What are you doing now that you're not working?
By Kate-Madonna Hindes
It’s that time of season where the glasses clink and the
lights from the bulbs on the tree radiate around the room, giving
off a warm, pastel, glow. Families and friends converse and almost
if right on cue, it happens; the question every job seeker dreads:
“What are you doing now that you’re not
working?”
You have options, of course; you could start discussing the
developments of the new courses you’re studying, networking
events you’ve attended, or people you’ve had the
pleasure to converse with. Or you can mention your passions: the
things you are dying to pursue, or to invest in.
During the Holiday Parties and family get-togethers, you have
a choice: Say “YES,” or sit in the audience, all aware
of what networking and potential job leads you could be missing out
on. When someone asks what you are doing, you now have options and
a few tips to keep you shining bright amongst job market.
- A smile will soften the situation. People will be more likely to refer you, or network with you if your attitude is positive. You may harbor resentment, guilt or trepidation about your recent job loss, (which is all normal,) but sometimes a smile can change not only your attitude, but someone else’s perception of who you are in the midst of a difficult situation. Strength and attitude will take you farther than anything else.
- Have your speech ready. Typically a networking speech is 20-30
seconds long and tells your audience member a tiny piece of
information about you that’ll stick. A great format to use
that I’ve always found is easy to remember:
- Who are you? Explain in a sentence your name, prior or continuing occupation.
- What are you passionate about? Passion breathes life into space. When you speak of your passion, you illuminate who you truly are.
- Ask for what you want. “Do you know of anyone who I could meet that might align with what I’m passionate about?” Sometimes it might be yes and then when someone else is referred to you because you are ‘passionate’ about the subject: You Resonate.
- While every sales ad and television program will tell you how stressful the holidays certainly are, you are too smart not to stop and enjoy the beauty of this season. My favorite time of the year is at about 9pm. Regular programming winds down on the television, the phone is silent and when you look outside? The snow and the lights beckon to you to just take it in. Reflection in the job-search is vital to your success. Taking time for yourself to enjoy the free things of the season, (the lights, the cheer and the cookies from neighbors,) is vital to your emotional health.
While you’re busy rushing through the Holiday season and
New Year, remember that you are just as important as everyone whom
you’re wrapping, baking and preparing for. With a New Year
comes an important chance to renew the promise to ourselves that
the difference between what’s handed to us, and our
success is merely just a decision.
We don’t need a present before us to open the contents,
look deeper. You have gifts and talents that are sitting in the
background, just waiting to be opened. Those gifts, once applied
correctly and with passion? Will put energy into your job search
like never before. Choose YOU.
