WorkWise Q&A: Onward, Credentials

By Mildred L. Culp
culp@workwise.net

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ONWARD

Q: Dear Dr. Culp, What are the best places/tools for recent graduates to explore for entry-level positions in their desired field? Job boards haven’t been effective for me. Disenchanted

A: Dear Disenchanted, Apply very selectively to job postings.

Find one person -- a business owner who will refer you to a customer, vendor or colleague; a neighbor; an alum from your college, someone where you work out, etc. Open your eyes. Use your imagination.

At your library or on the Web, develop a list of 20 companies. Then, ask your first person if he knows someone in one of them to contact. If not, ask him if he knows someone elsewhere you could speak with about the industry or company. Keep asking people for others to contact. Never ask, “Do you know of any openings?”

When you call the person, mention that “So-and-So of XYZ Company suggested I call you to discuss industry/field/occupation,” whatever. Ask for ten or 15 minutes. In the interview, ask why the person enjoys working in the industry and the company. Ask where there’s growth in the field. Get at least a replacement referral and ask when you might recontact that person. Do. Listen for opportunities. mlc

CREDENTIALS

Q: Good morning, Dr. Culp, I am 61 years old, fit and mentally alert. Aside from the fact that the job market is lousy, what else is preventing me from getting full-time employment?

I have some credentials, along with 14 years of experience in college student development, seven in retail management and merchandising, 13 in employee development and training, and two in addictions counseling. I have two MAs (counseling and management/leadership) and continuing education to keep my credentials active. I blog, tweet, and post online on several professional networking sites; volunteer with my church in various leadership roles; am co-program chair of a local chapter of a professional performance improvement association and teach part-time. Blocked

A: Dear Blocked, You didn’t mention what you’re looking for. You also spent a long time summarizing your background and no time detailing how you’ve job hunted. Don’t rest on your laurels. Describe your direction.

Where are you headed? What do you want? Focus your thinking and communicating on what you’re going to do rather than what you’ve done. If you don’t know, figure it out. It’s difficult to find work if you and the people you’re meeting have no idea what you want. mlc