Get a Job!
In reflecting back on Thanksgiving, one of the things I’m thankful for is that in America there is always plenty of opportunity for those who are willing to stretch themselves and perhaps try something they think is unconventional.
This relates to some of the questions that have been coming my way. Questions like, “I’m an accountant, engineer, or manager (whichever, fill in the blank) and I just can’t find a job.”
While finding a job, particularly those approaching or above six figures, can be very challenging and time consuming you can find that job IF you are willing to open up your thinking a bit.
Let me give you an example. Back in November 2002, I read an article in Newsweek about an engineer who had been making $100,000 per year and had been out of work for over a year. The article concluded that because of the effects of 9/11 and massive outsourcing, this gentleman was likely to become one of the growing number of long term unemployed professional white collar workers.
It just so happened at that time that I knew of two friends who were looking for an engineer that fit this gentleman’s specialty. As a matter of fact, my two contacts were getting frustrated that they couldn’t find someone for their open positions.
I figured that it would be a good idea to contact this gentleman and get him connected with my two friends. Maybe they would even compete for him.
It was easy enough to find him since he had been looking for a job for over a year. I just had to go onto Monster and search his name. I found it and called him. After chatting with him for about 15 minutes to get to know him a bit, I told him about the two openings. He asked where they were. I said, “Pittsburgh”. And he promptly responded that he wasn’t interested. Shocked, I asked him why.
He said that he lived in a Midwestern city (name withheld) and he wasn’t interested in moving. He all but said that he was owed a $100,000 per year engineering job within a reasonable commute of his home. He blamed 9/11, he blamed outsourcing to India and he blamed his former employer. He was sporting the classic “victim” mentality combined with a splash of “entitlement” mentality.
I asked him, “How many openings are there right now for engineers in your specialty at $100,000 salary are within a 60 minute commute of your house?” He wasn’t sure. I told him probably somewhere between zero and two. After a little debate, I politely ended the call.
I concluded that the article was right; this gentleman was going to be part of the long term white collar unemployed. But not because of 9/11 and outsourcing but because he wasn’t willing to do what it takes to replace his six figure job.
If you are having difficulty finding work, widen the geographic area of your search. Go beyond the traditional online job boards. Also look at sites like www.executiveagent.com where you can very economically have your resume sent out to hundreds of recruiters. Also, you may want to consider contracting with Job Bait where you can have your resume directly mailed to thousands of companies. You can learn more about Job Bait at www.jobbait.com.
Please note that I am not affiliated with either of these sites, nor to I receive any compensation from them. I just know them from reputation and my own experience.
Best of luck in your search!
