Job Seekers: Come Monday, It'll Be Alright

Out and about over the weekend, I saw a sign in a store that said:

Everyone's home for the holidays -- I'll be in therapy on Monday!

I chuckled to myself and thought yep, pretty much. Seriously, if you're a job seeker, do you find the holidays stress-free or stressful? You know, when Grandma asks "don't you have a job yet, Missie?" or when Uncle Harold chimes in "You know, son, you better take what you can get in this economy" or how your third cousin twice removed tells you about her three-week getaway to Somewhere and "oh, you must come by and see our new..."

Stress. What is stress, anyway?

According to Merriam-Webster, one definition of stress is: d: a state resulting from a stress: especially: one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium...

In graduate school, I recall studying Hans Selye and the discovery of stress. I also remember learning about types of stress, specifically distress and eustress and how stress can be "good" or "bad." As a job seeker, what strategies do you employ to manage stress of either variety during the holiday season? Listed below are a few coping strategies to help with the "dis" side of stress:

1. Come up with the line you feel comfortable in sharing when well-intentioned people ask about your job search. If you're struggling with what to say, here's an idea to help you...just fill in the blanks to suit your situation:

"Thanks for asking, Aunt Mable, about my job search...please keep me in mind if you hear of opportunities in the financial services industry where experience in project management, customer support and team leadership contribute to improved employee productivity and client retention." (Aunt Mable may not have a lead for you, but at least you sound like you have your act together - sort of)

2. Exercise. Take walks. Work out. If you don't belong to a health or fitness club right now, concrete works! Hit the pavement. Walk off the stress if your knees, back, hips and ankles are up to it. It will help your head and you might drop a couple of extra pounds and look better for the interview.

3. When someone engages you in conversation about how bad this is, how terrible that is and how things are getting worse, not better, why not mention something positive and steer your chat in another direction. As my daughter says...I'm just sayin.

4. Watch funny movies. Check them out at your local library if you're a member. It won't change the fact that you don't have a job, but it could be a welcome relief to hear yourself laugh!

5. Read a book about job search -- ask guests at the holiday gathering for their ideas and recommendations.

6. Browse the Internet for interesting blog posts on how to survive the holidays while looking for a job.

7. Volunteer in your local community. Check out volunteer organizations online. Ask around -- who needs a helping hand, especially during the holidays? (Volunteering is a wonderful way to share your gifts and talents and the person you meet volunteering today could well be the person who's hiring you tomorrow.)

8. Make holiday gifts instead of buying them. You don't have to spend a lot of money to give a priceless gift. For example, at Mother's Day this year, I advised each of our children that the only thing I'd like from them, if they chose to give me a gift, was "Lessons from Mom" in their handwriting. Both daughters offered beautiful written pieces that I love to hold, read and re-read. Our son didn't have time to write anything (he got a pass - he's in law school) but on that special day, he told me, in person, "Five Things I've Learned From You, Mom."

9. Bake something this holiday season and share it! I really don't enjoy cooking, but I love to bake, especially for the holidays. Remember the scene in Grey's Anatomy when Izzy baked and baked muffins to relieve stress?

10. Call, email, text or DM someone in your circle this holiday season..."Just wanted to say hey (hello / hi) and to thank you for being my friend"...

Wishing you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for reading Career Hub!

"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one." ~ Hans Selye

cross-posted at billiesucherblog

Comments

[Bill Morgan]

Also, the holidays are a great time to find a job. I just posted 6 reasons why at:
http://www.thejobswami.com/2009/11/24/the-holidays-6-reasons-its-the-best-time-to-find-a-job/

Lots to be thankful for.

Bill Morgan
The Job Swami Career Blog

[billiesucher]

Definitely ~ lots to be thankful for. Happy Holidays and thanks for your comments. Good article over on your site, too! I RT'd it!

[Jim Edwards]

Holiday Job Hunting: Fact & Fiction


The Quiz & Answers

Please indicate “Fact” or “Fiction” for each of the statements below.

1. There is less competition for jobs in December.

Fact. Competition for positions is greatly reduced because of the prevailing belief that employers don’t
hire in December. Most of your competitors will not be looking for a job this month but look out in
January! Many job seekers get offers they wouldn’t ordinarily get by looking in December.

2. There are only a few positions open in December.

Fiction. For most companies, next year’s budget is already approved. Hiring managers either want to
start the year with full staff or have requisitions for positions that begin immediately after the New
Year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys show no pattern of a drop-off in permanent hires at year-
end. In fact, most companies have the same number of openings at year-end as they do the rest of the
year but they have fewer candidates. There may also be pressure to exhaust this year’s hiring budget.

3. January is the strongest hiring month of the year.

Fact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, January is the strongest hiring month of the year.
Remember, it’s the legwork done in November and December that puts job seekers in a better position
to snag the first-of-the-year positions.

4. Hiring managers are too busy during the holidays to do interviews.

Fiction. Fewer business trips and daylong meetings take place in December making it easier to reach
decision makers. Most managers have reached their goals and are at their desks planning for the New
Year. Managers could also have tips of positions that will open after the first of the year.

5. Calls to potential employers are not welcome during the holidays.

Fiction. For most of the year, managers strive to screen the tide of job hunters coming their way. At
year-end, however, that tide has thinned and hiring managers are in a more giving mood. The best time
to call is first thing in the morning and late afternoon. By mid-day they are likely to be roaming the
halls or taking longer lunch breaks.

6. Holiday parties are great places to get job leads.

Fact. Of course, you have to have your strategy well planned. Collect your holiday presents early by
requesting job leads and referrals from your friends. Be company and department specific in your
request naming your target company and the specific department. Get names, numbers, and permission
to mention your contact’s name in the initial call. Appearing desperate is a downer for everybody.
Engage in some relaxed conversation about job openings.

Make appointments with willing friends and acquaintances for coffee or other short social meetings to
discuss your search. Have your 90-second commercial ready along with a 60 second description of
your ideal job. (See the “Tools” handout for more information.)

7. Sending Holiday greeting cards is a waste of time.

Fiction. Use your holiday cards to update friends, associates, and family on your current status. An
upbeat note in the card will start your phone ringing. Expanding your list of card recipients will put
your name in front of more people, possibly some that you will see at holiday parties.

8. December is a good month to take time off from a job search.

Fiction. The prevailing concept is that companies don’t hire during the holidays. Fact: they do!!
Taking yourself out of the game shrinks the pool of candidates and gives someone else the edge.

9. Traveling during the holidays stops a job search.

Fiction. Okay, it’s a trick question. If you are already interviewing with a prospective employer, taking
a trip is a great reason to call the hiring manager with your contact information. Another possibility is
that your travels may take you to one of your target locations. How about calling potential employers
ahead of time to set up visits?

10. Taking a temporary holiday job is a bad idea.

Fact & Fiction. Taking a temp job to fill the dwindling coffers could be necessary. Selecting that job is
important. Many retail jobs will end after the rush and you’ve taken yourself off of the market at a
critical time. Temp jobs with companies that are on your hit list or if the work closely matches your
preferences and skills could be a great idea. Companies are hiring “temp to perm” more often these
days.

[billiesucher]

Wow, thanks for the quiz with answers, Jim. Very helpful and informative for job seekers! Happy Holidays!

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[EstelleStafford]

If you're in a not good position and have no cash to go out from that, you will require to take the business loans. Just because it would help you unquestionably. I take commercial loan every single year and feel myself great because of that.