Best gifts for job seekers

[...] Best gifts for job seekers Chances are you probably know quite a few people who… [...]

Times are really tough right now for job seekers, many are not even getting an opportunity to interview for positions that are "vacant". I definitely like the idea of getting a job coach or perhaps an interview coach.

I have been looking for a job for a long time. A friend of mine has given me the gift of time. She has helped me tweak my resume, tweak my LinkedIn profile, driven me to door knock for jobs at local establishments, and given me hope. As a long time job-hunter, you get stuck in ruts and sometimes the ruts aren't productive. My friend has helped push me out of the stuck ruts (Sometimes out of my comfort zone) and kept me going.

I agree the book would be useful but could be taken the wrong way. I get really depressed when friends tell me to get a job. Don't they realize that I would be much happier if I had a job and that I've been trying to find one?

I'm not unemployed by choice...

P.S. I'll second the value of the gym membership; It really does improve attitude and promotes a feeling of well being. I know it sounds silly to have a gym membership when you are unemployed but it is money well spent if you consider the alternatives like therapy. (one session of therapy costs more than a couple of months of a basic gym membership)

The best gift for a jobseeker is money ya jackwagon or a job. WWhats all that other crapgonna help. I massage so the therapist can hold there hand out for a tip ya right. resume writing is free and ayone without a job should already have clothes for an interview. Personally I am unemployed nd if anyone went out and bought me a 3 piece suit i believe i would bring it baCK AND GET THE MONEY

The best gift ideas show love and support so I think if after spending most of my time enduring separation, rejection and insecurity while trying to obtain employment, someone handed me what boils down to the idiot’s guide to employment (for Christmas) I’d have to rethink our friendship; that isn’t being supportive but critical of my methods without necessarily knowing what they are and quite impersonal (hurtful even) for such a wonderful celebratory holiday.

Most of us need socialization and connection which is often diminished during unemployment. The ideas mentioned here in the article and replies that suggest ways to enable them to get out of the house and their own head space are excellent! Outside of the framework of the holiday, meet them for lunch or happy hour, invite them over for dinner or make time to go out for a cup of coffee (it’s a very meaningful and supportive way to show you care and that they are worth someone’s time and interest).

Having basic needs met are important and a great relief but keep in mind that you like to be shown you are thought of in a special way, and supported so give them a break from the stress; we all like being spoiled in our own way. Why not give them something that reinforces the good things you see and appreciate about them? The gift card for a new suit, salon/spa or career coach is taking care of one of their basic needs, recognizes their efforts and supports your belief in their capabilities.

If your budget will allow:

- a short term gift certificate to a gym. It gives the job seeker someplace to go besides the help wanted office. The exercise will help the mental health of the job seeker. Losing a few extra pounds will help the job seeker look his/her best at the interview. If a gym membership is a bit much, perhaps a session or two with a personal trainer to design exercise programs that the job hunter can do at home.

- help covering repairs/maintenance on the car.

- some grocery stores also have gift cards (in addition to Target/WalMart).

- a time-out from job hunting, i.e. tickets to a movie or a play. To some this would seem frivolous. But the change of pace can help the job hunter's state of mind so that s/he goes into the job interview giving off positive vibes instead of desperation.

- gift certificate for a training class. Many employers want to see that a candidate is committed to continuous learning/education. A class - even a short one - will be a resume booster.

- Management related/professional development book. Some employers still ask (or you can name drop during the interview) what you are reading. See above about continuous learning. The job hunter can reference the book and some of the concepts outlined.

one should donate a lot to causes I believe in for poor and for environment...muslims give ten percent of all earnings to poor, it is part of their religion....

The next generation is still inheriting another couple trillion because our govt. doesn't have balls to stop our fiscal train wreck....and give to your neighbor who doesn't care about island nations disappearing underwater due to global warming, entirely man-made or not....

Why are we policing the world when we have no $$$?

We can't even go to a truth exposing site telling us what the rest of the world is already aware of: that our own corrupt govt. would sell us out in a second and makes shady back door deals....and tries to split every other country on the planet for our own short term gain...

How about actually having a progressive movement to take back our country ???

How can ANY goper run for president legally since they are all paid consultants to fox and saying people need to pick themselves up AFTER they've already gotten theirs????

I think they forgot to mention two very important things (or maybe I missed it while I was speed reading): Money and a job. Two of the greatest gifts a job seeker needs and wants.

4gotten_American, you need to learn the difference between "right" and "write." Big difference.

To help the unemployed I (1) make copies of craigslist job posting and post them in places people hang out at, (3) pay or help pay for utilities for people I see advertise for help on craigslist(I send funds directly to company, not to the person) (4) buy a bus/train pass, and (5) use part of my earning from selling Avon to fund these help projects. You can help me help by ordering Avon from me @www.youravon.com/djohnson5458. Please be advised I don't do certified checks.

We all need to help each other out in these times.

@ thunky I want to say you're so right-give a gift card or pay a bill! Only a person who is struggling or has been through the struggle understand your message.

@ Gayle-girl if someone gave me a book and I'm struggling to feed my family, or to keep my utilities on, or a roof over our head I would truly be upset at them and wonder if they are disturbed! You could give them a connection for a job (not a book on Job Hunting)! I'm sure by now that whomever they are giving the book to most likely can right a book on searching for a job & it's struggles of not being employed.... I'm cracking up on here with these gift idea you all are suggesting. I do like the give a interview outfit- yes that's surely needed since ppl can't buy a new one w/o money from a job or w/o unemployment. Wow I pray for America as whole because we truly have become outrageous and greedy! How heartless and non-caring we have become-oh congress shame on you all! Anyways, all this stuff was here before Obama became President & we all know that Presidents can only do so much w/o approval from other areas-so our best bet in this country is to keep praying for improvement! God Bless!

THIS ARTICLE FORGOT TO MENTION AS THUNKY SAID -FOOD OR A GAS CARD OR A BUS PASS FOR SOME MONTHS TO GET TO THE INTERVIEWS!! IF YOU HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR MONTHS, YOU WILL NOT BE THINKING OF A MASSAGE AND CLOTHES AND FACIALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL BE THINKING WHERE IS MY NEXT MEAL COMING FROM OR WILL I BE HOMELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A POTENTIAL COMPANY REQUIRES A BIRTHDATE?
iI THOUGHT THAT WAS ILLEGAL AND THEIR REPLY THAT THEY MUST CHECK YOUR CITIZENSHIP WITH SS. I HAVE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND CAN PROVE MY AGE BUT THEY ARE USING AGE TO TOSS MY APPS THAT I SPEND HOURS COMPLETING (60 YEARS WORK EXPERIENCE) AND THEN MY APP GETS TOSSED BECAUSE THEY ARE SURE I'M TOO OLD.

In fact, the more that I think about it, why not some groceries AND the book. Now that would be a real friend ;)

I agree with thunky and Gayle - and as thunky thought, there MAY be immediate needs that need attention like food, toilet paper, and soap! And yes Gayle, one's friendship can help double as a career coach to whatever degree you can.

For the unemployed a bag of groceries and/or a gift card to Walmart or Target would be practical and useful!

Job seekers can pick up great ideas and search for job openings on the Staffmark website or go to their facebook page and become a Fan and their tips will appear on your wall each day! As an added bonus, they are giving $1.00 to Big Brothers/Big Sisters,Habitat for Humanity or Boy and Girls Clubs of America for each new Facebook Fan they get through Dec 17, 2010, So, help out your friends and a great charity at the same time. Good Luck!

I recommend that anyone looking for a job buy the book "Job Hunting 101", by Matt Gordon. Not only is it suprisingly enjoyable to read, it is packed with amazing advice. It covers every aspect of your job search. In my opinion, if you read and follow the advice in this book you will end up with a job you actually love.