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Weekly Newsletter Vol. 65 - November 27, 2024

Generating your Lead Story…

Navigating the Job Search After American Thanksgiving (and Talking About Your Job at the Dinner Table)

As the turkey leftovers dwindle and the holiday season ramps up, many job seekers find themselves asking, "What now?" The period after Thanksgiving is a unique time for the job market. While some industries slow down, others gear up for end-of-year hiring or prepare for the new fiscal year. For those on the hunt, this is a critical window to refresh your strategy and set yourself up for success in the new year.

And then there’s Thanksgiving itself—a time for food, family, and awkward conversations. For many, the table talk turns to work. How do you explain your role, aspirations, or the intricacies of your field to relatives who don’t have a clue what you do? Here’s a little insight into both.

The Post-American Thanksgiving Job Market

Contrary to popular belief, hiring doesn’t come to a halt after Thanksgiving. While it’s true that some companies wind down in December, others are eager to fill roles before budgets reset. In fact, this can be a great time to stand out as a candidate:

Less Competition: Many job seekers pause their efforts during the holidays, leaving a smaller pool of applicants.

Strategic Networking: With holiday parties and end-of-year gatherings, it's an ideal time to connect with professionals in your field.

Preparedness Pays Off: If you set up informational interviews, polish your resume, or refine your pitch now, you’ll hit the ground running in January when hiring surges.

The Thanksgiving Dinner Dilemma: Explaining Your Job to Family

We’ve all been there. You’re seated next to your well-meaning aunt or uncle, who inevitably asks, “So, what do you do again?” If your job is anything outside the traditional doctor-teacher-lawyer sphere, this question can lead to some comical misunderstandings.

Example Scenario:

You: "I work in digital operations and manage inclusive access programs for universities."

Uncle Bob: blank stare "So... you’re like a librarian?"

You: "Not quite. I make sure students get digital textbooks and course materials."

Uncle Bob: "Oh, so you sell books?"

You: internally screams "Kind of, but it’s more about helping universities streamline how they deliver materials to students."

Uncle Bob: "Right. You’re in IT."

By the time you’ve untangled the explanation, Uncle Bob has moved on to asking your cousin about their TikTok account.

How to Handle the Job Talk

Simplify Your Role: Create a short, digestible explanation of your job that avoids industry jargon. For instance, instead of “I’m a recruitment consultant specializing in RPO,” say, “I help companies find and hire great employees.”

Connect to Something Familiar: Find a way to link your work to something they might understand. “You know how everyone needs textbooks in college? I help schools make them more affordable and accessible.”

Be Ready for Misinterpretations: Smile, nod, and don’t take it personally if your family doesn’t quite get it. Remember, they care about you, not just your job.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for—our progress, our support systems, and the opportunities ahead. Whether you’re gearing up for a post-holiday job search or bracing yourself for a round of confused questions about your work, remember that this season is a chance to reconnect, recharge, and reframe your goals.

So, when Aunt Karen asks, “Are you still doing that online thing?” take a deep breath, pour yourself some extra gravy, and keep the bigger picture in mind. The job you love—or the next opportunity—is right around the corner.

Happy Thanksgiving, and good luck!

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