By Kunle Adeleye

It’s easy to get distracted from your job search during the holidays. You have family gatherings, shopping, gift-wrapping, egg-noggin, Facebook-in, movie-watching, thumb-twiddling, and the list goes on and on. With only a few days off to get it all done, it’s so important to stay focused on what’s important to you. It can be a stressful time, with so much to do, especially if you find yourself without a job all together at such a financially taxing season. Whatever the reason for your job search, it is still possible to be happy and productive. Here are some tips for managing a holiday job search, allowing you to land the perfect opportunity while still making time for holiday grooving.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

Both about job-hunting and about the holidays, you’ll need to believe-really believe-that you can have job search success during the holidays. You’ll also need to fight and completely shake off – holiday blues. A positive attitude and energy will not only provide you with more confidence, but will also radiate to employers- and give you an edge. Furthermore, make an action plan for holiday, at least one job- search activity each day.

DON’T DISCREDIT SEASONAL JOBS

The holiday season opens up thousands of seasonal job opportunities, especially in retail. Even if you previously had no interest in working retail, think about how taking this temporary job might help your search down the road. Could you gain experience in a retail position that you could then translate into your dream career? Would the extra money allow you to take a class that would make landing a job easier? Take these factors into consideration before you automatically discount the idea of working retail.

GET CREATIVE

Challenge yourself to stretch the all mighty dollar and get innovative with your holiday gift giving. Make handmade and heartfelt gifts that are both meaningful and inexpensive. Give time. Delight in the holiday experiences. Make edible gifts. Put together a coupon book for chores or opportunity to remember that and come up with alternative gift ideas that really make an impact without breaking the bank.

REVIEW YOUR JOB SEARCH MATERIALS AND STRATEGIES

The third step is about reviewing your job-search materials and strategies. If you have been job-hunting during holidays and not receiving any interviews, it is time to revisit your resume. (Consider free and paid services for critiquing your resume, as well as our job-seeker resume tools and resources). If you are obtaining interviews, but not receiving any offers, it is time to review your interviewing strategies. (Consider asking for feedback, conducting a mock interview and using our job interviewing resources).

EXPECT A SLOWER PROCESS

Unfortunately, the holiday season tends to slow the entire process down as you start to interview. Don’t be frustrated if it’s been a week or two since you last heard from that company you’re interviewing with. It doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t interested. It’s more likely that the hiring manager had time off or was busy preparing for the office holiday party. Be patient, but don’t forget to follow up. For more updates visit-

https://proodiscovery.com.ng/2017/08/15/do-you-want-to-manage-stress-as-you-job-hunt