I have been out of work going on 6 months now. One might think you would get bored with nothing to do, but I have never been so busy or enjoyed anything so much. Is that awful of me?
By now all of you know that I am trying to get that "really goode job" with Murphy Goode Winery in California. I have spent more time networking and drumming up votes than I have ever spent on applying for a position close to home. (hmmmmm - maybe that should tell me something) I have written 2 different essays and emailed a few hundred people asking for votes. I have posted the link to my video on LinkedIn in every group I am part of and on Facebook several times. It is working. I have 364 votes as I am writing this and fully expect to go up over 400. If votes are any determinate on who makes the Top 50, I should be in. (Jean's Video for a Really Goode Job)
My daughter and son-in-law and I have started our own business distributing Gluten-free food. I have spent several days and hours on this as well. It also appears to be paying off. I have a couple of definite customers and am working on one big customer that would give us the solid footing we need to look at this as being a viable business that one day will actually support all of us.
Then I decided to become an Independent Wine Consultant for Wine Shop At Home. This is so much fun. I actually earn money tasting wine with a fun group of people and get to help them discover how great wine can be. Wine is my passion - how could a job be any better - if you can even call this work. It is more like a big party!
I also am working at the temp job I mentioned in I Have a Job. It appears to be a great company that cares about their employees. I have my own office and my own phone extension. They updated the phone list to include me and I even have the option of working from home.
Next week I have been given the opportunity to attend the DELTA Plus training at CCG in Greensboro. I will be going on a scholarship so there is no cost to me.
I am making the most of not having a job and sometimes wonder how a person finds the time to work 5 days a week! ;-)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I HAVE A JOB!
Okay - it is a temporary job; but this proves that my decision to look at temporary or contract positions was a good one. The benefits of doing temp work are: (1) Keep your skills up to date. (2) Get experience that you might not otherwise have on your resume. (3) Extend your unemployment out for the number of weeks that you are drawing a paycheck. This position will utilize my accounting background plus give me experience with a not-for-profit that will look good on my resume and it will add 4-6 weeks on the amount of time I can draw unemployment. Besides, my husband referred to me as a "stay at home spouse" the other day. I have never been one of those. I actually wasn't sure how to take it either. I work constantly - I just don't make any money!
Not only that, the position will be over just in time for me to go to California for the actual interview with Murphy Goode Winery - what perfect timing!!!! (provided, of course, that all of you have voted for me at http://www.areallygoodejob.com/video-view.aspx?vid=pbcUt2-Z4Ac. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Not only that, the position will be over just in time for me to go to California for the actual interview with Murphy Goode Winery - what perfect timing!!!! (provided, of course, that all of you have voted for me at http://www.areallygoodejob.com/video-view.aspx?vid=pbcUt2-Z4Ac. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Really Goode Job
Ok - here it is!!!
http://www.areallygoodejob.com/video-view.aspx?vid=pbcUt2-Z4Ac
This is the job I am trying to get in California at a winery called Murphy Goode. The job is temporary - only 6 months. But it is the opportunity of a lifetime. If I can get this, when I get back I should easily be able to work at any winery around here. That is what I would like to do, reinvent myself and move into the wine industry. Please vote! If you could share this with your friends so they could vote as well, I would really appreciate it. I have a feeling that the popular vote will carry a lot of weight on who gets selected for the top 50. Then there will be another round to select the top 10 who go out to California (all expenses paid) for a week for the final interview stage where they select the lucky person.
It took me a while to decided how the popular vote actually came into play. Then it hit me. The number of votes you acquire is a direct reflection on how well you truly network. So right now I need all the help I can get. If you can forward this to your network and ask them to vote as well, I would appreciate it so much.
Thank you!!!
Jean
http://www.areallygoodejob.com/video-view.aspx?vid=pbcUt2-Z4Ac
This is the job I am trying to get in California at a winery called Murphy Goode. The job is temporary - only 6 months. But it is the opportunity of a lifetime. If I can get this, when I get back I should easily be able to work at any winery around here. That is what I would like to do, reinvent myself and move into the wine industry. Please vote! If you could share this with your friends so they could vote as well, I would really appreciate it. I have a feeling that the popular vote will carry a lot of weight on who gets selected for the top 50. Then there will be another round to select the top 10 who go out to California (all expenses paid) for a week for the final interview stage where they select the lucky person.
It took me a while to decided how the popular vote actually came into play. Then it hit me. The number of votes you acquire is a direct reflection on how well you truly network. So right now I need all the help I can get. If you can forward this to your network and ask them to vote as well, I would appreciate it so much.
Thank you!!!
Jean
Friday, May 8, 2009
Computers Can't Read
Computers can't read, but that is how your resume will most likely be sorted for available jobs if you are going through a recruiter so your resume has to be computer-friendly. Check out this article to see if your resume needs updating. Mine definitely does! Good Luck and let me know if this makes a difference with the next job you apply for.
http://www.financeladder.com/rds?et_id=1086618336&dest=https://cdn.theladders.net/static/images/editorial/resumeATSprocess0513.pdf&link_id=818
http://www.financeladder.com/rds?et_id=1086618336&dest=https://cdn.theladders.net/static/images/editorial/resumeATSprocess0513.pdf&link_id=818
How Much Sacrifice Should One Make To Go Back To Work?
OK, I'm trying anything I can think of to get a job. I have talked with recruiters about doing temp work or contract work. And now I have decided to look at consulting work. I saw a job on the Internet (which we all know is the worst place to actually seek employment, but still I keep on!) with a consulting company and decided to send my resume. I received a return call the following day!
Now, you are thinking that is a good thing. But is it? Without even interviewing me, they asked if I could start training this weekend. Yes, they called on Thursday and wanted me to fly to Chicago Sunday for seven days of training. They were going to pay all my expenses. If I passed the training, I would then be asked to sign an employment contract and would be one of their consultants. Still, you are thinking this sounds pretty good, aren't you?
Here are the other conditions. First there is 100% travel involved. You would leave home every Sunday night and return on Friday (except for maybe once a month where you would need to stay gone over the weekend as well). You had to arrive in Chicago with your passport in hand so that you were prepared for international travel. You had to bring your own computer and portable printer with you to training and then use them on the job as well. You probably would not get to come home after the training was completed but rather be sent straight to your first assignment for another week. The job consists of a minimum of 50 hours per week - more if you wanted to make more money.
And the starting salary was 30% less than what I am used to making. I know I will probably have to take a cut in pay to get a job, but they want me to give up my life for this?!?!?
Now, you are thinking that is a good thing. But is it? Without even interviewing me, they asked if I could start training this weekend. Yes, they called on Thursday and wanted me to fly to Chicago Sunday for seven days of training. They were going to pay all my expenses. If I passed the training, I would then be asked to sign an employment contract and would be one of their consultants. Still, you are thinking this sounds pretty good, aren't you?
Here are the other conditions. First there is 100% travel involved. You would leave home every Sunday night and return on Friday (except for maybe once a month where you would need to stay gone over the weekend as well). You had to arrive in Chicago with your passport in hand so that you were prepared for international travel. You had to bring your own computer and portable printer with you to training and then use them on the job as well. You probably would not get to come home after the training was completed but rather be sent straight to your first assignment for another week. The job consists of a minimum of 50 hours per week - more if you wanted to make more money.
And the starting salary was 30% less than what I am used to making. I know I will probably have to take a cut in pay to get a job, but they want me to give up my life for this?!?!?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Temporary
We all know this situation is temporary, we just don't know how temporary it is. But if the economy and job markets are temporary, maybe we should be as well.
I was speaking with a recruiter last week that does temporary placements. She said her office has had a complete turn around on what the client is looking for. Employers used to look for "temp" help for entry level positions or data entry type positions and secretarial help. Over the last few months, the trend is that employers are starting to look at temp agencies to fill higher level positions, such as Senior Accountants, Assistant Controllers, Controllers, and Managers/Supervisors. It makes sense. They can try before they buy.
With that said, I have decided to become temporary as well. I have completed the paper work at a temp agency and have let my other recruiters know that I am available for temporary, interim, or contract work. Being temporary could potentially afford one the opportunity to learn a new industry that could also open other doors for permanent placement. We will see if this leads anywhere. At least it leads to no stone unturned.
Tomorrow I am going to submit my application for a job that I saw on the Internet. As we all know, our resumes get lost in the shuffle if we simply respond online so I am going to drop mine off in person. I will let you know how that works out!
I was speaking with a recruiter last week that does temporary placements. She said her office has had a complete turn around on what the client is looking for. Employers used to look for "temp" help for entry level positions or data entry type positions and secretarial help. Over the last few months, the trend is that employers are starting to look at temp agencies to fill higher level positions, such as Senior Accountants, Assistant Controllers, Controllers, and Managers/Supervisors. It makes sense. They can try before they buy.
With that said, I have decided to become temporary as well. I have completed the paper work at a temp agency and have let my other recruiters know that I am available for temporary, interim, or contract work. Being temporary could potentially afford one the opportunity to learn a new industry that could also open other doors for permanent placement. We will see if this leads anywhere. At least it leads to no stone unturned.
Tomorrow I am going to submit my application for a job that I saw on the Internet. As we all know, our resumes get lost in the shuffle if we simply respond online so I am going to drop mine off in person. I will let you know how that works out!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Network Marketing
Supposedly this is the way of the future. I don't really believe that; we have all heard this comment before about any number of opportunities. But network marketing is definitely a growing industry with the economy in the shape it is today.
There are a couple of opportunities that I am looking into. One is Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. I definitely see the potential in this, but I am concerned about my personal dedication to making it successful. As in any profession, your success depends on your effort. The reality is that I cannot be lazy and be successful. By nature, I am not a lazy person, but I am not sure that this particular company/product motivates me. I will be hosting an information meeting at my home in a couple of weeks. Maybe that will stir some motivation.
Another network marketing idea I am looking at is Wine Shop at Home. Wine - one of my passions! Now this motivates me. The investment is minimal and I get to study and learn about wine. I would love to be in the wine industry but there is a lot of debate as to whether or not this is really considered being in the industry.
I have worked on some business plans and ideas for several people - all family and friends - no paying gigs! But I really enjoy doing this side of business planning, putting everything on paper so that the new entrepreneur can see the real possibility of his/her dreams.
I really just want to be self-employed - and accounting still motivates me! Strange!
There are a couple of opportunities that I am looking into. One is Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. I definitely see the potential in this, but I am concerned about my personal dedication to making it successful. As in any profession, your success depends on your effort. The reality is that I cannot be lazy and be successful. By nature, I am not a lazy person, but I am not sure that this particular company/product motivates me. I will be hosting an information meeting at my home in a couple of weeks. Maybe that will stir some motivation.
Another network marketing idea I am looking at is Wine Shop at Home. Wine - one of my passions! Now this motivates me. The investment is minimal and I get to study and learn about wine. I would love to be in the wine industry but there is a lot of debate as to whether or not this is really considered being in the industry.
I have worked on some business plans and ideas for several people - all family and friends - no paying gigs! But I really enjoy doing this side of business planning, putting everything on paper so that the new entrepreneur can see the real possibility of his/her dreams.
I really just want to be self-employed - and accounting still motivates me! Strange!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Buyer's Market Update
You know there is just not much happening in the world of the unemployed. We did get a raise in our unemployment, but I don't think it is permanent. I received one lump sum check to make up for 5 weeks where I should have had the increase but it had been late in being paid out. But now each week I receive this extra money as a separate payment from the Employment Security Commission - it is not part of my regular unemployment check. But I am not complaining. I will graciously accept whatever they give me.
I found "another job on the Internet that I was perfectly qualified for." I called one of my recruiters to inquire about the position. She had not realized that I had all the experience the employer was looking for so it is a good thing that I followed up with her - something we should all keep in mind. A few days later, she called me back with a couple of follow up questions from the company about other experiences I would need to work for them. And once again, I had the background they were looking for. Another 3 days passed and she called again. This time it was to tell me that the company/employer had decided to change the job description and their requirements. We won't know until next week if I still match the criteria they are looking for.
This is what the job market and the economy have done for us. There are so many people looking for a job, that the employer can re-write the job description several times and in the process weed out people who are more than qualified. The potential employer could actually be loosing out but he/she thinks they are getting better people by doing this. When in reality they are limiting their exposure to highly qualified people.
Not only are these potential employers limiting themselves, they want to get a real bargain. It doesn't matter how much they change the job descriptions, they don't change the salary offer. They want bigger and better for less and less. Unfortunately, we are still in a "Buyer's Market."
I found "another job on the Internet that I was perfectly qualified for." I called one of my recruiters to inquire about the position. She had not realized that I had all the experience the employer was looking for so it is a good thing that I followed up with her - something we should all keep in mind. A few days later, she called me back with a couple of follow up questions from the company about other experiences I would need to work for them. And once again, I had the background they were looking for. Another 3 days passed and she called again. This time it was to tell me that the company/employer had decided to change the job description and their requirements. We won't know until next week if I still match the criteria they are looking for.
This is what the job market and the economy have done for us. There are so many people looking for a job, that the employer can re-write the job description several times and in the process weed out people who are more than qualified. The potential employer could actually be loosing out but he/she thinks they are getting better people by doing this. When in reality they are limiting their exposure to highly qualified people.
Not only are these potential employers limiting themselves, they want to get a real bargain. It doesn't matter how much they change the job descriptions, they don't change the salary offer. They want bigger and better for less and less. Unfortunately, we are still in a "Buyer's Market."
Monday, March 30, 2009
Who Do We Blame?
Who's to blame for this mess we are in? AIG, GM, any number of banks, Wallstreet? I don't think we can point the finger at any one particular company or industry, but then there is plenty of blame to go around. What I find really disturbing is that these industry mongers just don't seem to understand the role they have played in putting the job market and the economy in the position we are in.
OK, the CEO for GM resigned. But how many CEO's have EVER been asked by the President of the United States to quit their job!!! How far do you have to run to ever escape something like that. My guess is that there is no hiding from that one! But keep your eyes open and remember his name, Rick Wagoner. Some other major corporation will snatch him up. He won't join any of us in the ranks of the unemployed. Of course the poor thing only walks away with approximately $23M in pension and close to $900,000 in stock and deferred compensation. How will he survive???
We are all well aware of the scandalous bonuses paid out to AIG executives - I just can't wait to see the list of names and the amount each person received. And yes, we have the right to see this information. We own 80% of the company. You better believe that the entire Board of Directors knows who got the bonuses and how much they were. It will be just as interesting to see which of these people returned their bonuses after the public lashing they took via the media. Do you think the CEO, Edward Liddy, returned his bonus? He only asked the employees who received these bonuses to return half of it. What was he thinking???
I actually read an article the other day from someone who supposedly understands Wallstreet and brokers, etc. The writer said the people who work in these industries don't make big salaries but instead depend on their annual bonuses to make up the difference. Their annual salaries - $75,000 - $100,000. With today's job market, I would love to find someone offering that kind of salary; but these people feel like they are struggling to get by. Well like we say in the South, "Bless their hearts!"
OK, the CEO for GM resigned. But how many CEO's have EVER been asked by the President of the United States to quit their job!!! How far do you have to run to ever escape something like that. My guess is that there is no hiding from that one! But keep your eyes open and remember his name, Rick Wagoner. Some other major corporation will snatch him up. He won't join any of us in the ranks of the unemployed. Of course the poor thing only walks away with approximately $23M in pension and close to $900,000 in stock and deferred compensation. How will he survive???
We are all well aware of the scandalous bonuses paid out to AIG executives - I just can't wait to see the list of names and the amount each person received. And yes, we have the right to see this information. We own 80% of the company. You better believe that the entire Board of Directors knows who got the bonuses and how much they were. It will be just as interesting to see which of these people returned their bonuses after the public lashing they took via the media. Do you think the CEO, Edward Liddy, returned his bonus? He only asked the employees who received these bonuses to return half of it. What was he thinking???
I actually read an article the other day from someone who supposedly understands Wallstreet and brokers, etc. The writer said the people who work in these industries don't make big salaries but instead depend on their annual bonuses to make up the difference. Their annual salaries - $75,000 - $100,000. With today's job market, I would love to find someone offering that kind of salary; but these people feel like they are struggling to get by. Well like we say in the South, "Bless their hearts!"
Friday, March 27, 2009
All is Not Lost
In times of crisis, people reach for meaning. Meaning is strength. Our survival may depend on our seeking and finding it. -- Victor Frankl
Check out this article. It will help you stay positive. All is not lost!
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-6_myths_about_job_hunting_in_a_recession-784
Check out this article. It will help you stay positive. All is not lost!
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-6_myths_about_job_hunting_in_a_recession-784
PROBLEM SOLVED!
This was an article from the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You Fix the Economy?" This article was one of the ideas submitted...
Dear Mr. President,
Patriotic retirement:
There's about 40 million people over 50 in the work force - pay them $1 million apiece severance with the following stipulations:
1) They leave their jobs. Forty million job openings -Unemployment fixed.
2) They buy NEW American cars. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They either buy a house/pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed/Banking fixed!
Can't get any easier than that!
Personal note from me - Let's have AIG pay that $40M!!!!
Dear Mr. President,
Patriotic retirement:
There's about 40 million people over 50 in the work force - pay them $1 million apiece severance with the following stipulations:
1) They leave their jobs. Forty million job openings -Unemployment fixed.
2) They buy NEW American cars. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They either buy a house/pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed/Banking fixed!
Can't get any easier than that!
Personal note from me - Let's have AIG pay that $40M!!!!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Fearless Networking
VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT
Date: 3/20/2009
Subject: LinkedIn Event: Fearless Networking
Adrienne Graham found Fearless Networking on LinkedIn Events and thought you might be interested in going! http://events.linkedin.com/Fearless-Networking/pub/46784
Fearless Networking Sat, Apr 04 If you can't attend, pass it along to a friend!
This is a virtual event Keywords: networking, Adrienne Graham, webinar, webcast, social networking
You know what? It IS all about "who you know". Let's face it, this economy is on shaky ground. As witnessed by the collapse of some of Wall Street's powerhouse companies we never know when our job is in jeopardy. If your company collapsed tomorrow, what would you do? Do you have a solid network of key decision makers who could help you land your next job? Do you have a contingency plan like starting a business? Chances are if you haven’t taken the time to build a strong network, you don’t have many allies who can help you in a pinch.
Date: 3/20/2009
Subject: LinkedIn Event: Fearless Networking
Adrienne Graham found Fearless Networking on LinkedIn Events and thought you might be interested in going! http://events.linkedin.com/Fearless-Networking/pub/46784
Fearless Networking Sat, Apr 04 If you can't attend, pass it along to a friend!
This is a virtual event Keywords: networking, Adrienne Graham, webinar, webcast, social networking
You know what? It IS all about "who you know". Let's face it, this economy is on shaky ground. As witnessed by the collapse of some of Wall Street's powerhouse companies we never know when our job is in jeopardy. If your company collapsed tomorrow, what would you do? Do you have a solid network of key decision makers who could help you land your next job? Do you have a contingency plan like starting a business? Chances are if you haven’t taken the time to build a strong network, you don’t have many allies who can help you in a pinch.
Fearless Networking, based on the book written by Adrienne Graham, gives you the foundations of becoming a fearless networker. In this session, you will learn:
Branding yourself
Build, communicate with and tap into your network
Networking with top executives and key decision makers
Making a memorable impression on the people you meet
Positioning yourself as a subject matter expert and an asset
Being a fearless networker
Navigating and tapping into traditional and social networking
Using networking to advance your career or build your business
Building a proper Inner Circle (aligning yourself with power brokers)
Networking ‘Seasons’
Networking strategies
Don’t miss this dynamic session that prepares you to become a powerful and empowered networker. Your real networking experience begins at this seminar. Adrienne Graham gives attendees a look into her own networking journey, shares her experiences and best advice on building your own network from a position of confidence and strength, and gets the audience involved in interactive networking exercises.
Date: April 4, 2009
Time: 11 AM- 2 PM EST
Location: Online Webcast- must have internet and phone access
Cost: $69 USD (refer 2 friends who register & get $10 off your registration! Limit 2 referrals per person.)
Space is limited and advanced registration is required. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=s-xclick&hostedbuttonid=4000183
Drawing will be conducted for a $25 American Express Gift Check, a copy of the book Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers, and 1 free networking coaching session with Adrienne Graham.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Taking a Break
Spring is in the air! It is beautiful outside, the sun has been shining and the air is warm and comforting. My husband is on spring break from school - he is a full-time student at UNC Greensboro. What a great time for him to be out of school and me to be out of work. We took off last Friday and went to spend the night with my daughter and grand children which is always a treat. Then we left Saturday morning and headed to the beach to visit friends.
The good weather stayed with us all weekend! We drove with the top down on the car Saturday. We spent most of the weekend outside just sitting with Randy and Tracey talking and sipping wine. Life just doesn't get any better. Of course the water is still too cold to swim, but walking on the beach was great. We actually stayed an extra night and didn't come back home until Tuesday. Friends, Chad & Paula, checked in on the dogs and kept them happy with treats while we were gone so I owe them a huge thank you!
Wednesday the weather still held out and we tackled the back yard to get everything ready for spring. We uncovered the furniture under the pergola and moved some bushes to better locations and trimmed up others.
For a few days I didn't even think about looking for a job or the economy. The break was as warming as the weather. So now I am refreshed and ready to hit it again.
Once again, my network is busy working for me. I have a couple of friends who sent my resume to two different companies that were wanting to hire a controller. Thank you Laura and Vickii!
The good weather stayed with us all weekend! We drove with the top down on the car Saturday. We spent most of the weekend outside just sitting with Randy and Tracey talking and sipping wine. Life just doesn't get any better. Of course the water is still too cold to swim, but walking on the beach was great. We actually stayed an extra night and didn't come back home until Tuesday. Friends, Chad & Paula, checked in on the dogs and kept them happy with treats while we were gone so I owe them a huge thank you!
Wednesday the weather still held out and we tackled the back yard to get everything ready for spring. We uncovered the furniture under the pergola and moved some bushes to better locations and trimmed up others.
For a few days I didn't even think about looking for a job or the economy. The break was as warming as the weather. So now I am refreshed and ready to hit it again.
Once again, my network is busy working for me. I have a couple of friends who sent my resume to two different companies that were wanting to hire a controller. Thank you Laura and Vickii!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Via the Network
I am feeeling a bit more positive about potential jobs today than I have in the past few weeks. I can't stress enough how important your network is. By reaching out to my network I found a connection with a potential employer that I never would have thought existed, but it does. I have emailed my resume to my connection who will then forward it on to the hiring company via her network.
I had a phone interview yesterday that went really well. Again, someone in my network was able to get my resume in front of the right people. Now it is up to me to sell myself. I should hear back from this company by next week for a second phone interview. If that one goes well, I will be called in to meet the Finance Directors and do a face-to-face interview.
I have applied for a third job that has a lot of potential as well. Any of the three jobs that I have mentioned here would all be great jobs and they are in my field of expertise. What I like about each of these jobs is that they were all posted on the Internet directly by the employer, not by recruiters.
I had a phone interview yesterday that went really well. Again, someone in my network was able to get my resume in front of the right people. Now it is up to me to sell myself. I should hear back from this company by next week for a second phone interview. If that one goes well, I will be called in to meet the Finance Directors and do a face-to-face interview.
I have applied for a third job that has a lot of potential as well. Any of the three jobs that I have mentioned here would all be great jobs and they are in my field of expertise. What I like about each of these jobs is that they were all posted on the Internet directly by the employer, not by recruiters.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Tapping the Network!
I have just found a job posting on the Internet posted by the hiring company, not a recruiter. When I clicked on the details for the position, they even had a comment that they would not accept submissions from recruiters. This made me feel much better about my chances of at least being looked at for this position. Of course, I won't be the only one submitting a resume. I do have a lot of things going in my favor, though. I have years of experience with the accounting software they use, I have the degree and the certification, I have managed staff. I submitted my resume online, but am not confident that it will actually be seen. I need some reassurance here!
I have tapped my network to help me get the resume to the right people and hopefully, they will even be able to make a call to recommend me for this position. One of the people in my network sells the accounting software this company uses. They are the only reseller in this area. Another of my network contacts works for an insurance company that just happens to be in negotiations with the company that is hiring. (It is in the medical industry.) They have offered to make a call.
I have reached out to both and will know more Monday. You will know when I know!
Anyone reading this that is unemployed, feel free to contact me. I have designed a spreadsheet that will allow you to track your income and expenses on a weekly basis so that you know where you stand financially at any given point in time. I will be glad to email the spreadsheet to you.
I have tapped my network to help me get the resume to the right people and hopefully, they will even be able to make a call to recommend me for this position. One of the people in my network sells the accounting software this company uses. They are the only reseller in this area. Another of my network contacts works for an insurance company that just happens to be in negotiations with the company that is hiring. (It is in the medical industry.) They have offered to make a call.
I have reached out to both and will know more Monday. You will know when I know!
Anyone reading this that is unemployed, feel free to contact me. I have designed a spreadsheet that will allow you to track your income and expenses on a weekly basis so that you know where you stand financially at any given point in time. I will be glad to email the spreadsheet to you.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Off To See The Wizard
We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Jobs. Because, because, because, because, because..... Wouldn't it be wonderful if there really was someone behind that curtain. But no such luck!
I hit the job fair circuit this week with high hopes. I followed the tips given on TV about taking plenty of resumes with you and "dress for success." Tuesday there was a job fair in Greensboro. It started at 9:00am and went until 1:00pm. I deliberately wanted to get there around 12:00 so that I could leave from that job fair and then head straight to the one in Kernersville that started at 1:00.
The first job fair wasn't too crowded. Parking was bad and several people were parked along side the street; but I lucked up and found an open parking space right beside the hotel. I was a little disappointed when I went in to visit the employer booths. I didn't count them, but there weren't very many employers there. There was however, 3 insurance companies that wanted you to sell insurance, a marketing company that wanted you to sell air space for radio stations (strictly commission based pay after a training phase), Avon was there to recruit new sales reps and the Military was there to recruit as well. Guilford College was there but they were trying to recruit new students and were not offering jobs or accepting resumes. As a matter of fact, nobody was accepting resumes. Even AON, a great employer, was represented there, but would not take your resume. They said you had to apply online and that your resume would go to one of their offices in New York and then be routed to a local office if your skills matched any openings.
It didn't take me long to finish up at the first job fair so I headed straight to Kernersville getting there just before the job fair started. Boy, what a surprise. The traffic was horrendous. The police were there directing traffic and they even had crowd control inside. There were so many people that there was no way everybody could get into the sanctuary (we were at a church) at one time so we were taking in groups of 5-10 at a time. To say that the unemployed outnumbered the employers would be a profound understatement.
The Chamber of Commerce in Kernersville had set this job fair up and they did a phenomenal job! Before I go any further, I want to thank them for the great job they did in putting this together. They had tables with games and crayons for children to play at. They had copy machines ready in case you needed to make additional copies of your resume and places for you to sit down if you were tired or needed a table so you could fill out an application. The Employment Security Commission was there as well with hand-outs and advice on resumes. The Chamber even had seminars set up so you could learn how to prepare a resume or how to stretch you food dollars.
There were all kinds of people from every walk of life and every job description you can think of. There were people dressed in stocking caps, sagging jeans, and sweat shirts and there were people dressed in business suits. I guess being unemployed is one of the great equalizers though. We all stood in line together looking for the same things and we all got the same answers.
There were sales jobs available that were strictly commission based and you even had to create your own contact list. All branches of the Military were represented trying to recruit new soldiers. With around 2,000 people trying to get through the door, the employers didn't even have time to talk to people. Moses Cone was there and they were actually calling people up in groups of 5 and telling you to go online to complete an application. They accepted resumes but told us point blank that it really wouldn't do us any good to leave them because everything had to be done online.
I sincerely appreciate everything that all these people tried to do, but the Wizard wasn't there.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Spam & Stress
I have so enjoyed being out of work. I get up at a reasonable hour and plan my entire day out. I blog when I have something to say, I job hunt, I clean house, work on special projects, etc.
Even though they wouldn't tell us, I knew my job was going away several weeks before it did. I put a lot of thought into what I was going to do once I became unemployed. One big project that I am working on was going to require a fairly large cash investment so I knew I would have to tap my 401(k) to get the money. Then I analyzed all our debt and monthly payments and realized that I would have to hit the 401(k) again to pay off my car. I owe less than 2 years on it, love the car and have no intention of getting rid of it; but the unemployment check is not enough to cover the mortgage and everything else we owe. So I needed to eliminate this payment.
Friday was the day to complete the paperwork for these distributions. I completed one and mailed it to the plan administrator handling the distributions for Petty Racing. Then I went to Richard Childress Racing to complete the forms there with their HR Manager. Before I signed this form, the panic set in. I got so nervous and so upset! It finally hit that I have no real income! Bill was with me because he had to sign these forms as well to get this distribution. He wasn't upset. He dropped me back off at the house and he left to go to school.
I started pacing the floor, really fast pacing. My chest hurt. I got physically sick and thought I was going to throw up. I was totally unproductive all day, I just couldn't get past the panic that had completely taken over my entire body. I didn't calm down until Bill got home Friday afternoon around 4:00. It was a miserable day!
To add to the stress of being unemployed, I have discovered that spammers search the job boards for unsuspecting targets. I have received a couple of emails that indicate "we found your resume posted on (name of job board)." Thinking that this could potentially be a real opportunity, I opened the email. Once I actually read the body of the email, though, I had more sense than to click on anything or to apply for the position that was being offered. One of these emails was the Nigerian Scam where they want to send you money so that you can deposit it into your personal bank account and then pay bills or obligations that already exist; you get to keep anything left over after you have paid all of these obligations. But of course, the check they send you to begin with is worthless so once you pay all the obligations, you are overdrawn at the bank and the spammer has your money.
Just another reason to be leery of job boards and putting yourself out in cyber-space for the world to see. And all the more reason to use your personal network!
Even though they wouldn't tell us, I knew my job was going away several weeks before it did. I put a lot of thought into what I was going to do once I became unemployed. One big project that I am working on was going to require a fairly large cash investment so I knew I would have to tap my 401(k) to get the money. Then I analyzed all our debt and monthly payments and realized that I would have to hit the 401(k) again to pay off my car. I owe less than 2 years on it, love the car and have no intention of getting rid of it; but the unemployment check is not enough to cover the mortgage and everything else we owe. So I needed to eliminate this payment.
Friday was the day to complete the paperwork for these distributions. I completed one and mailed it to the plan administrator handling the distributions for Petty Racing. Then I went to Richard Childress Racing to complete the forms there with their HR Manager. Before I signed this form, the panic set in. I got so nervous and so upset! It finally hit that I have no real income! Bill was with me because he had to sign these forms as well to get this distribution. He wasn't upset. He dropped me back off at the house and he left to go to school.
I started pacing the floor, really fast pacing. My chest hurt. I got physically sick and thought I was going to throw up. I was totally unproductive all day, I just couldn't get past the panic that had completely taken over my entire body. I didn't calm down until Bill got home Friday afternoon around 4:00. It was a miserable day!
To add to the stress of being unemployed, I have discovered that spammers search the job boards for unsuspecting targets. I have received a couple of emails that indicate "we found your resume posted on (name of job board)." Thinking that this could potentially be a real opportunity, I opened the email. Once I actually read the body of the email, though, I had more sense than to click on anything or to apply for the position that was being offered. One of these emails was the Nigerian Scam where they want to send you money so that you can deposit it into your personal bank account and then pay bills or obligations that already exist; you get to keep anything left over after you have paid all of these obligations. But of course, the check they send you to begin with is worthless so once you pay all the obligations, you are overdrawn at the bank and the spammer has your money.
Just another reason to be leery of job boards and putting yourself out in cyber-space for the world to see. And all the more reason to use your personal network!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Networking
This networking thing isn't as easy as it sounds. Your network is busy. You have to be the one to make the effort to stay in touch. If you reach out to your network frequently (but not enough to make a nuisance of yourself), you will be the first person they think of when there is an opportunity. This applies even if you already have a job. Who isn't looking to improve their status in the job market or grow their own business. Network, Network, Network!
Volunteering isn't as easy as it sounds either. I thought I found the perfect opportunity to volunteer. I tried to volunteer to help with the Furniture Market in High Point. I thought the timing was right. Market isn't until the last week in April so they are just now gearing up to get ready for it. However, they told me they didn't accept volunteers. They hire seasonal help, but the same people are used from year-to-year so there wasn't an opportunity to even be hired temporarily. Yes, I was a little disappointed.
I have found another opportunity to volunteer though that I think will work out great. I have adopted a soldier! Last week I was watching the Today Show when they had a segment on adopting soldiers. Did you know that there is 25-30% of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan that never receive mail or packages from home? I didn't! I was shocked. You can adopt by going to www.adoptaussoldier.org. They process your application and then send you all the information about your soldier along with his/her email and physical address. I won't be rubbing elbows with influential people who can help me land a job, but I feel good about making somebody else feel just a little bit better about being away from home and family.
I have not been to a job fair since I got out of college. However, there is one next week in Greensboro. It is February 24 from 9:00-1:00 at Quality Inn and Suites, 7068 Albert Pick Road, Greensboro, NC. I definitely plan to go. I have no idea what to expect but will attend with an open mind. I will take a few resumes and some resume cards and go dressed for success. You know I will blog about the experience and share my thoughts on the whole thing.
I also have applied for a part time job with a winery. If you have looked at my profile, you know that wine is one of my passions. This particular winery is only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so the only opportunities are part time. I look at this as an opportunity to have fun while I work but also as a chance to learn even more about wine. Will let you know about this as well so that you can come do a wine tasting with me!
I have given some serious thought to substitute teaching. It is a bit more difficult to get your name on that list than one would think. Most of the counties are giving the "Substitute Test" in March. I plan to participate for Davidson County. Unfortunately, that only leaves 8-10 weeks to actually work as a sub. But it is still a way to have temporary income to help with that unemployment check. I am certain that there will be several taking this test. I know I am not the only genius who thought of this as a way to earn money.
I write all of this to let you know that I am taking my own advice. I actually heard someone on TV giving very similar advice. I could have sworn they had read my "Survival 101."
Keep a positive attitude and keep networking!
Volunteering isn't as easy as it sounds either. I thought I found the perfect opportunity to volunteer. I tried to volunteer to help with the Furniture Market in High Point. I thought the timing was right. Market isn't until the last week in April so they are just now gearing up to get ready for it. However, they told me they didn't accept volunteers. They hire seasonal help, but the same people are used from year-to-year so there wasn't an opportunity to even be hired temporarily. Yes, I was a little disappointed.
I have found another opportunity to volunteer though that I think will work out great. I have adopted a soldier! Last week I was watching the Today Show when they had a segment on adopting soldiers. Did you know that there is 25-30% of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan that never receive mail or packages from home? I didn't! I was shocked. You can adopt by going to www.adoptaussoldier.org. They process your application and then send you all the information about your soldier along with his/her email and physical address. I won't be rubbing elbows with influential people who can help me land a job, but I feel good about making somebody else feel just a little bit better about being away from home and family.
I have not been to a job fair since I got out of college. However, there is one next week in Greensboro. It is February 24 from 9:00-1:00 at Quality Inn and Suites, 7068 Albert Pick Road, Greensboro, NC. I definitely plan to go. I have no idea what to expect but will attend with an open mind. I will take a few resumes and some resume cards and go dressed for success. You know I will blog about the experience and share my thoughts on the whole thing.
I also have applied for a part time job with a winery. If you have looked at my profile, you know that wine is one of my passions. This particular winery is only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so the only opportunities are part time. I look at this as an opportunity to have fun while I work but also as a chance to learn even more about wine. Will let you know about this as well so that you can come do a wine tasting with me!
I have given some serious thought to substitute teaching. It is a bit more difficult to get your name on that list than one would think. Most of the counties are giving the "Substitute Test" in March. I plan to participate for Davidson County. Unfortunately, that only leaves 8-10 weeks to actually work as a sub. But it is still a way to have temporary income to help with that unemployment check. I am certain that there will be several taking this test. I know I am not the only genius who thought of this as a way to earn money.
I write all of this to let you know that I am taking my own advice. I actually heard someone on TV giving very similar advice. I could have sworn they had read my "Survival 101."
Keep a positive attitude and keep networking!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Moving Forward
Have you noticed all the commercials with the tag line, "Moving Forward." Everyone from retailers to politicians are trying to give us the impression that things are on the mend. I hope they're right.
With the job market being so tough, I have done some research this past week on looking for a job hoping that I could offer some sound advice to help move you forward. I have already commented on an earlier post that you really can't trust all the job postings that you see on job boards because a large percentage of these jobs are not real and don't exist. Keep in mind though that if the job is posted by the actual employer and not a recruiting firm, that it is real. Do a cover letter and if you know anyone that has connections with that company, use them to get you in the door. If you can drop the resume off in person instead of resorting to just an email, you might luck up and actually get a meeting on the spot. Better yet, if you have that inside connection, give them a call and ask if you can email your resume to them so that they can walk it over to the hiring person.
In my research I ran across an article by Darrell Gurney (www.CareerGuy.com) that suggested we stop looking for a job. I have always suggested to everyone that they network as much as possible. Your network can give you a vast resource of people that can help you find opportunities. You should focus on building authentic relationships with these people. Try not to sound or appear desperate when building these relationships. Instead, show your value. Look yourself in the mirror and realize what you have accomplished. Put it in writing, not in a resume, but something for you to read and be proud of. You can add to or update as much as possible as you remember your accomplishments. According to this article, "if you are branded well and fly a flag of who you are when you meet people, you never have to ask for a job. If they see value in you and are attracted to the flag you are flying, they will find whatever they can for you automatically." Network purposefully and be prepared to offer mutual support. You have to find a reason to connect and ask for a few minutes of their time. Maintain these relationships so that you are always at top of mind when your network hears of opportunities.
I have really started to question having my resume posted online with these job boards. I have gotten in touch with three people, all in completely different fields and industries, who have connections all across the state (and well beyond). I feel so much better about job hunting and new opportunities when I am actually talking to someone instead of sending emails. Is the country moving forward? I don't know, but I am!
With the job market being so tough, I have done some research this past week on looking for a job hoping that I could offer some sound advice to help move you forward. I have already commented on an earlier post that you really can't trust all the job postings that you see on job boards because a large percentage of these jobs are not real and don't exist. Keep in mind though that if the job is posted by the actual employer and not a recruiting firm, that it is real. Do a cover letter and if you know anyone that has connections with that company, use them to get you in the door. If you can drop the resume off in person instead of resorting to just an email, you might luck up and actually get a meeting on the spot. Better yet, if you have that inside connection, give them a call and ask if you can email your resume to them so that they can walk it over to the hiring person.
In my research I ran across an article by Darrell Gurney (www.CareerGuy.com) that suggested we stop looking for a job. I have always suggested to everyone that they network as much as possible. Your network can give you a vast resource of people that can help you find opportunities. You should focus on building authentic relationships with these people. Try not to sound or appear desperate when building these relationships. Instead, show your value. Look yourself in the mirror and realize what you have accomplished. Put it in writing, not in a resume, but something for you to read and be proud of. You can add to or update as much as possible as you remember your accomplishments. According to this article, "if you are branded well and fly a flag of who you are when you meet people, you never have to ask for a job. If they see value in you and are attracted to the flag you are flying, they will find whatever they can for you automatically." Network purposefully and be prepared to offer mutual support. You have to find a reason to connect and ask for a few minutes of their time. Maintain these relationships so that you are always at top of mind when your network hears of opportunities.
I have really started to question having my resume posted online with these job boards. I have gotten in touch with three people, all in completely different fields and industries, who have connections all across the state (and well beyond). I feel so much better about job hunting and new opportunities when I am actually talking to someone instead of sending emails. Is the country moving forward? I don't know, but I am!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Buyer's Market
Everyone knows we are in a "Buyer's Market." It doesn't matter if you are shopping for a house, looking at the stock market, or simply shopping, everything is on sale. The housing market is depressed with houses and interest rates both at an all-time low so anyone who is thinking about buying a new house or refinancing their current home should do it now. Stocks are also on sale so if you have extra cash, this is the perfect time to invest. And the stores - what huge sales! Again, if you have the extra cash, buy a new wardrobe for 70% off or more. All great bargains, don't you agree?
Well, the same holds true for the job market. Even though the job boards still show hundreds of jobs, the reality is there are so few jobs and so many people looking for a job that the imbalance is really difficult to envision. The employer's are experiencing a "Buyer's Market" and those of us looking for a job are simply on sale. The question is, should we devalue ourselves or is this the only option we have if we want to once again join the ranks of the gainfully employed?
As you know I had my first job interview yesterday since losing my job. I had talked with the recruiter several times on the phone. I had answered a 4-page questionnaire regarding my level of experience giving examples of my experience for each question so that I was prescreened for this position. I dressed for success. I took a clean copy of my resume just in case the one the recruiter had printed off didn't look professional. I took my letter of recommendation. I was told that the main concern for the company and the people doing the interviewing was that they wanted a high-energy person who understood the dynamics of a family-run business. I fit the bill and was ready for the interview.
The interview started out with a tour of the facility given by the VP of Operations. I asked questions and interacted well with this person. We moved on to the conference room and he left to get the owner/CEO of the company to sit in on the interview. While we waited for the CEO to join us, we looked at the final product the company sells and talked about how it is packaged and prepared for delivery to the customer. The CEO came into the conference room and introduced himself and the actual interview started. Or should I say ended. It lasted for less than 15 minutes. Apparently there had been a discussion earlier yesterday morning and this position had been redefined. I no longer met the minimum qualifications for the job. They now wanted someone with a minimum of 10 years manufacturing experience. I have none and they knew this. The recruiter who sent me on this interview didn't even know the requirements for this position had been changed so drastically.
This was a complete waste of my time and theirs; but, it is a buyer's market and they can take their time. The number of candidates they can interview is endless. The need of the company is their only time constraint. However, they should at least communicate with the recruiter.
On a side note - the CEO actually made the statement that I had to have typed the letter of recommendation because he knew Richard Petty didn't type it. Of course I requested the letter, but I didn't type it. How asinine and presumptuous! Do I really want to work for someone who jumps to those kinds of conclusions? Do you?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
That Was Easy
Filing for Unemployment - now, that was easy. I am not sure what I expected, but I thought I would have to appear in person to sign forms or at a very minimum, they would mail forms to me that had to be signed and then returned. But no! I simply went online and completed the process in a matter of minutes.
One of my concerns though was that the first option for receiving your weekly payment is that the payment is put on a debit card and then the debit card can be reloaded each week so that there are no checks actually mailed out. Why would you want a debit card? Are you going to take it with you to the electric company, water company, or to your insurance company? Don't most people do all their banking and pay their bills online?
Thankfully they do allow for direct deposit. I immediately downloaded the form for direct deposit, but could not complete it online. I printed it out and was going to put it in the mail the next day, but these people are quick! I received the same form from the Employment Security Commission in the mail on Saturday. I completed it and put it back in the mail on Monday - now we'll see if they are quick enough to get my first unemployment check in my bank account or if I get that dreaded debit card before they process my direct deposit information.
I wasn't clear by the instructions online about letting the Employment Security Commission know that I was applying for my required 2 jobs per week. I tried to call half a dozen times, but kept getting a busy signal. This is actually what I expected with the number of people that are out of work so I ended up sending an email. To my surprise, I received a response within a couple of hours answering all of my questions. Yes, I do have to apply for two jobs per week, but I don't have to notify the ESC of this on a weekly basis. The only time they need to know what I am doing to look for a job is if I am chosen to be audited so I need to keep a record of the jobs I am applying for.
I really don't know when to expect my first unemployment check. Last week was my waiting period - you have to put in a week without pay once a year as a waiting period. The prior two weeks I was paid a severance check so this is my first eligible week to draw unemployment. I am a little concerned about losing my steady paycheck. I was the main bread winner in our household.
Wish me luck on today's job interview!!! Will post again to let everyone know how it goes. I am not the only one being interviewed today.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Resume Cards
By now, we all know that networking is a necessity. Every time I accept someone into my LinkedIn Group: NCACPA's, I email them about the importance of networking. So we are all putting ourselves out there hoping to meet our next employer or make a connection somewhere that can lead to our next career opportunity. Part of the problem though is that it isn't always appropriate to carry resumes with you let alone hand them out. The next best solution is the "resume card."
The resume card is simply a business card, but you are the business. You show your name and address where the company name and address would normally go. On the front side of the card, you list all of your pertinent information such as phone number, email, and website if you have one. Then get creative and add a tag line for your skills or the career you are looking for. In my case, a tag line might be, "Managing all of your Financial Reporting needs." On the back side of the card you then list your major accomplishments or skills.
Carry a hand full of these cards everywhere you go. Don't just stick them in your wallet or purse; put them in a card holder so that they don't get crumpled looking or dog-eared. The card will need to look crisp and new each time you pull one out to give to someone. These are convenient to carry and can be given out discretely anywhere, anytime.
You can order these cards from any printing company or online. You can also buy business card stock at an office supply store and make your own. Just make sure that the finished product represents the career you are seeking.
Now, go network!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Three Weeks and Counting
I have now been out of work for three full weeks and even though I still see lots of jobs posted on all the job boards/sites, I am not seeing a lot of response from submitting my resume. Of course, I am being very selective about the jobs I apply for. This is my opportunity to step back and analyze the world around me and to decide what my role should be.
I do have an interview lined up on Wednesday and I'll have to admit that I am a little excited about it. If I were to get the job, it would be a complete change from being in racing. There are similarities with this position and the work I have done in the past 12 years, the biggest being that this is a family owned business. Both the race teams that I have been with (Richard Petty & Richard Childress) were family owned. There is a unique dynamic involved with a family owned business. Trust me, you don't know this until you have been there!
I personally believe that a family has to work together to create a business and then make it successful. Even though the business may be run by just one spouse, the other spouse has to burn the midnight oil as well pouring over numbers and reliving the stress of the day because everything the family owns is on the line. In the early years, the family home may even be used as collateral to get the business going. There is a lot at stake here and the entire family deserves respect for the ultimate success of the business and the sacrifices it took to become successful.
Looking for a job is actually boring. You don't go out and knock on doors or hand out resumes. Everything is done completely online. There is no face-to-face time unless your resume has something unique that makes it stand out among the other hundred (or thousand) resumes submitted for that one job. Not being able to meet people in person and make that good "first impression" definitely puts one at a disadvantage. Sitting in front of a computer for hours every day, day after day, isn't any fun.
I've not even heard from the recruiters that I am working with in over a week. I applied for the job mentioned above online and was contacted by the recruiter that posted it, but I have never met him; however, he does have good communication skills. We have talked on the phone three times this past week. I realize that he is working on commission, but I feel that we have gotten to know each other through our lengthy phone calls and emails.
Looking for a new job is not all I have been doing however. I have a good friend (he actually introduced my husband and me) who is wanting to start his own business. We'll call him Greg just to protect his anonymity for now. Greg has been putting this idea together for the last 3-4 years and has finally reached the point where he is ready to seek financial backing or possibly even sell the idea along with all the research that he has compiled. My part in this was to help create the business plan and put together the financial information. We sat here at my dining room table and worked for 12 hours last weekend. We have communicated several times on the phone over this past week as well. Greg has a really (really) good idea and it should be very successful, especially in today's economy. I wish him the best!!!!
To end this post, I must admit that I have become very spoiled over the last several years. I very rarely cook dinner and when I do it is something quick that doesn't require much effort or thought. My husband does most of the real cooking. With my being out of work, our roles are reversing. I am having to actually think about dinner and prepare real meals. I am out of practice - but he seems to be faring well.
Tomorrow I have a doll house to put together - I may even post pictures. ;-)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bait & Switch
I sit here with my glass of wine (those of you that actually know me just smiled, didn't you?) reflecting back on this past week - my first week of unemployment. I'm not depressed or stressed over not having a job. I personally think I really needed some time off so this week has almost been like a vacation, but of course without the beach.
I am trying to stick to my own guidelines. I get up and get dressed every day. I do a small amount of housework but not too much. I don't want to work my way out of another job! I have started exercising. We have one of those universal machines that allows you to do most everything so I have some slight muscle soreness, but it feels good.
Yesterday I called the school boards for Davidson County and Forsyth County to inquire about applying for substitute teaching in each county. I have discovered that my "earnings allowance" will afford me the opportunity to sub a couple of days a week and have no impact on my unemployment. It will be a great way to network and meet new people plus it will supplement the income so we can pay all the bills. Definitely three positives! If I could do this, I would also have time to think about the direction I want my career to go.
Then I started the job search in full force on the job boards. So many job boards - so many jobs! But how could all these jobs be available and we still have people unemployed??? It doesn't make sense, does it? Reference "Survival 101" regarding the unscrupulous recruiters posting jobs that either don't exist or that have already been filled. Things that make you go, "hmmmmm."
But I drudged on. Some job boards charge a fee to the employer to post jobs such as Career Builder and Monster. But other job boards pull their listings from competitor job boards so they have several listings. The problem here is that you have to complete all your information on these boards from uploading your resume to filling in the blanks on all sorts of personal information and then when you find a job that you are interested in and click the "apply button," you are taken to a new job board which then requires you to upload your resume and fill in the blanks on all the same personal information again. This is the old "Bait & Switch!"
I actually found the PERFECT job listed on one of these sites. I clicked on the apply button and was redirected to another site. I filled in all the appropriate information and uploaded my resume so that I could apply for this PERFECT job. But guess what - I was redirected to another job board site. And you got it. I had to upload my resume and fill in all the appropriate information so that I could apply for this PERFECT job! I hit the apply button and was given the option of preparing a cover letter, which I did. It was actually a really good letter, if i do say so myself. I immediately got an email acknowledging my application but then I got a second email. The second email stated that I could not apply for the job directly through their website because they were neither the employer nor the recruiter so I had to go back in and click on the link that took me to the correct site to actually apply for this PERFECT job. Even though I was frustrated, I really thought this was the PERFECT job so I clicked the link. "Oh, please tell me it isn't so." Now I was at one of those sites that requires you to pay before you can apply for that PERFECT job! Bait & Switch is alive and well.
It tempted me, boy did it tempt me. But all they wanted from me was for me to fill in my information once again and I could have one month free and with my free membership I could apply for this PERFECT job. So I did, but then it said my password wasn't valid and wouldn't let me in. I tried again and still could not get in. So I went back to the page to check my information. I re-entered the password. Now I did not have the option of applying for the PERFECT job with the free trial membership, but it didn't matter, it still would not accept my password and let me in. I clicked on the "forgot password" button and ask them to email me the password - but then I got an error message that said my email wasn't valid. I was not allowed to apply for the PERFECT job!!!!
At one point, one of the job boards actually had a comment posted that if you were limiting yourself to just your state (which I thought was a pretty good stretch) that you were limiting your opportunities. And they convinced me! I actually chose to have my resume made available all across the country, not quite sure why I didn't choose the "world" as my target market - which was one of the options!
And now you should see the inbox on my email. I am in job board hell and being inundated with notifications from all of these job boards.
I think I will drink another glass of wine - tomorrow is another day!
I am trying to stick to my own guidelines. I get up and get dressed every day. I do a small amount of housework but not too much. I don't want to work my way out of another job! I have started exercising. We have one of those universal machines that allows you to do most everything so I have some slight muscle soreness, but it feels good.
Yesterday I called the school boards for Davidson County and Forsyth County to inquire about applying for substitute teaching in each county. I have discovered that my "earnings allowance" will afford me the opportunity to sub a couple of days a week and have no impact on my unemployment. It will be a great way to network and meet new people plus it will supplement the income so we can pay all the bills. Definitely three positives! If I could do this, I would also have time to think about the direction I want my career to go.
Then I started the job search in full force on the job boards. So many job boards - so many jobs! But how could all these jobs be available and we still have people unemployed??? It doesn't make sense, does it? Reference "Survival 101" regarding the unscrupulous recruiters posting jobs that either don't exist or that have already been filled. Things that make you go, "hmmmmm."
But I drudged on. Some job boards charge a fee to the employer to post jobs such as Career Builder and Monster. But other job boards pull their listings from competitor job boards so they have several listings. The problem here is that you have to complete all your information on these boards from uploading your resume to filling in the blanks on all sorts of personal information and then when you find a job that you are interested in and click the "apply button," you are taken to a new job board which then requires you to upload your resume and fill in the blanks on all the same personal information again. This is the old "Bait & Switch!"
I actually found the PERFECT job listed on one of these sites. I clicked on the apply button and was redirected to another site. I filled in all the appropriate information and uploaded my resume so that I could apply for this PERFECT job. But guess what - I was redirected to another job board site. And you got it. I had to upload my resume and fill in all the appropriate information so that I could apply for this PERFECT job! I hit the apply button and was given the option of preparing a cover letter, which I did. It was actually a really good letter, if i do say so myself. I immediately got an email acknowledging my application but then I got a second email. The second email stated that I could not apply for the job directly through their website because they were neither the employer nor the recruiter so I had to go back in and click on the link that took me to the correct site to actually apply for this PERFECT job. Even though I was frustrated, I really thought this was the PERFECT job so I clicked the link. "Oh, please tell me it isn't so." Now I was at one of those sites that requires you to pay before you can apply for that PERFECT job! Bait & Switch is alive and well.
It tempted me, boy did it tempt me. But all they wanted from me was for me to fill in my information once again and I could have one month free and with my free membership I could apply for this PERFECT job. So I did, but then it said my password wasn't valid and wouldn't let me in. I tried again and still could not get in. So I went back to the page to check my information. I re-entered the password. Now I did not have the option of applying for the PERFECT job with the free trial membership, but it didn't matter, it still would not accept my password and let me in. I clicked on the "forgot password" button and ask them to email me the password - but then I got an error message that said my email wasn't valid. I was not allowed to apply for the PERFECT job!!!!
At one point, one of the job boards actually had a comment posted that if you were limiting yourself to just your state (which I thought was a pretty good stretch) that you were limiting your opportunities. And they convinced me! I actually chose to have my resume made available all across the country, not quite sure why I didn't choose the "world" as my target market - which was one of the options!
And now you should see the inbox on my email. I am in job board hell and being inundated with notifications from all of these job boards.
I think I will drink another glass of wine - tomorrow is another day!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Survival 101
Ok - I no longer have a job so now what? I have put quite a bit of thought into this, especially since I knew it was coming. We all have to have a reason to get up in the morning. Now that I don't have a job, what is that reason? I don't have kids to make breakfast for or get off to school. My husband is a full time student at UNCG but he is out for the break between Fall and Spring semesters so I don't have to get up to see him off.
Being unemployed has it's advantages also. Take today for example. It is rainy and cold with the temperature hovering in the low 40's. I don't have to get out in this mess. If I were gainfully employed, I wouldn't have a choice. I would bundle up in a coat and grab an umbrella and out the door I would go. Another thing, if you are sick and really couldn't work even if you had a job, you can just simply stay in bed and recover. And of course there are those things that have should have been done a while back but they could only be done during the hours that you were at work. Now you can get all of those things caught up.
But I do need a routine to keep me going. Here are some things I have come up with. These are in no particular order of importance, but necessary to keep you motivated.
1. Get up as if you had somewhere to be or something to do. Take a shower and get dressed. Unless you are really sick, do not lay around all day in sweats, pajamas, or comfy clothes. Don't spend your entire day in front of the TV. If you normally do your hair and makeup, then do your hair and makeup.
2. Find a way to network. In my case, I have had an account with LinkedIn for a couple of years now. I am very active with my account and have even created my own Group that allows for even more networking. The members of my Group know I am unemployed now and they will let me know if and when they hear of something. Even if it is something that is not (and will not) be known publicly. This is a great resource.
3. Update your resume. You can find several good resources online or at the library to help you prepare a great resume and it has to be great because you are not the only person looking for a job. You have to stand out. Try to get a Letter of Recommendation from your previous employer. You won't submit this when you apply for a job, but you can definitely take it along for the interview.
4. Now that you have your resume, you need to contact at least 2 good recruiters. Meet with them. Make sure they know you as a person so that they feel even more compelled to help you find a job.
5. Post your resume on several job boards. There are numerous job boards available online: http://www.monster.com/, http://www.careerbuilder.com/, http://www.indeed.com/, http://www.simplyhired.com/, and
http://www.theladders.com/, just to name a few. I have no proof that any of these actually land you a job and I have serious reservations about paying to have access to their job listings. When you go to these job boards, you will find that the majority of jobs have been posted by recruiting firms and not the potential employer. You will also find that some unscrupulous recruiters will post jobs that don't really exist or jobs that have already been filled. They do this so that they can get your resume on file - in other words, they are not worried about helping you, but helping themselves. If you have applied for a position and find that the recruiter did not actually have that job available, ask immediately that they destroy your resume and don't do business with them. They will never have your best interest in mind.
6. Volunteer to work for your favorite charity - you're sitting at home drawing unemployment so why not? You don't want to do this 5 days a week, but find more than one charity that you would like to help out and volunteer a couple of days a week. This is a great way to network. You could potentially meet your new employer - either another volunteer or someone who looks at this charity as their philanthropic endeavor. You will also have new contacts through the staff that work for the charity. Not the least important, though, is that you are doing something really good.
7. The job you have just lost will be hard to replace but while you are looking, the Employment Security Commission has determined what your unemployment benefit amount is and what your weekly earnings allowance is. Work part time at a job that you perceive is fun but doesn't offer enough pay to replace the salary you have lost.
8. Exercise. Why? Not only will it take up part of your day, it makes you feel better and look better. It will quickly become a habit and something you look forward to. It will give you energy. Pick your own routine - look online, go to a gym (volunteer at the YMCA and maybe you can work out free), walk. Just do something - take care of yourself.
9. Keep in touch with friends and co-workers. They are part of your extended family. They can lift your spirits when you are down. They can get you out of the house when you are going stir crazy. And if they hear of anything remotely close to what you want for your next career move, they will call in a heartbeat.
10. Do something creative. We all have it in us - make something, write something, start a blog, make a garden, paint! Find a creative outlet to keep you busy. You might just be surprised at what you are capable of. Look at me, I started this blog! ;-)
Being unemployed has it's advantages also. Take today for example. It is rainy and cold with the temperature hovering in the low 40's. I don't have to get out in this mess. If I were gainfully employed, I wouldn't have a choice. I would bundle up in a coat and grab an umbrella and out the door I would go. Another thing, if you are sick and really couldn't work even if you had a job, you can just simply stay in bed and recover. And of course there are those things that have should have been done a while back but they could only be done during the hours that you were at work. Now you can get all of those things caught up.
But I do need a routine to keep me going. Here are some things I have come up with. These are in no particular order of importance, but necessary to keep you motivated.
1. Get up as if you had somewhere to be or something to do. Take a shower and get dressed. Unless you are really sick, do not lay around all day in sweats, pajamas, or comfy clothes. Don't spend your entire day in front of the TV. If you normally do your hair and makeup, then do your hair and makeup.
2. Find a way to network. In my case, I have had an account with LinkedIn for a couple of years now. I am very active with my account and have even created my own Group that allows for even more networking. The members of my Group know I am unemployed now and they will let me know if and when they hear of something. Even if it is something that is not (and will not) be known publicly. This is a great resource.
3. Update your resume. You can find several good resources online or at the library to help you prepare a great resume and it has to be great because you are not the only person looking for a job. You have to stand out. Try to get a Letter of Recommendation from your previous employer. You won't submit this when you apply for a job, but you can definitely take it along for the interview.
4. Now that you have your resume, you need to contact at least 2 good recruiters. Meet with them. Make sure they know you as a person so that they feel even more compelled to help you find a job.
5. Post your resume on several job boards. There are numerous job boards available online: http://www.monster.com/, http://www.careerbuilder.com/, http://www.indeed.com/, http://www.simplyhired.com/, and
http://www.theladders.com/, just to name a few. I have no proof that any of these actually land you a job and I have serious reservations about paying to have access to their job listings. When you go to these job boards, you will find that the majority of jobs have been posted by recruiting firms and not the potential employer. You will also find that some unscrupulous recruiters will post jobs that don't really exist or jobs that have already been filled. They do this so that they can get your resume on file - in other words, they are not worried about helping you, but helping themselves. If you have applied for a position and find that the recruiter did not actually have that job available, ask immediately that they destroy your resume and don't do business with them. They will never have your best interest in mind.
6. Volunteer to work for your favorite charity - you're sitting at home drawing unemployment so why not? You don't want to do this 5 days a week, but find more than one charity that you would like to help out and volunteer a couple of days a week. This is a great way to network. You could potentially meet your new employer - either another volunteer or someone who looks at this charity as their philanthropic endeavor. You will also have new contacts through the staff that work for the charity. Not the least important, though, is that you are doing something really good.
7. The job you have just lost will be hard to replace but while you are looking, the Employment Security Commission has determined what your unemployment benefit amount is and what your weekly earnings allowance is. Work part time at a job that you perceive is fun but doesn't offer enough pay to replace the salary you have lost.
8. Exercise. Why? Not only will it take up part of your day, it makes you feel better and look better. It will quickly become a habit and something you look forward to. It will give you energy. Pick your own routine - look online, go to a gym (volunteer at the YMCA and maybe you can work out free), walk. Just do something - take care of yourself.
9. Keep in touch with friends and co-workers. They are part of your extended family. They can lift your spirits when you are down. They can get you out of the house when you are going stir crazy. And if they hear of anything remotely close to what you want for your next career move, they will call in a heartbeat.
10. Do something creative. We all have it in us - make something, write something, start a blog, make a garden, paint! Find a creative outlet to keep you busy. You might just be surprised at what you are capable of. Look at me, I started this blog! ;-)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Carpet Walkers
The first round of layoffs was November 18, 2008 - 26 people. It was supposed to be 30, but a few people had actually turned in notices to quit so the actual layoff didn't sound quite so bad to the public and to the media. The people that got laid off worked in the shop. They were just told that the economy was so bad there wasn't any other choice. Supposedly we were going to try to run two teams in 2009 when race season started back up, but with sponsorship in short supply, we were forced to cut corners anywhere we could so that the team could ultimately survive.
Then the second round of layoffs happened December 8, 2008. This time there was almost 50 jobs cut. Again, this affected the shop guys only but included some managers as well. None of the carpet walkers were affected. (This is the name that the shop guys gave the office staff - Carpet Walkers. It sounds like something from a horror movie.) Everyone was told this time that the layoff was due to having lost a major sponsor and that we were now forced to cut back to just one team for the 2009 season. We actually lost this sponsor back in November. I have no idea why it affected the second layoff and not the first, but management made sure they used the proper language from the "WARN" act in the letters they issued those that were affected by the layoff.
Rumors started flying. The investor group that had bought the team earlier in the year was supposedly trying to sell what was left of the race team to another team. If this didn't happen by the end of the year, they were simply shutting us down - but it didn't matter if they sold the team or not, we were effectively being shut down. If someone else bought us, they wouldn't need the hand full of employees that were still at the race shop - especially the carpet walkers.
They shut the shop down for Christmas and left us with the belief that there was a slim chance that we would still run as a one-car operation in 2009. We actually had enough sponsorship to run one team - but the investor group didn't want to be in racing. They refused to listen to any proposals to keep the team alive. And even though they had promised millions of dollars to run the team without sponsorship, their words were empty.
While we were off the week of Christmas, the deal to sell our team to the other race organization closed. Everyone knew it was over, but management still didn't tell us. You can't keep this kind of news quiet in our industry. We all went back to work December 29, 2008 waiting to get the news first-hand from management. They actually waited until Wednesday, New Year's Eve, to call a meeting and tell us that we were shutting down and all of us were out of a job. They sent us home immediately and deactivated our key fobs so that we no longer had access to the building.
I wonder how long it will take the sport to forget what this team has accomplished and the part we had in bringing racing to the level of popularity it now knows. Of course, our "car" will still be on the track - but it will never be the same.
Then the second round of layoffs happened December 8, 2008. This time there was almost 50 jobs cut. Again, this affected the shop guys only but included some managers as well. None of the carpet walkers were affected. (This is the name that the shop guys gave the office staff - Carpet Walkers. It sounds like something from a horror movie.) Everyone was told this time that the layoff was due to having lost a major sponsor and that we were now forced to cut back to just one team for the 2009 season. We actually lost this sponsor back in November. I have no idea why it affected the second layoff and not the first, but management made sure they used the proper language from the "WARN" act in the letters they issued those that were affected by the layoff.
Rumors started flying. The investor group that had bought the team earlier in the year was supposedly trying to sell what was left of the race team to another team. If this didn't happen by the end of the year, they were simply shutting us down - but it didn't matter if they sold the team or not, we were effectively being shut down. If someone else bought us, they wouldn't need the hand full of employees that were still at the race shop - especially the carpet walkers.
They shut the shop down for Christmas and left us with the belief that there was a slim chance that we would still run as a one-car operation in 2009. We actually had enough sponsorship to run one team - but the investor group didn't want to be in racing. They refused to listen to any proposals to keep the team alive. And even though they had promised millions of dollars to run the team without sponsorship, their words were empty.
While we were off the week of Christmas, the deal to sell our team to the other race organization closed. Everyone knew it was over, but management still didn't tell us. You can't keep this kind of news quiet in our industry. We all went back to work December 29, 2008 waiting to get the news first-hand from management. They actually waited until Wednesday, New Year's Eve, to call a meeting and tell us that we were shutting down and all of us were out of a job. They sent us home immediately and deactivated our key fobs so that we no longer had access to the building.
I wonder how long it will take the sport to forget what this team has accomplished and the part we had in bringing racing to the level of popularity it now knows. Of course, our "car" will still be on the track - but it will never be the same.
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