'Tis the Season to be Job Hunting:
During the Holidays, Salsa, Merengue and Network with a Purpose

By Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias
Co-authors, Barron's The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos
www.JobSearchGuideforLatinos.com

If you stand under the "Myth or two" that companies are not recruiting or interviewing during the winter holidays, then you can't be kissed with a job offer. Sorry for the bad pun ;-).

The point is that too many job seekers buy into this misconception and go into hibernation during the holiday season. Savvy careerists continue their search and compete for positions that employers need to fill by the end of the year or to be well-positioned when the traditional January 2nd job market boom begins (and when everyone else re-starts their job search).

We recently surveyed recruiters on the value of ramping up your job search in November and December. Below are a few of their comments.

Kathy Sweeney, president of the National Resume Writers' Association and former corporate hiring manager, shares that from Thanksgiving until just before Christmas, you will start to see an influx of job postings. The reason behind this is that it typically takes between two and six weeks to complete the hiring process from initial interview to final offer. HR managers, who want employees in place starting the first of the year, begin the selection process now.

Larin Limones, college recruiter for Deloitte, adds that hiring authorities who are in their offices during holidays are usually more available. They are often open to discussing career opportunities and supporting job hunters. By taking advantage of the "Holiday Spirit", smart job seekers can gain ground on their competition and be considered for more positions.

Barbara Safani, Vice-President of HR New York - Society of Human Resources Management and President of Career Solvers, advises if you reach out to your network now with some "best wishes" and holiday cheer, you will have a natural entrée into a job-related conversation in the New Year. By establishing and maintaining relationships during the holiday season, you increase the likelihood of making inroads with decision makers who may be hiring in 2008.

Steps You Can Take to Enhance Your Job Search Around the Holidays.

• Check current job listings on iHispano.com, refresh your resume and set up your Job Agent (in My Saved Searches / Email Alerts) to automatically receive new postings.
• Network at professional and personal holiday events. Check the iHispano Calendar of Events for local activities.
• Send holiday cards. They provide a natural "touch point" and an unimposing reminder to recruiters and employers with whom you have previously communicated. We recommend you err on the side of political correctness with non-religious "Happy Holidays" or "Happy New Year" greeting cards. If you don't think they'll remember you (assume they won't), include a brief reminder of your last contact and, perhaps, a business card.
• Thank people who have been helpful in your search.
• Connect online through your professional association membership directory, LinkedIn and other professional and social networking sites.
• Reestablish communication with former friends, colleagues, co-workers, clients, business contacts and others with whom you have lost touch. If you had a good relationship, you will be pleasantly surprised how well your outreach is received. Use Google, Facebook, MiGente, ZoomInfo and similar Internet search tools to track them down. Hopefully, you'll re-establish that relationship to the benefit of everyone.
• Be flexible because hiring managers are in and out of town and there are many holiday activities, you may have to visit a company more than once or on days you might not expect - such as during the week between Christmas and the new year. Your willingness to meet or be interviewed demonstrates a work ethic employers are looking for.

As the old dicho goes, "Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente" (Shrimp that sleeps, the current carries it away) . . . If you don't stay alert to and act on opportunities, you will miss them.

¡BUENA SUERTE!
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