It Ain't Over...Till it's Over.

Looking for a job is hard work.  I give a lot of advice with how to deal with not having a daily social outlet or financial security; and how to find strength to keep moving.  Some days even I have to re-read my own advice on how to stay motivated.  I'm tired.  I just want to give up. 

Maybe you're tired too?  After several months of unemployment you may be tempted to put all your energy into ONE job opportunity and hope for the best.  After all, you're great, and really qualified, and the interview went well.  Do you really need to keep looking?

Tip of The Day

It ain't over, till you have a job offer.

A friend of mine is also struggling with unemployment right now.  She's a mom of 3 busy boys (the very definition of tired!) and a recent college grad.  Recently, I emailed her a couple of job postings I saw that listed her qualifications.  When I saw these jobs, I immediately thought of her.  They were PERFECT for her.

A couple of days ago I asked her about a recent job interview. She had just found out that she didn't get the job and was pretty upset.  I asked her about the job postings I had sent to her.  She said "I didn't apply for them, I was so sure I would get that other job." 

When she went to re-trace her steps to apply for those jobs they were, you guessed it....the jobs were closed.  They were no longer accepting applications.

I'm going to over-state the obvious here to make a point...

In order to get a job you have to get an interview.

In order to get an interview you have to apply for the job.

In order to apply for the job you have to find a job posting.

In order to find a job posting you have to LOOK...HARD...EVERY DAY!

 

It's OK to pause for a moment and celebrate a good interview.  It's OK to post on facebook that "It looks like I'll be back to work very soon!"  But, no matter how tempting it is, you cannot stop looking until you have a job offer.  You might miss out of something great if you put all your hope on just one job opportunity.

A few weeks ago I had 3 job interviews.  Every one of them went well and all of the interviewers said I would be passed to the next interview level, the following week.  What happened?  The following week all THREE of the jobs were put on hold.  They're not hiring...right now. 

Oh Crap!

The good news is that once they are hiring again (if they do) they'll presumably call me.

The bad news is that I cannot sit around and wait for the phone to ring.   I have no choice but to keep looking until I get an offer.

Hopefully, I'll be a really, really, really great one to boot!

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

Many of my posts give advice for how to find a job when you’re unemployed.  Many people, however, are employed but are not challenged.  Or even worse…they are being bullied in the workplace.

Making the decision to change jobs can be as stressful as being unemployed.  (Ok, maybe not, but close!?)  If you’re in this situation you may find yourself torn between the comfort of your commute, your co-workers who may be your friends, and the opportunities that await you. 

Straddling the emotional fence is a tough gig.  In fact there was even a song written about this quandary:

“Should I stay or should I go now?

If I go there will be trouble…

If I stay there will be double…”

OK, so what’s my point?

Tip of The Day

You can use the tips I outline in this blog to find a job,

even if you’re already employed.

You may have to scale back the time you spend looking for a job because, let’s face it, the laundry and dishes have to be done with the couple of hours you have left at the end of each day.  And most of the networking activities may not be doable when you’re split between here and there but…you can do it!

Set aside an hour on Tuesday evening for your “X” list and Thursday evening for follow up.  Even two, very organized, hours per week will make a difference.

Instead of face to face networking you can use social media.  If you’re not facebook friends with anyone at work (it really is a good idea to maintain a policy of keeping work friends, at work, for this reason) you should let people know via your facebook posts, or other social media outlets, that you’re looking for work.  (Or, I guess you could block your work friends from your job seeking related facebook posts.)

And what happens when a new employer calls and wants you to interview?  Try to schedule interviews for very early in the morning or very late in the day to minimize the disruption to your day.  I try to schedule mine early to avoid the all day and very real possibility of a wardrobe or one of life’s other “malfunctions”.  Spilled coffee on my blouse, ripped stockings, a broken boot heel, lost car keys, running out of gas…yep…been there done that. 

Believe me, you don’t want to show up to an interview looking disheveled and may not have time to run home and sew your bra strap back on!

It’s very easy to get emotionally caught up in the process of looking for a job and losing focus on your actual-paying-the-bills-currently job.  Whatever you do, try not to let that happen.  You never know.  It may take you months of looking (but hopefully not) and you don’t want your work to suffer in the meantime. 

Why?

You need the reference.

Don’t burn the bridge.

…and other cliché’s that come to mind.

No experience? No problem!

I had coffee with a friend this past weekend and when I told her my 17 year old daughter just started her first job she said “I’ve been trying to get my 16 year old son to find a job and he can’t. How did she get past the online application process?”

Tip of The Day

Not having experience does not necessarily translate into not having a job.

My daughter has no work experience.  She did, however, follow my detailed instructions for how to find a job.  Each day, for two weeks this past summer, I gave her “Finding a Job Homework”.  It included things like call and follow up on your application with Pizza Hut, drop off a Thank-You note for your Safeway interview last week, print off 10 copies of your resume, peruse craigslist for all jobs in Sherwood (where we live) and make a list of those you are qualified for.  (Regardless of interest or availability)

For teenagers, staying focused is a real challenge.  (For that matter, many adults are also challenged to stay on task when it comes to doing something they’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with.)   Every time she would complain I would tell her that she cannot grow without feeling nervous, and she needed to stretch herself beyond her immature and self-imposed limits.  (Yes, I talk to my daughter like that)

Can I say it again?  It’s true, my Conquering Unemployment ideas do work and tenacity will even overcome inexperience.  (Within two weeks she had a job!)  Her resume was polished, we practiced interviewing, she dressed appropriately for the interview, she showed up on time, and asked valid questions.  She was hired for seasonal support at a local craft store and is amongst the youngest, if not THE youngest, employee at that store.

Even if you have no experience, but a lot of passion, show up!  If you have lots of experience but are nervous, fake it!  If you’re interviewing in a new industry or for a job you’re not sure you can do, focus on your cross-over strengths and skills. (basic things like organization, typing, ten key, computer skills, excellent references, a good GPA, etc… are great to have regardless of the job title.)

Last night she came home after working 6 hours and said “Now I know why you don’t want to do anything when you come home from work!”  She immediately went upstairs and put on an oversized tee shirt and baggy shorts. (LOL!) Rarely do I get to bask in the glow of being a parent and know that they’re finally getting it.  Today I get to smile, however, and know that this will not be the last time when one of my children expresses their appreciation (even if passively) for my parenting efforts.

Parenting is REALLY hard work.  It’s just too bad it doesn’t pay so well…

The Truth Will Set You Free!

As you are aware, I’ve been unemployed a lot. (see Blog Introduction above) In my entire career I have rarely spent more than 3 years with any one company. (and since I’m “old”, that adds up to over a dozen different companies listed on my resume in the past 10 years alone.) If you’re a Baby Boomer, you might look at my resume and think I lack loyalty or assume that there’s something wrong with me that caused all of those companies to decorate my inbox with a pink slip. (comments intentionally withheld that may reveal the secret to uncovering my personality flaws) If you’re a Generation X member, you might look at my resume and think how lucky I am to have experienced so many different company cultures and have so much variety to my career path.

It’s been a few months since I’ve posted to my blog.  I’ve been working, albeit as a temporary employee.  Between working, commuting, and life; there’s not a lot of time left to pursue this particular creative endeavor that is; blog writing.  Today, however, a phone interview inspired me to blog once again.

Tip of the Day

Embrace the past…AND the truth!

As the recruiter and I discussed my resume, and my “variety is the spice of life” career path, she actually complimented me on the fact that after every job listed there is a reason WHY I life, noted on my resume.  I added those particular details to my resume earlier this year because, after all, they’re going to ask; why not be up front about it?

Granted, my resume reads like a Series of Unfortunate Events (company out of business, laid off, end of assignment, resignation, etc…) but one thing cannot be missed…I’m ALWAYS working!  First, out of necessity, but also because I love to work.  I love being productive. 

So, even if I don’t have on my rose colored glasses, there’s a valid reason I don’t work there anymore and why shouldn’t I embrace it as a chance to move up and contribute to another company’s bottom line?  Not all people fit well in all companies.  It’s not my fault that a company may not like my Type A approach or value my contribution.  It does not lessen my abilities, efforts, or experience. 

I’ve made mistakes, yes.  But dragging them into a job interview or lowering my head in shame over the questionable fax I sent to my boyfriend from work 15 years ago…does nobody any good.  Instead I choose to move forward to my life, and career, with my head held high while actively embracing all the positive feedback I’ve received from supervisors and managers. (Much of it, in writing, thankfully!) 

I embrace my past, my unique qualifications, my outgoing personality, and the truth that I don’t always fit into someone else’s idea of a round hole. 

Yes.  I’m a square peg, and proud of it.

Square Pegs Unite...and Thrive!

(all those who live in Portland,Oregon; say “AMEN!”)

Follow Your Bliss! It may lead you to unexpected places.....

It’s interesting….what I remember from my childhood.

My dad would always say “The worst person to work for is yourself!”  He ran two businesses; a hair salon and a landscaping business.  (Yeah, I know, an interesting / odd combination!)  He loved working outside but hated doing hair.  Nonetheless, come rain or shine, he would do both.  I believe his advice was born not from his lack of passion for planting rose bushes but from his lack of business acumen.  He was, in a nutshell, not a good business man.  Financially he never knew where he stood, who he owed, or who owed him.  It’s no wonder he was always stressed out.  Day in, and day out, no matter how hard he worked he never felt like he was getting ahead.

I carried this perspective into my adult life.  I always figured I would work for someone else and that the freedom that came from working for myself was not worth the stress of taxes and marketing. (the two areas of business in which I am the least adept at.)  It wasn’t until very recently that I realized the value in putting my time and emotional energy towards the advancement of my own standard of living, instead of someone else’s. 

Conquering Unemployment may not mean finding a job working for someone else.  Instead of updating your resume, it may mean drafting a business plan.  Instead of cashing an unemployment check, it may mean meeting with bankers or investors to apply for a loan to launch your newest idea.  Instead of worrying about fitting into someone else’s idea of professional or productive, you’ll be writing your own job description.

Tip Of The Day:

It takes passion and conviction to turn your bliss, into a money making reality.

I could, and perhaps will, write a whole blog about my becoming an Entrepreneur.  But before you follow my lead, know this; it takes a strong will and undying passion to get past the nay sayers and the cynics. (my father included!)  Before you quit your job to start a business lecturing about the nutritional benefits of Spam, consider that the comfort of a bi-weekly paycheck may be replaced by weeks of mac and cheese or top ramen for dinner.  (No Spam for me, thanks!)

I am, however, inspired daily by examples of the “follow your bliss” mentality.  Like Scott, the Cheap Landscape Guy, who didn’t have a computer so he handwrote his flyer in pencil on a piece of notebook paper and left it on my door step.  (Of course, I hired him to mow my yard.) 

Would you ever think of launching a website called “I Want To Write A Song For You!”? Some guy did and his website was recently featured on Shark Tank! (Yep, I sent him $99 to write my theme song and I have to admit it turned out pretty well!)

Or take, for example, every farmer’s market booth owner that wakes up at 5 am to set up and oftentimes sit under an awning, in the rain, to sell their wares.  (I’m NEVER awake at 5 am on a weekend.  That’s just crazy!)  Can you imagine how much passion that takes?

Think about it.  What did you want to be, when you grew up?  Are you following your dreams?  Are the benefits of running your own business worth the lack of financial security?  (which, in today’s economy, really isn’t what it used to be…..)

It may be.  Only you can decide. 

Eight Days a Week

What day is today?  Seriously, when I don't have a job my days seem to just run together....  Can you relate? Do you find yourself unable to believe how much time has passed since you last worked? 

A couple of posts ago I shared my secret for finding jobs.  I suggested that you would create and complete an "X List" every Monday.  As promised, today I'm going to share examples of the types of things I do to keep up, stay ahead, and maintain my energy.  Day by day, here's what you can do with the rest of your week that will provide structure to your week and help keep you motivated.

Tip of the Day

Have a structured job search plan, and stick to it.

Monday - Create and complete an X List

For specific instructions check out my blog post entitled "Can you keep a SECRET?"

Tuesday - Follow Up Day

After you have documented the jobs you found on Monday, Tuesday should be spent applying for those jobs!   The two key factors to consider while emailing prospective employers are:  1) your resume 2) your cover letter.  Your resume should have at least 10 key words that match the job posting.  If it doesn't, edit it so it does.  The same rule applies for your cover letter but it can also provide you with an opportunity to inject your personality, or highlight special skills or training that might be buried in your resume.  If you are applying for a job you are only marginally qualified for, say so in your cover letter and give them reason to contact you by highlighting your "cross-over" skill set.  (skills that you have, that will be valued in ANY position)  For more ideas about how to create an eye catching cover letter you can find them on my post entitled "Cover Letters - You had me at Hello."

Wednesday - Research Day

I have to say it.  The internet is an amazing tool.  (Yes, I know, overstating the obvious) When it comes to research, nothing matches the speed and efficiency of the most popular search engines and social networking websites like Google, Bing, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  Spend a few hours researching the companies you have applied to work for.  Are they an older company or a newer start up?  Do you have an friends that work there?  Do they have a good reputation for how they treat their employees?  How many of their employees are on LinkedIn?  Are they a large company or a small one?  Do their values match your own?  How well do they market themselves and their services online?  Answering these questions, and making notes, will help you get a feel for the company, it's culture, and will make you absolutely SHINE at an interview!

Thursday - Networking Day

Networking can be done anywhere.  Networking is all about staying in touch with encouraging and connected, friends and family.  Extend your reach.  Find new people to connect with by joining a club like Toastmasters, attending a lecture, or joining an online activity club like Meetin.org.  Get out of the house.  Schedule time to have coffee with a friend, find a mentor, volunteer for your favorite charity.  You never know where your next opportunity may come from!  You can find more ideas about networking on my post entitled "Networking 101 - It's not all about you!"

Friday - Mental Health Day

You've worked hard all week at finding a job.  You've put in at least 4 hours every day in your endeavor to find your next perfect job.  Feel proud of your efforts. Friday is all about you.  What do you love to do?  Knitting, reading, hiking, taking your dog for a walk, or watching movies?

I like to clean.  It feels so great to have a house that looks and smells clean.  I feel so accomplished when everything is done and I can relax, without guilt.  This rarely happens any more so, nowadays, its REALLY great to find time to organize, purge, deep clean and then.....relax. 

Take a few hours each week to celebrate your work, your accomplishments, your interviews.  Take a few hours to intentionally look forward to your next job instead of worrying about how to pay the light bill.

To Temp, Or Not To Temp? That is the Question.....

I've been working since I can remember. Very early in life I developed a passion for animals and that meant spending several hours every day taking care of them. Before and after school I could be found feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after my horses, cats, dogs, goats, geese, chickens, ducks, and pigeons. My rubber boots, often covered in mud, were a permanent addition to the back deck decor.

As soon as I was old enough to weed, mow lawns, spread beauty bark, trim rose bushes and plant shrubs, I worked for my father's nursery business. Inside the house there was lots to do as well. I learned very early to cook, clean, dust, and vacuum. When I was 16 years old I was sent to boarding school where, for two years, I worked the first half of every day for four hours at the local saw mill to help pay for my tuition.

As an adult, when I am unemployed I spend most of my time getting caught up on household projects.  Said projects range from painting and garden work to, yes...you guessed it...taking care of my animals. Even with my very long TO DO list I have to admit, it is VERY easy to get used to the life of an unemployed professional.  I often wonder how I manage to get everything done for my kids and household when I AM working, and gone 50 hours per week.  But, somehow I do.

So, what's my point here?  I know, I'm rambling.....

Today's job search involves a lot of internet research, registering for job search websites and online employer and agency applications.  Invariably the question always arises. 

Are you looking for:
   a) part time work
   b) temporary work
   c) full time work
   d) permanent work

Tip of the Day

Your answer should always be e) All of the above

If you're not a huge fan of change, the idea of working somewhere as a temporary employee for only a few months is certainly less than comfortable.  Pull up your big girl panties and do it anyways.  It will expose you to a whole new network of professionals and may even lead to a full time job. 

I can hear you now. 

"But, Michelle, if I am working part time, won't that take time away from my job search?"

Are you really spending 8 hours a day dutifully looking for work?  Even I'm not THAT productive!  Working a part time job will force you to be more efficient in your job search and.....at the risk of sounding like a broken record.... "It will expose you to a new network of professionals and may even lead to a full time job." 

Circling back to my cute stories above...In a nutshell, I love to work.  My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me that I am, frankly, thankful for.  I feel productive, energized, and proud of my ability to support myself and my family. (and my animals) Part time jobs fulfill my need for social interaction, temporary jobs lengthen the time I can collect unemployment.   Nothing bad about that.

If you don't love to work, find something you can get paid for, that you DO love.  It's easier said than done but make it your goal to find enthusiasm for ANY work in the meantime.  Find something admirable about what you do, or who you do it for.  Think of the benefits of any kind of work and be proud of your own ambition.

When I grow up I want to be a barista.  I want to have enough money generated by my "other projects" (the subject for another blog) so I can afford to make coffee for strangers.  I want to wake up early, smell the coffee, and know that all of my hard work has paid off...

I will be finally doing what I love!

Nothing bad about that!