[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-tips-for-successful-holiday-job-searching-holiday-networking#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-tips-for-successful-holiday-job-searching-holiday-networking","headline":"14 Tips for Successful Holiday Job Searching & Holiday Networking","name":"14 Tips for Successful Holiday Job Searching & Holiday Networking","description":"Written by\u00a0Lisa Rangel, Executive Resume Writer Your head tells you, \u201cNo one is hiring.\u201d I am here to tell you that it is not true \u2013I have had two clients land and start positions in December. This is actually the time we get to have fun with this process! The holidays can present many leads…","datePublished":"2010-12-10","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\/Chameleon_FullColor-1.png","url":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Chameleon_FullColor-1.png","width":1000,"height":442},"url":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-tips-for-successful-holiday-job-searching-holiday-networking","about":["Blog","Career Advancement & Reinvention","Career Advice","Networking & Social Media Branding"],"wordCount":924,"articleBody":"Written by\u00a0Lisa Rangel, Executive Resume Writer Your head tells you, \u201cNo one is hiring.\u201d I am here to tell you that it is not true \u2013I have had two clients land and start positions in December. This is actually the time we get to have fun with this process! The holidays can present many leads to pursue and an abundance of opportunities to expand your network. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, here are practices you can do to make job searching and holiday networking easier for you during this season: (1) Networking is not only about attending events\u2014use the phone. Each day, call one friend and one former co-worker to whom you have not spoken with in a while and see how they are doing. Then let the conversation gravitate to what you are up to\u2026naturally.(2) Gravitate towards the positive people. Stay clear of the \u2018bah-humbug\u2019 crowd. It is imperative 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.(3) 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. You 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.(4) Do your homework before choosing to attend events. Does it make sense for you to attend the event? If two events present itself, 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.(5) Not sure what to say or ask? Read \u201cThe Fine Art of Small Talk\u201d by Debra Fine. Choose 4-5 questions out of this book to help you get a conversation started. Or use it to create some of your own stand-bys. 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? (then ask them how long they \u2013or their children\u2014have been engaged in that activity)(6) Find a buddy to attend the event with you. But do not spend the event chatting with each other. You can do that anytime. Plan to facilitate introductions for each other as you meet people throughout the event.(7) Get there early whenever possible\u2014easier to start conversations with the early crowd. It can be a challenge to enter conversations already started if you are late.(8) Have 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 to people that you are looking for a new position and the kind of job you seek, when it is appropriate to share.(9) Be curious. Ask questions and learn about problems\/opportunities within your contacts industry to make mental notes of items to research and explore after the event. This could lead to your next job.(10) Don\u2019t ask about job openings at their company. Instead, ask questions to gain information about the person you are talking to and learn about their company, interests and passions.(11) Networking events are about the people\u2014not the food.  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!(12) Give 100% of your attention to the person to whom you are speaking\u2014don\u2019t let your eyes wander. People 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.(13) Follow up after the event. If you enjoyed meeting someone, email them saying so. Call them asking to meet for coffee over the next few weeks. This is how relationships start.(14) Do not stress yourself out\u2014Keep your purpose for these events in perspective. You 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. Well, 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.\u00a0Written by\u00a0Lisa Rangel, Executive Resume WriterSign up for Chameleon Resumes BlogName: Email:   If you are interested in working with Lisa Rangel,\u00a0an accomplished executive resume writer, social media profile writer and job search consultant, to achieve the social media exposure and land the interviews you want,\u00a0sign up for an exploratory call now\u00a0and learn about the Chameleon Resumes services that can help you land your next role."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"14 Tips for Successful Holiday Job Searching & Holiday Networking","item":"https:\/\/chameleonresumes.com\/14-tips-for-successful-holiday-job-searching-holiday-networking#breadcrumbitem"}]}]