3 Reasons Holiday Gatherings Can Be a Job Search Jackpot

Holidays are a great time to spend quality time with family and friends, and it's also a perfect time to make some headway in your job search! Research shows that the best way to get a job is by utilizing your existing connections. Holidays typically put a diverse group of career people together under one roof and this is a great opportunity to ask for advice and create additional networking opportunities. Here are 3 reasons holiday gatherings can be a job search jackpot:

1. There are a Lot of People Available to Review Your Resume
Print several copies of your resume and have them available to share if friends and family members ask for a copy. Be on the lookout for people who can offer great advice on formatting and clarity, and for help catching mistakes. Maybe your uncle has an eagle eye and can spot a typo or maybe your cousin loves to write and can help you polish your words in a few places. If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or relative who works in the same field you want to work in, you may also ask for advice on tweaking your resume for that specific industry.

2. It's a Great Time to Practice Your Sales Pitch
When your relatives and friends ask you what you’re doing, it’s a great time to rehearse your Sales Pitch! This is your quick response to the “So tell me about yourself” question you’ll hear a lot in job interviews. Your pitch should summarize who you are, what you’re looking for, and should clearly articulate the value you can bring to potential employers. Practice your pitch out loud and be ready to share it in holiday gatherings. You can even ask for feedback and suggestions in order to continue to improve and refine it.

3. You Can Work on Growing Your Network
Whether you’re having a meal with 6 people or 26 people, you can use this time to grow your existing network. Maybe your aunt is a manager and has some connections she can make for you. Perhaps your neighbor works in Human Resources and would be willing to introduce you to a couple of people who may know of an open position? The possibilities are endless here—but you have to be professional in your approach and seek out opportunities to tell people that you’re looking for a job. Then, be prepared to respond positively and graciously if they offer to help. At the end of each of these conversations, be sure that you confirm the next steps you may take as a follow-up.

While everyone is napping after a big holiday dinner, you can be making major strides in your job search by editing your resume, rehearsing your updated pitch, and finding new networking contacts. You’ll be on your way to work in no time! 

Happy Job Hunting!