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Should I Wait To Start My Job Search?

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    Job SearchDear J.T. & Dale: I recently resigned from my job due to the enormous amount of hours required of me. In addition, due to two separate family commitments/events, I would not be available to work for two weeks next month. My question is: Do you think a company would hire me knowing that I need two weeks off? Or do you think I should just wait to start my job search? - Julie

    J.T.: Honestly, it all comes down to your specialty and whether or not it’s in high demand. If it is, you could get hired as a regular employee, or even as a contractor or consultant, and then when you worked would be a non-issue. However, if you are in a field where there’s plenty of full-time talent available, then I’d say you’d find it harder. It really comes down to whether you are a hot commodity – or at least whether you can sell yourself as one!

    DALE: Hot or not, this is a great time to look for work. A lot of job hunters take the holidays off, and thus you have fewer competitors. Plus, many managers get new budgets in January and, with them, new positions opening up. On top of all that, people are in the holiday spirit and might be psychologically open to being helpful.

    So, get out and work it. What’s the worst that can happen? You get an offer and they insist that you start immediately. Then you can decide if it’s worth missing the family event. On the other hand, I think many managers will be happy to wait for you till they’re well past the holidays, into the New Year, and they have more time for training.

    © 2012 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

    Feel free to send questions to J.T. and Dale at advice@jtanddale.com or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

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      About J.T. & Dale

      “JT & Dale Talk Jobs” is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country. J.T. O’Donnell and Dale Dauten are both professional development experts.

      2 Comments

      1. Josh Tolan

        December 31, 2012 at 1:39 PM

        This is great advice! A lot of job seekers are hesitant to schedule an interview for a job if they know they have family commitments that would take them out of the workplace. This is logical, but it’s also why your competition is much lower in the holiday season. So accept those interviews, whether in person or through online video, and you’ll already be ahead of the pack!

        Reply

      2. Bob Wolk

        December 30, 2012 at 10:53 AM

        Dear Julie: Your optimism about being hired sooner than later is wonderful & probably totally unrealistic, given the economy & job market conditions. He/She who hesitates in this job market will be at a disadvantage! Map out a plan of action and execute the plan sooner than later. Good luck to you.

        Reply

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