"I KNOW SOMEONE . . .

“I know someone who’s looking for a job” says a friend of a jobseeker.
“I can’t use them” replies the headhunter.

I was listening to this conversation between 2 people on the train ride in to work recently.

“Most of the unemployed are unemployable. They’re not technologically current, and they look deplorable” the conversation continued.

I didn’t throw my 2 cents in to this conversation, because if I had – I would have been arrested for creating a disturbance.

Alas, it is sad, but it is true to an extent. People such as myself who are working (barely) listen to this, and feel helpless in trying to do something. I sincerely hope those who are unemployed are reading this, and are taking it to heart.

Maybe you are not doing everything you can to try to find a job. I’m sure you are on all the job boards, and calling all the recruiters. But don’t expect to land a job just based on your resume alone – no matter how good it looks. What about your technological skills? Are you up to date on the latest versions of MS software? And what about how you look? I know it’s hard to look good when you don’t feel good inside. I’ve been there. I hope you’re not waiting until you get a job to improve in those areas. You can make improvements while you’re looking for work. Maybe buy that new suit. Get that new computer. Belong to a gym. These don’t have to be costly items. It is worth the investment. You will feel better. You will look better. And other people (hiring managers) will take notice. Prove that headhunter wrong!

JEANS THAT ARE TOO SMALL

I recently came across an article about another disturbing new trend in the job market of how employers are now asking their employees to do more than one job. This was my reply:

"There are only so many hours in a day that you can get things done. I have been a financial controller for many years. The last couple of companies I've worked for I've been "asked" to also "fill in" as the HR person for that company, since the company was too constricted to hire a proper HR person - even on a part-time basis. What was happening was that there was not enough time in the day to wear both hats (and I certainly wasn't going to work extra for it). So things fell by the wayside. I found myself putting out fires on a daily basis. The financials were behind by 3 months. HR files were not being updated properly (can be an exposure issue for the company).

The way I see it, it's like when you're trying to fit into a pair of jeans that are too small - you may be able to close the top button - but ultimately you pop out somewhere else."

DON'T GET MAD . . . GET EVEN

This is a departure from my usual blog, but it's such an interesting story - I had to write about it. After seeing Marlo Thomas ("That Girl") on the morning show on CBS, I wrote this letter to Marlo, about the time I met her father - Danny Thomas. Here's the letter.

"Marlo -

This is a story for you. And it’s about you. It really happened. I hope you'll read to the end. It's really interesting.

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting your father many years ago when he was involved with the St. Jude telethon, which you are involved with now. There was a kick-off party at Joe’s Pier 52. I was invited as a guest of Ray Serra, who was working on the telethon at the time. (Ray was a character actor then. I had since lost contact with Ray.)

Anyhows, we were sitting at a table at Joe’s (that is Ray and myself), talking, drinking, meeting other people from the telethon, when your father came over to our table and introduced himself to me. He hadn’t seen me before, and he wanted to meet me. He sat down at our table and Ray introduced me.

Right about that time Stanley Siegel walks in to talk to your father. Apparently, your father was scheduled to appear on the Stanley Siegel show (a talk show), but cancelled at the last minute. Stanley Siegel was furious – and there was this sparring going on – right in front of me! Your father said the reason he cancelled was because “he doesn’t get up that early”. But everyone knew the real reason - it was because Stanley Siegel had insulted you on his show. Your father was quoted in next day’s paper as saying: “Don’t get mad. . . get even”.

Little did anyone know – your father invented that phrase – because of you!

Your father was beloved by all who met him. He was a genuine caring human being. He would be so proud of you today for continuing in his legacy.

I have kept that clip from the newspaper for over 30 years. I look at it and say – “Yeah, I was there when that happened!”

Helen Rosen
Irvington, New York"

PRIVILEGE

I recently commented on a discussion I thought worthy of writing about it on my blog. The discussion was about funding for entrepreneurs. A lot of people weighed in. Entrepreneurs are having a difficult time finding funding for their new ventures. Investors are having a hard time deciding what, if at all, they want to invest in. Everyone is having a tough time. Naturally, I weighed in too, since I can relate directly, having recently launched my software company which is currently in beta.

But this climate is different. No one wants to make a move. Everyone is afraid. Investors and lending companies load up a set of requirements which they know entrepreneurs can’t meet, only to push them away, instead of draw them closer.

Those in the business of lending money or investing have been given a PRIVILEGE to do just that – help others. If they are too afraid to do that – maybe that PRIVILEGE should be taken away from them. If they’re not utilizing their PRIVILEGE – give it to someone else who will put it to good use.

RESILIENCE IS NOT ALWAYS A VIRTUE

I'm very disturbed by a new trend I have been hearing about - and that is that companies looking to hire are now requesting "only candidates who are currently working". I find this very disturbing. The belief is that if someone has been out of work since 2008, even if that person has been working on project assignments, they may be "out of touch". This is absolutely ludicrous. I would concur had it been 10 years. But we have been in a deep recession since 2008, which has had a disproportionate effect on the job market. It's simply the luck of the draw. If a person had a job at the time the recession started but was hoping to make a change - that doesn't make them better or more qualified than one who didn't have a job at the time. It only makes them more resilient. That person probably hung on for fear of not being able to find another job. Resilience is not always a virtue.

CONSCIENCE AT ODDS

I came across a question posted by a manager who was at odds as to whether to let go an employee who has been a good hard-working loyal employee working part time, and who needed that job to support herself and her 3 year old daughter - to be replaced by a new full-time employee.

This was my answer to her:

"First I'd like to commend you for having a conscience to begin with. That seems to be a by-gone era these days.

I've seen this happen over and over again - that whatever you do or don't do today - WILL come back to bite you later. Taking away a person's livelihood today is the equivalent to death. That person will most likely not be able to find another job to feed herself and her 3 year old daughter. I think the key thing you mentioned is that "that she has never had a poor evaluation". Keep in mind, her time may be limited now, but may not always be that way. People tend not to put a value on dedication and loyalty - also by-gone eras. If I were in your situation - I would keep that person, knowing that I'll be able to sleep at night. Please let me know what you've decided to do."

A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

We're all enamored with the ease of the internet. How did we live without it before? And truly it has made a lot things a lot easier. Where is the nearest dog grooming place. What time does the movie start. When does the store close.

Alas - the internet is not the cure-all. As a matter of fact, the internet can bungle some things, particularly in job search. We live in a point-click society. You see something that strikes your fancy - point-click. But that becomes a double-edged sword in job search. Companies don't want to get your resume just because it strikes your fancy. Job search is a very serious matter - not like checking out the latest movie or book. We need to have a way to deliver just the qualified candidates to companies - we need the Third Option.