Wherever you are is a good place to Network!

Network Wherever You Might Be!

No matter how strange the setting, it does not hurt to try. One of the stranger places I did successful networking was through UPS (www.ups.com). In December I worked as a Driver’s Helper. (I learned that this is another job I don’t want to do when I grow up. Especially during December; those drivers work way to hard. I have a new-found respect for the UPS driver.) As a driver’s helper, we would pull up to a business or house, I’d be handed the package, run it in for delivery and run back to the truck. This would go on for many hundred stops a day.

At one business stop in Adel, I delivered an overnight letter to a business that had taken up residence in an old church. The company is Bow and Arrow productions, www.baproductionsinc.com. I asked what they did and Anne Greenwalt told me that they were a communications fulfillment company specializing in Business Theater and special events. I asked if they were hiring and if I could send them a resume. Anne said she would be glad to take a look. That night I emailed my information to her and the owner, Michael Mars. I also got hard copies into their hands.

When I followed up on my next day off (wouldn’t want to be accused of wasting UPS company time) Ann let me know that they did not have any openings, but she would keep an eye open for me. And she said to keep in touch. The networking did not result in a job, but I did get to meet a very nice person who is keeping her eyes open for me, and I have one more resource to contact.

Oh, in addition to delivering packages, we would also pick up any items that the businesses had for shipment, be it regular or overnight. The overnight shipments ranged from legal documents, a 137-pound overhead garage door spring, and shipments of frozen bull semen. Everyday was an adventure.

If anyone is interested in learning more, or perhaps hiring me, I can be contacted at:

Joe Burklund

Urbandale, IA

515/253-0337

burklund@mchsi.com

@JoeBurklund

http://www.linkedin.com/in/burklund

Joe Burklund, Job Seeker

Firts of all, thanks to WHO-TV for putting me on the air. Any exposure is good exposure, just spell my name right. Since my short segment aired about two weeks ago, I received three calls related to it. One was a person who thought I would be great selling nutritional-medicinal suplements. (Sorry, not my cup of tea.) Another was from a genltemen who, along with his father, had a great invention that would make a lot of money. He needed marketing help to get it going. He was to send me information, but I have not heard from him since. I wish him luck. I also heard from a man in Eldora who has a new travel site, http://www.videotripper.com/. That looks promising and I will be talking to him again soon.



Having been on the street since last August, I have been through the usual ups and downs of the unemployed. Basicly, it bites. I have also changed my search strategy. Just about all of the online job sites and listing seem to be black holes; toss a cover letter and a resume in and they just vanish. I finally realized that active networking was doing the most for my job search. Going to chamber events, Social Media Clubs, seminars, and talking to people has produced the most positive job leads. The Net2Work meeting put on by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, http://www.desmoinesmetro.com/, is a good place to be on alternate Mondays. Also, the Unemployed in Des Moines meetings and web site are great, http://www.unemployedindesmooines.com/.



So, that is the extent of my blog for now. Stay tuned.

February Week of 14th

Hello,

I've been looking for full-time work since December. My passion are people, specifically children. Currently, I have been working part-time at an in-home daycare. I am checking into going back to school for a certificate in Early Childhood Education at DMACC. I am also applying for work for overnights until I get full-time work. I've been doing off-hours child care in people's homes, as needed.

It will come, I just need to keep a positive attitude & check all the options. Do what you need to do to keep going until you get to where you want/need to be!!

The Game Plan!

I'm sitting here reflecting on the past several weeks. Numerous things have come and gone including the holidays, college football, and the NFL's regular season. However, during these last weeks I have reconfirmed my philosophy and the value of networking. Those relationships that I, and I'm assuming some of you, have established over the years still remain constant. I have had the pleasure of re-connecting with individuals on both a personal and professional level.

Thus far, I have come to realize that if you just regimentally apply to online job board postings, your competing with the thousands of other individuals. You become one of those other individuals that hiring managers have to scan through in a matter of seconds to decide if they are interested in speaking with you about their opportunity.

Produce a game plan for finding a new career opportunity that includes job boards but expands on that resource. Networking can provide you with potential opportunities that companies are planning on adding but have yet to be made public. It also helps to have an internal voice speaking on your behalf to obtain that initial interview with the employer. The hardest part is getting to have the opportunity to get in front of the individual company to show them what you can add to their organization.

Things have changed compared to past years, "advantage employer".

It's easy to sit at home applying for career opportunities in the comfort of your home. These lovely balmy sub-zero temperatures can make it easy to want to sit in your temperature controlled environment and wait for something to come your way. I'm not suggesting that I nor you should not apply for openings posted on job boards but before we go that route a few things should be done.

Network and then network some more and while doing that make sure we can briefly describe our self and what we're looking for in a quick and impacting manner. It's easy to say the standard items you say when people ask who you are. You usually start off by giving your name, maybe something about your family, some hobbies, and what you do for a living. Well your not currently gainfully employed and an organization doesn't really want to know about your family items up front, that's once you've made their team. Company X wants to know what your bringing to the their organization and how its different than your other teammate on the unemployment line.

What is it that makes you a unique individual in comparison to the thousands of individuals potentially in the same unemployment line?

Keep the faith!

Kalani

Working The Holiday Season

I am amazed at the job postings that continue throughout the holiday season. Today is Monday, December 22nd and the job boards are updating new career opportunities every day. Beyond the job boards, companies are not closed down until the New Year. I'm making a lot of networking contacts this time of year. There seems to be a lesser amount of stress making employers accessible and willing to meet with me. I met with a senior executive of a company after an introduction by a friend. Although there wasn't a specific job available, he told me that he was interested in my resume and wanted to share it with his colleagues. More to come....

Weeks 4-8

I talked to friends of mine to let them know I was looking for a job. One of my friends said he did not think his company was hiring, but he would check anyway. Turns out they were not hiring at the moment, but they wanted to interview me for upcoming positions.
That is a great example of trying to let everyone that you know that you are looking for a job. Also, get your own business cards made! One website to check out is vistaprint.com That is were I ordered mine. Business cards are an easy way to exchange information with someone, or just give them information. Just be sure to carry some in your wallet or purse at all times. Not that I have ever forgotten that, LoL.
My job hunting I limit to about one or two days a week. There are a few reasons that I do this. One being, there are not very many new applicable job postings from week to week. Two, I think it is more stressful to search everyday, especially when you do not see any new postings at all.
Check back for my next blog where I'll talk about a couple of interviews that I had in the last few weeks. With any luck by my next post I may have a new job!

Noah

First Post

As all of you can see, attending job fairs can bring about some interesting results, like an interview with Dave Price of WHO TV. This is my first post to all of you seeking employment during these difficult economic times. My message is to maintain a positive attitude and to remember that the career positions you are applying for with a myriad of companies will happen within their time frame not yours. This is probably the most frustrating aspect of the job search. We're excited by an interview, whether telephone or face to face, then apprehensive about the screening process and the perpetual wait to hear again from a prospective employer.

For those of you seeking a new career, especially professionals who are unemployed, you must take advantage of the great opportunities available to you free of charge at the Iowa Workforce Development Center (IWD) located at 430 E. Grand Avenue in Des Moines. This is not just the "unemployment office"!! Become a member of IWD and the doors open with friendly professionals who give you the respect you deserve, help you build your resume, brush up on your interviewing skills, and most importantly, assist you in finding the right job. I have even been able to network with outside corporate leaders from introductions by staff at IWD.

As I continue to pursue my next adventure in life, I will keep you informed through this blog. I really appreciate the many blogs that all of you have been posting. We are here to listen to and help each other. I'm grateful to meet so many of you online.

Steve

Week 1-4

Well, at first I performed the obvious. I went to all the similar companies in the area and dropped off a resume. Unfortunately only one was 'hiring'. I use this term loosely because while they were advertising for a position, I came to find out later that they were not actually going to hire someone until the market rebounded.
I also applied with a bunch of 'headhunter' companies. These companies actually seek out employee's for employer's. They basically do a lot of the work for you. I would highly recommend seeking out these type of companies. I also tried to let everyone that I knew that I was looking for a job. You never know who might know someone! This will come into play later on my next blog on how I got another interview.
I also checked in with my alumni association at Iowa State University and probably had the most success with finding applicable jobs initially. They have CMS 'Career Management Services' where employers can post job opportunities on the universities website and you can apply online.
Another avenue I pursued was the usual Des Moines help wanted, Monster Jobs, Career Builder, etc. I did have moderate success with finding applicable jobs at these type of locations as well.

Stay tuned for more updates next week.

Noah

Dazed and Confused

Well here goes my first blog. I'm Noah, I was on the Channel 13 news 'Job Seeker' report on Saturday September 7th on the 10pm news. I was formerly employed by a Fire Sprinkler company in Des Moines. I had worked for the company since my graduation from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2004. Unfortunately, there was no heads up from my former company that anyone was going to be let go. I found out on a Friday at 2pm. I guess at least I had the weekend to gather myself and figure out a game plan for looking for a new job. I'll discuss my next steps on my following posts............So stay tuned!

A bit disappointed

I am a bit disappointed that after having three interviews with one company, I was the person who had to make the contact with them and find out that the job had been given to someone else. Oh, well, on to the next contact!

Yes, I'm still here

Yes, I am still looking for a job. I just got sidetracked a bit as I took on a seasonal job at the great Iowa State Fair!!

What an adventure--if you count an adventure as working 12-13 hour days for 14 days in a row!! I did have fun though and learned a lot about myself. Like . . .

1. I could work 12-13 hour days in the sweltering heat and/or during rainy days
2. I don't need to find a desk job anymore like I used to have. My legs held up for those 12 hour days.
3. I developed a new appreciation for sleep. My head hit the pillow as soon as I got home at night.

Most importantly, I gained a new self confidence. After doing that job, I think I can do anything!!

Project Lemon-aid De-brief

Last week I attended an event, Project Lemon Aid, for job seekers that was advertised as "unlike any other event you will attend." And I gotta admit that it lived up to its billing.
There were 3 speakers and a participant-participant networking session which is a fairly common format for these type of gatherings. However, the content from the spekaers is what set this event apart. Other than a few questions from the studio audience, the presentations did NOT cover the standard fare--resumes, cover letters, etc. Rather, the content of the presentations was focused on PMA. Positive Mental Attitiude. "Create the habit of thinking what you want." "Angry thoughts produce angry energy which attracts anger into our lives." "Believe it to achieve it."
And also remaining unfailingly persistent during one's search.
For anybody in sales, this was good stuff. And since everybody in career transition is "selling themselves" there was probably some benefit to all.
One exercise that I found interesting was one of the speakers asked everyone to list life experiences that induced fear. And then asked us to indicate whehter the experience held us back or helped us move forward.

There was a bit of a scheduling snafu with the photographer, but pictures were eventually taken.

--
Mike
Click here to see the segment that WHO-TV did on me

Click here to see my profile

To follow this blog add it to your Reader or click on the link in the Followers section at the top right.

Stumbling blocks and prospects

Well, I was a bit too optimistic about Iowa Workforce (i.e., now called Iowa Works). Spent a good chunk of 3 days down there last week and though the personnel had obviously gotten lots of training in how to treat clients, there was still tons of misinformation given out. Everyone seemed to have a different idea about where I should go next and for what reason. I plowed though the system though, skipping over areas and going to the top in some cases. I still have work to do down there this week though.

I also spent quite a bit of time at DMACC, trying to register for the right (i.e., high demand) course work that would qualify for the new dislocated worker program or the extended 26-week unemployment benefits. DMACC also did not know what was going on and I got that story from more than 1 counselor who I asked to assist me. Not too much help there. I was exhausted when I got home on Friday night.

And yes, kudos for Grandview offering free classes. I will have 9 credits in my pocket in another few weeks. Hopefully 3 of them will transfer to DMACC for my certificate program I'm enrolled in.

Of course though, when it rains, it pours. I now have two phone job interviews scheduled for this week!! I may get a job after all.

Tip of the Hat to Grandview

In the continuing series of The Perks of Being Unemployed (ok-technically this is only the second post on that topic so perhaps it not yet an official series), I gotta tip my hat to Grandview. They generously offered to waive tuition for all the Summer sessions for everybody who was laid off. I'm not aware of any other local university/college who made such a generous offer.
Unfortunately, there were no IT classes on the Summer schedule, but I jumped into an Investments class. Have been to several sessions now and gotta say that I'm really enjoying being back in the classroom. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the intellectual challenge of studying a new subject.
The instructor is great. He uses a very practical and real-world approach to the material. It feels a tiny bit odd being in class with all young people, but they probably think that it is a bit odd being in class with me and we all make a dynamic group with diverse views.
Taking a class (even a free class) is not as good as landing a new position and the course is taking a little more time than I was expecting, but I still think that this endeavor is well worth the time (and definitely better than crab fishing).
I have no idea whether Grandview will continue the program in the Fall, but if they do I would highly recommend taking a class.

--
Mike
Click here to see the segment that WHO-TV did on me

Click here to see my profile

To follow this blog add it to your Reader or click on the link in the Followers section at the top right.

What a difference!

Just got back from the "newly revised" Iowa Workforce Center. What great changes they have made! They've been operating for four days with the new system and the unemployed actually get treated as "HUMAN BEINGS." I was very pleased. I complimented every worker that I had contact with. Was told though that they are still working out kinks which I'm sure they will be doing for quite a while. I have to really commend the agency though for putting on this "NEW FACE."

I did come away though without some specific questions about the dislocated worker program and the extended unemployment benefits while in school being answered. The new system requires you now to attend an assessment meeting which is held at 2:30 every day. That is a good thing though--I Just have to wait a bit more time to get my questions answered and to get back into "their system."

I believe though that even with all of their efforts, it is still going to be extremely difficult for the unemployed to find jobs. That is why I think the grassroots efforts of AMOS are important. They are going to be talking one-to-one with employers. Perhaps Iowa Workforce does this also though.

Meanwhile though, I did turn my experience into a networking opportunity and was able to give out two business cards for my home interior, home staging business!

Iowa Workforce

I also heard last night at the AMOS meeting from the Iowa Workforce representative that the job fairs held in Des Moines have now been changed to once a month rather than every week due to a lack of employers interested in participating.

Yes, I'm tardy

Yes, I realized I have been very negligent in posting to this site. But I have been busy . . .

. . . Busy attending the free classes for the unemployed at Grandview University. Yea!

. . . Busy trying to get my new business off the ground--thinking about writing a business plan, networking, designing a brochure, getting a web domain, and so on and so on

. . . Busy applying for the few jobs I have found in my field

. . . Busy talking to DMACC about classes I can take this fall

. . . Busy again at Iowa Workforce to see about their new unemployment/dislocated worker programs

. . . Busy trying to increase my customers for my current part-time business

. . . Busy attending meetings, networking groups, having coffee with friends and new friends

. . . Studying

. . . and the list goes on . . .

I am especially enjoying meeting new people and seeing new places. Today I ended up on the Des Moines campus of DMACC. I had no idea they had a real campus there. Pretty cool. Lots of very friendly people there also. As is the same with Grandview. Am really enjoying that experience.

Tonight I attended a meeting held at First Christian Church. The meeting was sponsored by AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy). They have been meeting for several months at the grass roots level to try and find solutions for the unemployed. I attended a meeting in June also. See my blog dated June 9. I highly urge everyone, employed or not employed to attend next month's meeting. It will be on Aug. 11. Not sure of the meeting place yet though. They are working through the church community and meet in churches generally. I came away totally energized! An Iowa Workforce representative was there as were people from AARP, AMOS, Iowa Employment Solutions, Iowans for Social & Economic Development plus many pastors from local churches.

Project Lemon-aid

Project Lemon-aid is yet another new networking opportunity that I am planning to attend

Mostly becuase..."The first session will offer a variety of professional services, including free professional photographs for every attendee..."

Some Companies Recruiting on Twitter

You may or may not have heard of Twitter (OK. OK. You probably have probably been living in a cave with no electricity for the last 2 years if you have not at least heard of Twitter). It can be yet another tool in the Searching-For-Work-Toolbox.

Here are a few Companies Recruiting on Twitter:
Accenture: @Accenture_Jobs
ACULIS, Inc.: @aculis
ADP: @ADPCareers
Allstate Insurance: @AllstateCareers
American Express: @brandonpatton
AOL: @theregoesdave
APCO Worldwide: @Jessica_lee
Apple: @timesse
Assurant Solutions: @AssurantCareers
AT&T: @ATTjobs and @therecruiterguy
BAE Systems: @kellyviglione
Blackbaud: @stephmcdonald
Burger King: @BKCareers
City of Kingston: @kingstoncareers
Clearspring: @ihireu4cs
Compuware: @scottboren
comScore: @comScoreJobs
Davita: @DavitaJobs
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu: @JoinDeloitteUS
Disney/ABC: @DisneyABC
Ecolab: @Ecolab_Jobs
EDS: @tinahuckabay
EMC Careers: @EMCCareers and @EMCCollege
Ernst and Young: @Ernst_and_young
Excellaco: @excellaco
Follett Software: @FSCCareers
Forrester Research: @forresterjobs
Fullhouse Interactive: @fullhousecareer
Hallmark: @hallmarkcareers
HCA: @acareerathca
Hershey Company: @HersheyCompany
Hewitt: @HewittCareers
HomEq Servicing: @dcastrodale
Hitachi Consulting: @havrilla
Hyatt: @hyattcareers
Intel: @Jobsatintel
Intercontinental Hotel Group: @IHGeCareers
J.B. Hunt: @WeHaveFreight
Kaiser Permanente: @JennStockton
Kaplan Test Prep Services: @KTPA_Careers
Keller Williams Realty: @KWCareers
Kissito: @kissitocareers
KPMG: @KPMGCareers and @recruitingtruth
Kroger: @KrogerWorks
LexisNexis: @LN_Recruiting
Mattel: @MattelRecruiter and @mattelmba
McCormick & Schmick @Careers_At_ MSSR
McGladry: @lifeatmcgladrey
Microsoft @JobsBlog
MTV Networks @MTVnetworksjobs
MTV Games @MTVGamesJobs
New York Times: @NYTimesRecruit
nGenera: @nGeneraCareers
Odyssey Financial Technologies: @OdysseyCareers
Raytheon: @Raytheon_Jobs
Razorfish: @RazorfishJobs
Region 10: @LisaatRegionTen
RWRoundarch:@RWRoundarch
Sodexo: @sodexocareers
Southwest Airlines: @SWALesa
Spotsylvania Medical Center: @CareersAtSRMC
Starbucks: @Starbuckscareer
Take Care Health Systems: @TakeCareJobs
Thomson Reuters: @steffenson and @TRCareers
Time Warner Cable: @TWC_Recruiter
Twitter: @jobs
United Parcel Service: @UPSjobs
University of Pittsburgh Med Center: @UPMCCareers
United States Department of State: @DOScareers
Verizon: @VerizonCareers
Warner Brothers Entertainment: @WBCareers
Whistler Blackstone: @WhistlerJobs
Wipro: @WiproCareers
Zappos: @electra

So, now I have IDs on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, have been in the Des Moines Register, have been pictured in Juice, and have been featured on WHO TV news .
What I still do not have is a new position leading a high-performing technology/ops group at a fast-paced growing company.
(I would definitely trade all of what I listed in the have column for what is in the not-have column).
:)

--
Mike
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Am I Looking in the Wrong Place for the Wrong Kind of Job?

Perhaps I have been looking in all the wrong places for my next position? After watching several hours of Deadliest Catch on Discovery over the holiday weekend, I started thinking that maybe I should just give up entirely on not just Iowa (see Goodbye(?) Iowa) but also on IT/Technology and join one of the crews fishing for Alaskan King Crab? Those guys make some serious coin in a very short period of time...

Of course, it seems like there is about one boat per season that goes down with all crew lost. That is scary. And probably too risky for me. OK, back to searching for IT leadership roles for me.