Some recent research from the Michigan State University Collegiate Employment Research Institute, which conducts an annual survey, (as reported via CNN) suggests that:

“Large companies, those with more than 4,000 employees, plan to decrease hiring of all graduates by 3%, and medium-sized companies, those with between 500 and 4,000 employees, expect to lower hiring by 11%.

Smaller companies, however, may provide a bright spot in the job market for new graduates.

Employers with fewer than 500 staff members said they expect hiring at their companies to jump by 15%. These companies will hire 11 new graduates on average in 2010, and 8 of them will be at the bachelor’s level.“

So, it may be wise to stop looking only at large companies and to focus on smaller firms for opportunities.

I have many clients who identify organizations first.  They say, “I want to work for a small company where I will be able to get involved in a lot of different areas.”  Or they say, “I want to work for a large company with opportunity to be promoted.”  Or, “I’d love to work for a large firm and be pigeon-holed into doing the same work day after day.”  Except for that last one…

There are pros and cons to every type of job. I have a client who works for a small family firm.  Her stories are exactly what one would expect based on stereotypes of small family firms…Uncle Bill comes in to do the taxes, Aunt Sue is hired to decorate the waiting area.  Non-family members work at their own peril.  At the same time, this client had the opportunity to take on responsibilities and hone skills she otherwise would not have had the chance to do had she worked at a larger firm.

Points to consider…

Small businesses offer:

• Quick response time
• Decision making flexibility
• Personal attention
• Specialization opportunities
• Ability to change with the times

Salary.com offers these reasons to choose a small company:

• Improved work/life balance
• Less political
• Better company culture

Larger firms may offer better benefits (free lunch, anyone?), training opportunities and an HR department that prevents Uncle Jim from getting a job that someone else is more qualified to do.  Although I was glib in noting that large firms may pigeon-hole their workers, it is also true that they may provide more opportunities for advancement from within or transfers from one office to another that would not be possible in a small firm.

Suite101.com notes these advantages of working for a large company:

• More resources
• Leadership potential
• Ability to specialize
• More job options

There are pros and cons to every choice, but it is interesting to consider:  Are you a large company or small company worker?

Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by Clif1066

Did you miss these?

1. Search for Jobs By Company Size
2. Job search planning – steps, tips and tricks
3. CareerBuilder’s 2010 Jobs Forecast wrap up
4. Lost At Sea? Career Search Strategies and Tips for Today’s Job Market
5. Suddenly Unemployed: What Steps to Take Now

In the “old days,” job seekers could put together some basic information (a resume, a cover letter and a pitch) and, with a little luck, land an opportunity. Now, not so much. People like to see optimized materials (a *good* resume isn’t good enough), a LinkedIn profile is a must, social (online) resumes are more and more common and an online presence is assumed. Not to mention use of Twitter and Facebook, both of which fuel today’s successful searches.

So, what is a job seeker to do?

It seems obvious – you can’t be successful until you get started. You can’t get started on everything at once, so break it down and work on one thing at a time. My friend, Cindy Petersiel, a business coach, introduced me to a term that describes this basic, yet important idea: “chunk it down.”

As a career coach, I advise my clients to “chunk down” their tasks so they won’t be overwhelmed by the process of finding a job. It’s great advice for any of us facing lots to do and not enough time. (That pretty much describes most people I know!)

Some tips for “chunking it down”:

1.) Review your assignments and goals. Create a list of everything you need to do. Make sure you have a complete picture of the tasks and create a time frame.

2.) Break down the project into natural segments. “Write a resume” may be one project (with several parts). “Make a networking plan” is another task. Prioritize the segments and think about how much time each piece will take to complete.

3.) Focus on one thing at a time. Compile a daily “to do” list. Make sure it is reasonable; don’t give yourself too many tasks on one day. Depending on the job and your patience, you may need to further chunk down the steps. (No one should expect to write a resume in a day!)

To decide what to do first, consult your list of priorities. To keep your focus, try to include some fun, interesting or simple tasks early on. If you’re doing things you enjoy or finish rapidly, you’ll give your project a boost and quickly check things off of your “to do” list.

4.) Plan ahead. Make sure you have everything you need to work on your task as scheduled.

5.) Seek help. It helps to have a good support system. Ask for advice when you’re really stuck and to ensure that you are on the right track.

6.) Reward yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments. Do something fun!

Get ahead by getting started… timeless advice for job seekers!

–

No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by radiant guy

Did you miss these?

1. Tips to Control Job Hunt Overwhelm
2. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1
3. Change the way you navigate your job search
4. Networking – Informational Interviewing/Getting Started
5. Job search planning – steps, tips and tricks

If you’re wondering where the jobs are, look to the West, where 24 percent of employers intend to add full-time workers. Employers in the Northeast anticipate the next highest amount of hiring, followed by the South and Midwest.

The industries where you can expect to see the largest hiring increases are information technology, manufacturing, financial services, professional and business services and sales.

Other notable results from the survey? Some good news for job seekers: “20% of employers plan to increase their number of full-time, permanent employees this year, up from 14% in 2009.” On the flip side, “9% plan to decrease headcount, down from 16% in 2009.” Most (61%) don’t anticipate hiring or firing workers.

The survey asks hiring managers and human resource professionals to comment on a variety of topics of interest to job seekers and employers. Some highlights from the survey include companies’ plans to:

• Replace lower-performing employees. Although most employers surveyed would grade their workforces a “B” or above (85%).
• Emphasize social media to strengthen their brand. 37% will focus more on social media and 8% plan to hire someone to do the job.
• Rehire laid-off workers. 32% plan to bring back workers, some in the first six months of the year.
• Continue to provide flexible work arrangements. 35% (up from 31% last year) will offer alternate schedules, telecommunting, compressed work weeks, summer hours, job sharing and/or sabbaticals.
• Cut perks and benefits. 37% (up from 32% last year) plan to cut employee incentives. Bonuses are the biggest cut (15%), followed by medical coverage (10%), suspended 401k matching, condiments, incentive trips, academic reimbursement, vacation time and wellness benefits.

Other items from the survey:

• Mature workers get the nod from 27% of surveyed companies who say they are open to retaining their workers who are approaching retirement. 1% say they may rehire retirees from other companies this year. 10% may offer incentives to keep workers approaching retirement age with their company. This works well for those approaching retirement age, as 37% of employers surveyed reported that they have employees requesting to stay on, up from 22% last year.
• Freelance or contract workers will still be on the books this year for 30% of surveyed employers, up from 28% last year.
• The environment is a greater focus for 11% of employers who plan to add “green jobs,” which is on par with last year’s figures.
• Bilingual employees are in luck. 40% of employers plan to build a bilingual workforce, although the survey does not specify what languages are in demand.

Read highlights HERE or download the full report HERE.

No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by segozyme

Did you miss these?

1. More good jobs for 2010 and beyond
2. Search for jobs by identifying a company
3. Best careers for 2010
4. Careers for the super smart in 2010
5. Job competition at all-time high. Time to raise the bar.

The following is from HotJobs.com’s suggestions of  eight “gigs expected to be both prosperous and abundant in the coming decade.” Be sure to read their post for more details about each selection.

Cardiovascular technologist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this job is expected to grow by 24 percent through the year 2018. As the BLS reports, most cardiovascular technologists in training earn at least a two-year technical degree. In addition, some get on-the-job training in the necessary equipment (for example, EKGs). 
Median annual salary: $60,400

Database administrator
Like health care, information technology remains a hot field with ample opportunity, says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career. A solid foundation in computing is essential, reports the BLS, adding that certifications can only make you more attractive to employers. 
Median annual salary: $72,600

Gas/electric/utilities strategic planning analyst
Working in the utilities sector remains a wise bet, no matter what the economy’s doing. According to the BLS, of all utilities sector support staff, technology workers and analysts will find themselves best equipped to capitalize on job openings. 
Median annual salary: $68,700

Accountant
Do you enjoy crunching number? The BLS estimates that accounting jobs will grow by 22 percent in the next decade.
Median annual salary: $49,100

Marketing manager
Organizations from all walks of corporate America need creative folks who can write and analyze a marketing survey, position a product to consumers and the media, and collaborate with market researchers, product managers, and profit-minded accountants. What’s more, the BLS predicts that opportunities for marketing managers will increase by 13 percent through 2018. 
Median annual salary: $60,200

Dental hygienist
Of all the jobs that require a two-year technical degree, this one promises the most opportunity in the new decade, boasting a whopping 36 percent growth rate. Many of these positions are part-time with flexible hours, making them ideal for parents with young children. 
Median annual salary: $57,100

Interior designer
Are you a design blog junkie? The friend everyone calls when they need help sprucing up their living room? Although you’ll need to invest in a design degree and acquire the necessary budgeting and software skills, the payoff is worth it, says Shatkin: Job opportunities are expected to grow by 19 percent through 2018. 
Median annual salary: $46,100

Occupational therapist
Thanks to the country’s aging population, occupational therapy remains a high-growth field, with 26 percent more jobs predicted in the new decade. According to the BLS, nearly a third of occupational therapists work part-time, and a master’s degree and state license are usually required. 
Median annual salary: $69,400

No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by darkmatter

Did you miss these?

1. CareerBuilder’s 2010 Jobs Forecast wrap up
2. Best careers for 2010
3. Search for jobs by identifying a company
4. Job market predictions for 2010
5. Careers for the super smart in 2010

Sandra Naiman, author of The High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work (JIST, 2009) [read my review HERE] echos the sentiment that the “holiday season is a great time to enlarge and reactivate your network.  That is not to say that you ask people if they have or know of a job; however social networking sites, letters and cards are a great way to get back on people’s radar screen.”

She suggests that you create inexpensive ways to bring people together at your house – such as a cookie baking party where everyone cooks and shares cookies and candies with everyone else. “Again, your objective is to connect with as many people as possible and create opportunities for follow up, where appropriate, after the holidays.”

A fun idea – host your own party!

Another author, Richard S. Deems, who wrote, Make Job Loss Work For You (Jist 2010) with his daughter, Terri Deems, suggests job seekers move their focus to direct (in-person) networking during the holidays to take advantage of the generally good mood. Richard reminds us how important it is to follow up, which is key!

Did you miss these?

1. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1
2. Holiday Networking – Free Ebook
3. Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year
4. Why to keep up your job hunt (and your spirits) during the holiday season
5. Take your job search social

If you have been keeping up with my series about how and why to use the holidays to advance your job hunt, you know there are many reasons and many ways to make the best of the holiday season. Click HERE for a launching page that links to all of the advice from my expert panel of colleagues and friends.

With so much great advice about how to use the holidays to network, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit an important, but overlooked topic to help job seekers stand a head above the rest at this busy and fun time of the year.

Networking is great. Meeting a lot of new people is terrific. However, knowing what to do once you’ve made a contact is just as important as finding the contact. How can you hook your contacts? Here are my tips for being remembered:

1. Send a nice note. In the mail.

If you met someone at a party or gathering and you want to keep in touch, send a nice note. I like typed notes, some people prefer a hand-written message. At this time of year, a card with a nice hand written note is fine. Be sure to include enough information to help the person remember when and where you met and what you discussed. Don’t forget that not everyone observes the same holidays, so avoid specific references to a particular holiday unless you know for sure. Greetings for the new year are usually appropriate and cannot steer you too wrong!

Of course, sending a note relies on you having the correct contact information, so don’t forget to exchange business cards.

2. Cover your social networking bases.

When you meet someone and you think there is a professional connection, ask if they are on LinkedIn and if it would be okay to connect. Then, be sure to follow up right away (after you get home – not from your iPhone!) with a request to connect. Again, even if it is shortly after the party, remind the contact where you met and what you discussed. Don’t assume he or she will remember everything you talked about!

Connecting on LinkedIn provides many advangages. Of course, growing your network is always important, but also remember that your new friends will now have a chance to see your updates (and you theirs). In general, keeping tabs on someone is easy on LinkedIn and a very low impact way to stay in touch.

Also be sure to ask if the person uses Twitter. I’m a big fan, and I hope more people will begin to use if for professional purposes. Do NOT ask to connect via Facebook unless you are invited after an incidental meeting. Typically, this is not considered proper etiquette.

3. Set a Google alert for the name of the person you met and/or the name of their company.

No, I am not suggesting that you stalk the new contact! However, if Google can help you easily find out news or information about someone with whom you are trying to build rapport, all the better! When you learn that XYZ company  has won an innovation award or that Julia Smith has been named a top ten PR rep, you will be able to be among the first to send a follow-up note. This helps keep you top of mind. It sets you apart from every other random contact, which is important in this competitive market.

4. Make a strong personal connection.

In the midst of your initial conversation, hopefully you learned something personal about your new contact. For example – he is a Bulls fanatic or she went to UGA. She’s a photography buff and is a scrapbooker. He is a world traveler, but hasn’t made it to Asia. You get what I mean – make a point to learn something interesting about people you meet. This gives you several benefits:

• You will earn bonus points for being a good listener, for asking questions and for being attentive to your new friend’s interests. We all enjoy talking about ourselves. When you engage around a topic that tweaks someone’s passions, you are more likely to be remembered later.
• You now have a new “hook” to use for follow up! Assuming you keep your eyes on the newspapers and Internet, you are bound to come across a post or article of interest to your contact. Send it along via email with a personal note. Again – the point  here is to maintain a “top of mind” status. You sent an article on tips for travel in China and your friend thinks about you in a day when you would not otherwise cross his mind.

You can do everything “right,” (know what you have to offer, have a great twitpitch, know where to look, have great materials…The list goes on and on. However, if you don’t follow up with your networking contacts, all of that work could easily go down the drain. Don’t let that happen to you!

Other responses to the question from Career Collective members:

@MartinBuckland, Elite Resumes, “Season’s Greetings and your Job Search”

@GayleHoward, The Executive Brand, “It’s Christmas: And a ho-ho-ho-hum?”

@KCCareerCoach, Career Chaos, “The Gift Every Laid Off Job Seeker Needs”

@resumeservice, Resume Writing Blog,“Holiday Resume Sparkle: Outshine the New Year Job-Search Mob”

@heathermundell, life@work, “Have a Holly Jolly Job Search”

@sweetcareers, Sweet Careers, “Holiday Job Search Tips for College Students 2009″

@careersherpa, Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Cheers”

@careerealism, CAREEREALISM.com, “Holiday Tip for Job Seekers: 4 Ways to Impress Others with Your Professionalism”

@heatherhuhman, HeatherHuhman.com, “4 Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Job Hunting”

@LaurieBerenson, Sterling Career Concepts, “Three Resolutions to Take It Up a Notch”

@KatCareerGal, Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog, “Avoiding the Holiday Blues in Your Job Search”

@WorkWithIllness, WorkingWithillness.com, “Avoid this Minefield: No Holiday Here!”

@DawnBugni, “The Write Solution Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays?”

@andyinnaples, “Shift Your Focus to the Highest Impact Job Search Activities During the Holidays to Leverage Your Time”

@erinkennedycprw, Professional Resume Services, “How to keep up the Job Hunt during the Holidays”

@keppie_careers, Keppie Careers, “Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year”

@ValueIntoWords, Career Trend, “Navigating the Mistle Toe of Job Search”

@GLHoffman, What Would Dad Say, “Merry Christmas! Can I Buy You Coffee to Talk About Me?”

@BarbaraSafani, Career Solvers, “Holiday Networking Can Facilitate New Year Opportunities”

@expatcoachmegan, Career By Choice Blog, “Expat Networking: Holidays Are a Great Time to Nurture and Grow Your Network”

@chandlee, The Emerging Professional Blog, “Footprints & Associations: Job Search Tips for the Holidays”

@JobHuntOrg, Job-Hunt.org, “(Holiday) Party Your Way to a New Job“

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by Robert in Toronto

Did you miss these?

1. Holiday networking tips and advice
2. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
3. Holidays are great for networking.
4. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
5. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1

These are Ronnie Ann’s ideas about holiday job searching…

I’m so happy you’re writing about this, Miriam. Through the years, I’ve heard people say it’s not worth looking for jobs as we get into December and the holiday season. Well, I think it’s exactly the right time to be looking…in all meanings of that word.

It’s true that many employers may wait until the new year to post a new job, but at any given time there are still jobs that need to be filled ASAP. And since so many people hold back from looking at all during this time, you may have an even better chance applying for any jobs that do get posted. Less competition can be a good thing! You only need to find one job to make it worthwhile, right? It’s at least worth a try.

But here’s my favorite part. Even in tough times, people will make New Year’s resolutions to quit their old jobs in 2010 and find new ones. So this is exactly the right time to get a jump on the crowd and start planting those networking seeds – your best chance at finding a great job.

And the holiday season is a golden opportunity for networking. There are more parties and chances to connect. In fact, in my own career, I once decided to switch from the private to non-profit sector, and when I met someone at a holiday party who worked in non-profit, I casually mentioned what I was thinking about. Well…he got me to someone who got me to someone else – and long story short – I found what I was looking for!

Don’t forget – casually is the operative word;  you don’t want to look like you’re all about you. Listening and NOT being in “sell-yourself mode” is the key to good networking. (For my favorite tip on networking you might enjoy reading: The Simplest Job Networking Tip of All.)

As I see it, now is always the exactly the right time to start looking. Good luck!

Don’t miss the rest of the series and advice from many of my colleagues:

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – Take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

Part 4 – Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter – Unplug and embrace rest

Part 5 – Wendy Enelow – Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers

Part 6 – GL Hoffman – Use time to research and prepare

Part 7 – Meghan M. Biro – Use the holidays as a time for self assessment

Part 8 – Craig Fisher – Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by toettoet

Did you miss these?

1. Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year
2. Use parties and other festive opportunities to your advantage for job hunting
3. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
4. How to use the holidays as a time for self assessment
5. Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays

Jacqui has become a good friend and trusted colleague after we originally “met” via Twitter. I always look forward to our conversations and am so happy to have opportunities to collaborate with her. So, when I saw Jacqui tweet this the day before Thanksgiving, I thought it would make a perfect Thanksgiving post in the midst of my series encouraging you NOT to slow down your job hunt during the holidays:

I agree! While it is important to keep at the job hunt during this time of the year, taking some time off to recharge (by UNplugging!) and rejuvanate is important. In fact, another trusted career advisor and friend, Marci Alboher, author and expert on career issues and workplace trends and Senior Fellow for Civic Ventures, suggested taking time off your job hunt right around the major holidays when people are not likely to be in the office. If there is ever a day to focus on yourself and your family (and eating a good meal, hopefully), Thankgiving is it.

Wishing everyone a restful, peaceful and very Happy Thanksgiving!

Are you relaxing or revving up your job hunt during the holidays? Share in the comments!

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – take care of yourself

Part 3 – Anita Bruzzese – Stay ahead of the crowd

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by rogue 3W

Did you miss these?

1. Four tips for effective networking follow-up for the holidays and the rest of the year
2. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
3. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
4. Why to keep up your job hunt (and your spirits) during the holiday season
5. Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you

I’m always telling my readers to do something different and to stay ahead of the crowd, so I was glad to see that Anita’s advice starts in that vein…You never know what information may be exchanged over the candy dish at a holiday party!

These are Anita’s thoughts on the subject of looking for a job during the holidays:

I think you should NOT take a break from hunting for a job during the holidays, because that’s what a lot of other people will be doing. That gives you a chance to make some inroads. Sure, some managers will be gone for the holidays, but a lot of them will be sticking around to finish up year-end work.   If you can present yourself as the person who can hit the ground running and be on board raring to go for 2010, it can be pretty appealing to them.

Also, the latest research I’ve done shows that companies (especially technology and health care) are contracting with more recruiters. That means these employers need hires to be made, and they’ve got the money for salaries.  So, now is the time to really get your name out there and network.

Don’t forget that a lot of people will be using social media to post about holiday parties or company volunteer activities. Pay attention and you might be able to volunteer at an event where you can meet a hiring manager or make a contact. Or, you may be able to learn key players through a Facebook page talking about a holiday get-together.

The key is thinking ahead: Do your research about these employers and be looking to put yourself in their line of sight. Maybe that means attending a tweet-up, volunteering at the local food bank or finding a friendly employee posting holiday pictures and talking about a gift exchange.

What are your experiences with job seeking during the holidays? Share in the comments!

Part 1 – My suggestions and a free ebook offer

Part 2 – Walter Akana – personal branding expert and coach

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

photo by sharynmorrow

Did you miss these?

1. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
2. Ideas for employed and unemployed job seekers for the holidays
3. Job seeking during the holidays: use the time to research and prepare
4. Recruiters don’t ease up during the holidays – neither should you
5. Use parties and other festive opportunities to your advantage for job hunting

Walter suggests (bold are his ideas, commentary is mine):

1. Put aside the idea about people not hiring during the Holidays. Whether it’s true or not, it can become an excuse to do nothing. I like this take on the subject. In fact, whether there are jobs to be found or not depends on many factors. Taking the position that it does not matter, and that it is important to move forward with your job hunt regardless, is a very good approach in my book.

2. Stop making your interactions with people about job leads. Instead, focus more on getting to know other people so you can build stronger, long-term relationships. Excellent advice! The majority of people I see who have not been successful at networking are approach their contacts as a job seeker first. The fact is, relationships are key to creating opportunities. So, don’t bring your resume to holiday parties. It is okay, however, to bring your business cards! (More about that later!)

Walter’s additional suggestions, which he first offered (and expanded on) in his post Own Your Life. (Be sure to read the original post!)

Use this time to refocus on happiness practices to keep your spirits up and create a positive foundation for the New Year:

- Count your blessings.
– Practice acts of kindness. 
– Savor life’s joys. 
– Thank a mentor/benefactor.
– Learn to forgive.
– Invest time and energy in family and friends.
– Take care of your body.
– Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardship

Learn more about Walter, an expert on career planning and personal branding.

What are your experiences with job seeking during the holidays? Share in the comments!

photo by tonivic

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

Did you miss these?

1. Ramp up your job search during the holiday season: Part 1
2. Keeping things in perspective for your job hunt
3. Take advantage of OTHER peoples’ new year’s resolutions – keep at your job hunt during the holidays
4. Stay ahead of the crowd during the holidays
5. Holiday networking tips and advice