[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-festive-strategies-land-interviews-during-holidays#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-festive-strategies-land-interviews-during-holidays","headline":"14 Festive Strategies That Land Interviews During the Holidays","name":"14 Festive Strategies That Land Interviews During the Holidays","description":"It\u2019s common to think the holidays are not an ideal time for doing a job search or to land interviews. I hear it all the time\u2026 Your head tells you, \u201cNo one is hiring.\u201d I am here to tell you that it is not true. This is actually the time we get to have fun…","datePublished":"2018-12-07","dateModified":"2019-11-20","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/author\/admin#Person","name":"Lisa Rangel","url":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/author\/admin","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d232d4d94c36a87067529574d8bf976cdcbe10988a09d79e9fbc2b75ce6cb95a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d232d4d94c36a87067529574d8bf976cdcbe10988a09d79e9fbc2b75ce6cb95a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Chameleon Resumes, LLC","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Chameleon_FullColor-1.png","url":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Chameleon_FullColor-1.png","width":1000,"height":442}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/14-festive-strategies-land-interviews-during-holidays.png","url":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/14-festive-strategies-land-interviews-during-holidays.png","height":"285","width":"417"},"url":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-festive-strategies-land-interviews-during-holidays","about":["Blog","Job Search Planning"],"wordCount":1095,"keywords":["Chameleon Resumes blog","executive resume writing services","holiday job search tips","holiday networking events","interviews","job search","job search tips","land interviews","lisa rangel","networking"],"articleBody":"It\u2019s common to think the holidays are not an ideal time for doing a job search or to land interviews. I hear it all the time\u2026 Your head tells you, \u201cNo one is hiring.\u201d I am here to tell you that it is not true. This is actually the time we get to have fun with this process!\u00a0The holidays present new, fun opportunities to expand your network and leads to pursue. Whether you are introverted or extroverted, here are ways you can make job searching and holiday networking easier for you to land interviews during this season:\u00a0\u00a0(1)Networking is not only about going to events\u2014you can also use the phone! \ud83d\ude09Every day, commit to calling one friend and one former co-worker, whom you have not spoken to in a while, just to see how they are doing. Then let the conversation gravitate to what you are up to\u2026 naturally.\u00a0(2)\u00a0Do your homework before choosing events to attend. Does it make sense for you to attend the event? If two events present themselves, pick one and do it well. Don\u2019t spread yourself too thin. Research who will be attending to evaluate how it can fulfill your personal or professional goals. Make sure attending serves a purpose for you\u2014even if it is just to have fun.\u00a0(3)\u00a0Show up with an attitude of giving. When attending events, enter the event thinking, \u201cWho can I help?\u201d versus having the \u201cUgh, I don\u2019t know anyone!\u201d or \u201cWhat are they going to think of me?\u201d mindset.\u00a0You will appear more genuine and less stressed if you want to offer assistance than if you are feeling you have to fit in with the crowd.\u00a0(4)\u00a0Spend time with positive people\u2026 not the \u2018bah-humbug\u2019 crowd.\u00a0It is so important to stay positive during the holidays. I am all for helping people with a pick-me-up. But if you feel someone is just a Debbie Downer who is going to bring you down with him\/her, then find someone else to chat with, learn about and help. This is networking not therapy. Help someone who wants your help.\u00a0(5)\u00a0Not feeling confident about talking to people? If you\u2019re not sure what to say or ask, read \u201cThe Fine Art of Small Talk\u201d by Debra Fine.\u00a0Choose 4-5 questions out of this book to help you get conversations started. Or use it to create some of your own standbys. This will help reduce the awkward silences that can arise. Some of my favs that get things rolling: a. How are you connected to this group? What brings you to the event? b. What kind of day did you have today? c. What do you enjoy most about what you do? What do you find most challenging? d. Plans for the weekend?(6)\u00a0Don\u2019t go alone! Find a friend or colleague to attend the event with you.\u00a0But make sure you don\u2019t spend the whole event chatting with each other. You can do that anytime. Plan to facilitate introductions for each other as you meet people throughout the event.\u00a0(7)\u00a0Make sure you do not show up late.It\u2019s easier to start conversations with the early crowd, so get there early whenever possible. It can be a challenge to enter conversations already started if you are late.\u00a0(8)\u00a0Have an eloquent, concise way to describe where you are in life and what you are looking to do in the next phase of your career. Be prepared to explain that you are looking for a new position and the kind of job you seek, when it is appropriate to share.\u00a0(9)\u00a0Ask questions. Be curious.\u00a0Make sure you engage people, and learn about problems\/opportunities within your contact\u2019s industry to make mental notes of items to research and explore after the event. This could lead to your next job.\u00a0(10)\u00a0IMPORTANT! Do not ask about job openings at their company.\u00a0Instead, ask questions to gain information about the person you are talking to and learn about their company, interests, and passions.\u00a0(11)\u00a0While food is great and all\u2026 It\u2019s not the main focus \ud83d\ude09 Networking events are about the people\u2014not the food.\u00a0(I can\u2019t believe I said that!) Seriously, though, do not spend time with the canap\u00e9s, no matter how fabulous they may be. You are there to expand your network and increase your opportunities\u2014focus people!\u00a0(12)\u00a0Give 100% of your attention to the person you are speaking with\u2014don\u2019t let your eyes wander.\u00a0People can sense if you are looking for someone more interesting to talk to\u2014so even if that is happening to you, you must be polite to your immediate audience. Excuse yourself gracefully, if need be. Always treat everyone with respect and attention.\u00a0(13)\u00a0Effective follow is just as important as attending the event itself! If you enjoyed meeting someone, make sure you email them afterwards, saying so. Or, you could even call them asking to meet for coffee over the next few weeks. This is how relationships start.\u00a0(14)\u00a0Don\u2019t stress yourself out\u2014Keep your purpose in perspective.\u00a0You are there to meet people and make connections. You will not find a job at the event, so relax. You would not ask someone to marry you on the first date nor would you want to be asked.\u00a0Well, networking opportunities are not even the first date! So set realistic, attainable goals in performing networking activities and you will feel less pressure throughout the season.These tips should help make this holiday season the one to help you land interviews and bring you the opportunities you are looking for.\u00a0 Make sure to have fun.\u00a0Do it right. And above all else, present the BEST YOU so potential employers can see exactly why you are perfect for them.And, because you’ll be making great connections utilizing the above tips, you’re going to want to make sure your resume is up-to-date and optimized using modern tactics that’ll turn the heads of recruiters and hiring managers. You’re invited to join us for our upcoming No-Cost “How to Design a Powerful Resume to Land Six-Figure Interviews and Get the Offer!“ masterclass training. Gain an upper hand against the competition for the jobs you’re targeting and make sure you’re ready for the busy January hiring season by crafting an impressive piece of marketing collateral that will get you noticed & land interviews!Reserve your free spot for the session of your choice here -> https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/execrestrainingBe Well!LisaLisa Rangel – Executive Resume Writing Services\u00a0"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"14 Festive Strategies That Land Interviews During the Holidays","item":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-festive-strategies-land-interviews-during-holidays#breadcrumbitem"}]}]