’Tis The Season To Jump Start A Job Search

With the economy on solid ground and businesses looking to expand, the demand for executive-level talent has increased significantly in recent months ñ a trend that many recruiters expect will continue during the holiday season and well into 2006.

According to a recent survey of 130 recruiters conducted by ExecuNet, the executive job search and recruiting network, the executive search industry is expecting a 29% increase in the number of assignments received from corporate clients during the next six months. Given this bullish forecast for the months ahead, this yearís holiday season could prove to be one of the busiest for job seekers.

To help executives make the most of this yearís social gatherings at work and around the neighborhood, ExecuNet recommends carefully crafting a tailored networking strategy using these guidelines:

Be Careful - While holiday parties are often great opportunities to meet new contacts within your own company and beyond, not everyone will want to talk shop and thereís nothing more off-putting than a pushy networker at a social event. Instead of talking business with the people you meet, try learning more about other topics important to them, including their families, careers, and interests outside of work.

Be Realistic - While having goals and contact targets in mind before you walk in the door will help improve your results - this is neither the time nor place to put too much pressure on yourself. It will likely be many months before a casual conversation you had at a holiday party turns into a lead, and one sure way to reduce your chances of success is to expect it to make it happen overnight.

Have Fun - When itís going well, networking is conversational and natural. If youíre relaxed and enjoying yourself, youíll be infinitely more engaging and attractive to anyone you meet. But remember, have too much fun and you may be remembered, but not referred!

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