Simply Hired Blog

Keeping Your Networking Tree Fruitful During The Holidays

Amidst the copious amounts of turkey, tangled lights, family visits and well-wishes that fill the holiday season sits an opportunity for you to improve your job search and career in general. Using the three ideas in this article, you can get yourself looking more polished, in better standing with your connections, and on the right path to personal success just in time for the New Year.

 

The New Year Means a New Look

Well, not necessarily a completely new look. Since the New Year is a time for making your life better with new goals, it is also perfect for polishing your business look. Whether you’re looking for a job or think you might look at some point during the, it’s good to optimize and fine-tune your business cards, website and LinkedIn profile.

• Business Cards: Your business card is often your first impression. Take the holidays as a time to treat yourself to newer cards. Whether it’s adding social icons or re-designing the entire card, giving yourself a distinct look for the New Year will set you up for success. 
• Website: If you have a website, you’d better believe that the holidays are a good time to make some changes. Add more personal information to your site, change your current aspirations and goals, or just make a resolution to write more blog posts next year if you didn’t this year. 
• LinkedIn Profile: If you’re attentive of your LinkedIn profile, this tip doesn’t pertain to you. However, if you’re someone who checks out their profile once or twice a month, take the holidays as an opportunity to clean up your profile, get it up-to-date, and make it look exceptional for potential employers. 

 

Wish Your Connections a Happy Holiday Season

One effective way to keep your networking connections interested in your life is by sending them a custom Christmas card. While holiday cards are often sent to close friends and family, a special greeting to a few of your connections can go a long way for your relationship. This can be especially helpful if you’re looking to find a job around, or just after the holidays.

A good way to start is by mining your LinkedIn profile. Sift through and see which of your connections you’re either the closest to, or think can help you out in the near future.

*Note: If you haven’t spoken to this connection for a while, re-ignite the conversation before your send them a card. This way, the card seems less like an arbitrary ploy for advice and help and more like a genial statement, which it is.

From here, it’s all about writing something that gives them your gratitude. While this card won’t get their undivided attention. The fact that you sent them a Christmas card will be remembered the next time you ask them for advice or leads. A simple card can lend itself to big wins in the future. 

Take a Look in the Holiday Mirror

Similar to the first piece of advice in this article, the holidays can be the best time to reassess your business appearance. Even more important is revisiting your personal development and the direction you want your career or job to go in the future. New Year’s is a fresh start. This step can be one too.

Take a look back at the past year and the road ahead, and think about these questions about your job and your life:

• What career goals did I accomplish this year, and did this job get me to those goals?
• Did I not get done what I wanted to this year, and why?
• Will the position I’m currently in get me to where I need to go?
• Have my previous goals changed, or has a totally new idea sprung up?

Asking these questions can be like opening Pandora’s Box. Thoughts that are very difficult to swallow or comprehend (especially if they are much different than the previous year) may come pouring out. But taking the time to hash out what you truly want will lead you towards a job that not only satisfies your career goals, but your life goals as well.

There’s always an opportunity to improve your worth to potential employers, and the holidays are no exception. So in between wrapping presents, traveling to see family, and stuffing yourself full of delicious food, remember that it pays to invest just a little time in your career development during the holidays.

Bobby Gaglini is a Marketing Associate for SEO for Vistaprint, an online print leader in Christmas cards, business cards and other small business marketing needs.

Holiday Card "No-No's"- Taboos, Grammatical Errors & More

By Allison Freeland

'Tis the season to spreading the cheer of the holiday season through greeting cards. Holiday cards are a great way to connect with long-lost business connections or even prospective employers. But, sending holiday cards to hundreds of professional contacts with major misspellings or embarrassing grammatical mistakes can make your heart race and waver your credibility. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be like that. Avoid a heart attack and prevent mistakes with the following holiday card error-proof and etiquette tips:

Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

New Years Day? Season's Greetings? New Year's Day... Season's Greetings.. You don't want to threaten the credibility of your personal brand or company because of a careless grammatical error or spelling mistake. Sending holiday cards is a great way to send holiday cheer, while keeping your talents and/or business top of mind. So quickly, that New Years Day and season's greetings may go unnoticed. Yes, New Year's Day and Season's Greetings are correct. For grammar technicalities, January first is the beginning of the new year, which makes the holiday possessive. Just like New Year's Day, Season's Greetings are greetings of the season, and the season owns the greetings.

The Internet marketing blog, Adcuda.com also explains that you should omit apostrophes when addressing cards to a family of more than one. For example, "the Browns," "the Armstrongs," and "the Millers" are correct. As a safe bet, simply write "the Miller family." Keep in mind that for holiday invitations, ask that attendants RSVP, which stands for répondez s’il vous plaît, sans "please" before or after the RSVP. As a last resort, ask for several pairs of eyes to read the holiday card's message before sending to avoid any unnoticed typos or overlooked punctuation mistakes.

Religious Insensitivity

Not only does the workplace have diverse personalities and varying personal interests, it's also a cluster of individuals who have different religious beliefs — or none at all. Whether you're sending traditional Hallmark greeting cards bought in bulk or customizing cards from the online design store Minted.com, for example,  select from a collection of cards that are secular.

Non-religiously affiliated holiday themes include the following examples:

• Happy Holidays
• Season's Greetings
• Sending warm wishes this joyful season
• Cheers to you and yours
• Joyful wishes
• Happy New Year

Attention should be given to signature etiquette just as much as a card's content. Professional signatures, such as "warmest regards," "from all of us at," or "from your friends at," are warm and appropriate sentiments that any employee, client or customer would be happy to read.

Lackluster Email Holiday "Cards"

Although mass holiday e-cards may be inexpensive and easy to send, it's in poor taste. Especially during the holidays, your contacts want to feel valued, and putting in the extra effort to send thoughtful greetings expresses your appreciation. Even more heart warming, is sending holiday cards handwritten with a meaningful message. Cards with a beautiful image and handwritten, conveys that you value your business relationship with them.

Overcompensation for Political Correctness

If you're making it a point to recognize various cultural holidays and diverse celebrations, keep in mind there's a fine line between practicing cultural awareness and drawing too much attention to diversity that it teeters on offensive or comical. Sending seasonal cards with blatant, overt or excessive culturally diverse material can actually border on ridiculing any traditions, holidays and religions. For a fine balance, send seasonal cards with cheery themes, such as winter and snow, family and joy, the new year, merriment and celebration.

Pranks & Inappropriate Jokes

If you're a person that encourages a fun workplace and casual atmosphere, you may feel inclined to pull a lighthearted prank or send a humorous holiday card. Pranks, such as faux holiday bonuses, aren't funny, and inappropriate jokes that border on sexual harassment only make people feel uncomfortable— even if everyone's laughing. Maintain professionalism during all times of year, including the holiday season. Send thoughtful and classic cards with a meaningful message. The holiday season is exciting and fun, yet refrain from prankster and tasteless ideas.

Final Takeaways

More than just a gesture to spread seasonal cheer, holiday greeting cards strengthen important business relationships, attract new clients and generate leads. For a small business, add a personal touch and focused message in cards to reinforce already established client connection. Include a small promotional item, such as a special discount or gift card, for individual recipients. Individuals and business can also utilize holiday cards as service branding opportunities. Cards designed with your logo or name are likely to be displayed on an office desk or wall, which is a great promotion for you or your company. If you're a self-employed freelancer, seasonal cards are a proactive gesture that can market services, open doors to new opportunities and thank clients for their business and loyalty. Sending cards can also serve as a way to send traditional business cards that are just masked with a little holiday cheer.

Sending festive cards should be a fun and kind gesture — not rocket science; however, to ensure that your cards are successfully sent, keep in mind these final suggestions:

• Keep the database updated: From employees to high-profile clients, you want to make sure no one is omitted from your list.
 
• Customize and order cards early: In case of a poor design, you'll have time to resubmit an order. Sending holiday cards in a timely manner also shows recipients that your business is prompt and a loyal company.
 
• Fine-tune the holiday message: You want to send warm holiday wishes while also expressing professional appreciation and gratitude.

Above all, send holiday cards thoughtfully and meaningfully, and your gesture will be recognized and appreciated.

 

About the Author: This article was written by Allison Freeland, freelance journalist and contributor for Minted and various other business and technology outlets. Allison has been in communications for nearly a decade and received her bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. 

 

You got the networking meeting, now what?

By Lesley Mitler

Mission accomplished!  You got the networking meeting. A new sense of optimism prevails.  Is this person going to help you take that quantum leap from “applying on line” to being on the top of someone’s list?  Maybe, but that depends – on you.

When one of my clients gets a networking meeting, the first thing I ask is, “What is your plan?”  And many times I get the same response.  “I am going to ask the person I am meeting about their career and how they got to where they are today.”  Great plan if you want to flatter someone but what does that do for you?  That plan does nothing to help them learn about you.  After all, they can’t recommend you to anyone they know unless they get a sense for who you are, how you present yourself and if you will make a positive impression on others. 

Sounds like an interview, right?  In a very real sense, it is.  The difference is that you, not the person you are meeting, are responsible for having an agenda and conducting the meeting.  So, what should you do to maximize this opportunity?  You must be able to articulate your thoughts and offer a cohesive presentation. Here are some tips for preparing:

1. Know what type of company you are interested in.  It will help to be specific here.  For example, large vs. small?  What industry? Types of products or services?  Geographic preference?  You should be prepared to discuss why you are attracted to those types of organizations. You must demonstrate your interest through previous work experience, internships, community service, and coursework as well as an awareness of current economic or global issues that impact that sector.  Show your passion!
2. Be clear about the type of job you want.  So prior to any meeting, you should have a definite idea about the roles that interest you and why you are interested in those roles.  Search online for jobs. Know the common job titles and get a clear understanding of the way employers describe roles and responsibilities. Do your research!
3. Explain why you are qualified for the roles that interest you.  Since you understand the qualifications needed for the job, explain why you are a qualified candidate – based upon work experience/internships, academic background, and specific skills.  Your networking contact will have a much easier time presenting your background to others if they can speak about your relevant skills and experience.  Make it easy for your contact to see why you’re a good fit for the job!
4. Ask questions.  Yes, you do have to do a lot of talking about yourself. But don’t forget to engage your contact. This is your opportunity to learn more about the person you are meeting.  Draw them into the conversation.  Since you probably read about them online before the meeting, you might want to ask about what they consider to be some of their most significant career highlights and accomplishments.  You can also ask for advice.  Are there things that you could do that would position you to be a more serious candidate?  Are there other roles you should be considering?

Remember, you requested the meeting so you must be fully prepared to take charge.  You must be ready with a response to the question, “Why you are here and what guidance are you looking for?”  By conducting an effective meeting, you will give your contact the confidence to make further introductions without concern of embarrassment.  After all, an introduction is their endorsement and reflects their credibility with others. 

One closing thought.  We all appreciate the generosity of others to make introductions and advocate for us.  I hope all of us can reciprocate when we are in a position to do the same.

Lesley Mitler is president and founder of Priority Candidates, which prepares college students and recent graduates nationwide to get hired for their first jobs. An alumnus of Duke University who is based in New York City, Lesley has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Smart Money and dozens of other publications.

Why Your Business Card Matters in Your Job Search

By Anita Brady

Whether you’re currently at a job, still in school, or unemployed and seeking work, it’s a smart idea to keep a business card on your person at all times.

            Although many print mediums (ie. newspapers, books, and magazines) are quickly being replaced by digital alternatives, no effective replacement for the traditional business card has yet to emerge. Smartphone apps that allow us to ‘bump’ our devices together to exchange contacts now exist, but they’ve yet to reach the ubiquitous level of use where a print card is no longer necessary.

            Of course, it’s simple and fast to exchange contacts digitally, but the elimination of a ‘paper trail’ can actually put job-seekers at a disadvantage. When a potential employer pulls your card from their pocket, wallet, or purse at a later date, their memory of meeting you will be reinforced. Equally important, the design, style, and information you choose to convey on your little personalized piece of direct marketing helps shape an early opinion of your professionalism and skills.  

            With all the other forms of marketing out there, if you’re still skeptical that a business card is a worthy investment, consider these three points:

• Cards are timeless. Unlike other forms of marketing (television replaced by YouTube, billboards replaced by banner ads) cards don’t fall out of style.


• There’s no better bang-for-your-buck marketing. Printed business cards are relatively cheap to purchase, especially when compared to most other forms marketing.


• By handing someone your card, you guarantee the recipient’s ‘receipt’ of your message. Unlike email and online applications, personally handing someone your card ensures that you will make some kind of impression on them. Make sure it’s a good one, and be prepared with a professional card that they can remember you by.

            Realizing the importance of carrying a business card is only the first step. In order for your card to be effective and help secure you a job, it’s important that the right material and attitude be conveyed. In order to design the perfect card for your style and employment aspirations, remember the following tips:

1. Be Concise

If you’re seeking work within the arts, consider utilizing an image or design on your card that demonstrates your creativity. On the other hand, those working in the finance field will want to convey elegant strength through formal lettering. List your profession and perhaps a line with your skills, along with contact information. You don’t have to fill every square millimeter of your card — blank space is okay!

2. Get Social

Many people today, including employers, may prefer to initiate contact through a service like LinkedIn or Facebook. Your social media accounts should be listed on your card. It’s no longer necessary to include ‘http://” or even “www”. To include your Facebook account, for example, simply write “facebook.com/JaneDoe”

3. Be Tech Savvy

It’s now possible to find ‘smart business cards’ that include an embedded chip with your contact information. The recipient can simply hold the card to their phone to transfer the electronic data into their contacts. This technology requires a compatible app, however, and has thus been slow to catch on. In the meantime, QR codes are a simple way to connect card recipients with your online presence, without the added task of typing in your url. Consider using a QR code (a simple search turns up plenty of code generators) to link to your portfolio or resume online.

4. Stay Up to Date

When your job status or a part of your contact information changes before your supply of cards runs out, it’s tempting to continue using the outdated cards until they’re gone, perhaps scratching out the incorrect data. In general, avoid doing this. Cards are not expensive, and utilizing a dated card can come across as unprofessional. If you anticipate changes to your information, order fewer cards at a time.

5. Consider the Back

Depending on your profession, the back of your card can be a place to include an image, a QR code, or a meaningful quote. There is no harm in leaving your card blank, however. Many people make a point of not including their mobile number on their card. This allows them to make certain recipients feel important when you pull out a pen and jot your ‘direct line’ on the back of the card, especially for them. It’s a potentially effective move that can work in your favor — just remember to carry a pen.

Can you recall a time when your business card came in particularly handy? What other tips do you suggest for job seekers looking to perfect their card?

Anita Brady is the President of 123Print.com, a leading provider of a high variety of quality items like business cards, fancy letterhead and other materials for small businesses and solo practitioners.

4 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Networking

By Roger Sittler

No one would argue against the benefits of networking, however, how best to benefit from it isn’t always so clear cut. There is plenty of networking advice, opinions and tips, so much so that people even disagree with each other. Some of the specifics depend on the type of industry you work in and the types of company culture you are in, but there are still some overlying rules. Below, I have addressed the four basic steps for any networking event, regardless of the type of company you work for, the industry you are in, or the type of event you are attending.

Step 1: Know your Purpose – What is your reason for attending the networking event? Are you there to promote the brand of your company in the community and gain some exposure in a new market/forum/etc.? Are you there to make connections with potential clients and make new business contacts? Are you there to meet potential employers or even prospective employees for your own organization? In most cases you will be there for multiple reasons, but whatever it is, know it ahead of time and remember it.

Step 2: Stay Focused – After you’ve thought of your purpose, don’t let it leave as you walk in the door. Keep your cell phone in your pocket and stay focused on networking. This is not the time to take calls or fire off some emails. There will be some libations flowing, but keep your consumption to a minimum. Spend more time on the floor of the event than at the bar.

Step 3: Follow up – You spent the time to meet all of these people, so make sure you don’t let that time spent go to waste, follow up with them. If you have a CRM that you utilize to track contacts then get these people logged into it. Set up some reminders to reach back out and follow up with them.

Step 4: Have a Networking Approach – Try and keep your discussions and conversations with co-workers or friends to a minimum. Some people suggest spending only 5 minutes each with 20 people. I’m a fan of spending 20 minutes each with 5 people for every hour you’re at the event. Stay dialed into each conversation and don’t move on until it’s appropriate to end the discussion and seek out a new one. Take business cards with you and gather cards as well.

And finally … make sure you give and don’t just take from the event.

Roger Sittler is a Senior Director at eHire, responsible for Business Development and production standards. Roger has over 10 years management experience in sales within the technology field and uses his insights to help professionals with their job search.