Unlocking Opportunities: Job Searching During the Holiday Season (Curated Article by Brian Miller)
- Posted on Dec 21, 2023
One of my colleagues (thank you Karen Chopra!) sent me this great article (titled above) by Brian Miller that I want to share with you!
Brian Miller is a Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition (Ex-Amazon, GE Digital, & Visa)| and a Career Coach. You can find him on LinkedIn.
This article is timely and on-point! The only thing I’ll add is to practice your ‘elevator speech’. When you’re with friends and family during the holidays – you know they’re going to ask you, “So what have you been up to?” or “How’s work?”
Be ready!
If you pretend your work life is unicorns and rainbows, no one will know to offer their help or network to you. Be honest, hopeful, and clear on what you’re looking for in your next move. If you give a long think-aloud speech, you’ve just wasted a potentially great opportunity. Focus not on where you’re at now, but where you want to be. Be future-focused in your tone and outlook. Here are some examples:
What are you up to? – “I’m healing. My work situation hasn’t been ideal and I’m excited to put my gifts to better use. I have a lot on my plate with applying to “xyz roles” so I can do more of the type of work that brings me joy.” <insert polite pause here where they can respond> “As a matter of fact, it would mean a lot to me if you could share any leads or suggestions you may have. Encouragement is welcomed too!”
How’s work? – “Work isn’t as fulfilling as I expected. I’m working on transitioning out to “xyz roles” so I can do more of the type of work that brings me joy.” <insert polite pause here where they can respond> “As a matter of fact, it would mean a lot to me if you could share any leads or suggestions you may have. Encouragement is welcomed too!”
✔️ DO practice your response to “What have you been up to?” and “How’s work?”. Even if you’re asked something different like, “what do you want for the holidays?” The response you practiced will still be relevant.
✔️ DON’T give any employment sob-stories or spend your time reliving workplace drama. Few will want to help you if they get any indication that *you* might be the problem. Sob-storying (I just made up this word 😊) can backfire. It also wastes time you could be networking about things that will move you forward.
✔️ REMOTE JOB SEARCH TIP Perhaps you’re not going to any holiday event. Perhaps you’re giving your friends and family a holiday call. Use the above language, even when over the phone or text. Your friend or family member may have connections far from you, but in this remote work environment distance might not be an issue. Additionally, keep in mind that many organizations have locations in multiple areas. Plus, your friend or relative may know someone who knows someone with an opportunity near your physical location. In short, don’t write off the benefit networking across distance can have.
That’s enough of me. Please go ahead and enjoy Brian Miller’s article below ⬇️ ⬇️⬇️
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