ShareThisDespite conventional wisdom, December is a good time to step up your job search. Why? For starters, you'll face less competition because many people believe the myth that hiring grinds to a halt around the holidays.
In reality, some employers rush to make hires before the end of the year to take advantage of remaining budget dollars still available to them. Double down on your efforts now, and you could start the new year at a new job.
Don't follow these examples, though. It seems the following applicants lost their motivation:
COVER LETTER: "I can't find a job I want, so I am asking for donations to my
'Be My Own Boss Foundation.' "
That's not exactly our idea of charitable giving.
RESUME: "Offer me a job, but please be serious. This is my whole resume."
Too bad you didn't put a whole lot of effort into it.
COVER LETTER: "Look no further if you're in need of a generally grouchy and spiteful Web developer."
We can't imagine many companies are.
"REFERENCES: Won't disclose to you."
You were "disclose" to getting an interview!
"QUALIFICATIONS: Will never complain about how annoying you are."
Likewise.
COVER LETTER: "Hopefully, after reviewing the attached resume, you'll hire me. (If you read the whole thing, that's awesome because I got bored and almost fell asleep just writing it.)"
Some candidates just don't know when to quit.
Finally, whether you're seeking full-time employment or a part-time seasonal position, always remember to focus on what you can offer a potential employer.
"OBJECTIVE: Extra holiday cash to buy myself more video games."
Haven't you heard it's better to give than to receive?
(Max Messmer is CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm. Send examples to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International, 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. Or, visit www.resumania.com.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
RESUMANIA
