The other day I was asked about gifts for those who are job seeking and since gift-giving is in the air, I thought I would pass along some suggestions.
If you know someone who is talking about a career change or is in the process of a job search, here are some gift ideas.
Making a strong first impression is part of the search process, and it usually happens in about 30 seconds. Having a good writing instrument and paper helps to convey a professional image.
Since reading is always a good way to get energized and stir up creativity, I decided to pass along a few of my favorite books for consideration.
Knowing that your goals are so important during a job search, and gift-givers can bolster the job seeker’s self-confidence with a carefully-chosen gift.
It’s not so much the big ticket items — even though a new laptop and printer would be a great gift — it’s the little things that are often overlooked until you need them, such as a set of good-quality note cards when it is time to write a thank-you note.
How many times have you reached for your business card only to find the corners are bent? The last card you find might be handed to your most important contact. Having a good business card case is practical and can help you make a professional image.
Gifts for a job search:
• A good leather portfolio to keep resumes and notes during networking and interviewing.
• Personalized note cards
• My personal list of good books for career search and change: Job Hunting on the Internet, Richard Bolles Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi, 48 Days To The Work You Love, Dan Miller, Emotional Intelligence at Work, Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D., The Joy Diet, Martha Beck, Ph.D., The 4-Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferriss.
• A quality pen set
• PDA’s and organizers
• Business cards
• Business card case
• Gift certificate for a makeover
• Appointment book
• Resume-writing assistance
• Quality briefcase or purse
• Journal for keeping track of progress
When it comes to giving to a job seeker, quality goes a long way. I remember a job candidate who carried the same leather portfolio for years and the quality was such that age had given the portfolio character.
This all goes back to that all-important first 30-seconds of a meeting, because you only get one chance to make a positive first impression.
