A Season for Discreet Schmoozing

Use Social Settings To Make Connections, But Tread Gently

A little holiday cheer can help a job hunter.

While many employers curtail advertising and interviewing as the year winds down, bosses tend to be more jovial and are apt to converse at parties and other events. A bit of schmoozing could serve as an entree into an unexpected enterprise at year-end or soon thereafter, experts say.

"The manager may not be having an ad in the newspaper, but the manager will have in the back of his or her mind the thought that if they find somebody really good, they'll see what they can do to bring them aboard," said Jack Chapman, a career and salary-negotiation coach in Wilmette, Ill.

With deadlines often put on hold until the new year, some managers actually become more approachable. And with vacations and shopping in swing, they may be tougher to find in the office, "but once you connect with them, they're more open to a job-search conversation," Chapman said.

In fact, some employers try to close in on new hires at year-end to begin the next year with a strong start. That means candidates should step up -- not tone down -- their networking in the relaxed holiday atmosphere, said Louise Kursmark, a r¿sum¿ writer and career consultant near Boston.

On one recent day, Sue Ribot received calls from three employers interested in interviewing her in person. "There's lots of activity," said Ribot, of Great Falls. Employers "want to have people on board by the beginning of the year, and my goal is to have a job by the first of the year."

Ribot, who works in technology sales, took time off for the birth of her second child in July. Now, she is ready to go back to work when the right opportunity comes along. She said, "I'm in the market for finding the right job, not just a job."

Take advantage of block parties, family reunions and professional association holiday events to meet potential employers, career advisers said. Even a party held by your spouse's company could help if you attend with the right attitude.

"Practice introducing yourself in a way that lets people know what you're up to and how they can help, but don't go into too much detail in a social setting, and don't bring down the party with your job woes," Kursmark said.

"For example, when someone asks what's new, you could say, 'I left XYZ company about three months ago and I'm actively job hunting. I'd love to talk with you sometime and get your suggestions -- in particular, I'd like to get your insights into the industry or company. Can I give you a call in a day or two?' In three sentences and 15 seconds, you've set up a networking opportunity."

It's important, though, to avoid aggressively asking about a job in social settings. Making initial contact with key decision-makers and securing informational meetings should be the objective, said Abby M. Locke, an executive r¿sum¿ writer and personal-branding strategist in the District.

"People are more open during the last months of the year to have general discussions about career," Locke said. She recommends selling yourself subtly.

"Use a networking r¿sum¿, a one-page document, as a follow-up to an initial meeting with a good contact if a r¿sum¿ is requested," she advised. "The one page gives the reader sufficient information about the client, and a full two-page r¿sum¿ can be sent when the discussion turns to viable job openings and actual interviews."

Candidates should be prepared to interview on short notice and even on holidays. Recruiters trying to fill an opening and earn a year-end bonus won't wait, Kursmark said. One of her clients had an interview with a recruiter on Christmas Eve last year and then with the hiring company before New Year's Day.

"Not everybody is on vacation," she said.