If you have a job seeker or career changer on your holiday list, you know how challenging it can be to find just the right gift.
It’s tricky, but if you can make the search process easier, without imparting a feeling of judgment, you will have struck the perfect chord with your present.
Read on for some gifts job seekers will appreciate, either for their usefulness in the search, or for the respite they provide from the hunt.
Technology to help with the search
Even if your job seeker is no tech-fanatic, he or she is probably chin-deep in technology for this process. It’s almost an imperative to use some level of digital wizardry to find work these days.
- Flash drives to transfer files from one computer to another
- LinkedIn upgrade
- Headsets to help with remote interviews
- GPS device, to locate far-flung interview meetings
- Cellphone car charger
- Tablet computer
Anti-technology gifts
Sometimes the job seeker just needs to soothe byte-addled nerves by going back to the basics.
- A good mapbook of the city and a dashboard compass
- Notebooks, index cards and other office supplies
- Leather portfolio and premium pen set for interviews
- Handsome pocket calendar to record meeting dates
- Classic job search book, such as "What Color Is Your Parachute?"
Non-job search items
Not everything has to be about job search. If you’re looking for something not related to unemployment to gift wrap, these might be just the ticket.
- Word game or puzzle (think Bananagrams) to occupy time between job search activities
- Cooking kit (ingredients and recipe) for a special treat on a down day
- Bath kit to create a home spa experience
- Inspirational book or a journal to capture personal thoughts during the day
Gift certificates — for services they need
There are certain items that every job seeker finds necessary — but sometimes out of reach financially — during a search. These gift certificates might help with the pinch.
- Salon services such as haircuts or manicures
- Dry cleaning or tailoring
- Career counseling or resume development
- Cellphone minutes
Gift certificates — for services they’ll enjoy
Of course, job seekers enjoy some play time, like anyone else. If you know your recipient’s interests, you might discover something they’ve cut out of the budget.
- Movie passes
- Dining certificates
- Massages
- Recreation activities, such as golfing, bowling or skiing
- Hobby supplies or classes
- Gym membership
Debit cards of all sorts
If giving an envelope stuffed with cash feels too crass (although it probably won’t to the recipient), consider buying debit cards for services your job seeker might be using on a regular basis.
- Coffee shop
- Book downloads for their digital reader
- Transit or gas cards
- Long-distance calling cards
- Or just the ever-handy refillable Visa
Homemade certificates for your services
You don’t have to spend money to give your job seeker a gift certificate. Instead, whip out your markers and construction paper and make a certificate offering something personal from your repertoire of skills.
Technology
- Setting up a simple website to showcase work samples
- Navigating the steps to get on LinkedIn
- Taking a good photo to use on LinkedIn
- Videotaping a practice interview
- Setting up Skype to be ready for video interviews
Non-technology
- Watching the kids for an evening out, or during an interview
- Cooking meals for the freezer or inviting the job seeker to share a meal
- Shopping together to find a flattering interview outfit
- Proofreading employment letters before they're sent
One last gift: thoughtfulness
Even if the job seekers in your life aren’t on your gift list, it would be a kindness to put a holiday card in the mail. For most people, the real gift is knowing you haven’t been forgotten by others.
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