Discussions, doodles, diatribes

During the past few days I’ve had some interesting experiences related to my job search — two wonderful and inspiring meetings, an interview setup, a form e-mail that wasn’t supposed to be to me and a harsh reality check from a paid career counselor.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I try to learn as much as I can from each experience so I still gain knowledge even when presented with a negative outcome. Before I write about the good of this week, I want to start with the not-so-good.

Not-so-good story 1: Pride yourself on being personal, but be just the opposite

In addition to traditional job searching, I have been exploring aspects of freelancing and temp jobs to make extra money. Although this is yet to be financially fruitful, I have learned quite a bit in the process and hope to continue to grow that knowledge.

I applied to work for a local creative services organization that prides itself, according to its Web site, as being different and developing strong personal relationships, investing themselves in their clients and talent, and being defined by respect, hard work, honesty and integrity. I was pretty excited to place myself in the pool of this organization’s talent. This organization is focused on designers, illustrators, print production managers, art directors, Flash and Web designers and the like. Each of those item I have experience in.

I was somewhat taken aback when I received this e-mail from them after submitting my information:

However, after reviewing your resume it doesn’t appear that we have anything to match your particular strengths and qualifications. We are highly specialized in the types of talent we represent. For the most part, the bulk of our talent come from design, production and account backgrounds, with an emphasis on interactive and print experience.

Woah. What? Huh? In addition to this being a form letter, what happened to personal connections and relationships. So I called them. I spoke with Katie, not the original person sending the e-mail. She promised she would have Leah get back to me with why I received this e-mail. About two hours later, Katie e-mailed me back saying my account was “accidentally mis-marked as not compatible.” I understand with the current economy that job inquiries are increasing and the process is becoming more demanding for the recruiters and HR professionals. However, someone messed up. This was not only a confusing response but also one that locked me out of future opportunities with the company. I applaud Katie for correcting it but still wonder why Leah hasn’t reached out to me to fulfill the organizations connection to establishing personal relationships.

By the way, this job site has 20 open positions listed. Very exciting. Very hopeful for the job seeker. However, also mentioned in the e-mail was that those jobs aren’t really available, they are on hold and may never be funded by the clients. Way to get my hopes up!

Not-so-good story 2: Local Chicago recruiter and paid “career expert” tells me to “find whatever.”

As a job seeker I am trying every option to get a job — networking, job posting, personal calls and e-mails, recruiters and the career counselor. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered like any “purchased product” job advice from career counselors should be marked caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware). Unlike consumer products, these paid sessions do not have a warranty and by no means seem to guarantee any success.

This person offers a program that touts itself as “One-on-One Consultation to Help You Conquer the Changing Job Market.” In addition, her materials mention being empowered and receiving personal attention giving and information necessary to get a job in this market. During this meeting, the person, who is also a recruiter in the industry, provided me a packet of information that any job seeker would find online by searching for job search tools or job search advice. Initially, I thought my money was well spent, she started off giving me materials, good idea. As the meeting progressed, I became very aware that she had not made herself familiar with my experiences or my resume. She made a comment similar to “why would you want to look for jobs in entertainment or cultural areas, everyone wants that, you don’t want to be like everyone.” My answer, which received a surprising blank stare from this expert, was: “Well, I tend to gravitate toward that because of seven years in entertainment. I have that experience, that’s why.”

As the meeting continued, I was confused and bewildered with the lack of specific ways that I could find a job. I don’t know any job seeker that doesn’t realize the importance of networking, an elevator speech or business cards in the search. I didn’t expect to hear it from someone I was paying for individual advice based on her experience in the industry.

At the end of the session, she asked me whether I was more excited or overwhelmed. I replied “disappointed.” Now her service offers follow-up and inclusion into her database of job seekers for jobs she’s recruiting for at the time. I understand she doesn’t guarantee a job, but I expected more. I learned at Disney that everyone expects to be treated like an individual. I definitely did not feel like an individual.

This session occurred a few months ago so I had sent her a follow-up message last week to let her know I was still job searching and would be open to additional advice. This was her response: “Find whatever work you can, even if it’s outside your discipline.”

Thanks. I feel empowered.

Great story 1: Connection surprises me with possible perfect mix of skills and interests

I like to let everyone know what I like doing. I like doing many things and am pretty good at quite a few of them. I never know when someone might here of an opportunity for me to use my skills and maybe be financially rewarded. I had a meeting Friday with a contact of mine that I didn’t really even know what he did, but it’s pretty darn cool.  We met while I was looking to move to Chicago and he was pretty instrumental in helping me secure a place in the city – for that reason, my traditional networking prowess became a bit skewed. I should probably blame myself for not pursuing this contact earlier, but I don’t think either of us connected the dots initially – or at least I didn’t.

Anyway, we met Friday and I told him my stories, my interests and my experience. He told me his. Lightbulbs and flashing lights were going off in my head (as well as one of those big cartoon hammers knocking me over and over asking me why I didn’t look into this more). After my week of being told I wasn’t a fit for certain jobs and being told a few weeks ago that I really need to decide on one thing I want to do or I won’t find anything, this was a breath of fresh air.

This person has ideas. He sees my strengths and my weaknesses. He knows I have much to learn about this industry but also much to give to it. He understands that multiple skills can be overwhelming and that success can come in small bits. He sees that I may not be able to show everyone everything initially but knows that when I am able to combine my strengths with an industry that needs those, I will be a success.

Although I don’t know exactly what might come of this in the future, this was sure empowering.

Great story 2: “People need your skills.”

Friday was a great day. To be empowered by one person then told by another that “people really need my skills” is a great way to go from Debbie Downer to a power player.

Because this post is getting long, I am going to abbreviate my last story (but will probably revisit it in a future post). My luncheon meeting with an expert and experienced leader at one of the largest public relations firms in the nation became an afternoon of talking shop, shows and opportunities. He took me back to his office, showed me around and spent almost four hours of his Friday afternoon giving me more advice and guidance.

Although he sees great potential in me in the traditional workplace, he also sees my skills for what they can bring to a company as a freelancer. His points empowered me as well:

• Don’t sell yourself short, people need you.
• Make people understand they need you. Put it in perspective for them.
• Continue learning. Continue your reading. Embrace the knowledge.
• Don’t stop doing what you enjoy doing (for me, it is building puppets and loving theatre).
• Meet people outside your job interests yet always keep your skills at the forefront (you might find they need you).

What a great Friday.

Spending time job searching is often monotonous, sometimes disheartening and depressing and rarely positive. These two wonderful people I met with Friday gave me back the positive. Everyone needs to be able to experience that feeling sooner than later. I assume getting a job would be a positive experience for me as well.