Turn the Thanksgiving table conversation to job-hunting – Mary T. O’Sullivan

By Mary T. O’Sullivan, MSOL, contributing writer

“Whether your table will be filled with close family members or a few new additions to your typical crowd, the holidays can be used to the advantage professional development…” College Success Plan

There’s a lot of emphasis today on showing gratitude and appreciation to ensure employee wellbeing and keep employees happy at work. But what if you are searching for a new position and haven’t written a resume for years, or a recent college graduate looking to land that first job? Openings exist, but where can they be found? Aside from the overwhelming research on employee retention, talent acquisition remains challenging for employers in the current environment. Who can bridge that gap between those positions that go unfilled for months, and the person submitting dozens of resumes and getting nowhere?

As resistant as some may be to asking for help, there is no better place to start than with those closest to you. The Thanksgiving table conversation may swerve off course into politics or religion, but one way to steer the discussion back on track is to ask who may know of an opportunity for hiring. Even if one or two of the guests aren’t your favorite person, keep in mind that they have a large network of friends and acquaintances who may be able to help. Asking for an introduction and setting up a casual “courtesy” interview keeps the Thanksgiving dialog on a productive path.

Stay curious about those sitting around you, you never know who works in your industry or profession. Being inquisitive about others makes them feel more likely to want to lend a hand, invite you into their workplace or volunteer to practice interviewing or reviewing your resume and cover letter. Once making contact around the table, ask for a business card or contact information, and remember to follow up. Email and text flood people’s devices, so a personal phone call or a quick handwritten note shows more personal interest and effort.

Ask around the table if there are networking events or open parties that would be valuable to your job search. Maybe one of the guests will invite you along and provide introductions to new people. One great tip I came across suggested looking up the pictures of people you may encounter at one of these events. How impressive it is to be able to walk up to an executive and introduce yourself because you took the time to do your homework? And when you make a good connection, there’s no harm in finding their address and sending a follow up holiday card, just to keep the contact fresh.

Find out if there are volunteer opportunities. Volunteering is a great way to do some good for the community and show your skills to an expanded group of people. The Thanksgiving guests may already have their volunteering lined up, and they’d be glad to take you along. It makes them look good to increase the number of people volunteering at an otherwise understaffed event, so it can be a win-win.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to consult those closest to you. If people know you need some help, they’ll jump to your aid. Parents, close friends, and siblings often can remind you to emphasize your strengths, prepare you for an interview, and when an offer comes, help you evaluate or counter it. Remember, these people have a wide network for you to tap into, and likely, it’s well developed. Whether you’re newly graduated from college and seeking an internship or first job, or a long-time employee in a specific profession now looking after many years, there is no place else where people are literally elbow to elbow than at the Thanksgiving table. When passing the mashed potatoes, people can pass along some good job advice. Make job seeking inquiries replace invasive personal questions or controversial subjects. It encourages all the dinner guests to help rather than hassle. And that’s something to be very thankful for.

“Instead of enduring Uncle Pete’s rant…over cornbread stuffing, preempt him by asking about his job and if he knows any departments at his workplace who are hiring. By the time the pumpkin pie comes around, you might have already landed an interview!” –  Center for Career Development, University of Connecticut

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Read all Mary’s columns here: https://rinewstoday.com/mary-t-osullivan-msol-pcc-shrm-scp/

Mary T. O’Sullivan, Master of Science, Organizational Leadership, International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach, Society of Human Resource Management, “Senior Certified Professional. Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Career Coaching, University of Texas at Dallas. Member, Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society. Advanced Studies in Education from Montclair University, SUNY Oswego and Syracuse University. Mary is also a certified Six Sigma Specialist, Contract Specialist, IPT Leader and holds a Certificate in Essentials of Human Resource Management from SHRM.