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A Holiday Wish : All I Want for Christmas is... a New Job!

A marketing executive, Robert Wilson, is in the middle of a career change focusing on sports marketing. He recently told me that he is considering suspending his job search activities over the holidays because "people are not really interested in meeting with you or hiring people during this time, anyway."

Robert has been influenced by the myth that the November/December holiday season is not a good time to look for a job because employers are unavailable or distracted. However, in the New York Times, columnist James E. Challenger debunked this myth. He pointed out that "The holidays are among the best times to look for a job. Employers (except for retailers) are available and job seekers have the advantage of not facing as many competitors as they would in other times of the year."

There are some great reasons to continue job search efforts during the holiday season:

You will have significantly less competition because other job seekers take a hiatus from their job search during this time.
Other candidates for jobs may not be available to interview because they "went home to Chicago for the holidays." Thusly, your competition for positions is further reduced.
Obtaining information and networking meetings with decision makers can be easier because, frankly, people are in a mood of "good will towards men."
Companies that operate on a calendar fiscal year (January 1 to December 31) interview people in November and December because they want to fill positions in the first quarter of the new year under the new fiscal year's budget.
Networking opportunities are rampant. Holiday gatherings and special events can put you in touch with people that you would normally not meet at other times of the year.

If Robert Wilson were to be visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present, who would whisk him into the scenes of the coming season, he might see the following events unfolding.

SCENE 1

A holiday party is being held by Robert's fiancée's company, a local CPA firm, where she is the marketing manager. (Robert did not want to attend the party initially and complained, "I don't want to spend an entire evening talking to a bunch of accountants." But he went to the party to make his fiancée happy.)

There are about 100 people at the gathering, including the staff, their spouses or significant others, and clients. Robert observes himself at the party being introduced to people by his fiancée. He meets Chip Carter. Chip makes the usual small talk with Robert and asks, "So, Robert, what do you do?"

In the scene, Robert replies, "I am currently in a marketing position for a small company here in Phoenix, but I am researching career possibilities in sports marketing and promotion, so I am talking to a lot of people who have connections in sports industry, Chip. What do you do?"

Chip responds, "I am president of a company called Sports Careers. We have a business that helps people who are interested in sports careers find out what is going on in the industry."

As the scene slowly begins to fade, Robert is saying, "Chip, I would love to get together with you to get your perspective on my career transition in the sports marketing arena, I'll call you later this week to schedule a brief meeting."

Fade to black.

SCENE 2

The Ghost of Christmas Present has transported Robert to a family holiday gathering. Robert observes himself being approached by old Uncle Joe from St. Louis. "Robert, how are you!" says Uncle Joe who then engulfs Robert in a bear hug. "Great, Uncle Joe, how are you?" Robert responds. "I'm doing just fine. You know I retired last year. What are you doing now?" says Uncle Joe. Robert explains, "I am currently in a marketing position for a small company here in Phoenix, Uncle Joe, but I am also researching career possibilities in the marketing and promotion of sports, so I'm talking to a lot of people who have connections in the industry."

Uncle Joe raises his eyebrows, smiles, and says, "Heck Robert, one of my good buddies back in St. Louis was with the Cardinals organization before they moved to Phoenix. He has his own sports marketing consulting firm now. You should talk to him!"

As the scene begins to fade, Robert is saying, "Uncle Joe, that's just the type of person I want to talk with. How can I contact him?"

Fade to black.

Back to reality, Robert has revised his plans, and will be gearing up his job search and networking activities in November and December. Things he can do to maximize his opportunities during this time are:

To develop a "purpose statement," i.e., "I am currently in a marketing position, but I am researching career possibilities in motor sports marketing…" to use when meeting people during the holidays.
To attend every holiday event he can—business and family gatherings; programs at schools; churches, and synagogues; and civic or association events. (One caution: because you only have one chance to make a good first impression, go easy on the liquid holiday cheer.
To aggressively pursue interviews for open positions.
To schedule meetings with people who could potentially hire him, or like Chip Carter of Sports Careers, serve as a valuable resource for referrals.

And so, dear readers, if you are in a job search, keep up your activities during the holiday season. The best present you could receive is a new job.

Happy Holidays!

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