December 2009Get a Job!By Mauri SchwartzThe View asked Hill resident and career expert Mauri Schwartz, President / CEO of Career Insiders, www.CareerInsiders.com, to answer questions from job seekers. Submit your questions to editor@potreroview.net. Q: The holidays are coming up. Should I give my job search a break and wait until after the New Year? A: Great question! While it’s true that there’s less hiring in December because many people take vacations, don’t assume that nothing gets done. With the economy the way it is, people aren’t taking as much leave as they have in the past; that includes hiring managers. While many job seekers take the holiday period off, why don’t you use the opportunity to take advantage of a bit less competition? December is a terrific time for networking: parties, parties, parties. It’s a great excuse to contact people you haven’t seen all year. Send out holiday greetings, invite people out or over. If you’re invited to parties, go! Host a party yourself. Being among friends will lift your spirits and self confidence. When contacting friends, be sure to ask about them, how they are and what they’re doing. And let them know about you, how you are, and that you’re looking for a new job. Be specific about the job you’re seeking. You can lighten things up by adding, “I thought I’d let you know just in case you hear of something.” Send holiday greetings by email to those companies you haven’t heard from in a while. Before going to an event, plan ahead. Think about the people you know who may be there. Prepare your elevator speech, but in a lighter more social tone. Consider that there may be people whom you don’t know as well, and make a point to meet as many of them as possible. One of my favorite sayings about networking is that whenever there are two or more people, it’s a networking event! Be sure to collect business cards so you can follow up as soon as possible. A last word of advice. If you’re partying and networking, please be on your best behavior and don’t overuse alcohol. At least I didn’t say not to drink at all!
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