Looking for work in tough times

Dear Bob …

It’s a frustrating time to be out of work. I was RIF’d just prior to Thanksgiving. A bad time to be looking for work under any circumstance but with the economy the way it is now makes it just harder.

How on earth do I get past these automated systems? Phone calls have been totally unproductive as all I get is voice mail and they are not calling me back. In all of the applications I’ve put in only two systems have sent me an automated response that at least acknowledges that they even received my application.

The problem isn’t my resume. I’ve had several people review it. It outlines 28 years of experience in the software development area. My experience ranges from systems administration and software development to middle management.

I’ve been networking as best I can but the bottom line is that there aren’t a lot of opportunities out there. My recruiter tells me that companies have been able to tighten up requirements to the point that it is next to impossible to get a foot in the door.

I keep in touch with my former team and have provided much technical assistance since I was let go. I sure didn’t have to, but there is a part of me that really cares for what I did for them and how they can succeed in the future.

How on earth do I get across in an online process that I am a loyal employee? How do I get them to understand that even after a company lets me go I still help them out? It seems to me that even in this day and age that would be an attribute an employer would be looking for.

I’ve only gotten one phone interview so far. I’ve not been able to get an interview in person yet. I do well in interviews and in the past this is always what got me the job.

I’m sure I’m not the only person in this sinking boat. But perhaps given the state of the economy it might be something for you to address.

– Unresponded to

Dear Unresponded …

Ugh. You’re right, the employment situation isn’t pretty right now and it isn’t going to even stabilize for at least a year, according to the tea leaves I’m reading. That being the case, you need a better set of tactics for finding your next job.

But before I get to that: “Your recruiter?” You don’t have a recruiter. Recruiters work for companies that have open positions, not people looking for them. That’s how it works and never forget it.

Now about those better tactics: I’ll give you the short version. Start frequenting www.asktheheadhunter.com for more details and specifics.

The short version: Divide prospective employers into three categories:

1. I really, really want to work there!

2. It would be nice to work there.

3. If they made me an offer I’d consider it.

Post applications to companies that fall into categories 2 and 3. Use monster.com, careerbuilder.com and so on to give yourself a chance for category 3 companies, too.

For category 1 companies, avoid posting applications on-line, because once you do you’ve more or less obligated yourself to work through HR/Recruiting and have put handcuffs on the person you should be talking to — the manager who has an open position.

Category 1 companies are the ones you research, develop strategies, and find ways to get introductions to hiring managers. Make sure you talk to them first, before Recruiting knows you exist. That’s because Recruiting tends to view its role as screening out unqualified applicants. That means they’re comparing your skills to the position’s skill requirements … a great way to hire a sack o’ skills; not such a great way to evaluate a person.

Hiring managers, in contrast, are more likely to be looking for the applicant who can best succeed in the defined role, and who can grow into bigger roles. They’re more likely to recognize your potential than the average Recruiting department.

So get to the hiring manager first. Once you’ve made the sale (which might, by the way, include your offering to work on contract for awhile until you’re both confident it’s a good fit), then you can go through the proper channels, secure in the knowledge that the hiring manager will contact Recruiting and tell them to keep an eye out for your application.

– Bob