1. Seasonal Work

It’s no surprise that starting the week before Thanksgiving many retail and service industries begin hiring temporary seasonal work, which is what gives the fourth quarter its big employment boost. Chains such as Target and Best Buy, for example, need help everywhere from the stockroom to the sales floor. Plus, catering companies, restaurants, and even florists hire additional wait staff, food prep, and delivery people. And let’s not forget department stores and Salvation Army always need Santas. True, these are not permanent jobs, however, they can lead to long-term work, either with the company that hired you as a temp, or by making contacts through your temp work. (At the very least, it’s extra income over the holidays, and who can argue with that?)

2. Not as Much Competition

Because people have this misconception that companies don’t hire during the holiday season, a lot of would-be new hires give up the job search until after New Year’s Day. Fine. All the better you, who instead of throwing in the towel, redoubles his or her efforts. Don’t get sidetracked by common holiday distractions such as shopping (which you probably can’t afford to do, anyway). Stay focused by devoting a little time everyday (even if it’s just an hour or two) to finding work. If whatever you’ve been doing hasn’t worked, then look for new opportunities that don’t exist any other time of the year, such as…

3. Holiday Parties

Whether you’re employed or not, you’ll undoubtedly be invited to several holiday parties. Instead of being a Grinchy sourpuss who mopes around due to unemployment, put on your best holiday frock and get out there and mingle. Parties are the best way to network and make new business contacts. The environment is non-threatening, everyone’s a little more at ease (especially if they’re drinking, which could NEVER happen in a job interview), and no one has to commit to anything other than having a good time. If possible, convince your employed friends to take you along as a guest to their office holiday parties. The more parties you attend where you hardly know anyone, the better your chances of meeting new business contacts.

4. Use It or Lose It

And finally, if you’re not opposed to consulting work, corporations who use consultants often have to use up their remaining project budgets by the end of the calendar year. If they don’t they run the risk of losing, or getting less, funding for next year. So in an effort to protect their money pots they often hire consultants at the end of the year to burn the last dregs of the project budget. Yes, this is a lot like seasonal temporary work, however, usually you’re in a white-collar environment (like banking, aerospace, or technology development) as opposed to retail sales or wait staff. Plus, you have a much better chance of being hired on as a permanent employee (or as a long-term consultant) if they like you. So don’t pass on the “consultants-only” section of the want ads, jut because you think it can’t sustain you indefinitely. It quit possibly can.

Regardless of how you feel about the holidays, don’t use them as an excuse to quit looking for a job (or a for better job, if you’re currently employed). There are a several job-seeking opportunities that don’t exist any other time of the year. Why let those opportunities go to waste just because you think everyone else is distracted by eggnog and twinkling lights. Because guess what? Turns out they’re not.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try – to find a job, that is. One of the ways people increase their odds is by pursuing a career change. Although career changes are not for everyone (see last week’s blog About Face Career Changes – Do You Have What it Takes?), expanding your horizons during your job hunt is (at the very least) a great way to improve your interviewing skills. Plus, it provides the perfect excuse to get creative with your resume.

Everyone knows your resume is the first step in getting your foot in the door when applying for a job. However, the number one mistake people make with their resumes is that they assume one size fits all. If you’re looking for work outside of your existing career your old resume will appear as relevant as a bicycle in the Grand Prix. To make sure your resume doesn’t end up in a prospective employer’s “circular file” (a.k.a. the trash can), work backwards by revamping your resume to fit the job you want. Here are four easy steps that show you how:

1. Out With the Old, In With the New

Whether you’re pursuing a career change or not, your old resume probably won’t get you hired. Why? Because traditional resumes focus on previous work as opposed to your abilities. In this economy employers can’t afford to spend a lot of time and money training new hires. You’re more apt to get the job if your new boss knows you won’t sink if he immediately throws you into the deep end.

Even if you think your old resume is the best thing to hit the business world since Donald Trump, start over. Pick a resume format that emphasizes talent over business titles, allowing you to focus on the skill sets you have to successfully make the leap to a new career.

2. Lead With Your Strong Suit

If you haven’t previously worked in the industry to which you want to move, start your resume with the qualifications you possess that are relevant to your new career. Quite often previous jobs provide experience that can be applied to completely unrelated jobs. For example, if you were in sales, you probably have the public speaking and people skills required to become a tour guide. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box to show how your existing skill set benefits your new career. Save the list of your previous employers for the end of your resume AFTER your prospective boss has had a chance to read all about your invaluable talents.

3. Be (the) “Objective”

If you want to cut to the chase, start your resume with a clear objective. This tells your prospective employer exactly what you want out of a new career, and what you expect to accomplish. Plus, it gives you a jumping off point in an interview to explain why you want to make a change in the first place. It also shows your interviewer that you’re thinking about the future and that you have goals. However, let your interviewer know that you’re flexible and that your objective is simply a guideline to help you get started.

4. Sometimes Less is More

If your career change is so drastic you just can’t see a way around a reasonable, new resume, consider sending a resume letter instead. A resume letter allows you to describe your skills and previous job experience in a narrative form, letting your personality shine through more than a resume would. Plus, a letter allows you to emphasize your passion and motivation for your new career, whereas a resume tends to highlight your lack of direct experience.

If you opt for the resume letter, limit it to one page, but make sure you include your objective and best skills up front, and always end the letter with a request for an interview. Even though you are NOT including a resume, make sure you have one ready for when they eventually ask for it.

Looking for a job is always stressful; switching careers can be even scarier. Stack the deck in your favor by customizing your resume to fit the job you want. Regardless of your long-term goals you NEVER want to sell yourself short when it comes to your career.

But before you shift career gears you really need to discuss the matter with your family and close friends first. However, the secret to making a break for more rewarding employment is not just yakking about it ad nauseam until everyone wants to gag you with your own resume (in which case your friends will probably tell you “Go for it already!” just to shut you up). Before you take the plunge you have to consider all the factors.

“Factors? What factors?” You may ask. “Don’t I simply make like a Nike athletic shoe and just do it?”

You could, but down the road such impulsive behavior might end up leaving you resentful and disillusioned (not to mention broke). As romantic as it sounds, about-face career changes are not for everyone, no matter what you read in books or see in the movies. Here are four important questions to ask yourself to see if you’re ready to make the jump:

1. Who Am I?

The first thing you need to mull over is your own personality (and be honest). For example, if you’re considering starting your own business, be realistic about how you’ll handle those uncertain times when money IS NOT coming in. Juggling an inconsistent income and incurring debt are both facts of life for any new business owner. If you’re the kind of person who can’t bear the thought of being on the hook for a business loan or has an anxiety attack if you have to pay even one bill late, then self-employment may not be for you.

But that’s not to say you can’t boldly jump into a new industry. Instead of starting your own company, find a job working for someone else who already has an established business. True, you may not make as much money in the long run, but you’ll sleep better at night knowing you have a steady and secure income doing something you love.

2. Can I Afford to Make a Change?

If you’re a burnt-out attorney, but you dream of being a photographer, you have to realistically ask yourself, “Would I be happy living on what a relatively unknown, inexperienced photographer makes?” In other words, are you willing to readjust your lifestyle to fit your new career? The answer lies somewhere between how happy your new career will make you versus the money you’re currently getting for a job that doesn’t excite you.

You can compromise, however, if you’re willing to be patient. Before you quit your old job spend a year or two saving up a nest egg to support yourself through the salad days of your fledgling new career. Living off the paltry salary of a starving artist isn’t so daunting if you know you have a savings account to fall back on.

3. How Hard Do I Want to Work?

Even if you decide to work for someone else who has an established business, know that you will work harder (and probably longer hours) if you’re employed by a small business. This can be quite a shock if you come from a corporate culture where you had the luxury of focusing on a single job or talent. Employees in small companies (especially start-ups) wear many hats, so if you like variety (and you’re a quick learner), this might be the work culture for you. However, if you just want to do your own thing and nothing else, then you have to make that clear to a potential employer up front.

For example if your dream is to work in a bike shop repairing bicycles, but the shop owner also expects you to stock shelves, take inventory and work the sales floor, then you may want to consider passing on the job (or get the owner to agree that you only have to work on bikes).

4. What About Those People I Live With?

As much as you want to make a career change it’s irresponsible NOT to consider your family obligations. Do you have kids to raise? (Which by the way, if you haven’t already noticed, are quite expensive.) Is your spouse willing to take on the sole responsibility of supporting everyone, if it should come to that? Make no assumptions. Talk to your spouse before you solidify any life-altering decisions. You don’t want to find yourself going through a career change and a divorce at the same time.

If your career currently feels a little unsteady (or if you’re beating the street looking for work) now might be a good time to take a chance on a new vocation. Don’t be afraid to expand your options when looking for work. In addition to applying for jobs you’re best suited for, see if you can also convince an employer to pay you a reasonable wage to do something brand new and fun. What have you got to lose? (Besides unemployment.)

Are you considering a dramatic career change? A little one? What’s keeping you from making the leap? Tell us below and share this post with your friends.