Ditching the job for something new in 2008

Get ready — the holidays are coming.  What does that mean?  If you are not so happy with the boss — thinking you are hitting burn out with the job — ready for a change or so forth — this is the season for significant change.  The why is up for expert discussion — but most say that the holidays allow for extra vacation time whereby one gets the added hours to process thoughts.  Others say that the social networking allows for people to talk about new job opportunities, share suggestions, inspire those sick of the status quo, and motivate fence-sitters primed for a career leap.  Over a nog — you will learn about John’s great company that has an opening that interests you.  You’ll learn about Sue’s part time business that allows her to take vacations to the Florida Keys every year.  While munching sausage balls over at Kandy and Jack’s Holiday Open House, you’ll wander out by their hot tub and go “Hmnnn — what would like be like if I ….”  Yes — tis the season for the job fairy.  So, it is important to pay attention to your feelings this time of year and to take note of those you meet at social gatherings.  Here are a few tips to help you out if you are getting visited by a persistent job fairy telling you “you deserve better:”  1)  Update your resume!  If you need help — there are a lot of good tips sites out there — and I have a resume template site, myself.  All the do’s and don’ts built right in.  2)  No matter if you are thinking of departing a current job or not, keep in mind the thought that you don’t want to burn any bridges.  Don’t tell anybody of your thoughts or plans or misgivings about the job or anyone at the company.  You may be sorry otherwise.  3) Collect business cards of people of interest at social functions and immediately (when your alcohol haze clears) jot down any note that will be a memory jog on the back of the card for follow up later.  Then, follow up in a reasonable time-frame.  If the subject of connection relates to job-hunting or career advice, ask for tips, suggestions, ideas, etc. if you feel discretion is honored.  If anyone asks you for a copy of your resume — get it to them as a hard-copy first.  E-mailed copies can get circulated too quick and in mass, which could damage your chances, unless you are already unemployed.  4)  Look for people at parties who are:  decision makers — higher-ups in a company who know about upcoming vacancies, connectors — people like Realtors, Ministers, Direct-sellers, independent sales pros, etc. who need to network for a living and know of local hirings/firings, etc., and people who seem really happy and confident as they can offer a wealth of insight, advice, and motivation.  Take it for what it is worth.  5)  If you are a bit shy, ask your host/hostess in advance to tap someone to introduce you around if this is a new crowd.  Or let her/him know you could be scoping out new job possibilities and ask for direction on who you should cozy up to.  6)  Google anyone whose card you return with that offers you substantial leads or even an opportunity.  You want to know as much as possible about anyone who is approaching you.  Trust me — you may find an IRS problem or law suit pop up that could save you lots of frustration.  7) Have fun and lighten up.  You in your most relaxed state will naturally attract people to you and could open up all kinds of possibilities.  Happy Ideal Networking. 

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Tags: career changes, finding a job, holiday networking, job hunting, networking tips, new career, new job, new years resolutions, resume tips, social networking

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