Career Thanksgiving

by Angela Copeland | Nov 24, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter

This week, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s an opportunity to gather together with loved ones, eat way too much good food, and watch a little football. It’s also an opportunity to express gratitude for our good fortune.

While you have a few days off this week, I encourage you to allow Thanksgiving to inspire your job search.

• Be Grateful – Focus on the positive things about your current job. Perhaps you like your boss, your team, or even the location of your office. Even in negative work environment, there are usually a few things to be thankful for. Move your attention to those items.
• Reconnect – Thanksgiving is the kickoff to an entire holiday season. Take the opportunity to reconnect with friends, coworkers, and loved ones you haven’t seen in a while. Not only is it good for your soul, it’s good for your network. When you’re looking for a job, it’s critical that you keep your network up to date.
• Networking Events – In addition to connecting with those who are truly close to you, keep an eye out for networking events. Many workplaces put on pot luck Thanksgiving lunches – and groups host “Friendsgiving” events. These are other great opportunities to keep your networking moving forward during the holidays.
• Reflect – Holidays are a great time to think back about the past year, and start to make plans for the future. What went well in the last year? What would you do differently? Write these things down, along with goals for next year. When would you like to find a new job? What are the attributes you’d prefer in your next job?
• Help Others – Networking is a huge part of finding a job. Sometimes, when we’re in the middle of our own search, we forget about those around us. Remember to take the time to help those in your life who are also looking. In return, they will help you.
• Relax – Looking for a job can be a long, and at times, stressful, process. Don’t forget to take a little time for yourself. It will help you to keep moving forward in your search when you return to work.
• Thank Others – Take the time to thank those in your life who help you every day. Whether it’s a friend, coworker, or supervisor, take the time to wish them a happy Thanksgiving — and thank them for the impact they make on your life. You might even consider giving thanks in the form of a written recommendation on LinkedIn.

Try to stay upbeat. The holiday season can be a tough one if you’re looking for a job. It is a time of increased financial responsibilities and decreased opportunities.

But, staying positive will help to draw good people to you. It will help to lay the foundation for your job search, so they will think of you when they’re hiring or hear of a job.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland

@CopelandCoach