The job landscape has fundamentally changed forever. Yes, there are some significant signs of improvement but how reliable are they and how long will it take to fully recover…to return to where we were say 5-7 years ago?
How about never.
Millions of Americans will go back to work, and millions more will not. The millions that do return to the workforce will not do so in the same fashion in which they left; a good many will get paid below their income and skill level. That’s not to say they won’t come back to what they once had, it’s just that it will take more time then ever imagined. The millions who are currently out more than 2 years, I believe will need to start from scratch – build something from the ground up having no experience – sort of what I’m promoting…create a job instead of just looking for one. Companies will no longer hire above or below what their looking for; if they say they need a person who types 123 words a minute, if you type 122 or 124…you’re screwed, baby. It’s a buyers market, sadly and I think it will remain that way for the distant future. This is not bitter speaking, it’s reality. I know way too many folks in this boat.
When you have a textbook perfect way for the network to work, and it fails, it’s time to really look at what you’re doing and what you’re looking for. Do not blame your network, blame the system because it’s failed you, miserably.
When I became unemployed, the first thing I did (among dozens of others) was send out an email to every soul who I’d worked with and for. I have a nice group of people I admire, trust and with whom I’ve maintained super professional relationships. I got many responses, both good and bad. Now, this year did start out quite nicely…but. Hope is in the air and things are truly turning around, however it is quite an effort getting the ball to move.
I received an email from a valuable friend in my network telling me of a temporary position in his department – a woman was going out on maternity leave. He referred and recommended me to the hiring manager, his boss. Emails went back and forth, and I interviewed in person and got the offer after an hour of discussions. The hiring manager was not going to look any further as I was “perfectly qualified”. The problem here was the position was not approved. The hiring manager told me I couldn’t be on her books, so I was to be sent to a temp agency to register for the position. I had absolutely no problem with that as I’ve done that before. She practically swore on her own grave to trust her and all will be well with the world. When would I start?
How about never.
The General Manager was not going to approve or fund the 4 months of work and the department would have to operate with the one person who told me about the job and the hiring manager who had the enormously humiliating task of telling me I had no chance. Not only was the offer rescinded, several other high-level employees were laid off. This is where networking pays off, one hopes.
This hiring manager is a very nice and helpful woman who mentioned that another company had called her looking for someone that fit my job description to a tea…fifteen years ago, but nonetheless she referred and recommended me to them. The position was clearly beneath my current skill-set, but the pay scale looked promising, all things considered so I took the lady up on her offer (no pun intended) and called. Let me say here that this was not my first call to this company as I made contact with them a while back and none of the calls were ever returned…until now. I received a call back from the HR Manager apologizing for not having returned the call earlier; this is the power of networking, ladies and gentleman. From never caring who I was to apologizing for not picking up the phone on the first ring. They wanted to see me the next day. From the onset of the interview I had a warm cozy feeling; reviewing my resume, the HR manger excitedly mentioned my alma mater. I asked her what sparked her reaction and she replied, “My boss went to the same school!” I personally thought this was a bull’s-eye. Soon after the opening chit-chatter, the hiring manager walked in and we started right in talking shop. I felt a nice fit. It was more of a discussion as opposed to an interview – the way it’s intended to operate. Having done my research, I interjected my acquaintance with one of her LinkedIn contacts who recommended her. That was a Bingo. I figured things were going in my favor. When could I expect a call?
How about never.
The best consolation after being turned down (especially after an offer) is to get referred and recommended elsewhere. We all knew I could do better, but I was as close to an inside deal as possible. The pay scale was commensurate with what I left, heavy on the high side but doable if approached. But no. I was deemed overqualified. The HR manager told me (after two follow-up calls) I didn’t know the software which the hiring manager specifically said with my experience and background would be, in essence, a no brainer to learn. I didn’t buy that logic, in fact was eventually told I am more suitable for a “higher position”, hence overqualified. I got the obligatory we’ll keep your resume on file, yada, yada, yada… Nothing ever surprises me anymore; they could very well call on any number of things. When I made the first follow-up call, I was complemented on my thank you note and was told I’m a fantastic writer. That was nice and unexpected, so I’m getting used to the unexpected…like not finding a job and getting some much needed traction and recognition for this website and blog I’ve created…or not.
Always have a back-up plan folks and keep moving forward, never give up, and never think you have something until you get a paycheck. Keep the plates spinning constantly even as you wait for one to pay off. Keep all your appointments and continuously work around what might be so you don’t lose out on what can be. Do not cancel on anyone thinking that phone will ring with good news; wait for the good news and then reschedule any outstanding meetings making others aware that you are in a position to now help them as they have helped you.
As far as what I’ve been put through…That’s Entertainment
As Always, Thanks For Surfing My Wave!
Why Just Look For A Job? Create One!™
TheUnemployMENTOR – email@theunemploymentor.com
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow. I feel like you just listed the past 10 months for me. Every time I thought I was “in” something happened, something fell through….so frustrating.
Thanks for sharing your experiences Natalia!
It’s even exasperating! When we finally land somewhere, we will hopefully be able to look back on this and realize why so many things fell out when we thought we were ‘in’. They say things happen for a reason…I, too, am waiting. All I get now are excuses, and I hate it! Just keep plugging away…
Keep me posted - Best of Luck!
Warmest Wishes-
TheUnemployMENTOR