There But for You Go I

The current “official” unemployment rate hovers around 8.5%, not counting those who are underemployed or have given up on their job search. So, roughly 91% of the workforce is employed in some fashion.

This post is directly aimed at the 91% of you. In many ways you are in a very powerful position whether you realize it or not. You can choose to lend support to those looking for work, or you decide not to afford an individual the opportunity to connect with you. You may be saying to yourself: “How can I help? I am not in a position to hire anyone” or “I’m trying to hold on to my own job. What can I do?” Well, as it turns out, there is plenty you can do.

If someone tries to network with you, be receptive. Don’t make that job seeker call or write to you several times before you reply. It is difficult enough for most people to ask for help. Their confidence has most likely already been shaken by the loss of a job. Meet the person for a cup of coffee. Don’t just mildly listen to the person, but really hear and understand what he is trying to ask or convey. Offer some guidance, support and hope. If you commit to circulating a resume, do so and give a date when he should check back with you. Think about whom else you may know that this person could network with.

If you hear of a neighbor or casual friend who has experienced a job loss, reach out to that person. It may sound like a potential intrusion, but trust me, as someone who has been in this position, it is often greatly appreciated. Even if you can’t help him professionally, invite him over for a visit or include him in the Saturday morning softball game. This gesture will most likely boost the person’s spirits immeasurably.

I know we are all busy and many of us barely have time to add anything to our daily agenda. Think again. Given the challenging economy and employment landscape these days, at any moment the tables could be turned and you could be asking this individual for assistance. I am a firm believer in “what goes around, comes around.” I have experienced this many times in my life. You probably have as well.

So, to the 91% of you. We’re all in this thing together and I can guarantee you that a kind gesture and helping hand will be repaid or reciprocated some day in some way. The lyric of the song “There But for You Go I”, by Alan Jay Lerner expresses these sentiments very well. We should all take it to heart.

I saw a man with his head bowed low.
His heart had no place to go.
I looked and I thought to myself with a sigh:
There but for you go I.
I saw a man walking by the sea,
Alone with the tide was he.
I looked and I thought as I watched him go by:
There but for you go I.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

Your Best Investment Strategy

There has never been a better investment strategy than investing in you. As we are acutely aware today, our finances go up and down, the value of our home rises and falls, and the Dow Jones has recently moved like a jet propelled elevator. There is only one on-going investment you can make that will pay long term dividends for you and your loved ones. That investment is in you.

We are all trying to cut back expenses these days out of necessity, desire and/or fear. In addition, many are trying to save money and cut credit card use for the first time in many years. As a result, almost every industry has seen a downturn. Home and auto purchases, travel, clothing, dining out, home furnishings and others expenses are being cut back by consumers and those industries are suffering as a result of diminished consumption.

But some areas seem to be doing modestly well when compared to others. One is Education. Why? People are seeking additional training, new careers or brushing up on their skills at record levels. The community colleges and trade schools are busy, public colleges have no shortage of applicants, and many private colleges and universities report a better than expected number of applicants, although securing loans is a challenge given the current tight credit markets.

If you are unemployed, concerned about finances or living on a strict budget, try to find offerings in your community to learn new skills or enhance your current skill set. Join the local Toastmasters club to enhance your public speaking and presentation skills. Go to networking or civic group meetings in your community. Avail yourself of the resources at your town or county library. Check out a consignment shop to update your interview wardrobe. Use the community park to exercise and get fresh air and enjoy the scenery to relax you. You get the idea.

For those of you who are working or for those not working but not in financial straits, commit to dedicating time, energy and resources to enhance your skills. This can be stronger skills in your current field, new skills for a new career, a computer skills upgrade or developing your so-called “soft skills” such as public speaking, presentation skills or interviewing. And, be certain to mention these activities to prospective employers. They love candidates who are motivated to find ways to grow and development both professionally or personally.

As I said, finances and wealth will go up and down, often for reasons outside of your control. There is an ebb and flow throughout most of our adult lives. But one investment is certainly within your power and will pay the greatest dividends and the best return on the investment. And that investment is in Yourself.

Always Be Careering.

Mark

The Job Fair Fairy

I’m struck by the reports I have seen on the news about the volume of the unemployed workers attending job fairs. As a career recruiter, with the exception of college job fairs for new grads, my experience with job fairs has been mixed at best. And, that was during better economic times with a less severe unemployment picture.

To get a job through a job fair these days, you literally need a job fairy or perhaps an angel looking out for you such as the one assigned to Jimmy Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The volume of candidates is too great, the process too rushed and the likelihood of making a lasting impression on the overwhelmed recruiters too unlikely. This is especially true if you may not be a traditional fit for a particular job (a “square-peg-in-a-round-hole” scenario).

I think the best positive outcome in attending a job fair is you will feel as if you have taken a tangible, positive step in your job search, made contact with companies that have alluded you, and met other people in the same boat with whom to commiserate. But actually landing a job? You may want to take the company brochures you pick up at the fair, put it under your pillow before going to bed, and hope the Job Fair Fairy leaves an offer letter for you when you awake.

I hate to sound so cynical, but I have your best interest at heart. Go to the job fairs if it makes you feel productive, but level set your expectations. Trust me, I am only interested in your well-being.

A better use of your time? Take the list of companies planning to attend the job fair, go to LinkedIn or other social media sites and start networking.

Keep on Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark

The Lagging Indicator

I am taking a break today from my usual – or at least sometimes – cheerful self to air a perspective on the current economic crisis. These views are based on what I read, see and hear each day from the three-ring-circus otherwise known as the media, the politicians and the economists.

As I tune in to the daily array of infotainment provided by the aforementioned circus performers trying to fit into the clown car that has become the media, I am struck by the descending order of issues given airtime on any given day. Namely, the rising unemployment rate, number of lost jobs and projected recovery date for this critical component of our economy to improve seem to get short shrift. “Oh, that’s a lagging indicator…Let’s fix Wall Street and Main Street.” Fix what without jobs? Huh?

Top of the List
So, what items are discussed before turning to the lack of work available outside of the big tent? Well, generally, the first item is propping up the banks by infusing billions of dollars in a TARP (isn’t a big tent also called a tarp?), TALF, and some other acronyms I can’t remember as I’m reaching for the Tylenol (actually a generic brand as I no longer afford the name brands). Money is doled out with few strings attached and the big banks are already reaping the profits from our grandkids’ money. The theory is that banks need to be inflated like a tent to open the credit markets, which are still shut tighter than my Aunt Millie’s piggy bank.

Next up, the real estate market. First it was the residential and now commercial properties as well. Foreclosures in the millions, people put out on the streets, and until very recently, no rest for the weary home buyers or commercial landlords.

Some proposed solutions: lower interest rates, tax cuts, supplements for first time home buyers, stimulus packages and encouragement to save more money to help prop up the banks and other financial institutions even further.

The common wisdom seems to be if we do all of these things, the economy should start coming back out of the recession sometime in the second half of this year. And where is job creation and unemployment reduction in all of this you ask? Well, that’s a “lagging indicator” so we won’t see an improvement until the end of 2010. That’s 20 months from now!

A few questions from my feeble mind…How are we to buy homes, assume debt, save money and stir the economy by buying consumer “stuff” if we are bleeding jobs at the rate of 650,000 per month? How are we to get to a “reasonable” rate of unemployment, say 4-6 percent, when the Stimulus Plan only calls for the creation of 2.5 to 3 million new jobs over the next 2 years? And, when many of these jobs will be contracting or temporary jobs?

I wish I had answers to these questions, I really do, as I am very worried about a so-called “jobless recovery.” I’d look into it for us, but I have to ask you all for your opinions as I haven’t the time. I’m off to join the circus today. Maybe they’ll let me sweep up after the elephants. I mean, that’s kind of what we’re doing metaphorically anyway.

Please let us know what you think. Mark

Great Impressions

We all know about the importance of a positive initial encounter. A first impression is a lasting impression. It’s critically important you think about how to make a positive first contact before a job interview. You may not think you can do much to insure a great first impression, and that is partially true, but some variables are within your control.

As a career recruiter, I have interviewed thousands of candidates. Unfortunately, unlike other encounters, there are no job interview “do-overs.” You may be able to recover from a shaky first impression with someone you wish to date, a potential customer, or a new friend. But an interview is so dependent on rapport, fit and chemistry that a deadly first impression is — well, deadly. After all, employees generally spend as much time together during their waking hours as they do with their families during the week. And, in this tight job market, employers are extraordinarily cautious about making a job offer to a candidate.

Making Great Impressions
So, in Part I of “Great Impressions,” I’m going to give you a “laundry list” of hints, tips and “watch-outs.” Some may seem obvious, but trust me I’ve seen applicants even in the upper ranks of management make avoidable mistakes. And, although some of this may seem a bit much to remember in the moment, in these difficult times you can leave nothing to chance. So, here goes:

• Even if you are told when scheduling the interview that it is a “business casual” environment, it is not so for the interviewee. Dress up—you can never really over-dress, but you can easily under-dress for the occasion. Be certain your hair, make-up and grooming are impeccable. In most situations it is best to dress conservatively, particularly as you don’t want your outfit or jewelry to be distracting. Your choices are a reflection on you.

• Get to the interview 20 minutes early. Mapquest the directions or get them off the company website. Allow plenty of time for potential traffic or late mass transit. If you are wearing a jacket, hang it up while you are driving so it is wrinkle-free when you arrive at your destination.

• Have a comb or brush and breath mints available for last minute grooming in your car. After you announce yourself to the receptionist, ask to use the lavatory and check your appearance one last time to be certain you are well “put together.” Ask the receptionist if there is a coat closet so you do not have to carry around an overcoat. Travel light inside of the building. A leather portfolio with extra copies of your resume and two pens is best, but an attache case and/or presentation portfolio works, too.

• Since you are early and will no doubt spend time in the lobby, pay particular attention to the environment: employee interaction, employee body language, style and condition of facility, etc. You don’t need to be a super sleuth, but you’d be surprised about the clues you can pick up.

• If you are waiting for an extended period of time, stay calm. Take a few deep breaths. Often the longer you wait, the more anxious you may become. Don’t start reading the magazines or newspaper in the lobby. It will distract you from focusing and will be awkward when you have to stand up when the interviewer finally approaches. Better to go over your notes, resume and pithy questions. A mentor once told me to stand vs. sit for five minutes before your interview as you will seem more energetic and in control. I don’t know if I agree, but I pass it along for consideration.

• When the interviewer appears, smile, offer a firm handshake, make good eye contact, and follow her lead in walking to the interview room. Walk side-by-side, not in front nor in back of the interviewer. Seem to hang on to every word the interviewer says—never have you heard such “pearls of wisdom.” Compliment the person on the facility (unless it is a total dump!) or some other nicety as long as it seems sincere and befitting of someone with a great positive outlook. Accept an offer of water, but not coffee or tea. Spillage is a catastrophe (I’ve experienced this) and if nervous, your heart could start racing from caffeine.

• When you get into the interview room, ask the interviewer where she would like you to sit – you’re the visitor. Once seated, sit up straight, legs together or crossed but not apart, unbutton your jacket, slightly pull the bottom back part of your jacket down for maximum fit and wait for the interviewer to take the lead.

• Be aware of your overall tone as much as you can—voice modulation, body language, expression, enthusiasm.

Now, you’ve done a great deal of what you can to take control of making a good first impression. In Part II of “Great Impressions” we’ll focus on how to best conclude the interview to help create a positive lasting impression.

You may feel such tips are a bit much to pay attention to on top of answering the questions and “being authentic,” but believe me when I tell you, many times it is very difficult to recover if things don’t start off well. There are many variables outside of your control, but some things are very much up to you.

Best of luck… And, Careering Today and Everyday

Mark N. New