1. Attitude
Don’t be a grinch or a humbug
During the job search process it is extremely important to keep a positive attitude about the future and your abilities. Stay away from people who tell you how “bad” it is out there, they won’t help you get your job any faster. Your attitude shows in your non-verbal communication and in what you say and how you say it.

2. Preparation
Start early; there is a lot to be done
The job search process requires strong organizational and project management skills; plus focused time to do the tasks. Just as Santa starts early to prepare for his big day, so should you. Work on personal and professional preparation before your interview day comes along, so that you are ready and you can be at your best.

3. Time Management
Intention and purpose is the key
Santa only has 1/1000th of a second per house to jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, put the presents under the tree and eat the cookies and drink the milk before he moves on to the next house. Impossible you say, well once you get your job search underway, it may feel a little like Santa’s schedule. Use a tracking sheet to document who you spoke with and what you accomplished on a weekly basis, set specific goals as to how many resumes you want to get out, how many networking contacts you want to make and how many follow-up calls you will be making. At the end of your week, assess your results and keep clear on what your intention and purpose is.

4. Marketability
Know who you are, what you do, how you do it and be proud of your successes
There is no mistake about who Santa is or what he does and why he does it better than anyone else. He walks and talks the part, and so should you. Be able to identify and communicate your strengths and skills easily so that a perspective employer can see the value you would bring to their company.

5. Accountability
Know if you have been bad or good
Be able to look at yourself honestly and know where your successes have been and what your areas of growth are. If you find you have a specific area that you need to work on, begin the process. No blame, no shame, just get back in the game.

6. Perspective
Your greatest challenge may be your greatest gift
Just as Rudolph found that his greatest gift had been previously the thing that all the other reindeer teased him about; find your place. If you have been through a difficult time, figure out what the learning was in the situation and see how you can utilize it as strength as you go forward.

7. Give
The gift is in the giving
When networking with others remember to give. There is nothing worse than someone who is just trying to make contacts for a job and doesn’t care about the person that they are speaking with. When speaking to others find out what they need and see how you can help them succeed. Remember to do your follow-up, share what you need and continue to cultivate the relationship based on trust and giving. You may never know whom the next contact will be that can help you find your next position.

8. Renew
Take time for milk and cookies
The job search process is an emotional and strategic process. If you haven’t taken time to renew yourself mentally, physically and emotionally a future employer will sense it. Take time to renew and “sharpen your saw” so that you are more effective at the search and in the interviews.

9. Support
It’s hard to do it by all by yourself, even Santa has a team
Doing the job search alone can be difficult, frustrating and lonely process. Explore job search groups through your state www.edd.ca.gov and the Five O’ Clock Club www.fiveoclockclub.com. These groups specialize in working with professionals in career transition and are a great source of training, networking and information. Also consider a professional Career Coach or Counselor who can help you identify where you are stuck, offer you insight and design a plan of action to move you success.

10. Believe
Miracles do happen…at Christmas and all year long
Yes, Virginia there is a job for you too. You may feel discouraged in your job search but there is a position for you. You may need to switch your process, revamp something you are doing or get some assistance from a professional, but you can get the position you are looking for.

Heather Wieshlow is a Certified Career Coach in Laguna Niguel, CA owner of Turning Point Coaching and Consulting and works with professionals in Career Transition.heather@aturningpoint.com