If you have found yourself in the difficult position of being unemployed just before Christmas, don't despair. Some industries still need staff right up until the week before Christmas, especially retailers.
Looking at the number of job advertisements online, it appears that the vacancies are still in plentiful supply and there is no mention of postponing the recruitment process until the new year. Which means, they are still interested in finding the right person – right up to the last week.
The most important thing is to try to be positive and determined that your skills will help you find an employer who will value them. Try these tips when looking for work:
Online advertisementsLook up employment agency websites have listings for jobs in different countries, such as Hays, Randstad, Drake, and Kelly Services. There are many others who also provide information for jobseekers internationally. Apply online and follow up with a telephone call to see if the consultant has received your application.
NewspapersDaily newspapers have an employment section and one telephone call could help you at least arrange an interview with a prospective employer. While they will be receiving many inquiries for the jobs advertised, it is enthusiastic, hardworking people they are after and your personality and skills may just help you get the job over other applicants who seem to have it all. Also look at your local newspapers, as they have job classifieds, too, and the work may be in your area, saving you travelling time.
Social contactsWhilst most people think they should only go through conventional channels when searching for work, it also helps to let your inner circle know that you are searching for work and the kind of position you are after. Research shows that not all jobs are advertised, and sometimes positions are found by word of mouth – a friend of a friend may make a suggestion about a company who is looking for an employee with particular skills – just the skills you may have.
Telephone
The telephone is a very useful tool when looking for work. It is possible to impress the right person with your courteous telephone manner and you may secure an interview with an employer who didn't have time to place an advertisement, although they could use someone with your experience. Ask to speak with the Human Resources staff and ask about potential vacancies.
Let your feet do the talkingIf all other avenues do not produce results, then you need to take yourself to the employer. It would take a very hard-hearted manager to overlook an interested candidate who has pounded the pavement in search for work. Ensure you are dressed professionally, make some copies of your resume and go to the offices of the companies where you would like to work. At the very least, you will impress them with your initiative and determination to find employment.
It is very easy to lose heart when looking for work, especially over the Christmas season. However, you need to look at what you can do to find work and make the most of opportunities where they present themselves. While there are advertisements, the demand for work is there. You are still in with a chance while you are chasing opportunities.
You have to be open to possibilities, and don't overlook the "lucky break." Few successful people are prepared to admit whether a "lucky break" contributed to their success. While there's no substitute for hard work and talent, it's much more alluring for people to boast that it was only work and intelligence that got them to where they are and that chance played no part in their success.
From now on, you must change your way of thinking and adopt an "anything is possible" approach to your search for work each day. Taking it a day at a time will produce more results than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. Each day that you are being productive will stop you feeling helpless, knowing that you have done everything possible to find employment.
Last but not least, try to enjoy the lead-up to Christmas. The enjoyment you get from socialising and remembering your achievements during the year will be good for your morale, and you could impress an employer with your positive disposition. Remember, employers are after real people, not robots to get their work done.
Some helpful websites for those looking for work during the Christmas season: Jobs for the Holidays, Another Christmas trying to line up a job, How to Budget for Christmas While Unemployed, Best Places to Get a Job Over the Christmas Holiday Season.
Jamie Leigh Cameron - From the time I realised that I loved writing as a teenager, I have had a secret desire to be a writer, but I didn't dare disclose it to ...
