Published by Kim Thompson on December 1, 2021
I received a question from a reader who has a relative in the midst of a job search and was wanting ideas on gifts that might be helpful to them. I thought she asked a good question and wanted to share the suggestions with you.
Going through a job search this time of year can be stressful and thoughtful gifts mean more than you might realize. Job searching can get lonely and gifts that are beneficial can be encouraging as well as provide a practical need.
Gifts can fall into a couple of categories, they can either be practical or luxury-focused, depending on particular situations such as the length of your relative’s job search and their financial status.
Job candidates can always use items that are practical for their career now and in the future, such as interview attire, business cards, note cards, paying for professional association memberships, and gift cards for office supplies. If your budget allows for a new laptop, tablet or printer all of those could be put to good use.
Keeping along the same lines of practicality, paying for services such as resume writing, career coaching and assessments could be helpful in supporting the job search process. It would be fair to say, every job candidate knows about networking but some are hesitant in meeting people at coffee shops or cafes due to a tight budget. When you are working, a cup of coffee is not a big deal but over time it adds up: Gifts cards for coffee shops are good ways to take off the financial pressure and help support networking meetings.
A home office is another area that is often ignored. Job searching from home can get rather crowded especially if you are sharing space on your kitchen table or working in a spare room. Clutter can be a source of stress and distraction, paying for a professional organizer to help with clutter can be the start of a new beginning. Conducting a search from an organized workspace can give this person an unexpected boost of confidence.
The longer a search lasts, the more draining it can be on finances and most job seekers can be embarrassed to ask for help. Prepaid cards for gas or groceries get to the heart of basic priority needs. Never underestimate the power of social interaction and things such as eating out and attending events are often taken for granted when you are employed, inviting a job candidate out to eat helps with the isolation of a job search.
If being practical is not on your list, some good luxury items that are both useful and enjoyable: salon and spa services, interviewing accessories, leather portfolios, updated smartphones, quality tote bags, and purses. Makeovers can help with self-confidence and add to a positive attitude.
Keep in mind, it’s not the cost of a gift that matters rather the act of kindness that people will never forget during their job search.
What are some other ideas for gifts that would help job candidates?