Career Breakout: Holiday Networking

The end of the year does not mean the end of career networking. Quite
the opposite, NOW is the ideal time to spread the news of your value
and contributions. To detail, let’s respond to a brief summary and
question submitted last week by a recent college graduate, Chris Alcott:

“I graduated with a business degree earlier this year and was
hoping that would be enough to get a decent job offer. I’ve been
unemployed for the past 18 months due to a downsizing. Looks like no one
is  bringing on new employees and the only thing going on are holiday
parties, gatherings, and a hiring freeze. Last November and December I
resigned to wait until January to re-launch my job search and
concentrate on my final semester of classes. What’s your thoughts… are
the last two or three months of the year a waste of time for the
unemployed? If not, what are your suggestions?”

To set the record straight once and for all, the final three
months of the year are not a waste of time for the unemployed and can be
quite successful.

Career fact: Seasonal help, even part time, is at a full-time high during the final quarter.

If you’re thinking a low-wage job for a month or two is below your status, crawl out from that rock you are renting and wake up.
Though many seasonal positions are for a short stint, not all are.
Believe it or not, a solid percentage of those hired during this time
progress into full-time positions with promotions and salary increases.

Though I know little about Mr. Alcott, gaining a seasonal position
will add strength to your resume by way of added customer service
experience. Not only will one achieve a paycheck, the psychological
benefits of getting out there and contributing to the household will
create a positive impact. Being a recent graduate, many employers look
at the soft skills offered and use that when measuring up candidates.

Looking to turn that seasonal position into a full-time position?
Here’s a tip, employers are always searching for top-notch employees to
join their team, in any industry.

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Consider
an employer’s perspective… what are they looking for with their
seasonal bunch? Here’s another clue (or two) about the evaluation
process, gaining full-time status, and what you need to highlight on and
off the clock:

* An eagerness to learn and a drive to represent the company mission
* Confidence and an initiative to do what needs to be done without complaint
* To ‘think’ and ‘act’ professionally, without compromising patience, quality, or production
* Dedication, aptitude, and loyalty to perform tasks outside limited job duties
* ‘Show’ you are a keeper… and yes, your boss is watching and his or her observations will be relayed to the company elite

Career fact: Networking is at an all-time high during the holiday season.

While on the topic of networking during the holiday season, I would
like to introduce a wonderful resource I have been taking advantage for
years,  http://www.cultureandmanners.com.

Thanks to the polite folks at the Culture and Manners Institute, let’s review the following insight…

Networking does not mean you become a walking/talking resume. Think
of networking as research. As said in previous Etiquette Tips, the best way to start and continue a conversation is to ask questions:

*  What do you do for a living?
*  How long have you been with that company?
*  How did you first become interested in that company?
*  What do you like best about your company (or job)?
*  How did you get started in that field?

Holiday networking is not just job research, its company research;
because you learn which company has happy and satisfied employees and
which ones don’t. (One person badmouthing their company might just be a
malcontent. Three is a pattern.)

Here is the best part. When you ask questions of another person, you
show you are taking interest in that person and that makes people feel
good about them. This is what etiquette is all about.

Some people who are out of work avoid holiday parties. Never fear to admit you are out of work.
 Everyone has been there. Networking skills honed in holiday season are
valuable assets when you do find employment. Now get out there and
party.

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For those interested in receiving an Etiquette Tip of the Week, check out their site mentioned above.

The final few months of the year can prove to be career successful.
In other words, Chris, don’t get discouraged and do get yourself out
there!

For those interested in cutting-edge career books to guide you along your journey, visit www.edu-cs.com or go to Amazon and search Danny at ECS for a listing of available
material.

Danny Hufman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
www.EducationCareerServices.com
West Orlando News Online, Event and Career Columnist
Got Twitter? Shadow me @dannyatecs