OUTPLACEMENT SESSION
I went to meet my outplacement counselor for the first time. We had exchanged e-mails and I knew that I had met him in the past but could not place the face. When it was time for my appointment Ed ,my counselor, came out to greet me. He looked like he was 10 years old. I was caught off guard because his name sounded like an older man. I envisioned a retired HR person who was doing this job to supplement his social security payments.
He was very nice and I decided I should just go with it and enjoy our session. He provided some insight which was good. We started chatting to kill time. He began telling me about his past work history and all of a sudden we had role reversal. I was mentoring him on his career and how he should progress. OK ... kind of weird.
Once we got the conversation back on track, we started discussing my education section of the resume. The issue was should I put the dates on graduation? So I finally asked him... Do you think I am too old to put my graduation years on the resume?? He kind of scrunched his shoulders and said "yes." (I am 43 by the way)
It hit me hard, I am one of those old overqualified workers that need to mask my age. I have given this advice to other people but I guess it never occurred to me that this rule applies to me too. In another unrelated matter, I received an AARP card with my name on it through the mail yesterday. My husband laughed his ass off and plans to take pictures and put it on the internet.
Getting back to the outplacement session, Ed also suggested that I put together business cards that I can give out during networking or loitering in front of business of interest. It feels weird to me to have marketing business cards. To further reinforce the awkwardness of the matter, he showed me an example where the guy put his picture on it. I had a hard time taking this serious - it kind of wreaked desparate to me. I told my husband about this idea and he did not think it was a bad idea. I have soak on this card concept.
THE MALL
As you know from my last post, I have a second interview and this company confirmed it for Tuesday. I had to quickly go find a suit to replace my fabulous other one. I am still in mourning by the way. Luckily, I found one and was able to get it tailored within a few hours. It made me stay at the mall for a little too long and drink a little too much wine at California Pizza Kitchen while I waited for the alterations to be completed. It would normally be a relaxing experience but there was a little kid who just stared at me for the entire meal. I felt compelled to stick out my tongue but I just let it ride. Everything came together, thank you Nordstroms and a very nice seamstress.
REALIZATION
I am old and AARP is extending me membership into the organization. Realization 2 - I am anxious to get back to work. This preparing for interviews and running frantically through the mall to find the right outfit is too much frivolous stress for me. Thats all for now folks talk to you next week.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 24 - WHERE IS MY SUIT?
Today was my "meeting" to discuss talent acquisition and I wanted to make sure everything was perfect. I organized a packet of information of my accomplishments for the interviewers, I reviewed the company information and tried to think of any type of scenario that could play out.
I took a shower and then went to work on my hair which is a multi step process including product, towel drying, blowing and flat ironing (OK TMI). I applied my make-up and minimal jewelery. I had about 10 minutes left before I had to leave. I go into my closet to get my interview power suit. It is like my superman's cape. In this outfit I am indestructible and gain magical and infectious enthusiasm. I look in my newly organized closet of clothes and can't find it anywhere. I take deep breadths and tell myself to relax. Soon I am flinging through hangers and running through the house. I am looking in other closets, the office, the car, the dirty clothes anywhere I can think.. it is no where to be found. Now I have 5 minutes to leave the house to give myself adequate travel time and had to go to Plan B. Keep in mind, I didn't actually have a Plan B outfit. I grab a pair of dress pants and a nice sweater blazer. It was OK, but nothing like my coat of armor.
Fast forward to the interview. As I mentioned before, I worked for this company earlier in my career and began to get that nagging question in my head... I wonder what my reputation was like when I left??? You always hope people sing your praises but you never know when you leave. All of sudden you can become the dirt bag or scape goat for bad HR work that leaves current employees unscathed.
Luckily I had a warm reception but as the conversation progressed it was clear that the role they had was not at the level that I had hoped. The end of the meeting, turned to the doomed, maybe I can consult for you and help you out until you find that person? discussion.
Walking away I felt the high and then the low. I wish this would have been the right fit. I wallowed a little and called a few friends about the potential for contract work and then got back to the emergency at hand... Where is my suit?
Then a scary thought occurred... I just went through a major purging of clothes and delivered about 6 bags of clothes to the Salvation Army. Did I give my suit away? I broke this problem down into an action plan: 1. Call cleaner asking if they have a suit hanging out with no owner and 2. If necessary, run over to Salvation Army and try to buy my suit back. Well needless to say, action step 1 was a flop and I had to do the Salvation Army rummage. There were about 1000 black pants and 500 black jackets stocked together. I had to look through everyone and see if there was a match - unsuccessful on that front.
I am going to sleep on it and maybe the suit will magically appear tomorrow. This phenomenon has actually occurred in my life.
On another miraculous note, the company I interviewed with called and wants me to come back and explore with them... yeah...
Realization - Network connections and last minute interviews tend to be some of the strongest links to finding positions. Realization 2 - Have more than one power suit to go to for situations like this one. Also, do not underestimate the power of the last minute fall back outfit --- got me another interview.
I took a shower and then went to work on my hair which is a multi step process including product, towel drying, blowing and flat ironing (OK TMI). I applied my make-up and minimal jewelery. I had about 10 minutes left before I had to leave. I go into my closet to get my interview power suit. It is like my superman's cape. In this outfit I am indestructible and gain magical and infectious enthusiasm. I look in my newly organized closet of clothes and can't find it anywhere. I take deep breadths and tell myself to relax. Soon I am flinging through hangers and running through the house. I am looking in other closets, the office, the car, the dirty clothes anywhere I can think.. it is no where to be found. Now I have 5 minutes to leave the house to give myself adequate travel time and had to go to Plan B. Keep in mind, I didn't actually have a Plan B outfit. I grab a pair of dress pants and a nice sweater blazer. It was OK, but nothing like my coat of armor.
Fast forward to the interview. As I mentioned before, I worked for this company earlier in my career and began to get that nagging question in my head... I wonder what my reputation was like when I left??? You always hope people sing your praises but you never know when you leave. All of sudden you can become the dirt bag or scape goat for bad HR work that leaves current employees unscathed.
Luckily I had a warm reception but as the conversation progressed it was clear that the role they had was not at the level that I had hoped. The end of the meeting, turned to the doomed, maybe I can consult for you and help you out until you find that person? discussion.
Walking away I felt the high and then the low. I wish this would have been the right fit. I wallowed a little and called a few friends about the potential for contract work and then got back to the emergency at hand... Where is my suit?
Then a scary thought occurred... I just went through a major purging of clothes and delivered about 6 bags of clothes to the Salvation Army. Did I give my suit away? I broke this problem down into an action plan: 1. Call cleaner asking if they have a suit hanging out with no owner and 2. If necessary, run over to Salvation Army and try to buy my suit back. Well needless to say, action step 1 was a flop and I had to do the Salvation Army rummage. There were about 1000 black pants and 500 black jackets stocked together. I had to look through everyone and see if there was a match - unsuccessful on that front.
I am going to sleep on it and maybe the suit will magically appear tomorrow. This phenomenon has actually occurred in my life.
On another miraculous note, the company I interviewed with called and wants me to come back and explore with them... yeah...
Realization - Network connections and last minute interviews tend to be some of the strongest links to finding positions. Realization 2 - Have more than one power suit to go to for situations like this one. Also, do not underestimate the power of the last minute fall back outfit --- got me another interview.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 23 - My First Real Interview/Meeting
It started out slow today, I could not get out of bed. I was so tired... I think I am part Grizzly Bear and believe the winter should be hibernation period. I finally got it together and received my first official interview. I thought, oh this is great!! I have my project plan and some of my SOARS (interview answers) completed, I will just take the rest of the week to get things together. The only problem is this meeting is tomorrow morning with a colleague I used to work with awhile ago. I actually don't know him well at all and it has been about 10 years. All I know is that this company is interested in Talent Acquisition. Needless to say, I don't have good intelligence on this one. I am actually also scared to reach out for help with other friends from this company as it may be confidential. I am trying to figure out any scenario and hope I am prepared. I feel like I am going in to either the perfect situation or a blind execution. Lets hope for the former and not the latter.
MOTIVATION TODAY
I don't know what my deal was but I went into super procrastination mode, which is unlike me. I did everything but give myself enough time to focus on the interview. I will say I had a very productive day at Target, enjoyed lunch with my husband, played with my dog and bought a pair of jeans two sizes smaller than usual. Now I am sitting at 2:30 p.m. and starting to do the work that I should have done this morning. Oh well... when I was in college I always liked a good cram. It will be me and my drug of choice (chocolate and diet coke) working to the late hours.
MARVIN - UNEMPLOYMENT
I can't seem to get this process right. I did remember that today is my scheduled time but like the idiot I am, I called the wrong automated number. The questions were odd and seemed not applicable to an already established claim. I bailed in the middle of it, thinking the transaction did not go through the system. I then called the right MARVIN number and "all circuits were busy" of course, the whole state of Michigan is unemployment. I turned to the on line feature. Established my temporary password and was sailing through the questions. Then I had to claim some severance pay and I think that honked up my whole claim or was it the aborted other call to the wrong number - it is a mystery. Anyways, I received a message that my certification was not accepted and to please call another similar number. As you would imagine, it is after business hours so I have to wait till tomorrow. I think I was not meant for this process. PLEASE HIRE ME SOMEONE... I am much more effective in my job than figuring out the basic and mundane system of unemployment.
REALIZATION
I am not quite coordinated on this unemployment project plan. I need to keep a consistent schedule and get my work done so I am not caught in my current situation of feeling completely unprepared. Realization 2 - I am in smaller jeans - yeah....
MOTIVATION TODAY
I don't know what my deal was but I went into super procrastination mode, which is unlike me. I did everything but give myself enough time to focus on the interview. I will say I had a very productive day at Target, enjoyed lunch with my husband, played with my dog and bought a pair of jeans two sizes smaller than usual. Now I am sitting at 2:30 p.m. and starting to do the work that I should have done this morning. Oh well... when I was in college I always liked a good cram. It will be me and my drug of choice (chocolate and diet coke) working to the late hours.
MARVIN - UNEMPLOYMENT
I can't seem to get this process right. I did remember that today is my scheduled time but like the idiot I am, I called the wrong automated number. The questions were odd and seemed not applicable to an already established claim. I bailed in the middle of it, thinking the transaction did not go through the system. I then called the right MARVIN number and "all circuits were busy" of course, the whole state of Michigan is unemployment. I turned to the on line feature. Established my temporary password and was sailing through the questions. Then I had to claim some severance pay and I think that honked up my whole claim or was it the aborted other call to the wrong number - it is a mystery. Anyways, I received a message that my certification was not accepted and to please call another similar number. As you would imagine, it is after business hours so I have to wait till tomorrow. I think I was not meant for this process. PLEASE HIRE ME SOMEONE... I am much more effective in my job than figuring out the basic and mundane system of unemployment.
REALIZATION
I am not quite coordinated on this unemployment project plan. I need to keep a consistent schedule and get my work done so I am not caught in my current situation of feeling completely unprepared. Realization 2 - I am in smaller jeans - yeah....
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 22 - WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS
Today I set out to follow my project plan to find a job. I was really on a roll having completed my professional objective and exit statement. The next task was for me was to create example stories of my accomplishments that could be used in interviews. There is a formula called SOAR which stands for Situation Obstacle Action and Result. I knew this exercise would take several days to complete. I had a lot of scenarios to prepare for as I am applying for various positions with different configurations of important skills sets. And you know me ... a jack of all trades (I won't finish the statement)
I am not sure what was going on but the phone was ringing off the hook. Everyone wanted me today. I felt like Taylor Swift in 2009. Positions were pouring out of the woodwork … even ones that I thought were dead and gone. The only major problem, is that all these businesses seem to be looking for the labor relations roles. This is a discipline that I have not done in years. Of course, I told the recruiters that I am absolutely the most qualified for these positions. I guess I have some reading to freshen up my skills. It is interesting how trends go, for years there was virtually no interest in unions and now it is having a revival. Time for me to do some tap dancing and juggling.
KNOWING YOUR BUSINESS
I also applied for several jobs today and continue to wonder if I actually was successful in my submissions. Employers are using the strangest websites. It is hard to know if these sites are legitimate. I am half wondering if I inadvertently forgot to un-check a small box on these obscure websites that some strange package is going to show up in the mail. The box probably reads: Yes, please send me a years worth of exotic fruit C.O.D. I am amazed with the shtick and gimmicks out there to pray on the helpless unemployed.
Moving on, there was an interesting role that I applied for even though I had never heard of the company. It had a weird name like the generic roadrunner business "ACME Supplies." I figured the job search is a numbers game (what I learned through my outplacement)so what the heck. I went on this organization's website and am completely at a loss to what they do or make. They used a lot of acronyms like HID software and screens. I hope people who are interested in HID know this company is out there and ready to take their order.
REALIZATION
Planning a scheduled day of tasks inevitably gets screwed up with actual interest from employers. Realization #2 – I better become a labor relations expert in the next week or I will be in an embarrassing position where I will have to perform like a circus monkey... yikes
I am not sure what was going on but the phone was ringing off the hook. Everyone wanted me today. I felt like Taylor Swift in 2009. Positions were pouring out of the woodwork … even ones that I thought were dead and gone. The only major problem, is that all these businesses seem to be looking for the labor relations roles. This is a discipline that I have not done in years. Of course, I told the recruiters that I am absolutely the most qualified for these positions. I guess I have some reading to freshen up my skills. It is interesting how trends go, for years there was virtually no interest in unions and now it is having a revival. Time for me to do some tap dancing and juggling.
KNOWING YOUR BUSINESS
I also applied for several jobs today and continue to wonder if I actually was successful in my submissions. Employers are using the strangest websites. It is hard to know if these sites are legitimate. I am half wondering if I inadvertently forgot to un-check a small box on these obscure websites that some strange package is going to show up in the mail. The box probably reads: Yes, please send me a years worth of exotic fruit C.O.D. I am amazed with the shtick and gimmicks out there to pray on the helpless unemployed.
Moving on, there was an interesting role that I applied for even though I had never heard of the company. It had a weird name like the generic roadrunner business "ACME Supplies." I figured the job search is a numbers game (what I learned through my outplacement)so what the heck. I went on this organization's website and am completely at a loss to what they do or make. They used a lot of acronyms like HID software and screens. I hope people who are interested in HID know this company is out there and ready to take their order.
REALIZATION
Planning a scheduled day of tasks inevitably gets screwed up with actual interest from employers. Realization #2 – I better become a labor relations expert in the next week or I will be in an embarrassing position where I will have to perform like a circus monkey... yikes
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 21 - What Do I Do?
SEARCH PROJECT
I started going through my outplacement tutorial beginning with constructing a Search Project. The first step is for me to Survey My Professional Environment. I flip through the chapter and it makes sense ... now time for the questions. First thought - "What current major trends are affecting my industry and field? What might the future trends be?" I sit here knowing I have lots opinions, at least I did when I was employed. All of a sudden, I am blank. I have no idea... ahh... take a deep breadth.. I panic - have I lost my mojo already? I start my deep breathing techniques, I deliver my mantra " you are smart you know this." Then I do what every woman would - go get a snack and a diet coke.
I come back to the task and now my ideas are flowing. I see the need for flexible HR professionals that have a wide skill set - jack of all trades. I see that manufacturing is down and those companies hiring are service organizations. I see the future trends will be to change the rules of a modern workforce that is more agile fueled with contingent workers, project based employees - woo hoo - it is coming to me. At the end of the exercise, I am able to identify that I am indeed marketable but need to bone up on a few things. I will be signing up for some on line courses.
Next exercise, "Determining My Professional Objective - what do I want to be when I grow up." I decide I want to work, enjoy my personal life, exercise, shop, vacation, go to lunch, volunteer... I basically want to be unemployed and get paid for it.. Hmmm is this realistic? Nah. I adjust my desires now I have a reasonable Professional Objective.
Part of a search project is to come up with a strategic communication plan. To open this process, I must develop an elevator speech about who I am and what I bring to the table. The first thing that comes to my mind is "HI - let's put all this small talk and sh_t aside, I am looking for a job with a competitive salary and you are looking for someone who won't screw things up. Let's work together."
Of course, the previous elevator speech is not going to work so I change words of a canned speech provided to us to reflect my uniqueness - NOT! I just revise the prefabbed paragraph and it works perfectly.
NETWORKING
As I mentioned previously, finding a position is a numbers game. Basically you need to talk to so many people each day just to up your chances that something will stick. Today, I spoke with 3 people in the HR field. I am not sure who sounded more miserable me or them... Working folks seemed overwhelmed. Even the ads in the paper sound burnt out. I read the requirements and companies are asking for everything and the kitchen sink. The companies want 70% travel (who wants that), no relocation and an uninspiring salary. The trend definitely is looking as if companies have us unemployed by the you know what..
Realization - When you go through an emotional block, chocolate and salty treats do help get the ideas flowing. Realization 2 - Now that I am going through these exercises, I realize that I need to be better prepared for networking and interviewing. I have a lot of holes in my information and the way I sell myself. Just goes to show you ... plumbers have the worst pipes. I am glad I put my pride aside and am following the outplacement advice. Good use of time so far.
I started going through my outplacement tutorial beginning with constructing a Search Project. The first step is for me to Survey My Professional Environment. I flip through the chapter and it makes sense ... now time for the questions. First thought - "What current major trends are affecting my industry and field? What might the future trends be?" I sit here knowing I have lots opinions, at least I did when I was employed. All of a sudden, I am blank. I have no idea... ahh... take a deep breadth.. I panic - have I lost my mojo already? I start my deep breathing techniques, I deliver my mantra " you are smart you know this." Then I do what every woman would - go get a snack and a diet coke.
I come back to the task and now my ideas are flowing. I see the need for flexible HR professionals that have a wide skill set - jack of all trades. I see that manufacturing is down and those companies hiring are service organizations. I see the future trends will be to change the rules of a modern workforce that is more agile fueled with contingent workers, project based employees - woo hoo - it is coming to me. At the end of the exercise, I am able to identify that I am indeed marketable but need to bone up on a few things. I will be signing up for some on line courses.
Next exercise, "Determining My Professional Objective - what do I want to be when I grow up." I decide I want to work, enjoy my personal life, exercise, shop, vacation, go to lunch, volunteer... I basically want to be unemployed and get paid for it.. Hmmm is this realistic? Nah. I adjust my desires now I have a reasonable Professional Objective.
Part of a search project is to come up with a strategic communication plan. To open this process, I must develop an elevator speech about who I am and what I bring to the table. The first thing that comes to my mind is "HI - let's put all this small talk and sh_t aside, I am looking for a job with a competitive salary and you are looking for someone who won't screw things up. Let's work together."
Of course, the previous elevator speech is not going to work so I change words of a canned speech provided to us to reflect my uniqueness - NOT! I just revise the prefabbed paragraph and it works perfectly.
NETWORKING
As I mentioned previously, finding a position is a numbers game. Basically you need to talk to so many people each day just to up your chances that something will stick. Today, I spoke with 3 people in the HR field. I am not sure who sounded more miserable me or them... Working folks seemed overwhelmed. Even the ads in the paper sound burnt out. I read the requirements and companies are asking for everything and the kitchen sink. The companies want 70% travel (who wants that), no relocation and an uninspiring salary. The trend definitely is looking as if companies have us unemployed by the you know what..
Realization - When you go through an emotional block, chocolate and salty treats do help get the ideas flowing. Realization 2 - Now that I am going through these exercises, I realize that I need to be better prepared for networking and interviewing. I have a lot of holes in my information and the way I sell myself. Just goes to show you ... plumbers have the worst pipes. I am glad I put my pride aside and am following the outplacement advice. Good use of time so far.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Day 20 - THE SURVEY SAYS...
Our parents spent a great deal of time reinforcing how special we are to the world. As parents we do the same and believe that our children are unique and can rise to a level of greatness. So when I begin reading my outplacement book and it describes my thoughts, mood and behaviors almost like a recipe, I begin to feel like a vanilla cake.
The chapter lays out that I am probably depressed; experiencing avoidance behavior; shifting my relationships; have lower self esteem and confidence; and lack a time structure. It is embarrassing to admit "yes" to all those statements. It is funny, I always thought I was a deep thinker, more soulful than others and yet this book has generically described all my emotions.
But the funniest part of all is the next assignment, to prepare a self marketing plan. OK... so I am just another number in the unemployment pool and my thoughts are completely generic...now let's get creative and market yourself. My mind goes blank, I don't know what to think. Maybe if I flip to the next page there is a preformatted plan for me and I can fill in the blank.. ha ha ha...
ITS A NUMBERS GAME
It is clear that to find a job you need to go into sales mode. Benchmark studies show that for someone to find a position there are key performance metrics including: The dreaded "how many hiring managers did you talk to?"
The outplacement firm suggests two meaningful conversations with hiring managers and 30 search related conversations a week. If that was not enough, we then need to track our successful follow-up calls a few weeks later. Basically the outplacement firm wants us to be stalkers...
When I was a hiring manager there was nothing more annoying than picking the phone up by accident and getting stuck in these calls. And you know, I for sure was not going to be available for a follow-up call. This goes against everything your parents and older brothers taught you about pursuing people. The dating rules definitely do not apply here. The thought that I may be considered mentally ill or psycho chasing down conversations to meet my project numbers really freaks me out. But you know what, I am going to do it and throw my pride aside. Hopefully, I won't get that label - you know the one like she doesn't have all her marbles ...
SENIOR CITIZENS AND ME
My mother in law and I went to see the Single Man today with all the other 65+ year old yentas. I was the only one without a senior discount. There is a whole drill with that... The women and men all order their tickets at the booth leading with "Senior Discount for... (the movie)." The concession stand lines don't get easier with the questions on discounts, products etc.. When was the last time you needed to discuss your Twizzler purchase with the concession clerk?
I guess - good for old people that they have reached an age that they do not care... what a great mental state. I felt like I did not have to explain why I was at a movie at 1:15 p.m. on a Friday. I really fit in except the discount thing. Maybe I can wear my "happy hat" (previous blog) and pass for the discount. I may try it!!
I used to love artsy movies. I would go to the theater alone and get wrapped up in the sub titles, cinematography and just the general avant garde nature. Now, these films annoy me.
This movie had great buzz as Tom Ford directed it and Colin Firth (I love him) was in it. You know what.. as it finished, I was empty. These movies always end sad and I found myself grasping for meaningful moments to derive enjoyment. I commented on the attention to detail, the fleeting moments of connection for the lead character and the clever use of black and white and color imagery.. FORGET IT.. what a crock of crap! the only thing that was great was Colin Firth's butt and the other gorgeous guys weaved into the story. I hope The Tooth Fairy with the Rock doesn't disappoint tomorrow with my daughter.
Realization - You really need to be an actor/actress through this looking for a job process. All usual and customary social norms like giving hiring managers space to reciprocate falls out the door. A job search is about being aggressive and hoping you do not turn too many people off in the process. Realization #2 - I think it is best for me to stick with shallow comedies while I am going through this work transition phase. I want happy endings!! Have a great weekend everyone ... talk to you next week.
The chapter lays out that I am probably depressed; experiencing avoidance behavior; shifting my relationships; have lower self esteem and confidence; and lack a time structure. It is embarrassing to admit "yes" to all those statements. It is funny, I always thought I was a deep thinker, more soulful than others and yet this book has generically described all my emotions.
But the funniest part of all is the next assignment, to prepare a self marketing plan. OK... so I am just another number in the unemployment pool and my thoughts are completely generic...now let's get creative and market yourself. My mind goes blank, I don't know what to think. Maybe if I flip to the next page there is a preformatted plan for me and I can fill in the blank.. ha ha ha...
ITS A NUMBERS GAME
It is clear that to find a job you need to go into sales mode. Benchmark studies show that for someone to find a position there are key performance metrics including: The dreaded "how many hiring managers did you talk to?"
The outplacement firm suggests two meaningful conversations with hiring managers and 30 search related conversations a week. If that was not enough, we then need to track our successful follow-up calls a few weeks later. Basically the outplacement firm wants us to be stalkers...
When I was a hiring manager there was nothing more annoying than picking the phone up by accident and getting stuck in these calls. And you know, I for sure was not going to be available for a follow-up call. This goes against everything your parents and older brothers taught you about pursuing people. The dating rules definitely do not apply here. The thought that I may be considered mentally ill or psycho chasing down conversations to meet my project numbers really freaks me out. But you know what, I am going to do it and throw my pride aside. Hopefully, I won't get that label - you know the one like she doesn't have all her marbles ...
SENIOR CITIZENS AND ME
My mother in law and I went to see the Single Man today with all the other 65+ year old yentas. I was the only one without a senior discount. There is a whole drill with that... The women and men all order their tickets at the booth leading with "Senior Discount for... (the movie)." The concession stand lines don't get easier with the questions on discounts, products etc.. When was the last time you needed to discuss your Twizzler purchase with the concession clerk?
I guess - good for old people that they have reached an age that they do not care... what a great mental state. I felt like I did not have to explain why I was at a movie at 1:15 p.m. on a Friday. I really fit in except the discount thing. Maybe I can wear my "happy hat" (previous blog) and pass for the discount. I may try it!!
I used to love artsy movies. I would go to the theater alone and get wrapped up in the sub titles, cinematography and just the general avant garde nature. Now, these films annoy me.
This movie had great buzz as Tom Ford directed it and Colin Firth (I love him) was in it. You know what.. as it finished, I was empty. These movies always end sad and I found myself grasping for meaningful moments to derive enjoyment. I commented on the attention to detail, the fleeting moments of connection for the lead character and the clever use of black and white and color imagery.. FORGET IT.. what a crock of crap! the only thing that was great was Colin Firth's butt and the other gorgeous guys weaved into the story. I hope The Tooth Fairy with the Rock doesn't disappoint tomorrow with my daughter.
Realization - You really need to be an actor/actress through this looking for a job process. All usual and customary social norms like giving hiring managers space to reciprocate falls out the door. A job search is about being aggressive and hoping you do not turn too many people off in the process. Realization #2 - I think it is best for me to stick with shallow comedies while I am going through this work transition phase. I want happy endings!! Have a great weekend everyone ... talk to you next week.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 18 & 19 - Learning a trick or two
SITTING IN A GREY CLASSROOM
I went to outplacement services yesterday with a bit of skepticism and therefore arrived a few minutes late (I like to make dramatic entrances). I looked around the table and all I could think about was the Christmas Cartoon (Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer)and the Land of Broken Toys. As I sized up the landscape of my unemployed peers it was kind of depressing. It was like a stepped into a time warp full of colorfully/busy designed sweaters and outdated eye glass frames that were as big as my head. It made me wonder what the trainer leading the session thought as he sees a bunch of us day after day. It certainly did not seem like the brain trust coming together.
Moving on ... the content of the seminar was really good. As I sat into orientation, the trainer took us through exercises pinpointing our skills, talents and desires. The key theme was that we as the job seeker really needed to be laser focused on the type of positions we wanted to close . This was a really good point and the exercise turned out to be very meaningful. Most of the time was spent on us putting together our resume and developing elevator speeches. The session was a good use of time.
BUZZ KILL
The vibe of the class was really flowing and generally people were breaking out of their shells with good conversation. Then, it happened ... the director of the outplacement firm came into introduce himself and wanted to take about 5 minutes of our time to explain the services, roles and responsibilities. He was very effective at sucking the fragile energy out of the room. It was the longest 5 minutes (which was really 15 minutes) where he lectured us on the outplacement services offered and what to expect. He talked about our consultants being responsive but not always available as they helped many clients. And then he went into the dreaded customer satisfaction survey. He explained that his boss would question any score given about their services that was under a "10." I felt like I was in a car dealership when your overly aggressive salesperson pleads with you to fill out a perfect score or they will not get commission.
He asked us if we had any questions and someone asked if he had any stats on the success of this process. He could not answer the question due to many circumstances yada yada... He ended this inspirational speech with saying that about 60% of his clients typically have to move because Michigan's job market sucks. In addition, many out of state employers would not even touch Michigan unemployed because we couldn't get out our house to move.
This outplacement firm really has a strange way of identifying leadership in their organization. I felt sorry for all the outplacement consultants that reported to this firecracker. I quickly checked to see that this guy was my assigned advisor through the process...phew he wasn't. Unfortunately, some my friends were not as lucky and have this gem.
REALIZATION - It is good to use outplacement services if they are offered to you. Great tips and helps to organize your search process. Realization 2 -I may have a good job lead at this outplacement firm. If they hire me it would be a good upgrade of talent from this dud. I would of course provide him free outplacement services with the same enthusiasm.
I went to outplacement services yesterday with a bit of skepticism and therefore arrived a few minutes late (I like to make dramatic entrances). I looked around the table and all I could think about was the Christmas Cartoon (Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer)and the Land of Broken Toys. As I sized up the landscape of my unemployed peers it was kind of depressing. It was like a stepped into a time warp full of colorfully/busy designed sweaters and outdated eye glass frames that were as big as my head. It made me wonder what the trainer leading the session thought as he sees a bunch of us day after day. It certainly did not seem like the brain trust coming together.
Moving on ... the content of the seminar was really good. As I sat into orientation, the trainer took us through exercises pinpointing our skills, talents and desires. The key theme was that we as the job seeker really needed to be laser focused on the type of positions we wanted to close . This was a really good point and the exercise turned out to be very meaningful. Most of the time was spent on us putting together our resume and developing elevator speeches. The session was a good use of time.
BUZZ KILL
The vibe of the class was really flowing and generally people were breaking out of their shells with good conversation. Then, it happened ... the director of the outplacement firm came into introduce himself and wanted to take about 5 minutes of our time to explain the services, roles and responsibilities. He was very effective at sucking the fragile energy out of the room. It was the longest 5 minutes (which was really 15 minutes) where he lectured us on the outplacement services offered and what to expect. He talked about our consultants being responsive but not always available as they helped many clients. And then he went into the dreaded customer satisfaction survey. He explained that his boss would question any score given about their services that was under a "10." I felt like I was in a car dealership when your overly aggressive salesperson pleads with you to fill out a perfect score or they will not get commission.
He asked us if we had any questions and someone asked if he had any stats on the success of this process. He could not answer the question due to many circumstances yada yada... He ended this inspirational speech with saying that about 60% of his clients typically have to move because Michigan's job market sucks. In addition, many out of state employers would not even touch Michigan unemployed because we couldn't get out our house to move.
This outplacement firm really has a strange way of identifying leadership in their organization. I felt sorry for all the outplacement consultants that reported to this firecracker. I quickly checked to see that this guy was my assigned advisor through the process...phew he wasn't. Unfortunately, some my friends were not as lucky and have this gem.
REALIZATION - It is good to use outplacement services if they are offered to you. Great tips and helps to organize your search process. Realization 2 -I may have a good job lead at this outplacement firm. If they hire me it would be a good upgrade of talent from this dud. I would of course provide him free outplacement services with the same enthusiasm.
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