As we enter the season of giving, many job seekers are still hoping for that final call back…that gift of a job offer that has eluded many for a month, six months, a year or more…! The truth is, this is not the best time of the year to get or find a wide array of employment opportunities. It’s not because jobs no longer exist, or positions have been filled.

The reality is that during such a time, many corporations and organizations are shifting their focus to allow staff more time with their families and enjoying some rest and relaxation. However, one point to note is that because everything is seasonal, retail positions are plentiful, and this form of hiring began months prior. There are opportunities however!

While corporate entities may have suspended hiring to deal with reorganization and close out fiscal year matters to prepare for the New Year, many of the large retail stores are seeking to significantly boost their labor force to address the demands of “holiday season” shoppers. Thus, opportunities abound, so apply.

​The question becomes, how motivated are you to do a job that may seem to be “below your status”? I challenge you to rethink this mindset. Reflect on any workshops and training sessions that you may have attended and recall the recurring theme…Network. Build your network! Who’s in your network? Network, network.….AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Scream all you want, it works.

Four things you can do to enhance your marketability during the holiday season are:

• Networking - the # 1 way to find employment opportunities. It’s a great time to connect and establish new relationships during this shopping season. Attend holiday parties with friends and families and joint the conversation. Accept a temp job that puts you in the limelight, which has the potential of leading you to your ideal.
• Sharpen Your Skills - Another MUST Do during the holiday season. I know it is festive and distractions are everywhere, but maintain your focus. Commit a couple hours each week to your job search. Research and learn about your industry, attend a workshop at a nearby job center. Also, participate in a meetup session; use media including webinars to stay abreast of employment trends. Update/establish social media presence whether you like it or not! Practice interviewing. To be marketable you must be relevant, so prepare now.
• Revise your job search Tools - One comment I hear regularly from jobseekers at all levels in various industries is I have been applying but ‘they’ never call me back. Oh well! In my experience whenever this happens, the résumé is often the culprit. It may be too long, or have grammatical errors. Skills may not accurately address the requirements in the job description or maybe it is the presentation. Get it reviewed by a professional. Another overlooked tool is social media presence, so, perhaps it is time review your online profile. 
• Time for Introspection - There are energy sources all around us. Although I am no expert in metaphysics one needs to be aware that there are spiritual elements that affect us subliminally. In career coaching ATTITUDE is examined quite often. What are your beliefs, and how might they have impacted your job search? Who are your associates and affiliations? What messages are they sending? During this time of employment pause, I highly recommend job seekers to re-evaluate themselves. Spend some time in solitude…meditate, reflect. Additionally, talk to mentors or associates who will give you honest feedback. Perhaps it is time to change ‘friends’, affiliations, your appearance and your thought process. Such actions may be the difference between unemployed and being a sought-after candidate. 

​Along with facing challenges, one must understand what is changing and why. Anyone exploring employment opportunities in today’s job markets must be equipped to deal with change and new paradigms. As we trend further and further away from “traditional résumés” and application processes, how does having a network help? ​What is the recruiter’s role?
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Their command of the job market is bolstered by the Employment-at-will doctrine, governmental support, and globalization. To be competitive they must seek the best talent for the best price but shareholders have become more vocal in recent years, and this oversight places additional pressure on CEOs to continually increase productivity. Employers have a plan which directs there path towards achieving company goals. Do you have a plan, and, what are your goals? Are you seeing obstacles rather than possibilities and successful outcomes?​