Have You Found a New Job?
In the midst of all the bad job market news, I'm looking for a little light at the end of the tunnel. I mentioned on LinkedIn and Twitter this morning that I was looking for job search success stories. I've heard from some people who have had good luck finding a new job - including such varied positions as a librarian, a cashier at KMart, a sales manager, and a software developer. I've also heard from others, too many, who are struggling to find a job, including one person who had been trying to change jobs for seven years (at least he still has one).
Have you found a new job recently? Please share your job search success story. I'd be thrilled to hear from anyone who has found a new job and I'm also interested in how you job searched and what you made a difference in getting a new job in a tough economy.
For those who are still searching, please don't give up. I've received lots of good advice and tips on what to do when your unemployment benefits are running out. Additional suggestions would be appreciated, as well. Also, stop by the About.com Job Searching Forum for personal help and advice.
More: Share Your Job Search Success Story
Image Copyright Winston Davidian
Comments
After leaving a PM/Account Management job with LiveOps that ended up being one of the worst job experiences I have ever had, I returned to finish a degree at GGU. While working part time at Peet’s Coffee, I kept trying for work at various SF nonprofits and volunteered for a while as well. It took a year to but I landed a great job and am so glad I persevered.
I make a little less money, work less, have less work-related stress, great benefits and enjoy my work like never before.
Most importantly, I am treated like an adult, get good managerial direction and support for all that I do.
Being scared senseless that I would lose everything did not pan out so I say to everyone seeking employment, DONT GIVE UP. Work is out there so keep looking.
Thanks John! I lost my job today and it’s really scary since our savings is gone due to uncovered medical bills for my wife. With 4 kids I am terrified!
I learned I would lose my job in August 2008. Next week, I will begin a job directing college outreach at a local state college. I’m still digesting how it all worked out, but it has. I had been on a job trajectory that was not making me happy, with a hellish commute, and in a for-profit environment- this after years of higher ed and non-profit work.
I spent time on twitter, and facebook, and linkedIn, and networked like a nut, and started doing a few contracting jobs here and there, but ultimately, what worked was pretty old-fashioned.
I had a friend in HR go over my resume and position it for greater impact.
I focused my job search and tried to be patient.
I did my homework.
I did my homework.
I made my life experiences TOTALLY relevant to the interviewers. This was not a stretch, but it was still important to be thoughtful.
I sold my skills to the search committee.
And I sent thank you notes to everyone.
I dressed professionally, but I brought walking shoes.
I brought examples of my work to the interview and gave the interviewers something to do.
I asked lots of questions.
I radiated the enthusiasm I really felt.
Like one of the other posters I have stepped away from super high salaries, but I have also stepped away from horrible commutes, and stepped toward doing valuable work in my community. My long term prospects are better now than they have been in a long time, and my heart will be in my work in ways that it hasn’t been in a long time.
So be hopeful. Learn the new skills, remember the old ones, and you’ll come out of this.