Searching for Employment During the Holiday Season

Very recently, my employer decided to let me go. Whether it was a matter of cutbacks or performance issues doesn't really matter. What does matter is that during one of the most expensive times during the year, I was left out in the cold. Like thousands of people around me, I had to find work, and I had to find it quickly. With mounting bills, and a truly unforgiving mortgage company, I couldn't survive on my measly savings for very long.

So I started the process of hunting for a career. While my methods may not be suitable for everyone, there are some tried and true methods that allow for some relief during this time of need. Here are a few of the methods that I am employing to make living possible while I look for work.

Tip # 1: File for Unemployment Immediately

In most states, there is a limited window in which to file for unemployment. Take advantage of it, and do it quickly. In most cases, you only have about a week to get the paperwork filed. Granted, the money you receive will only be a small amount of what you've earned, but it will be something. And as any one who has been unemployed will tell you, that small something is better than having nothing.

Tip# 2: Tell Your Creditors the Situation

Believe it or not, creditors are not in the business of making your life miserable. Granted, a call at strange hours with semi-veiled threats doesn't help their cause, but the main focus of their efforts is to collect money and provide quality services. Because of this, it is in the best interest of everyone involved to talk to your creditors directly, and quickly. By being proactive, and telling them the situation, as well as what you are doing to try and solve the situation, you'll find the majority of creditors can be quite reasonable.

Tip # 3: Make Sure Your Resume is Up to Date and Professional

This is perhaps one of the most common mistakes that new job hunters make. Although the type of information contained within a resume hasn't changed that much, the style of resumes and how they are presented certainly has changed. The best course of action in most cases is to go to your local unemployment agency and get their help in updating your resume. They'll be able to help you present yourself in the best light possible. This is crucial, considering that the resume is usually the first thing potential employers see.

Tip # 4: Volume is the Key

If you truly want to find meaningful employment, you have to get your name out into the world. As soon as you can, start sending out resumes and cover letters to as many different potential employers as you can. It's also a good idea to present your qualifications to industry specific head hunters. The more people who see your professional qualifications, the more chance there is of someone liking what you have to offer.

Tip # 5: Don't Be Afraid of Seasonal Work

Granted, you'd much rather have a new job in your chosen field of expertise, but it's a good idea to consider seasonal retail work. The holiday season is usually one of the busiest times of the year for most retailers, and there is a good chance that they will need temporary help. It's a good way to make some extra money, and keep your spirits up.

Tip # 6: Make Each Resume Submittal Unique

While the idea of sending out as many resumes as you can is a good idea, there is a fine line between volume and mass production. In every case, no matter how small the employment is, make sure there is something in your resume or cover letter that speaks directly to the job position or the company that you wish to work for. This can mean anything from learning the hiring manager's name to commenting on a recent successful project completed by the company. By offering specific information, it shows that you took the time to research your potential employer, which in turn indicates your seriousness in applying for the position. Also, be aware of the specific screening requirements for each potential job offer. By addressing the specific needs of the job up front in your resume or cover letter, there is more of a chance it will be noticed.

Tip # 7: Practice to Ace Your Interview

So you've sent out the resumes and cover letters, and the interview is just a few days away. Wonderful! Before you step into that environment, however, it's a good idea to practice the interview. As any successful employee will tell you, the interview process is a true skill that must be practiced. So sit down with a friend and practice, with your friend acting as the potential employer, and you as the candidate. Spare no detail. Arrive to the mock interview in the professional outfit that you would wear copies of your resume in hand, as well as some specific questions about the company to ask the hiring manager. After the interview process, sit down with your friend and discuss the good points and the areas that need to be changed. Remember, you're not just trying to obtain a job, but become part of an environment that will benefit you and your family for years to come.

Tip # 8: Dress the Part

There is a saying that in order to succeed, one has to dress not for the job they have, but for the job they wish to get. This is especially true when you are searching for employment. In all your dealings with potential employers, dress in a traditional business attire. This gives the impression of someone that not only takes pride in their appearance and work, but also wants to present a professional image of the company to the world.

These are just a few of the tips that I have used during my search for employment during the holiday season. While I technically do not have employment yet, there is every indication that by the beginning of 2007, I will have a job that is better than the previous one.

I wish you luck in your job search, and hopefully these hints will provide some extra insights on how to find the job you need during the holiday season.