The first Labor Day in the United States was observed in New York City, 1882, by the Central Labor Union. It became a federal holiday in 1894.
Since then, this "salute to the working folk" has had many meanings to many people, stirring visions of time in the hammock- a cook out - or maybe watching the Jerry Lewis telethon.
HOWEVER- if you are among the millions out of work it probably means something entirely different.
It can mark a milestone of how long you are on the out, or perhaps it is a bitter reminder that while others are looking at a 'long weekend' and/or a shortened week ahead- your own time off to be remains unknown (and UNwanted). Maybe you are part of the statistics that are not counted in the 'mainstream' #s: maybe you ran out of unemployment $ or have taken part-time job(s) while still wanting/seeking a FT one (see the U6 # for more on that! = http://portalseven.com/employment/unemployment_rate_u6.jsp )
I heard a commentator on one show the other day suggest the unemployed look at it as a type of "New Years Day." He suggested a REnewed effort to find that elusive job. Not bad.
But for some like myself, the effort continues regardless of a "holiday." My focus continues to be trying to show employers WHAT I HAVE DONE and CAN DO-- and how that WILL WORK in their industry, that transferable skills are more valuable than ever (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-drake/b/264/545).
ANYWAY- Happy Labor Day (or job seeker New Years Day)!!
I'll ponder it some more over the grill myself no doubt.
Showing posts with label Employment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Employment. Show all posts
Monday, September 6, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Unemployment: the sad truth
Anyone who recently has glanced at a newspaper, watched TV or listened to the news on the radio (I hope these #s of informed are LARGE) must know that unemployment is high and hiring is – to put it simply – S-L-O-W.
Now, while the causes for the lay-offs and shutdowns are many, and the arguments over continuing high numbers are a topic for debate, there are other aspects that should be well known, but sadly seem rare in the collective knowledge of people today.
“There are plenty of jobs out there” Well, there ARE jobs listed online and in the classified, sure. But not everyone has an engineering degree, has a history of selling pharmaceuticals to physicians, has 5+ years of multi unit retail management experience, is an RN, has a CDL, ETC -ETC. FURTHERMORE-There is the specter of competition to contend with. In today’s market, you need to match a job description 110% just to GET the interview. It is a buyer’s market without dispute. I just met a plumber who has been out of work for years- finally getting a job driving a truck.
“Some people want to just collect unemployment/aren’t willing to take ‘any’ job.” Oh boy- where to start on this one?! First it can be agreed that there are SOME who will just take what they can get from the system. I need to again refer to the above, however, in that there are so many unemployed that competition for EACH AND EVERY job CANNOT be ignored. There are hundreds of applicants for an average posting. In this, it is understandable for a hiring manager to whittle away at those without experience matching the company or perhaps even industry. In addition, there is SOME credibility to those turned away because they have far surpassed the level of the position advertised. I will debate some points of this however:
“Sorry- you’re overqualified.” As I have repeated- Competition is the chief villain for the unemployed today. Having said, I would argue there are various levels to debate. If say, you are looking to hire a sales re, and a former company Vice President applies, - you may move on to other resumes. But I would argue (as a former hiring manager) if the position previously held is, say, but one level above that advertised, an interview would tell you if a ‘bargain’ could be had. Sadly, I would have to state today’s recruiters & HR managers are short sighted, looking at the “He/she won’t stay” angle despite the harsh reality of the economy and job market we are in.
Furthermore are other disturbing trends (and frustrating ones if you are among the unemployed). Recent news stories not only reveal scams such as pay for job leads, but other work at home or ‘franchise’ type schemes. But even worse is the list of articles revealing that some hiring managers have a policy of “the unemployed need not apply.” The numerous reports of this not only cede credibility, but reinforce the older practice of ‘the longer you are out, the less we want to hire you.’
One other area of comment and facts about information I find not widely known: The numbers counted in the unemployment figures do not tell the whole story. Left out are people not collecting because their compensation has run out or because they (luckily?) have multiple part time jobs while seeking a FT one. Still others are left out because they have temporary (contracted) jobs despite the length or lack of benefits many offer. Sometimes reported as the “underemployed number,” it can be as much as double the unemployment rate.
Now, while the causes for the lay-offs and shutdowns are many, and the arguments over continuing high numbers are a topic for debate, there are other aspects that should be well known, but sadly seem rare in the collective knowledge of people today.
“There are plenty of jobs out there” Well, there ARE jobs listed online and in the classified, sure. But not everyone has an engineering degree, has a history of selling pharmaceuticals to physicians, has 5+ years of multi unit retail management experience, is an RN, has a CDL, ETC -ETC. FURTHERMORE-There is the specter of competition to contend with. In today’s market, you need to match a job description 110% just to GET the interview. It is a buyer’s market without dispute. I just met a plumber who has been out of work for years- finally getting a job driving a truck.
“Some people want to just collect unemployment/aren’t willing to take ‘any’ job.” Oh boy- where to start on this one?! First it can be agreed that there are SOME who will just take what they can get from the system. I need to again refer to the above, however, in that there are so many unemployed that competition for EACH AND EVERY job CANNOT be ignored. There are hundreds of applicants for an average posting. In this, it is understandable for a hiring manager to whittle away at those without experience matching the company or perhaps even industry. In addition, there is SOME credibility to those turned away because they have far surpassed the level of the position advertised. I will debate some points of this however:
“Sorry- you’re overqualified.” As I have repeated- Competition is the chief villain for the unemployed today. Having said, I would argue there are various levels to debate. If say, you are looking to hire a sales re, and a former company Vice President applies, - you may move on to other resumes. But I would argue (as a former hiring manager) if the position previously held is, say, but one level above that advertised, an interview would tell you if a ‘bargain’ could be had. Sadly, I would have to state today’s recruiters & HR managers are short sighted, looking at the “He/she won’t stay” angle despite the harsh reality of the economy and job market we are in.
Furthermore are other disturbing trends (and frustrating ones if you are among the unemployed). Recent news stories not only reveal scams such as pay for job leads, but other work at home or ‘franchise’ type schemes. But even worse is the list of articles revealing that some hiring managers have a policy of “the unemployed need not apply.” The numerous reports of this not only cede credibility, but reinforce the older practice of ‘the longer you are out, the less we want to hire you.’
One other area of comment and facts about information I find not widely known: The numbers counted in the unemployment figures do not tell the whole story. Left out are people not collecting because their compensation has run out or because they (luckily?) have multiple part time jobs while seeking a FT one. Still others are left out because they have temporary (contracted) jobs despite the length or lack of benefits many offer. Sometimes reported as the “underemployed number,” it can be as much as double the unemployment rate.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Customer Service - Building Relationships and Business
"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." -Dwight Eisenhower
There is a phrase in business - "internal & external customers (clients)". I have been building these internal relationships before I had even heard the phrase. To me it just made sense. These folks (sometimes department managers) Have their part in the company's overall operation as much as mine. I treat them like I want them to treat me. I don't bark at them- I have always tried to make them understand MY side, and the impact of the situation. In many cases, I became the 'go-to' even if I had a senior manager overseeing a project. This was simply because I could get things done. I earned the respect of these 'internal customers' because I respected them and worked with them. I have worked along side their people quiet often to learn THEIR side, and procedures. This has shown me how they interpret what WE do, and likewise how we can communicate better.
Now that is not to say I don't hold them accountable. In one specific situation, I would push when need be. But it was done with KNOWLEDGE. The other Dept head was defending his employee (as a good manager will), but when I pointed out some facts from what I learned, he had to concede that I was more right than wrong. A fix would be put in place and we would move forward.
Call it leadership or call it teamwork- I call it good business and just plain common sense.
Looking forward to putting that back to work.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-drake/b/264/545
There is a phrase in business - "internal & external customers (clients)". I have been building these internal relationships before I had even heard the phrase. To me it just made sense. These folks (sometimes department managers) Have their part in the company's overall operation as much as mine. I treat them like I want them to treat me. I don't bark at them- I have always tried to make them understand MY side, and the impact of the situation. In many cases, I became the 'go-to' even if I had a senior manager overseeing a project. This was simply because I could get things done. I earned the respect of these 'internal customers' because I respected them and worked with them. I have worked along side their people quiet often to learn THEIR side, and procedures. This has shown me how they interpret what WE do, and likewise how we can communicate better.
Now that is not to say I don't hold them accountable. In one specific situation, I would push when need be. But it was done with KNOWLEDGE. The other Dept head was defending his employee (as a good manager will), but when I pointed out some facts from what I learned, he had to concede that I was more right than wrong. A fix would be put in place and we would move forward.
Call it leadership or call it teamwork- I call it good business and just plain common sense.
Looking forward to putting that back to work.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-drake/b/264/545
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Job Hunting and The Lottery
I was flipping channels and came across the movie “DAVE.” It’s about a “down to earth guy that looks like the President & is put into place when the President is incapacitated.” (Fun movie- catch it if you can). ANYWAY; He’s giving a speech and says (paraphrasing-something to the effect) ‘Have you ever seen the face of someone when they get a job… a purpose... they can look themselves in the mirror knowing they’ve accomplished a day’s work…they look like they could fly.’
It made me think about myself and friends, ex coworkers who are (still) searching for work; searching online, networking, making calls and knocking on doors. Playing our numbers as it were.
Here’s the thing- have you ever known someone who played the lottery? They kept playing their ‘lucky number’ because they ‘knew’ they would win soon? WHY? “They were due.” Or because- “it was going to be their turn.’
Yeah…Uh--huh.
Well, you see, it doesn’t work like that in real life. Neither does job hunting.
It is like a lottery in that you keep on ‘playing’ – crossing your fingers that today’s your day. But- you only win when the stars align, - “the numbers match” (i.e. your skills outmatches the other guy or gal’s in regard to the needs of the company).
Not because it’s your turn. Not because you’re due. The Wall St Journal says that 59% of those unemployed have been so over a year.
So wish me luck, I’ll keep playing until my numbers come in.
It made me think about myself and friends, ex coworkers who are (still) searching for work; searching online, networking, making calls and knocking on doors. Playing our numbers as it were.
Here’s the thing- have you ever known someone who played the lottery? They kept playing their ‘lucky number’ because they ‘knew’ they would win soon? WHY? “They were due.” Or because- “it was going to be their turn.’
Yeah…Uh--huh.
Well, you see, it doesn’t work like that in real life. Neither does job hunting.
It is like a lottery in that you keep on ‘playing’ – crossing your fingers that today’s your day. But- you only win when the stars align, - “the numbers match” (i.e. your skills outmatches the other guy or gal’s in regard to the needs of the company).
Not because it’s your turn. Not because you’re due. The Wall St Journal says that 59% of those unemployed have been so over a year.
So wish me luck, I’ll keep playing until my numbers come in.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Perception
Perception is reality... or so some say.
Have you ever reached into the back row when buying milk? Bypassing the front row- the still good - not nearly 'expired' carton or jug?
How about when you go to make a sandwich? Do you (George Carlin fans know) reach past the first few pieces to get to the "fresh stuff?"
Why is this? Perception?? Is there anything wrong with what's up front?? Of course not.
Now how about wine? Don't most pay more for the "aged?" When you prepare meat- do you sprinkle a little sauce or take time to marinate- to truly season it?
Now I'm sure there are so many more examples (and some that may seek to disprove my point). But for the point of THIS discussion I am simply trying to point out that "fresh" and "aged" can be looked at in some different ways.
My problem is NOT my age, here- it's the unfortunate length of time I have been out of work since my old company folded! There are many (not all -granted) hiring managers that look at you - or should I say WON'T look at you- based on the length of time you have been out of work. One recent online application had the question right under name/address!
What is REALLY happening is competition (too many applicants- too few jobs)! H/Ms and automated applications can afford to look at employment status as well as other factors. Having done hiring in my most recent postition, I tried to look at the quality-opportunity in each resume. Speaking to the person to get the best idea possible for a match (for the job, for my team).
If all the milk was the same date- would you not buy any? or is it because there is a day or 2 fresher available? All I can say is I have the experience and drive (seasoning)- I just need a chance. hiredrake@yahoo.com
Have you ever reached into the back row when buying milk? Bypassing the front row- the still good - not nearly 'expired' carton or jug?
How about when you go to make a sandwich? Do you (George Carlin fans know) reach past the first few pieces to get to the "fresh stuff?"
Why is this? Perception?? Is there anything wrong with what's up front?? Of course not.
Now how about wine? Don't most pay more for the "aged?" When you prepare meat- do you sprinkle a little sauce or take time to marinate- to truly season it?
Now I'm sure there are so many more examples (and some that may seek to disprove my point). But for the point of THIS discussion I am simply trying to point out that "fresh" and "aged" can be looked at in some different ways.
My problem is NOT my age, here- it's the unfortunate length of time I have been out of work since my old company folded! There are many (not all -granted) hiring managers that look at you - or should I say WON'T look at you- based on the length of time you have been out of work. One recent online application had the question right under name/address!
What is REALLY happening is competition (too many applicants- too few jobs)! H/Ms and automated applications can afford to look at employment status as well as other factors. Having done hiring in my most recent postition, I tried to look at the quality-opportunity in each resume. Speaking to the person to get the best idea possible for a match (for the job, for my team).
If all the milk was the same date- would you not buy any? or is it because there is a day or 2 fresher available? All I can say is I have the experience and drive (seasoning)- I just need a chance. hiredrake@yahoo.com
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