January 2012, here we come…or “how to get through the next 4 weeks”
Angie Kamath
I am not going to sugarcoat this: looking for a job is a tough business and it can be stressful as we roll into the holiday season.
We all feel the pinch of finances. Plus, holiday gatherings mean the inevitable well-intentioned, but uncomfortable questions from family and friends about how your job search is going – not to mention the unsolicited advice on how to get hired.
It is tough. But, hold on. Perseverance pays off in the job search!
As you keep your momentum going over the next few weeks, I want to share with you three great pieces of advice that I’ve heard from jobseekers. They are simple, yet powerful tips and I hope they help you:
Tip #1: “Any job is a good job.” There is a lot to be gained from getting yourself back in the market and having the courage to take a new path. There are always skills to be gained and connections to be made in any job – even if it seems unrelated to your current career path. Plus, income is income. When the economy recovers, you’ll have more experience under your belt and can seek a job for which you are well-qualified and well-paid.
Tip #2: “Network, network, network.” Enlist your Facebook contacts, your LinkedIn network, and other social media tools. Join a networking group. It can feel funny to ask your friends to keep their eyes out for a job, but in the end that’s how people get hired. When you know someone who knows someone who can vouch for you, you have a much better chance of getting a job with the company you want, in the field you want.
Tip #3: “Nail the interview.” You need the skills that get you through the interview process. Focus like a laser on the interview process. If you’re successful there, you’ll get an offer. After that, it’s up to the employer to retrain you.
Keep networking, keep searching for jobs, keep polishing your interview skills. In only 4 weeks, we will be into the New Year and employers are hiring everyday of the week in New York City!
Good luck and happy holidays.
Angie Kamath, who overseesWorkforce1 as the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, shares her perspective on Workforce1 and the New York City job market every Wednesday in her weekly Jobs in New York City column. Have a response to Angie’s column? Drop her a note in the comment section below! And, if you found this helpful, please share it with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and email!
