Chances are, you know somebody who’s out of a job this holiday season. So why not brighten up their job search with a gift they can really use? The idea is to provide something that not only helps them, but also inspires them.
While a bag of groceries or a warm meal is thoughtful gesture, it could also make them feel as if their friends now see them as a charity case. Instead, arm them with tools that empower them in their professional endeavors. Here are some great gift ideas that will bring a little holiday cheer to any job seeker.
A Career Coach
A Career Coach might be a great option for somebody who’s just starting out, changing careers, or just having a hard time making a dent in their job search.
Like all things in life, there are good ones and there are bad ones. Just as you probably wouldn’t pick a doctor without doing some research and asking around, don’t go with the first career coach who comes up in your search results. Do some homework. Some good places to start are the National Career Development Association [http://www.ncda.org], your college career center, or by asking friends and colleagues. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$200 an hour depending on the coach.
Resume Writing Services
A good resume writing service can help applicants effectively distill their skills and talents into a document that targets specific employers. Carefully evaluate several resume-writing services before selecting a writer and beware of scams. Make sure you choose a certified professional with one of these organizations:
- Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
- Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW)
- Master Resume Writer (MRW)
- Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)
A good writer makes an effort to really understand the applicant and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few candidates, make sure to check testimonials on Linkedin.
Subscription to Industry Publications
From advertising to business to education to entertainment, there are numerous trade publications that can help a professional stay abreast of industry trends and news. Plus many of these publications also include job listings.
Career Books
There are some great books out there that cover a gamut of career topics, from finding your calling in life to nailing an interview. Some great titles include the perennial What Color is Your Parachute by Richard N. Bolles, Linchpin by Seth Godin, Drive by Daniel S. Pink and Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi.
Gift Certificate for Interview Clothes
Even if you cannot afford the entire cost of a new suit, a gift certificate to one of the major department stores like Bloomingdales or Macy’s can help a job seeker get started on a new suit, interviewing outfit or at least a spiffy new tie or pair of professional looking shoes.
Massage or Salon Gift Certificate
Whether it’s a new haircut, a manicure or a massage, nothing beats a day at the spa or salon for making a job seeker look and feel like a million bucks.
Business Bag
Nobody wants to show up at an interview carrying their resume and samples in a shabby shoulder bag or worse, an old college backpack. Sometimes a nice bag adds the polish that a job candidate needs to make a great impression.
Office Supply Gift Card
From paper, pens and printer cartridges to nice note cards and portfolios, office supplies are always in demand during any job search. In addition to gift cards from stores like Staples and Office Depot, a FedEx Kinkos gift certificate could also come in very handy for a job seeker
Professional Development Class
One way to give a job seeker the edge they need is by helping them update or augment their skills through a professional development class. Local community colleges, university extension programs and trade publications list myriad courses aimed at almost every profession.
A Great Reference or Job Tip
Of course, nothing beats a great job lead to help somebody get his or her footing. Think hard about everyone you know and how they might be of assistance, either through mentorship or introductions to key people in their company. After all, at least half of all new jobs are never advertised. Giving a job seeker the extra boost they need to land a job is the best gift of all.
