"My name is _____. I will be graduating from ____ with a degree in ______. I have had some experience in __________ (industry/function) doing _______. Most recently, I _______. Before that I was ___________. My areas of expertise (core transferable skills) are ____________. My particular strengths are (relate to the specific opportunity you are interviewing for) __________________. I am interested in how I might contribute to your organization."

Much as some of may not want to face it, the holidays are upon us; every other TV commercial seems to have a Christmas theme. And everyone knows that no one hires over the Christmas holidays, so it must therefore be a terrible time to network, right? Wrong. Christmas can be an excellent time to network. Why? Consider the following:

• According the U.S. Department of Labor figures, December, January and February are actually the three BEST hiring months. Thus, holiday networking is well-timed to pay off by the first of the new year.
• Since most people assume the winter holidays are terrible for job-seeking, you have less competition than at other times. Legions of workers wait until January to seek a new job for the same reason that people wait until the new year to lose weight - they want to get a fresh start.
• Lots of parties are held during the holidays. These soirees can provide wonderful opportunities to network in a festive and relaxed setting. The generosity of spirit that marks the season may dispose managers more favorably to hiring you.
• Those with hiring power are less likely to travel over the holidays, so they are more accessible.
• Hiring managers know that anyone who is networking during the holidays must be very serious about obtaining a job.
• At Christmastime, you often see contacts you haven't seen in awhile. Many high schools hold class reunions during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.