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Recruiters, counselors share strategies that can land new paycheck
By Claudia Buck
McClatchy Newspapers
Published on Monday, Dec 22, 2008
They're pounding the pavement. Combing the classifieds. Tapping away at their computer keyboards. Hitting up friends and family for referrals. And trying to fend off the gut-wrenching worries.
Whether upended by layoffs, buyouts or bankruptcies, millions of unemployed Americans are anxiously trying to find a new, permanent paycheck.
''In 20 years, I've never heard this much fear in people's voices,'' said Diane Miller, president of Wilcox Miller & Nelson, an executive search and career transition company in Sacramento, Calif.
Andrea Weiss, a career counselor in Davis, Calif., said the anxiety is spread across the economy. ''I don't think there's any sector where people aren't feeling nervous. Even people who have jobs are worried about their security and stability.''
Job hunting can be an especially dreary, dispiriting process. Just ask those who are out there.
It's ''a nightmare,'' said Sara Myers Bisler, 49, a veteran financial services manager, who got laid off from a student lending job with Wachovia bank in September. It's the second time around for Bisler, who endured a similar pink slip last year from Washington Mutual.
''I went from being highly marketable with multiple job offers a few years ago,'' said Bisler, ''to now, when I can go days at a time without seeing any (jobs) in my field.''
Bisler, a mother of four, said she spends at least two hours a day hunting for jobs online, talking with hiring managers and ''calling everyone I know.'' With so many competing for jobs, ''even landing an interview is a major victory.''
Based on talks with career counselors and executive recruiters, here are some strategies for job-hunting success:
• Patty Bechtold, Bechtold LifeWork Strategies, Sacramento:
''Get out of your comfort zone. Find the organizations you're interested in. See if there's somebody who knows about that industry or the companies. Ask to meet for coffee to talk about their work. These interviews might not lead to a job, but they give you insights and keep your name in front of prospective companies. It's a challenge to stay optimistic and motivated, so set goals, such as saying: 'By next week I'll contact three companies I'm interested in working for.' ''
• Curt Cetraro, Co-founder, ConnectPoint Search Group, Sacramento:
''Get clarity about what you want. Develop a 15-second 'elevator pitch' to use in line at (the grocery store), at a (sports) game or dropping your kids off at school. Avoid the general: 'I'm looking for a job and pretty much open to anything; let me know if you hear of something.' Instead, be specific: 'Do you know someone with insight into job opportunities for a staff accountant . . . with ABC or XYZ Co. or the green technology industry? I'm an accountant with six years' experience.'
''By providing a short, concise message, extended with enthusiasm and confidence, your chances of having someone refer you to a potential opportunity . . . dramatically increase. You have to give people the ability to help you.''
• Diane Miller, Wilcox Miller & Nelson, Sacramento:
''For executive-level positions, use resources like the Directory of Executive Recruiters (the so-called ''Red Book'') to connect with a search firm. E-mail a resume and cover letter that states the position you want, your compensation expectations and geographic preferences. E-mail your resume to search firms specializing in your industry.
''At the executive level, 80 percent of jobs are found through networking. It's hard to do over an extended period of time. Be diligent. Use business community events. Monitor your health; exercise, don't overdo the alcohol. Be around positive people, not 'energy vampires' . . . who suck enthusiasm out of you.
''It's all overwhelming, so try to instill some perspective that it's not personal. It's a point in history where the velocity of (economic) changes probably won't slow down for a while.''
• Andrea Weiss, career counselor, Davis, Calif.:
''Don't go into a cocoon; remain visible. Attend professional events, conferences, career fairs. If you're still working, invest in 'career self-reliance.' Volunteer for projects, take on assignments that build skills or leadership roles, sign up for community college or . . . extension certificate programs. . . . Job hunting is an emotional roller coaster, so do the stress-reducing activities that work for you — yoga, playing basketball, going with friends to the movies.''
Above all, Miller said, recognize that finding work won't happen overnight, ''even if you're doing everything right.''
On an encouraging note, consider Shay Villere, 32, an out-of-work database administrator, who has spent the last several months sleuthing Internet job sites and meeting with recruiters. With no results.
On the advice of Helen Scully, owner of Scully Career Associates in Roseville, Calif., he identified his region's top 25 software companies and started sending resume e-mails to each company's president. Villere didn't ask for a job; he requested a meeting. So far, one company has responded. ''It worked,'' said the Arden Park, Calif., resident.
The firm put him in a candidate pool for the next vacancy.
They're pounding the pavement. Combing the classifieds. Tapping away at their computer keyboards. Hitting up friends and family for referrals. And trying to fend off the gut-wrenching worries.
Get the full article here.
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