Monday, August 08, 2005
Is The Job Market REALLY Changing?
Although it seems that more jobs announcements are being posted, sometimes it seems that the postings are out there only to fish for resumes and for getting information rather than for actually hiring someone.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Exploring the Wild Side! Or, My Favorite Books (like, who cares?)
Exploring the Wild Side! Or, My Favorite Books (like, who cares?)
Getting an undergraduate degree in biology with minor in chemistry did not prepare me too much for the corporate world. My original aim was for a field biologist job with the Fish and Game Department or perhaps working as a lab tech with the Department of Agriculture soils analysis lab. Other possibilities were working as a planner with the Bureau of Planning or working as a College agricultural extension agent. However, my mom and dad were both teachers, so I had also been observing this profession for many, many years from both the classroom as a student and "behind the scenes" watching my folks grade papers, prepare tests, handle classroom problems, and interact with other teachers and administrators.
So, it was only natural that when a chance to teach science came up, I jumped on it. Unfortunately, the private school had already hired a science teacher--but they noticed that I had written a lot of freelance articles for the local newspaper, so they offered me a position as an English grammar and composition teacher. I spent only one semester teaching English, but it was a good start at an interesting and comfortable profession (at least for me). For summer school, I taught science to 6th and 7th graders in a GATE program and then, in the fall, I transfered to a public senior high school teaching science and biology. Again, although this was a great job, it didn't prepare me for being unemployed or for the corporate world.
With my first exposure to long-term unemployment (after returning to the U.S. mainland during a major recession), I found that my bachelor's degree made me "overqualified" for many entry-level jobs. My teaching experience was good; however, because I had been hired as an emergency-hire science teacher, I was not certifiable as a regular teacher--I'd have to take more classes ("education" classes--and keep myself out of the market even longer) just to get certified with no guarantee of a job waiting for me when I became available.
And, even more crazy, my bachelor's degree was not considered "specific" enough to qualify for many of the jobs that should have been available for "science majors". In other words, universities had been making degrees more and more specific for particular fields. Degrees in Animal Husbandry, or Invertebrate Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Biology, Economic Entomology, Estuarine Botany, Wildlife Conservation, Forest Ecology were not only being offered at colleges, but were being required for jobs in those fields. A mere biology or chemistry degree would not suffice. I'd have about as much chance getting a job in those fields with a liberal arts or marketing major. (Think of the corollary here--if I *did* have a degree in, say, Invertebrate Biology, I'd be limiting myself to a job in only that field. If jobs in that field dried up, I'd *really* be out of luck.)
So, after many months of unsuccessful searching, I got a gig working as a car-salesman ("no experience necessary, we'll train"). What a shock. What a strange way to make a living--especially compared to the academic or corporate cubicle world. Although it was a wildly new experience for me, I managed with it. My fellow sales folks and the management were nice and referred me to publications that could help me learn how to sell and close sales. My *real-world* learning experience was beginning! My eyes were opened. I made more money during one car sale than I did for two weeks of teaching. (This, I found out later, was a fluke--but it still was a shocker!) I soon also tried a part-time gig as an insurance sales rep. I had to study numerous financial books (those prepared by the company to help me pass the licensing exam), and I also went out and found some other books that had similar and differing opinions on the insurance industry. This became another eye-opener.
Up to this time, I had never experienced *business* as the *doer* of the action--only as the recipient of the action. As a teacher, I would take classes during the summer for maintaining or completing my certification--but these classes were still in my field of biology or chemistry or some other science. However, now that I was working in car sales and insurance sales, a new world of learning was making itself known. I became fascinated with how money worked (which is something that most teachers and academics and scientists are unaware of and don't care about).
So... to make an even longer story a tad shorter, I quit car sales and insurance sales, became a newspaper writer and photographer for a while, and then became a technical writer/editor. I've since been a writer for military applications, activities involving accounting and auditing, hazardous waste, space station operations, pharmaceutical testing and development, laser operations, telecommunications, data networking, data storage, and software. Along the way, I've read many references not in my original field of biology and chemistry.
Many of these references *should* have been required reading, if not in high school, in college. Folks coming out of high school and universities nowadays are supposedly "educated" but most have no training or exposure to how the economy works in the real world. They have no idea of their "worth" on the marketplace in their own field or in other fields. They've got *lots* of knowledge, but may not have a clue on how to find a job or what options there are out there for creating an income. This may be why you have many PhDs and MBAs pumping coffee at Starbucks or flipping burgers at McD's (I'm surprised they didn't get turned away from the job because they were "overqualified").
Books and references I believe should be read by everyone and which I believe are applicable to everyone whether or not they read them are listed below (you can buy them through my website at
http://www.drgardwrites.com/RecmdBooksJobHunt.html ):
Make Money with Technical Writing, Peter Kent
Although this is an in-depth look and analysis of the world of technical writing--in particular, the world of FREELANCE technical writing--the book would be helpful to anyone with technical skills in engineering, software development, architecture, accounting, and so on finding themselves unemployed or underemployed. Some reviewers on Amazon call him overly optimistic about fees and the contracting world. Others find him *on the mark* and overly conservative on how lucrative the freelancing world can be. I thought he was *on-the-mark*--even though the market at the moment is horrible and gigs are scarce. (Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places?) His explanations on the pros and cons of freelance versus staff employment were interesting and well put. Something to consider in this current economic climate. Also, when it comes to *FREEDOM*, his take on the industry is very well expressed. He makes a very strong case against being a "captive" employee. His explanations on why it's better to be a freelance contractor are convincing and I've seen proof that his opinions are close to reality (at least, *my* reality). I found this book to be of immense value--particularly the sections on billing/invoicing and negotiating.
Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Robert Bly
This book is similar to Peter Kents--however, it describes more about copywriting (marketing and advertising writing) rather than technical writing. It is also an optimistic (however, accurate in my view) description of the world of freelance and professional writing. This book is seemingly almost 20 years old (you may have troubles finding it), but it is well worth the read.
The Technical Writer's Handbook, Robert Bly
When I first became a technical writer/editor I needed help in figuring out what it was that I got hired to do. (This was back in the days when folks were hired based on whether or not they could *do* the job, not on *what* their academic credentials were.) This book came in handy for getting quickly up to speed. Also, it's a good book for engineers and other technical professionals who want to improve their writing.
Copywriting Handbook, Robert Bly
Since Bly is primarily a copywriter (and a very successful one at that), this book is a compendium of his expertise. And it gives one an idea of the world of copywriters--how one can make money as a copywriter... and the ins and outs of the profession.
Selling Your Services, Robert Bly
Again, although Bly is aiming this book primarily at writers, this book is helpful for anyone wanting to go it on their own. If you are looking for a job (or a contract) you are in SALES whether you like it or not. This book will help with learning a bit about sales and how to apply them to your job or contract search.
Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson
Sometimes it's hard to break through the information overload of the advertising and the resumes. Some of the ideas that Levinson provides in his series of Guerrilla Marketing books are intriguing and even amusing. And if applied to the job search, might just do the trick in getting that essential interview or hiring decision.
Guerrilla Marketing for the Home-Based Business, Jay Conrad Levinson
If one is considering offering professional services from home, this book will help get the word out and help your new venture be profitable.
Rich-Dad/Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki
All the Kiyosaki books are fantastic. He admits that writing isn't his strong point (and as an editor, I've found many slip-ups... ) however, sometimes it's the INFORMATION that's important--not the prettiness of it. To understand the rest of the series, this is the first one that should be read. I've required both of my teenagers to read it. They may not understand it at first, but they will after they've put some time in on their minimum-wage jobs. Luckily, Kiyosaki is a great storyteller and his books are very easy to read even if the concepts sometimes are foreign to science and liberal arts majors. Being that my mom and dad were teachers--I sort of grew up in the environment that Kiyosaki describes as "poor dad". However, my exposure to automotive sales and insurance sales and also relatives who have made a bundle and live a great lifestyle in the insurance industry has made me familiar with the "rich dad" side of the equation.
The Prophecy, Robert Kiyosaki
This book is scary. Based on the events leading up to the market downturn and the dot.com disasters of 2000 through 2003, this book describes a situation that all of us babyboomers and X-generation folks should know about. If you don't read this, you are going to be left behind wondering what the heck happened.
Who Took My Money, Robert Kiyosaki
Another interesting book. Describes the velocity of money. A different twist on what I learned when I was in the insurance industry. And totally contrary to what my mom and dad were taught (or not taught) about investing.
Retire Young/Retire Rich, Robert Kiyosaki
The Business School for People who Like Helping People, Robert Kiyosaki
A good description about how to start a home-based business without loosing one's shirt. For more information about some of these businesses and if you'd like to talk about them, please drop an email to me and I'll go into deeper discussion about them. (I'm doing three versions of these businesses at the moment.)
Multiple Streams of Income, Robert G. Allen
I heard about Robert G. Allen almost 20 years ago--his book Nothing Down was a shocker on how one could buy real estate for nothing down. This is not an impossible feat. But it seems unlikely for folks who haven't read about it and discovered how it is done. (By the way, one can produce water by burning a candle or wood or most other flammables. If this is tough to understand, drop me an email and I'll tell you how it's possible. Think about how heavier-than-air aircraft fly... it seems impossible, but it's done.)
Nothing Down, Robert G. Allen
This is the first book by Robert Allen that I read. It's a tough one to wade through, but it is interesting. And it will open your eyes to other possibilities.
Wealth Without Risk, Charles Givens
After a stint with the car business and also with the insurance industry, I was more open to learning about investing and financial services. When I noticed an ad in the paper for a seminar on Financial Literacy put on by the Charles Givens Organization, I attended the free presentation. Unlike other seminars that focused only on stocks or bonds, or perhaps real-estate, this seminar provided information about many financial aspects--including taxes, home-based businesses, how to purchase a car, how to purchase a house, how to invest in real estate, how to invest in stocks and bonds, and how to provide an ongoing financial education for yourself and your family. So, I paid the fee (at the time, it was about $400) and got the 3-ring binder and cassette tapes of study material to prepare for the upcoming Friday, Saturday, Sunday seminar in about 3 weeks. My wife was unable to attend, so I brought a friend. Paying the fee that one time entitled me to take the seminar as many times as I wanted, so when the seminar came around about a year later, my wife was still unavailable to go, so I took my dad. He was amazed and totally enjoyed the information. Finally, the third time that the seminar came to town, I took my wife with me. Being that she also had been a school teacher, it was an eye-opener for her, too.
Financial Self-Defense, Charles Givens
This book is sort of a follow-up for Givens's previous book. Some of the information is the same (but presented with a different angle), and some of the information is new stuff. Like the previous book, Given's has written the book in easy-to-digest small chapters. His writing style is very easy and not pompous--critical to learning about this financial stuff... particularly so for those of us without the business and financial background.
Money Dynamics, Venita Van Caspel
The first time I was referred to this book was when I was studying for my insurance license. Chapter 13 on Insurance is a shocker... it will make you wince. The chapter also appears in the following books as well... and it describes one of the greatest rip-offs out there for folks who are ignorant of insurance and who are gullible. Like Givens, Van Caspel presents a well-rounded explanation of all things financial--such as stocks, bonds, other investments, insurance, trusts, wills, real estate, collectibles and so on. Any book in this series would be a good read. It doesn't get different--although she does include the tax law changes in each subsequent book...
Money Dynamics for the 1980s, Venita Van Caspel
Money Dynamics for the 1990s, Venita Van Caspel
Money Dynamics for the New Economy, Venita Van Caspel
If you know of other books that would be helpful for those out there struggling in this crummy economy, let me know. Best of luck--and I hope these recommendations for reading will enlighten you and improve your situation.
Getting an undergraduate degree in biology with minor in chemistry did not prepare me too much for the corporate world. My original aim was for a field biologist job with the Fish and Game Department or perhaps working as a lab tech with the Department of Agriculture soils analysis lab. Other possibilities were working as a planner with the Bureau of Planning or working as a College agricultural extension agent. However, my mom and dad were both teachers, so I had also been observing this profession for many, many years from both the classroom as a student and "behind the scenes" watching my folks grade papers, prepare tests, handle classroom problems, and interact with other teachers and administrators.
So, it was only natural that when a chance to teach science came up, I jumped on it. Unfortunately, the private school had already hired a science teacher--but they noticed that I had written a lot of freelance articles for the local newspaper, so they offered me a position as an English grammar and composition teacher. I spent only one semester teaching English, but it was a good start at an interesting and comfortable profession (at least for me). For summer school, I taught science to 6th and 7th graders in a GATE program and then, in the fall, I transfered to a public senior high school teaching science and biology. Again, although this was a great job, it didn't prepare me for being unemployed or for the corporate world.
With my first exposure to long-term unemployment (after returning to the U.S. mainland during a major recession), I found that my bachelor's degree made me "overqualified" for many entry-level jobs. My teaching experience was good; however, because I had been hired as an emergency-hire science teacher, I was not certifiable as a regular teacher--I'd have to take more classes ("education" classes--and keep myself out of the market even longer) just to get certified with no guarantee of a job waiting for me when I became available.
And, even more crazy, my bachelor's degree was not considered "specific" enough to qualify for many of the jobs that should have been available for "science majors". In other words, universities had been making degrees more and more specific for particular fields. Degrees in Animal Husbandry, or Invertebrate Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Biology, Economic Entomology, Estuarine Botany, Wildlife Conservation, Forest Ecology were not only being offered at colleges, but were being required for jobs in those fields. A mere biology or chemistry degree would not suffice. I'd have about as much chance getting a job in those fields with a liberal arts or marketing major. (Think of the corollary here--if I *did* have a degree in, say, Invertebrate Biology, I'd be limiting myself to a job in only that field. If jobs in that field dried up, I'd *really* be out of luck.)
So, after many months of unsuccessful searching, I got a gig working as a car-salesman ("no experience necessary, we'll train"). What a shock. What a strange way to make a living--especially compared to the academic or corporate cubicle world. Although it was a wildly new experience for me, I managed with it. My fellow sales folks and the management were nice and referred me to publications that could help me learn how to sell and close sales. My *real-world* learning experience was beginning! My eyes were opened. I made more money during one car sale than I did for two weeks of teaching. (This, I found out later, was a fluke--but it still was a shocker!) I soon also tried a part-time gig as an insurance sales rep. I had to study numerous financial books (those prepared by the company to help me pass the licensing exam), and I also went out and found some other books that had similar and differing opinions on the insurance industry. This became another eye-opener.
Up to this time, I had never experienced *business* as the *doer* of the action--only as the recipient of the action. As a teacher, I would take classes during the summer for maintaining or completing my certification--but these classes were still in my field of biology or chemistry or some other science. However, now that I was working in car sales and insurance sales, a new world of learning was making itself known. I became fascinated with how money worked (which is something that most teachers and academics and scientists are unaware of and don't care about).
So... to make an even longer story a tad shorter, I quit car sales and insurance sales, became a newspaper writer and photographer for a while, and then became a technical writer/editor. I've since been a writer for military applications, activities involving accounting and auditing, hazardous waste, space station operations, pharmaceutical testing and development, laser operations, telecommunications, data networking, data storage, and software. Along the way, I've read many references not in my original field of biology and chemistry.
Many of these references *should* have been required reading, if not in high school, in college. Folks coming out of high school and universities nowadays are supposedly "educated" but most have no training or exposure to how the economy works in the real world. They have no idea of their "worth" on the marketplace in their own field or in other fields. They've got *lots* of knowledge, but may not have a clue on how to find a job or what options there are out there for creating an income. This may be why you have many PhDs and MBAs pumping coffee at Starbucks or flipping burgers at McD's (I'm surprised they didn't get turned away from the job because they were "overqualified").
Books and references I believe should be read by everyone and which I believe are applicable to everyone whether or not they read them are listed below (you can buy them through my website at
http://www.drgardwrites.com/RecmdBooksJobHunt.html ):
Make Money with Technical Writing, Peter Kent
Although this is an in-depth look and analysis of the world of technical writing--in particular, the world of FREELANCE technical writing--the book would be helpful to anyone with technical skills in engineering, software development, architecture, accounting, and so on finding themselves unemployed or underemployed. Some reviewers on Amazon call him overly optimistic about fees and the contracting world. Others find him *on the mark* and overly conservative on how lucrative the freelancing world can be. I thought he was *on-the-mark*--even though the market at the moment is horrible and gigs are scarce. (Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places?) His explanations on the pros and cons of freelance versus staff employment were interesting and well put. Something to consider in this current economic climate. Also, when it comes to *FREEDOM*, his take on the industry is very well expressed. He makes a very strong case against being a "captive" employee. His explanations on why it's better to be a freelance contractor are convincing and I've seen proof that his opinions are close to reality (at least, *my* reality). I found this book to be of immense value--particularly the sections on billing/invoicing and negotiating.
Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Robert Bly
This book is similar to Peter Kents--however, it describes more about copywriting (marketing and advertising writing) rather than technical writing. It is also an optimistic (however, accurate in my view) description of the world of freelance and professional writing. This book is seemingly almost 20 years old (you may have troubles finding it), but it is well worth the read.
The Technical Writer's Handbook, Robert Bly
When I first became a technical writer/editor I needed help in figuring out what it was that I got hired to do. (This was back in the days when folks were hired based on whether or not they could *do* the job, not on *what* their academic credentials were.) This book came in handy for getting quickly up to speed. Also, it's a good book for engineers and other technical professionals who want to improve their writing.
Copywriting Handbook, Robert Bly
Since Bly is primarily a copywriter (and a very successful one at that), this book is a compendium of his expertise. And it gives one an idea of the world of copywriters--how one can make money as a copywriter... and the ins and outs of the profession.
Selling Your Services, Robert Bly
Again, although Bly is aiming this book primarily at writers, this book is helpful for anyone wanting to go it on their own. If you are looking for a job (or a contract) you are in SALES whether you like it or not. This book will help with learning a bit about sales and how to apply them to your job or contract search.
Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson
Sometimes it's hard to break through the information overload of the advertising and the resumes. Some of the ideas that Levinson provides in his series of Guerrilla Marketing books are intriguing and even amusing. And if applied to the job search, might just do the trick in getting that essential interview or hiring decision.
Guerrilla Marketing for the Home-Based Business, Jay Conrad Levinson
If one is considering offering professional services from home, this book will help get the word out and help your new venture be profitable.
Rich-Dad/Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki
All the Kiyosaki books are fantastic. He admits that writing isn't his strong point (and as an editor, I've found many slip-ups... ) however, sometimes it's the INFORMATION that's important--not the prettiness of it. To understand the rest of the series, this is the first one that should be read. I've required both of my teenagers to read it. They may not understand it at first, but they will after they've put some time in on their minimum-wage jobs. Luckily, Kiyosaki is a great storyteller and his books are very easy to read even if the concepts sometimes are foreign to science and liberal arts majors. Being that my mom and dad were teachers--I sort of grew up in the environment that Kiyosaki describes as "poor dad". However, my exposure to automotive sales and insurance sales and also relatives who have made a bundle and live a great lifestyle in the insurance industry has made me familiar with the "rich dad" side of the equation.
The Prophecy, Robert Kiyosaki
This book is scary. Based on the events leading up to the market downturn and the dot.com disasters of 2000 through 2003, this book describes a situation that all of us babyboomers and X-generation folks should know about. If you don't read this, you are going to be left behind wondering what the heck happened.
Who Took My Money, Robert Kiyosaki
Another interesting book. Describes the velocity of money. A different twist on what I learned when I was in the insurance industry. And totally contrary to what my mom and dad were taught (or not taught) about investing.
Retire Young/Retire Rich, Robert Kiyosaki
The Business School for People who Like Helping People, Robert Kiyosaki
A good description about how to start a home-based business without loosing one's shirt. For more information about some of these businesses and if you'd like to talk about them, please drop an email to me and I'll go into deeper discussion about them. (I'm doing three versions of these businesses at the moment.)
Multiple Streams of Income, Robert G. Allen
I heard about Robert G. Allen almost 20 years ago--his book Nothing Down was a shocker on how one could buy real estate for nothing down. This is not an impossible feat. But it seems unlikely for folks who haven't read about it and discovered how it is done. (By the way, one can produce water by burning a candle or wood or most other flammables. If this is tough to understand, drop me an email and I'll tell you how it's possible. Think about how heavier-than-air aircraft fly... it seems impossible, but it's done.)
Nothing Down, Robert G. Allen
This is the first book by Robert Allen that I read. It's a tough one to wade through, but it is interesting. And it will open your eyes to other possibilities.
Wealth Without Risk, Charles Givens
After a stint with the car business and also with the insurance industry, I was more open to learning about investing and financial services. When I noticed an ad in the paper for a seminar on Financial Literacy put on by the Charles Givens Organization, I attended the free presentation. Unlike other seminars that focused only on stocks or bonds, or perhaps real-estate, this seminar provided information about many financial aspects--including taxes, home-based businesses, how to purchase a car, how to purchase a house, how to invest in real estate, how to invest in stocks and bonds, and how to provide an ongoing financial education for yourself and your family. So, I paid the fee (at the time, it was about $400) and got the 3-ring binder and cassette tapes of study material to prepare for the upcoming Friday, Saturday, Sunday seminar in about 3 weeks. My wife was unable to attend, so I brought a friend. Paying the fee that one time entitled me to take the seminar as many times as I wanted, so when the seminar came around about a year later, my wife was still unavailable to go, so I took my dad. He was amazed and totally enjoyed the information. Finally, the third time that the seminar came to town, I took my wife with me. Being that she also had been a school teacher, it was an eye-opener for her, too.
Financial Self-Defense, Charles Givens
This book is sort of a follow-up for Givens's previous book. Some of the information is the same (but presented with a different angle), and some of the information is new stuff. Like the previous book, Given's has written the book in easy-to-digest small chapters. His writing style is very easy and not pompous--critical to learning about this financial stuff... particularly so for those of us without the business and financial background.
Money Dynamics, Venita Van Caspel
The first time I was referred to this book was when I was studying for my insurance license. Chapter 13 on Insurance is a shocker... it will make you wince. The chapter also appears in the following books as well... and it describes one of the greatest rip-offs out there for folks who are ignorant of insurance and who are gullible. Like Givens, Van Caspel presents a well-rounded explanation of all things financial--such as stocks, bonds, other investments, insurance, trusts, wills, real estate, collectibles and so on. Any book in this series would be a good read. It doesn't get different--although she does include the tax law changes in each subsequent book...
Money Dynamics for the 1980s, Venita Van Caspel
Money Dynamics for the 1990s, Venita Van Caspel
Money Dynamics for the New Economy, Venita Van Caspel
If you know of other books that would be helpful for those out there struggling in this crummy economy, let me know. Best of luck--and I hope these recommendations for reading will enlighten you and improve your situation.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Online job applications
I hate those checkboxes, radio buttons, and pull-down menus that dictate choosing attributes not even close to mine when I'm filling out an online job application. Especially when the online application has been so poorly designed in the first place. You can't fit applicants into a tiny checkbox. But it seems like many HR folks would like to believe you can.
A way to at least tangle with "the system" more effectively is to have a comprehensive resume already prepared in an ASCII file on your computer. Perhaps more than one--each specializing in a different area of your expertise. Although this may seem over-kill--at least have *one* all-inclusive resume/curriculum vitae prepared in ASCII format so you can copy and paste pertinent information into the annoying text-entry fields of the online applications.
NOTE: I have a separate folder on my hard-drive called "JobHunt". Inside are separate folders for Resumes, Cover Letters, and WorkSamples.
When filling out an online form, have the appropriate ASCII notepad file up on your screen at the same time. Then, you will be ready when the online form asks for information.
You might also want to have a few versions of a cover letter in ASCII form available on your computer, because sometimes the online application forms have a text-entry box for a cover letter. Copy and paste one of your prepared cover letters in this box (then customize as needed). Before moving on to the next entry-field, copy the customized cover letter from the text-box back to your CoverLetter Folder and give it the appropriate name and datestamp. This will make verification later a lot easier as well. Do the same with your resume, especially if the online application form asks for you to insert it into a text-entry box. After customizing the resume for the particular opening, copy it back into your resume folder and give it the name of the company to which you are applying and the date so you can refer to it later.
A way to at least tangle with "the system" more effectively is to have a comprehensive resume already prepared in an ASCII file on your computer. Perhaps more than one--each specializing in a different area of your expertise. Although this may seem over-kill--at least have *one* all-inclusive resume/curriculum vitae prepared in ASCII format so you can copy and paste pertinent information into the annoying text-entry fields of the online applications.
NOTE: I have a separate folder on my hard-drive called "JobHunt". Inside are separate folders for Resumes, Cover Letters, and WorkSamples.
When filling out an online form, have the appropriate ASCII notepad file up on your screen at the same time. Then, you will be ready when the online form asks for information.
You might also want to have a few versions of a cover letter in ASCII form available on your computer, because sometimes the online application forms have a text-entry box for a cover letter. Copy and paste one of your prepared cover letters in this box (then customize as needed). Before moving on to the next entry-field, copy the customized cover letter from the text-box back to your CoverLetter Folder and give it the appropriate name and datestamp. This will make verification later a lot easier as well. Do the same with your resume, especially if the online application form asks for you to insert it into a text-entry box. After customizing the resume for the particular opening, copy it back into your resume folder and give it the name of the company to which you are applying and the date so you can refer to it later.
There ARE other ways to create an income... you just have to see them!
When you are unemployed and looking for ways to create an income,
it's possible to get too focused on "looking for a *job*" rather than looking for *opportunities*. There *is* a difference.
A *job* (or, employment by an institution--whether it be for a small business, a company, or a government agency) isn't the *only* way to make a living.
Sometimes it helps to look in places and areas you originally had not considered. It helps to look at industries or institutions or fields unrelated to the industry, institution, or field you had worked with before. Or unrelated to what your degree is in. Maybe there was some activity you participated in during high school, college, or on the side that you really enjoyed. Is there a way you can convert that activity into a paying income source? Would people be willing to pay you directly for your services in this area? If so, maybe you can recreate yourself as owner and proprietor of a small small business to produce your income.
Between 2001 and 2004, some enterprising formerly employed folks caught my attention.
One, a recently laid-off Windows Graphic User Interface (GUI) software developer, started his own windows (the kind in houses and other buildings) cleaning business. From the news article in the local paper, it seemed he was happy with his new venture. He enjoyed his new freedom from the cubicle, and enjoyed being in more control of his destiny. And, he said he was making a decent income from his efforts.
Another entrepreneur (who also designs websites), started his own pet excrement pick-up business. With an amusing take on his newfound business, he has his phone number and company name and URL (http://www.doggydoodyduty.com) on his pickup truck. And also seems to be making a very nice profit. Although he still deals with excrement, at least it's not the bovine excrement he would most likely get at the office. And, it looks like his business is now expanding out of the local area and into other cities!
The third entrepreneur is my neighbor. He got laid off from his job as a facilities manager at a high-tech company about the same time I got laid off. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has extensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experience. So, he bought a panel van, threw a ladder and rack on the roof, and after taking a contractor's class and getting licensed as a contractor, starting his own HVAC repair and installation business. For the first two years he was extremely busy... but happy that he wasn't stuck in a cubicle. He could now schedule service calls when he wanted to spend the time doing the work. When he needed to take a break, he just wouldn't schedule any work for that period. He and his wife took a bunch of nice week-long vacations to Reno and Vegas during these *scheduled* breaks. A lot more vacation than most of those working stiffs still tied to their cubicles could ever take. Then, his wife was laid off from her accounting job. So, he hired her to be his accountant. He had also dabbled and gotten extremely good with his hobby of photography. He had amassed an amazing array of photographic equipment with the newest features. His wife also enjoyed the hobby and also was an excellent photographer. So, in addition to their HVAC business, they started a wedding and senior picture photography business. This, too, has become an extremely profitable sideline now turned full-time business for them. Now, instead of fighting the traffic to commute over the hills to work every day, he rides his bike to the local Starbucks and enjoys a cup of coffee while watching the traffic. And he works when he wants to, and plays when he wants to. And vows that he will never go back to the cubicle.
it's possible to get too focused on "looking for a *job*" rather than looking for *opportunities*. There *is* a difference.
A *job* (or, employment by an institution--whether it be for a small business, a company, or a government agency) isn't the *only* way to make a living.
Sometimes it helps to look in places and areas you originally had not considered. It helps to look at industries or institutions or fields unrelated to the industry, institution, or field you had worked with before. Or unrelated to what your degree is in. Maybe there was some activity you participated in during high school, college, or on the side that you really enjoyed. Is there a way you can convert that activity into a paying income source? Would people be willing to pay you directly for your services in this area? If so, maybe you can recreate yourself as owner and proprietor of a small small business to produce your income.
Between 2001 and 2004, some enterprising formerly employed folks caught my attention.
One, a recently laid-off Windows Graphic User Interface (GUI) software developer, started his own windows (the kind in houses and other buildings) cleaning business. From the news article in the local paper, it seemed he was happy with his new venture. He enjoyed his new freedom from the cubicle, and enjoyed being in more control of his destiny. And, he said he was making a decent income from his efforts.
Another entrepreneur (who also designs websites), started his own pet excrement pick-up business. With an amusing take on his newfound business, he has his phone number and company name and URL (http://www.doggydoodyduty.com) on his pickup truck. And also seems to be making a very nice profit. Although he still deals with excrement, at least it's not the bovine excrement he would most likely get at the office. And, it looks like his business is now expanding out of the local area and into other cities!
The third entrepreneur is my neighbor. He got laid off from his job as a facilities manager at a high-tech company about the same time I got laid off. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has extensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experience. So, he bought a panel van, threw a ladder and rack on the roof, and after taking a contractor's class and getting licensed as a contractor, starting his own HVAC repair and installation business. For the first two years he was extremely busy... but happy that he wasn't stuck in a cubicle. He could now schedule service calls when he wanted to spend the time doing the work. When he needed to take a break, he just wouldn't schedule any work for that period. He and his wife took a bunch of nice week-long vacations to Reno and Vegas during these *scheduled* breaks. A lot more vacation than most of those working stiffs still tied to their cubicles could ever take. Then, his wife was laid off from her accounting job. So, he hired her to be his accountant. He had also dabbled and gotten extremely good with his hobby of photography. He had amassed an amazing array of photographic equipment with the newest features. His wife also enjoyed the hobby and also was an excellent photographer. So, in addition to their HVAC business, they started a wedding and senior picture photography business. This, too, has become an extremely profitable sideline now turned full-time business for them. Now, instead of fighting the traffic to commute over the hills to work every day, he rides his bike to the local Starbucks and enjoys a cup of coffee while watching the traffic. And he works when he wants to, and plays when he wants to. And vows that he will never go back to the cubicle.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Weird Job Market.... a look at the past--from 1993....
This is a tome created 11 years ago during my last
lengthy bout of unemployment.
http://www.tracyinternet.net/dgardner1/WeirdJob.html
lengthy bout of unemployment.
http://www.tracyinternet.net/dgardner1/WeirdJob.html
The Job Market--a continuing saga...
How I found myself unemployed two years ago.
http://www.tracyinternet.net/dgardner1/Unemploy.html
http://www.tracyinternet.net/dgardner1/Unemploy.html
Keeping in touch through all the pain...
I've heard folks say that writing/communicating about one's frustrations when unemployed helps one get through it easier. Keeping a journal or a diary is good. Perhaps having a "Blog" where one can rant and rave.. and also communicate with friends and others in similar predicaments is also something to be considered. Perhaps it's also good to keep in touch when one is employed--because that network will be helpful when one becomes unemployed again. It's not an "if"--it's a "when"!
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