We meet and greet more people around the holidays than any other time of the year.  So why not put your job search efforts to the test by spending some of that social time networking.

The holidays are an excellent time to network!  And although there is often “Secret Santas” – it’s not the time to keep your job search a secret.   As you sit around the table for a holiday feast, be sure to let your family and friends know that you’re looking for a job.  Here are some tips for networking.

Start Close to Home:  Let your family know you’re in the market for a new job.   Family members are often like a built-in fan club.    They know the most about you and they’re often happy to brag about all your accomplishments.  Remember, Mom and Dad may have connections that you don’t know about.   Their colleagues and friends may well be the ticket to your new job opportunity.    Be sure to include that “once-a-year” relative that you only see at the holiday table too.   The more you spread the word, the better your chances for landing that job.

Mix and Mingle:  Be sure to accept the invitations to all of the holiday social gatherings.   When meeting someone new at a party causally ask about their career and let them know what you are up to.  It’s not the time to be shy.   Have a few resumes in your car, just in case you have the opportunity to deliver it to a potential employer or someone who can pass it along to one.

Reach Out:  Haven’t talked to a good friend in a while?  The holidays are a perfect excuse to get back in touch.   Why not get together for lunch or a cup of coffee.   One friend could expand your network countless times.  After all, they have family and friends that can help spread the word for you too.

Networking is one of the simplest ways to get a job.  All you have to do is socialize and talk with your friends and family.   The one network connection that you make this holiday season may land you that new job.

Rose Miglino is the Career Specialist at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, it’s a good time to be reminded of the importance of a sending a thank you note.  Although many job seekers overlook this step, most employers agree that a thank you note makes a lasting impression following a job interview.

Here are some tips for writing a thank you note:
Do it First:   While the interview is still fresh in your mind, it’s a great time to draft your thank you note. After you leave the interview take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts and impressions of the meeting, then begin writing your note.  Be sure to send the thank you within 24 hours of the interview.

Make it Personal:   No one wants to feel like they just received a generic thank you note.   Be sure to take the time to personalize the note to the person(s) that you met, reference the company name and also briefly emphasize whatever you feel was the best part of the meeting.

Be Sincere:  Remember, a thank you note is one more chance that you have to leave a good impression with the employer.  Make sure you let them know that you appreciated their time and look forward to hearing back from them.  Most importantly, remind the employer that you are a good fit for both the position and the company.

Speed up the Delivery:  There are several ways to deliver your thank you note.  Although email may be fastest method, sometimes an email can be held up in a spam folder or overlooked in a crowded in-box.  However, if the employer is planning to make a quick hiring decision, a properly delivered email note will likely grab their attention.   A “snail mail” note, on the other hand, shows off both thoroughness and a good sense of business etiquette.  For a personal touch, be sure to hand write the note you mail.  These small details can make a big difference.   Employers appreciate that you’ve taken the extra time to actually write out and mail the note.

Rose Miglino is the Career Specialist at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.