Beat Holiday and Job Search Blues

November 28, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley
The Holidays are a tough time to be in transition.

The Holidays are a tough time to be in transition.

For many people engaged in the job search, the holidays bring on the blues.   Why this is the case varies from person to person. There are many reasons: too many things to do, wishing to have a “perfect” season, family issues, and a decrease in daylight. The job searcher experiences these, in addition to looking for a job with little or no success.

The blues are often associated with something we do not have, a loved one, time, a job or the perfect family. Many times the things we have lost can’t come back, but we can make changes to deal with the situation. So how does one overcome the holiday and job search blues? There are several ways, and I have listed a few of them here.

  1. Planning—When we overbook ourselves and don’t leave enough time to rest and do everything we need and want to do, it puts pressure on us to accomplish everything in a timely fashion. Make a schedule and leave enough time for the unexpected. Part of the pressure is trying to do everything in a short period.
  2. Limit Expectations—Martha Stewart has a beautifully decorated home, delicious food, and thoughtful homemade gifts. I will let you in on a little secret. She has plenty of staff to help her; she is not doing it all by herself. You are only one person, and unless you have a staff, you can only do so much. Only expect to accomplish what is reasonable for you.
  3. Gratitude—Be thankful for what you do have. Wanting causes anxiety. You have more than many people, so enjoy what you have. When you do you become a more positive Instead of dwelling on what you do not have and wanting more, you are grateful for what you do have. It creates a positive attitude that shows when you are networking and/or interviewing.
  4. Express Gratitude—Appreciate the people who have helped and supported you along the way. It is a fitting time to say “thank you.” People will not notice if you do not, but will appreciate it when you do. It makes them more willing to help you because they know you appreciate their efforts and are not taking them for granted.  

Having peace of mind during this stressful time of year makes the season easier to bear and makes people willing to help you. How you respond to your situation makes a difference in how the blues affect you.

How can I help you in your job search?

The blues range from mild to severe. The suggestions in this article are intended to handle only the mild forms. If you are suffering from a more severe form of the blues, it is suggested that you seek professional help.

Image:  imagerymajestic

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Coping with the Family and Looking for a Job

November 26, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley
Yes, you CAN have a good time at a family gathering.

Yes, you CAN have a good time at a family gathering.

In a parody of seasonal favorite “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” one of The Twelve Pains of Christmas is facing the in-laws. Well, it isn’t just the in-laws that can be a pain, but your family as well. Whether immediate or extended, your family has your best interest in mind. The holiday season is likely to do one thing: bring everyone together, the in-laws and the outlaws. But you can make the season less agonizing.

One of the conversations is sure to be your lack of employment. You can expect advice, criticism and lots of questions. As someone who is searching for a job, you can take steps to prevent attacks and make attending holiday gatherings enjoyable. Planning ahead a little, instead of dreading it, will make family gatherings better for you.

The key is to take the initiative and bring up the situation. By doing so, you take control of the situation because you have determined the ground rules beforehand. And you will follow your rules regardless of what others do or say. Stand firm; this is a commitment to you.

Step 1  In the days leading up to the occasion, decide what you want people to know. Because you know them so well, you can predict what comments they will have. Write it all down.

Step 2  Look at what you have written and take each statement one by one. Write down how you want to respond. Rewrite, tweak, then practice, practice, practice your responses. You should be able to deliver them without missing a thought or idea.

Step 3  Pre-arrange a sign with a trusted ally. When you make the sign, your ally is prepared to intervene and get you out of the situation ASAP. This signal should be subtle and discreet—remove your glasses, tie/scarf, or tug your right ear. It can be a life saver. You won’t have to leave the gathering, just that person.

Step 4  When you arrive at the event, you get to choose the time and place to use your prepared statement. Say what you have planned and don’t allow anyone to interrupt you. When you finish, show that you are not interested in discussing it further. It’s a party! By all means stay calm and respectful. One more thing: Remain alcohol-free when you do this. It adds to your credibility.

Step 5  Enjoy the rest of the event! You will enjoy the rest of the event if you continue to stick to the promise you made to yourself.

Gathering for the holidays is meant to be fun and enjoyable for everyone. But every family has ways of pushing buttons. Sometimes, it is all in good fun; other times, not so. This can be hurtful for the person on the receiving end, even when comments are intended to be in good fun or to be genuinely helpful. With a little planning and lots of patience, the holidays with family can be the happy times they are meant to be. Enjoy the holidays and your family!!

 

How can I help you in your job search?

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Holiday Job Search Myths—Busted!

November 24, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley
Santa has many requests for a new job.

Santa has many requests for a new job.

The holidays are filled with myths.  One man can deliver toys to every child in the world in one night with flying reindeer.  A snowman that can walk, talk and sing just the same as you and me.  An elf that sits on a shelf in your home can keep children in line.  Children believe these myths , but adults believe in other myths.  Job searchers, for example, believe that the holiday season is the time to put the job search on hold until the New Year.

There isn’t anything further from the truth than the last six weeks of the year are the worst for job searchers.  In fact, yesterday I talked to a woman getting ready for an interview and a man who was sent a job description and encouraged to apply.  If the hiring myth were true, neither of these two people would be working on interview and resume skills.

The truth is you are as likely to get hired at this time as any other time of the year.  Let me show you:

No one hires during the holiday season.       

Yes they do. 

  1. Openings need to be filled to complete staffing requirements.
  2. Managers want a complete staff ready to hit the ground running at the first of the New Year. 
  3. Some companies have fiscal years that coincide with the calendar year.  If they don’t fill their staff, they could lose the position.
  4. Headhunters are motivated to get their bonuses.  Positions that they haven’t been working on will suddenly become their number 1 priority.

No one is around so getting an interview is difficult.          

Part of that is true. 

Not everyone is in every day.  So setting up an interview is difficult. You may have to go in several times and/or at odd times to accommodate their schedules.  But flexibility on your part could get you the job instead of someone who only wants a perfect interview schedule.

People aren’t available during the holidays.  

Again only partially true.

  1. The company still has to conduct business.  So people are around.  The good news is that the gatekeeper may not be around. Resulting in the hiring manager may answer their own phone or a temp worker who doesn’t know the policies may put your call through.
  2. Trade shows are over, out-of-town traveling is over, and the people you want to see may be available.
  3. Mangers are tying up loose ends before the end of the year, and they are reviewing plans for the New Year. 

The best thing you can do is take advantage of the fact that many people believe these myths and stop their job search.  So while your competition is taking the holiday off, stay on course, be flexible and don’t give up.  You will have a job in the New Year while the others are dusting off their resumes.

 

How can I help you in your job search?

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Creative Non-Retail Seasonal Jobs That Bring In Cash

November 20, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley
Use your skills and interests to make holiday cash.

Use your skills and interests to make holiday cash.

It’s that time again – the holiday season. For some job searchers, it means time off from the job search (a topic for another post to come). But the wisest job searchers know that the holiday season is just as good as any other time to be successful in the job search.

The most common seasonal jobs are retail jobs. However, if retail doesn’t interest you, there are plenty of other choices. Here are some common and unique seasonal jobs.

1. Mall Santa—If you like children, then this is for you. Some children will love you; others will fear you. A little research on what children ask for today goes a long way in helping you to connect with the children.

2. DJ—Many people and companies give holiday parties. Whether in private homes, restaurants, or function halls, no holiday party is complete without lively seasonal music. People who DJ for a living are booked months in advance, so the jobs you get may come with little notice. Digital music requires less equipment than vinyl records. Load your computer with your music, borrow or buy used speakers, and you are set to go.

3. Catering/Wait Staff—If you can cook what people like and it’s delicious, you can make money. Can’t cook but you can serve food and help clean up. You also have a job. Check with several catering companies and give your name for seasonal help, or spread the word among friends and family.

4. Electronic Whiz—If you know your way around a computer or tablet, or can set up a flat screen TV with surround sound, you will be in demand after people receive these coveted gifts. Often people buy these gifts for people who have no idea how to set up or use them. Let friends and family know that you can set up or teach how to use electronic gifts, and ask them to spread the word.

5. Temporary Office Worker—Employees using up their vacation time leave a hole in the department staff. Some companies hire temporary workers to fill the gaps. Use this opportunity to shine and show the manager the value you bring to the company. They may not want to let you go and may be able to find a spot for you.

6. Personal Assistant—Some people are too busy for the holidays. They need someone to shop for them, wrap gifts, write holiday cards, organize private parties, or run errands. You can do these tasks for them. It’s a terrific way to show people who have connections what a talented worker you are.

7. Photographer—If you have a camera and patience, you could photograph pets and children. A little imagination for unique shots and patience with fidgety children and finicky pets will bring you many opportunities to network with others.

8. Holiday Decorator—Decorate homes either indoors or outdoors. People pay other people to put up their decorations and take them down after the holiday season. When you talk to one client, ask if their neighbors would be interested in your services.

These are only a few of the things you can do to make some money over the holidays. With a little imagination, you can think of what you can do for others. You will be making money and networking at the same time.
How can I help you in your job search?

 

How can I help you in your job search?

 

image:  freedigitalphotos.net:  stockimages

 

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Are you employed but should be looking for a job?

November 17, 2014 | Author: Arleen Bradley
There are many names for bullying, but the results are the same.

There are many names for bullying, but the results are the same.

Many people employed should be looking for a job. They should be proactive in their career. The reason I say this is because it happened again late last week. Another friend contacted me because she got suspended from work. She should have looked before that.

You see, my friend Bella was suspended because she had a “hostile attitude”. Nothing could be further from the truth. Bella was a victim of bullying. For whatever the reason Bella’s boss did not like Bella and created a “hostile” work environment for her. The manager favored one over Bella aggravating the situation.

Bella tried to ignore the situation by doing her best in everything she did. However, that only made matters worse. The better she did; the worse her boss made it for Bella. Thinking she could overcome the bullying; she stayed. I do not think Bella realized she was being bullied. She called it being picked on. But being picked on is another way to say bullied.

The bullying ended when Bella’s boss finally had enough “proof” to suspend her. In a meeting with the big boss, Bella’s boss shared story after story of how Bella had a bad attitude and created a “hostile environment”. The big boss believed Bella’s boss and not Bella. She was ordered to take her personal belongs and leave the building. If there were such a thing as a bullying handbook, this incident could have been taken from it.
Living paycheck to paycheck did not allow Bella to save for a rainy day. Now, Bella is scrambling to find work and trying to collect unemployment. A proactive approach would have been for Bella to get out of the situation instead of trying to stick it out.

Too many people like Bella try to stick it out. It is doubtful that anyone being bullied in the workplace will win. The bullies have too many people on their side. They have followers who know what side they should be on or else.

It is unbelievable that bullies get away with what they do. How is it that management cannot see what is going on? How did the bully get so powerful? How do they choose their victim? These and many other questions remain. There is an excellent website that is fighting workplace bullying. http://www.workplacebullying.org/ This site had information about what bullying is, how to fight it and legislation in states to prevent it.
If you are being bullied, harassed, tormented, threatened or being picked on, sticking it out isn’t the answer. Take proactive steps to put an end to the bullying or get out. You have the right to work without fearing the bully and their team.

 

How can I help you in your job search?

image:  freedigitalphotos.net  David Castillo Dominici

 

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