walk in the fresh, crisp air will do wonders for your attitude and spirit.
3.)  Look for the positive in your situation.  This is tough I know.  Hopelessness and success can be self-fulfilling prophecies.  Pick the one you want  and work toward it.
4.)  Avoid toxic people that suck the life right out of you.  This is going to be the most difficult thing I am asking you to do.  I know that the some of the toxic people are precisely people you are doing everything for.  Try to limit your exposure to them or look at the world through their eyes.  What has caused them to be the way they are?

5.)  Keep your temper in check.  Count to ten, twenty, or 1 million until you feel calmer and won’t over react.  Everyone is stressed at this point.  Blowing up won’t solve anything, in fact, it will make things worse.  Step away from the situation and breathe deeply.  If words need to be shared, do so calmly and rationally.  The results will be better.

6.)  Enjoy the season’s food, entertainment, events, meeting new and old acquaintances.  This is a social season. There will festive food that comes out only at this time of the year.  Enjoy-but in moderation. Listen to your favorite holiday music and sing along to your heart’s delight.  Or watch the holiday movie that makes you laugh or inspires you.   Enjoy the opportunity to meet new and fascinating people.  And it’s a time to catch up with people you don’t see that often.

7.)  Have an attitude of gratitude for the many things you do have.  Every day take a few minutes to write three things you are grateful for.  Start a list and add to it daily.  Soon you will see the many wonderful reasons adding up.

In the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Who’s in Whoville celebrated the holiday even though all the festive food, decorations and gifts were gone.  The holiday came without all the trappings.  We aren’t celebrating the trappings, but the specific reason for the holiday, whatever holiday you are celebrating.  Don’t let the “stuff” of the holidays prevent you from enjoying the celebration.  It’s going to come anyway even if you have done everything you wanted to do.

How can I help you with your job search?

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Conquering Holiday Job Search Stress Part I

December 9, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

T‘is the season to be jolly. Or so the song goes.  But if you are unemployed at this time you are adding more stress to an already stressful time.  But it doesn’t have to be.  There are ways to cope with the season.  I have provided some suggestions for you to choose from as not everyone has the same issues.  Any stress you can eliminate will help you enjoy the season and less stress iFestive Woman in Red Santa Hats better when looking for a job.

  1. Take 30 minutes a day for me time, read a book, listen to music, take a nap or anything that relaxes you.  It’s necessary for you to take some time for a few quiet moments to recharge and refresh to be able to do all you need to do and put things in perspective
  2. Keep expectations low.  The holiday season is one of great expectations on many levels.  Your family isn’t the Brady Bunch.  They are real and make mistakes.  They can’t read your mind.   Keep your expectations to what you and others can realistically expect.  Anything above the expected is a plus.
  3. Give back by volunteering your time to help those less fortunate.  Volunteering has a twofold benefit.  The recipient is grateful for the help and the giver feels good for having done something for someone else.
  4. Simplify your celebration.  Look at all the things you are expected to do.  Are the expectations yours or others?  Are there things on the list that aren’t necessary? A good place to start is the things that don’t serve a purpose anymore because people have grown up and moved away or isn’t practical in this day and age.  A done for your product can save time and energy.
  5. Say no to things that you don’t have time for.  With many things to do and places to go, you can choose what is necessary and important to you. Be firm but polite in your refusal.  If it’s something you have to do, do it, but remove something else from your list.
  6. Take things one at a time.  Although multitasking is a valuable skill, it causes unnecessary stress.  Looking at all you have to do is overwhelming. Do one thing and do it well.   Soon your done list will be longer than you’re to do list.
  7. Understand your emotions are real and normal.  You are joining the millions of other people sharing your concern and distress at this time of the year and employment status.  Taking care of you is essential.  Ask for help if you think you need it or others say you need it.
  8. Budget your time.  Plan ahead so that you have time to do the things you want to do.  By doing something everyday, you gradually decrease your list.  Putting things off until the last minute will result in an overwhelming amount of things to do.

I will finish the rest of the list in my next post.  Start thinking of ways you can reduce your stress this holiday season and make it your new tradition.

How can I help you with your job search?

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Conquering Holiday Job Search Stress Part I

December 9, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

T‘is the season to be jolly. Or so the song goes.  But if you are unemployed at this time you are adding more stress to an already stressful time.  But it doesn’t have to be.  There are ways to cope with the season.  I have provided some suggestions for you to choose from as not everyone has the same issues.  Any stress you can eliminate will help you enjoy the season and less stress is better when looking for a job.

  1. Take 30 minutes a day for me time, read a book, listen to music, take a nap or anything that relaxes you.  It’s necessary for you to take some time for a few quiet moments to recharge and refresh to be able to do all you need to do and put things in perspective
  2. Keep expectations low.  The holiday season is one of great expectations on many levels.  Your family isn’t the Brady Bunch.  They are real and make mistakes.  They can’t read your mind.   Keep your expectations to what you and others can realistically expect.  Anything above the expected is a plus.
  3. Give back by volunteering your time to help those less fortunate.  Volunteering has a twofold benefit.  The recipient is grateful for the help and the giver feels good for having done something for someone else.
  4. Simplify your celebration.  Look at all the things you are expected to do.  Are the expectations yours or others?  Are there things on the list that aren’t necessary? A good place to start is the things that don’t serve a purpose anymore because people have grown up and moved away or isn’t practical in this day and age.  A done for your product can save time and energy.
  5. Say no to things that you don’t have time for.  With many things to do and places to go, you can choose what is necessary and important to you. Be firm but polite in your refusal.  If it’s something you have to do, do it, but remove something else from your list.
  6. Take things one at a time.  Although multitasking is a valuable skill, it causes unnecessary stress.  Looking at all you have to do is overwhelming. Do one thing and do it well.   Soon your done list will be longer than you’re to do list.
  7. Understand your emotions are real and normal.  You are joining the millions of other people sharing your concern and distress at this time of the year and employment status.  Taking care of you is essential.  Ask for help if you think you need it or others say you need it.
  8. Budget your time.  Plan ahead so that you have time to do the things you want to do.  By doing something everyday, you gradually decrease your list.  Putting things off until the last minute will result in an overwhelming amount of things to do.

I will finish the rest of the list in my next post.  Start thinking of ways you can reduce your stress this holiday season and make it your new tradition.

 

 

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Holiday Networking for Introverts Part II

December 6, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

In my last post, I shared with you steps you can take to prepare for a networking event and that you should practice so that you will have an easier time when you get to the event.  Tips on what to do when you are there and after are below.

While you are there, step out of your comfort zone and build relationships with people who will benefit from knowing you.  You have prepared and practiced, and now it’s show time

  • Arrive early before the bulk of the crowd arrives.  You will feel less intimidated with only a few people in the room.
  • Bring a trusted friend/colleague to introduce you to others, provide emotional support, and tips for success.
  • Look around the room for someone who looks like you feel.  Engaging in conversation with this person is a low risk way to start the event.
  • No matter how many people are at the event, you don’t have to connect with all of them.  You have set a goal.  Once you have reached your goal you can either continue or stop the choice is yours.
  • It’s a good idea to take a break from networking to restore your energy.  Every venue will have a restroom where you can retreat to.  Find a quiet corner to check your email/voice mail or reread your notes and goals.  With a boost of energy, you can continue to work the room.
  • Fake it until you make it.  Walking around the room with a smile, firm handshake and welcoming body language no one will see the terror that is raging throughout your body.
  • Once you have engaged someone in conversation, you can take on the role of listener.  Allow them to do what most people enjoy-talking about them while it takes the pressure from you to keep the conversation going.
  • Know when and how to end the conversation.  There is something to be said about less is more.  Instead of getting to the point where you start rambling or fumbling for more conversation, thank them for taking the time to talk with you, acknowledge they must have many people they want to see, you appreciate their time, and you would like to continue the conversation at a mutually convenient time and way.
  • Ask for a business card or contact information so that you can follow up.

After the event you are finished the hard part, but there is still some work to do.  But you will be more comfortable connecting one-on-one and have had time to relax and recharge.

  • Look at your goals and see if you accomplished them.  If the answer is yes, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.  If not, don’t beat yourself up It isn’t about the quantity of your network it is the quality.  You stepped out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there.
  • Follow up in the way you said you would.  You worked hard to get the contact, don’t lose it by not following up.  Networking is about building a relationship not just collecting 0network.  It will serve you later down the road.

You have something to offer everyone you talk to, and they want to meet you.  These tips are meant to help you in doing what is uncomfortable for you.  Don’t hide in a quiet corner, got out there– mix and mingle your way to success.

How can I help you in your job search?

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