Job hunting during the holidays
Five tips from SMU’s Hegi Family Career Development Center to make the holiday season successful and ring in the new year with a new job.
1. Find time to attend and enjoy holiday events, which offer great opportunities to network. The No. 1 way to get hired by a company is to network with a current employee of that company. Have your business cards ready to go, as well as a positive, patient attitude.
2. Employers who are wrapping up their budget year may make last-minute hires, while others will line up interviews for January. Continue to send out résumés and make contacts.
3. Employees often take off for extended periods during the holidays, and some companies use staffing agencies to fill the void. Temporary or contract work can offer an inside view of a company, as well as extra cash.
4. With work projects on hold or winding down, the holidays can be a good time to schedule informational interviews. Email or call an employer to request a meeting.
5. Use your downtime to take advantage of online career development resources, such as these favorites of counselors at SMU’s Hegi Family Career Development Center:
- OnetCenter.org – Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, O*Net allows users to research occupations, wages, necessary skills and training, and job outlook.
- QuintCareers.com – for résumé and cover letter tips, networking skills and salary negotiation advice.
- Hoovers.com – for company information, independent perspectives, contact information, employee bios, key financials and competitors.
- LinkedIn.com – a professional networking site for exchanging career information and building connections; think of it as an online home for your résumé.
Keep in mind that employers check social networking sites such as Facebook, so avoid statements and photos that will keep you from getting a call for an interview.
To set up an interview for this story, please contact SMU News and Communications at 214-768-7650.