If you’re making a list and checking it twice, you might be scratching your head over what to give the job seeker in your life.
On the one hand, you want to be helpful but on the other hand, isn’t it somewhat rude to use gift-giving as a way to “correct” someone’s current problems?
Useful gifts for job seekers, including specific books, haircut gift cards, certificates for interview practice and so on are great, but receiving them can feel awkward, especially if gifts are exchanged in a family setting. There’s nothing like unwrapping a big job search book to spark a round of uncomfortable advice from cousins and aunts.
Nevertheless, that book might be just the perfect gift. For job seekers and other careerists, it’s all in the presentation. Here are some ideas to help you round out your gift list.
Books. Of course there are classic titles for both job seekers and career explorers, and there are some interesting new entrants to the field as well. Rather than list them, let me offer this more general advice: Give a variety of books across multiple topics, rather than one focused only on job search.
Here’s how that might work. You know your beloved is looking for work, yes? Assuming he or she is a reader, a broader selection of books is likely to be more useful – and less awkward feeling – than one, somewhat accusatory selection. I might put three or four books in a gift pack, perhaps with bath salts or warm socks to indicate a cozy session of reading.
The book selection does matter. You want that job search title in there, but perhaps also something to inspire reflection – perhaps a book of poems or a blank book, as well as something inspirational – the biography of someone your recipient admires perhaps. This needn’t cost you a fortune, by the way, with both e-books and used books abundantly available.
Accessories. Whether the recipient of your attention is seeking work or is more broadly concerned with career issues, nice work accessories always make good gifts. Think in terms of fountain pens, leather portfolios, upscale cell phone covers, or anything else that connotes a touch of elegance and self-confidence when displayed during a business meeting. For tradespeople, Realtors and others who work from their cars, there are endless options for organizers, coffee holders and other car accessories.
Career connections. Everyone knows that connections are the name of the game when it comes to building careers. If you can't share a plump database full of names, a subscription to a local business publication or membership in a professional association will fill the gap nicely. With these tools, your careerist can keep up with information in his or her field, gain access to events for targeted networking and attend workshops to sharpen skills.
Advice. Although you probably have some terrific advice to share, you also probably know better than to offer it too liberally. And anyway, what kind of present is that to wrap? For a more gift-able option, you could purchase a certificate for use with a professional career counselor or coach.
If you go this route, consider using the package idea noted above, again including two or three additional items in one gift. This doesn’t have to add much cost to the overall present, although the certificate itself will have some expense attached. For example, you could add a small notebook and a coffee shop card, or perhaps a variety of low-cost gift cards to places your recipient likes to frequent.
Another way to give the gift of advice is to create a playlist of podcasts or YouTube selections for your recipient’s enjoyment and edification. In addition to some shows covering career advice, your curated list could also include humor, interviews with leaders in selected industries, motivational talks, etc.
So there you have it: Four categories of gifts, all with practical components to indicate your support and love, but without adding that unwelcome edge of finger-pointing. Happy gifting.
This story has been updated.
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