I Found a Job!: Career Advice from Job Hunters Who Landed on Their Feet

209 Pages·2010·1.95 MB·English

by  Marcia Heroux Pounds

CAREERS
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I Found a JOB!

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CAREER ADVICE FROM JOB HUNTERS u
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WHO LANDED ON THEIR FEET
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“What separates I Found a Job! from the myriad books on job search is that the reader a
is able to see how real people actually applied the advice and strategies outlined in the

book. It changes the reader’s mindset from ‘This can’t be done’ to ‘If this person was able
J
to fi nd a job, then I can fi nd a job.’ ” I Found
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—John A. Challenger, chief executive offi cer, outplacement
consulting fi rm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
B
!
Get Inspired and Get to Work
Whether you’re taking the next step in your career or the fi rst, know this: The job search C
A
techniques that worked a few years ago are now obsolete. To get your foot in the door R
E
with employers and win a job offer, you’re going to need bold, new strategies that will ER a JOB!
set you apart from other candidates. In this book, workplace columnist Marcia Heroux A
D
Pounds weaves lessons about the job search with the actual experiences of successful job V
IC
seekers who overcame economic turbulence to get great jobs. E
F
Armed with the advice and inspiration in this book, you’ll be able to R
O
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• Rebound from career setbacks. • Position yourself as a top candidate. JO
• Make the most of your network. • Turn interviews into offers. B
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• Develop a productive job search plan. • Create your own opportunities. U
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T
E
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S W CAREER ADVICE FROM JOB HUNTERS
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About the Author O
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Marcia Heroux Pounds has been writing about business, management, and career A WHO LANDED ON THEIR FEET
N
issues for more than two decades. As the workplace columnist for the Sun Sentinel, D
E
based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she reports about unemployment and answers D
readers’ questions about career issues on SunSentinel.com. She earned her MBA with a O
N
certifi cate in international studies in 2000. Follow her on Twitter at @MarciaBiz. T • Be inspired by the stories of job seekers who overcame
H
E the odds and landed great jobs in a tough job market.
IR
FE • Learn the techniques that really work in today’s economy.
E
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• Adjust your mindset and revitalize your career.
P
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Marcia Heroux Pounds
800-648-JIST | www.jist.com
Workplace Columnist, South Florida Sun Sentinel
$12.95 Higher in Canada
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I Found a JOB!
Career Advice from Job Hunters
Who Landed on Their Feet
Marcia Heroux Pounds
I Found a Job!
© 2011 by Marcia Heroux Pounds
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Pounds, Marcia Heroux, 1957-
I found a job! : career advice from job hunters who landed on their
feet / Marcia Heroux Pounds.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-59357-814-5 (alk. paper)
1. Job hunting. 2. Vocational guidance. I. Title.
HF5382.7.P686 2011
650.14--dc22
2010040779
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any
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errors and omissions have been introduced. Please consider this in making any career
plans or other important decisions. Trust your own judgment above all else and in all
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vice marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
ISBN 978-1-59357-814-5
A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS
I want to thank all the job seekers who participated in this project, passing on their experi-
ences and valuable lessons to others looking for work. You are the heroes of America’s Great
Recession:
David Adamson Howard Goodman Sondra McFarlane Alvaro Ruiz
Amy Babcock Renee Govig Bryan McMahon Marian Schembari
Ruth Balsam Maria Harkins Angel Mercedes Jessica Schmidt-
Bonifant
Suzanne Beard Hal Howard Gordon Murray
Nicole Sheets
Jeanette Benway Andrea Hubbell Janet Nelson
Nancy Sickles
George Berkley Michael Hudak Scott Nemeth
Greg Siegelman
Kirsten FV Binder Ed Humble Michael Ni
Natalie Silva
Lauren Burchett Alan Hunt Grace Orejas
Michael Simon
Sophie Cardona Kenneth Jones Rodrigo Parra
Kathy Stein
Anthony Cortese IV Ollie Jones Mary Pastick
Bob Struth
Nancy Cranford Marina Konchak Jackie Penalver
Layla Thomas
Michael Crehan Robert Kostin Laura Perry
Mistie Thompson
Paola de Angeli Jim Kowalczyk Larry Petralia
David Tow
Mary Beth Dew David Kravetz Charles and Mindy
Pheterson Angel Valentin
Ashley DuFrene Will Kuchera
W. Alejandro Lisa Viale
Rob Ewanow Jenipher Lagana
Polanco Alexa Von Staden
Stephen Fox George Lambros
Alex Popov Scott Walsh
John Galea Eric Levy
Kurt Porceng Terri Warren
Diana Galvin Steve Liewer
Adam Rees Mary White-Cornell
Rosanna Garofalo Mitch Lipka
Martha Restrepo Pauline Wilcox
Rodrigo Garrido Dane Lyons
Luis Riano Denise Williams
Christina Gleason Patricia Martinez
Darwin Rivera Don Winsett
Lisa Godoski Robert McClure
John Rives
I’d also like to thank the many job search experts around the nation who have helped with
contacts and insight for this book: Thomas Shea, Romayne Berry, Jim DeChant, and Alan
Berger of Right Management in South Florida; Diane Crompton of Your Social Media
Strategist; Ellen Sautter of Right Management, Atlanta; Mason Jackson and Susan Leventhal of
Broward County’s Workforce One; Marilyn Durant of Durant Resources; Sam Hines and Sue
Romanos of CareerXchange; Kristen Nevils of HR Broker; Jeannette Kraar of Performance
Management International; Roy Lantz of American Recruiters; Kia-lee Bussey of Human
Resource Association of Broward County; Marge Balcom and Janine Moon of ExecuNet; Erin
Lamberti of Keystone Partners; Lisa Montagna of Robert Half International; Carlos Baldo of
Asesores Balor; Ed Loucks of TMI Executive Resources; Luis Martinez of Gran Altura; Linda
Van Valkenburgh of My Executive Career Coach; Kristen Bergevin of The Phelps Group; Phil
Scruton of the Small Business Development Center, Palm Beach State College; Grace Totoro,
career coach; and Juan Pujol, human resources executive.
Special thanks to my many good friends and family members across the nation who reached out
to their networks on my behalf. I couldn’t have written this book without you.
C
ONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: LOSE THE BITTERNESS, BUT KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR ......3
Embrace Change .............................................................................................4
Move Past Anger ............................................................................................5
Lose the “Woe Is Me” ....................................................................................7
Take Time to Assess Your Life .......................................................................8
Ask Yourself These Questions .........................................................................9
Know Your Best Fit, but Don’t Limit Yourself .............................................11
Understand Your Strengths ...........................................................................12
Seek Help from the Experts ..........................................................................14
Understand That People Want to Help .........................................................14
Keep on a Schedule ......................................................................................15
Be Proactive to Keep Up Your Spirits ..........................................................16
Exude Confidence, but Be Honest ................................................................17
Stay Motivated ..............................................................................................19
Learn the Art of Cold Calling .......................................................................20
Gain New Perspective ...................................................................................21
Leave on Good Terms and with a Game Plan ...............................................22
CHAPTER 2: PUT ON YOUR BEST PROFESSIONAL FACE ............................25
Prepare for Career Transition ........................................................................25
Use Outplacement Services ...........................................................................28
Avoid Job Search Firms That Charge Upfront Fees .......................................29
Update Your Appearance and Make Over Your Attitude .............................30
Be Aware of the Undercover Interview ........................................................32
Present Yourself Professionally ......................................................................32
Upgrade Your Resume .................................................................................33
Looking for a Job Is a Job .............................................................................38
Brand Yourself for Your Job Hunt ................................................................39
New Grad? Get Experience in Your Field ....................................................39
Stay Active and Keep Your Skills Fresh.........................................................42
Be Part of the Community ............................................................................43
CHAPTER 3: EXPAND YOUR NETWORK: IN PERSON AND ONLINE ..............47
Put Your Pride Aside ....................................................................................47
Get Your Family Involved ............................................................................49
Find Jobs Before They’re Posted ...................................................................49
Get Involved in Networking Organizations ..................................................50
Use Your Alumni Network ..........................................................................51
Remember It’s a Small World .......................................................................53
Be Curious Wherever You Go .....................................................................54
Volunteer Your Expertise .............................................................................55
Develop Yourself and Make New Contacts ..................................................56
Open New Doors with Online Networks .....................................................58
Contents v
Play the Numbers Game ...............................................................................60
Learn How to Set Up Informational Meetings ..............................................62
Be Proactive and Seize Opportunities ...........................................................64
Keep Doors Open .........................................................................................66
Reach Out to Former Colleagues .................................................................67
Find Insiders at Your Ideal Employer ............................................................67
Check In with Former Customers and Suppliers ...........................................68
Help Others and You’ll Help Yourself ..........................................................69
Treat Your Coworkers Well .........................................................................70
Hang Out at Starbucks ..................................................................................71
CHAPTER 4: DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS ................73
Create Your Own Marketing Plan ................................................................74
Gather Intelligence on Target Employers ......................................................75
Be Proactive While Still Employed ...............................................................77
Find an Inside Advocate ................................................................................78
Research the People, Too .............................................................................79
Check the Employer’s Financial Stability .......................................................80
Work with a Recruiter Who Has Inside Knowledge ....................................82
Volunteer Your Services to Become Known .................................................83
Be Savvy with Online Job Boards .................................................................85
Consider a Temporary or Contract Job .........................................................86
Know When It’s Time to Go, and Plan ........................................................88
CHAPTER 5: KEEP YOUR PERSPECTIVE DURING FINANCIAL TURMOIL ..........91
File for Unemployment Benefits ...................................................................92
Plan Ahead ....................................................................................................93
Be Honest with the Kids ...............................................................................94
Learn Financial Survival Techniques .............................................................95
Prioritize When Living on Less .....................................................................99
Remember, It’s a Temporary Situation ........................................................100
Embrace Your New Lifestyle .......................................................................100
CHAPTER 6: ADJUST YOUR MINDSET AND EXPECTATIONS ......................103
Pursue Employers That Are Expanding Their Reach ...................................103
Take a Contract Job .....................................................................................104
Transfer Your Skills .....................................................................................106
Combine Your Skills with Your Passion ......................................................108
Show Your Versatility ..................................................................................109
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone ..................................................................110
Consider Your Entrepreneurial Side .............................................................112
Stretch Yourself to Think Differently ...........................................................113
Pitch Your Skills to Uncle Sam ....................................................................114
Think Out of the Country ...........................................................................116
Open a New Door: Shanghai Adventure .....................................................117
CHAPTER 7: SNAG THE INTERVIEW AND THE OFFER ..............................121
Get Noticed by Your Target Employer .......................................................121
Stress Your Social Media Know-How ..........................................................123
Prepare for Interviews like an Exam .............................................................124
Take a Plant or Office Tour .........................................................................125
vi I Found a Job!
Demonstrate How Your Personality Is a Good Fit .......................................126
Look Local, Even If You’re from Out of Town ...........................................127
Watch Your Interview Etiquette ..................................................................128
Negotiate the Job Description ......................................................................130
Be Likeable: Master Small Talk ....................................................................131
Push Back a Little ........................................................................................133
Present Yourself as You Are .........................................................................133
Interview the Interviewer .............................................................................135
Understand What the Job Entails .................................................................136
Ask for the Job .............................................................................................137
Know What Not to Do on an Interview ......................................................138
Get a Little Help from Your Friends ............................................................139
CHAPTER 8: PICK YOURSELF UP, AGAIN AND AGAIN ............................143
Know the Job You Want .............................................................................143
Learn from Each Job Experience ..................................................................144
Find the Right Job for You .........................................................................146
Gain New Perspective ..................................................................................147
Go Back to Your Roots ...............................................................................148
Learn to Communicate What You Can Do .................................................150
Keep Your Faith in Better Times Ahead ......................................................152
CHAPTER 9: ACCEPT THE RIGHT OFFER .............................................155
Remember Your Values ..............................................................................156
Go with Your Gut .......................................................................................158
Take the Long View ....................................................................................159
Be Assertive About Your Value ...................................................................160
Check Your Attitude ...................................................................................161
Ask for Severance .........................................................................................162
Don’t Get Too Comfortable ........................................................................163
Do Your Compensation Homework ............................................................164
Negotiate What Matters ...............................................................................165
Consider Your Stage in Life .........................................................................166
Talk It Over with Family or Friends ............................................................166
Choose the Job That Will Make You Happy ...............................................167
CHAPTER 10: CREATE YOUR OWN JOB ..............................................171
Use Your Skills in Multiple Jobs ..................................................................171
Parlay Your Skills into Your Own Business .................................................172
Offer Your Consultant Services ....................................................................175
Follow Your Quest for Independence ..........................................................177
Buy a Business or Franchise..........................................................................179
Start a Business Doing What You Enjoy ......................................................183
Update from Traditional to Digital ...............................................................186
Move to Where You Want to Be ................................................................188
Seek a Partnership ........................................................................................190
Use Your Skills for Others ...........................................................................191
EPILOGUE: KEEP LOOKING, NEVER STOP ............................................195
INDEX .........................................................................................197
I
NTRODUCTION
I
began writing this book in the fall of 2009, when America’s
economy was still far from recovery. Millions of people were out
of work, and many others, including myself, wondered how long
they might keep their jobs. Workers faced unbelievable odds, especially
those in industries or regions hurt by the housing and financial crises.
As a journalist covering unemployment in Florida, one of the hardest-
hit states in the nation, I interviewed people nearly every day who
couldn’t seem to find work. They sent out hundreds of resumes and
got few interviews. They told me, “I’ve never been out of work.”
Suddenly, they couldn’t find a job.
Yet despite the challenging environment, some people found jobs—
perhaps because they had better networks or advice, or they were more
assertive than their peers. I decided to find out what was behind some
people finding work while so many others continued to struggle.
I interviewed successful job hunters from across the nation, in many
different professions, and I discovered that many people who found
jobs share certain traits: persistence, the ability to ask for help, an open-
minded and positive attitude, and a dogged will to succeed. They used
every tool available for their job hunts, not just one. And when they
were rejected, they learned from their mistakes and kept on going until
they found a job.
I Found a Job! is your opportunity to learn from those who have found
jobs in the worst economic time since the Great Depression. Even as
America’s economy improves, job hunting will remain highly com-
petitive, and the pool of job seekers will become more widespread.
Discouraged job hunters will re-enter the market. At the same time,
employees who were afraid to leave their jobs during the recession will
decide it’s time to look around. The personal stories in this book will
inspire you to stay motivated in this competitive environment, which is
the biggest challenge during a long job search. You will see that even in
the most difficult of times and circumstances, people do find jobs.
2 I FOUND A JOB!
As a job hunter, you need hope, but you also need a plan. This book
also can help you develop your own blueprint for success, no matter
where you live or what industry you work in. Find the elements of your
plan in these stories. For quick reference, you’ll find a list of “streetwise
strategies” for job hunting at the end of each chapter.
If you’re a professional who hasn’t looked for a job in 10 or 20 years,
this book is especially for you. There are new ways of networking, cre-
ating and submitting resumes, and interviewing and strategizing to make
you stand out from the crowd and land the job you want and deserve.
In interviewing successful job seekers for this book, I’ve had the oppor-
tunity to talk with some extraordinary Americans. Many have creden-
tials that would be enviable in any time. In this recession, they’ve had
to draw on their emotional resources and reach out to other people for
help, which was uncomfortable for many. Despite obstacles and difficult
times, these survivors maintained an upbeat attitude.
That healthy mindset is critical to finding a job. And I Found a Job! is the
book that keeps you in the right frame of mind. Adapt these strategies
and tactics from these inspirational Americans who have landed jobs—
and perhaps you can be one of them.
C 1
HAPTER
L B ,
OSE THE ITTERNESS
K Y
BUT EEP OUR
S H
ENSE OF UMOR
W
orkers who lose their jobs often are told, “It’s not personal,
it’s business.” But a layoff feels personal. Still, it’s critical to get
past the anger and hurt in order to move on and find a job.
Software engineer Dane Lyons, 39, admits he was “freaked out” in late
2008 when his business clients were dwindling, the economy was tank-
ing, and he needed to find a job.
Lyons had been through job loss before. Last time, “I became psycho-
logically down about it and let that take over. I let it cripple me. All I
could think about was how bad things were, and how angry and upset
I was,” he says. As a result, in 2001 it took Lyons about nine months
to find a job.
He eventually went into business for himself and did well—until the
recession hit. In late 2008, he was down to one client who hadn’t paid
him for three months. Finally, Lyons realized, “I’m unemployed.”
“You can’t change being upset,” Lyons says. “I was scared.” Instead of
panicking, he channeled his fear into an intense job search. “This time
I said, ‘I’m going full guns ahead. This isn’t going to be the way I did
it before.’ This time I didn’t let it control me.”