If you’re looking for a job right now, you’ve probably noticed that things are happening at a glacial pace: not as many jobs being posted, interviews not happening, slow responses from employers.
It’s not you! It’s the holidays, the end of the quarter, and, in some cases, the end of the fiscal year.
What can you do to stay active in your search?
You can reach out to people!
This is a great time of year to connect with old contacts and make new ones. Think about people you haven’t spoken with in a while but are doing interesting things. Think about what kinds of roles you want next and see if you can find people doing them. Connect with people on a human level and this slower time so that you have allies when the new year begins and things start happening again on the job front.
With old contacts, just check in and see how they’re doing and what’s been up, and wish them happy holidays. If people are responsive and are in your area, ask them out to coffee for a catch-up session. Let them know where you are in your search, and what kinds of roles you’re seeking, and have fun reconnecting.
For new contacts, just reach out and let them know you’d like to learn more about them and their career paths. Have a general idea of what you want to learn (flesh these thoughts out before an actual coffee meeting) in case they ask. Offer to buy them a drink at a coffee shop, of, if they’re not near you, offer a virtual coffee and send a small gift card afterwards to thank them for their time.
This should be pleasant for everyone, so relax a little and enjoy!
