When my editor handed me a list of books I might want to review for the paper as part of an on-going series I had pitched about the job market, I found myself getting hotter and hotter under the collar. The authors on this list were comprised of so-called "career experts" who specialized in workforce relations and conflict resolution.
By the time I read the synopsis of the last book on the list, steam was coming out of my ears. In essence, it suggested 'A bright smile, winning attitude, firm handshake and great eye contact will lead you to that next job!'
Enough. I had had enough. Luckily, I have a great relationship with my editor, so he merely laughed when I gave an emphatic (if not colorful) explanation of why I would not review any of these books.
He also recognized the source of my ire. Two years ago, I took the leap from the dying industry of local news, in search of a better opportunity.
To feel more productive, I investigated in an on-line job search site, that enthused that if you pay "x" amount of dollars, you were guaranteed a position. The link also included info about a resume service.
Intrigued, I plunked down a couple hundred bucks to be admitted to this 'exclusive' site, and submitted a preliminary resume to be reviewed. I was feeling pretty confident, as my resume had just been redone professionally.
A few days later, I received a scathing note from the resume people. I won't go into detail, but here is just a taste of their review: "You have wasted the most valuable real estate in the resume...You need to dig deeper here. The language needs better dramatic sharpening. It's below average, at best..."
I think you get the point here. I left out the "This really needs to be rewritten!" (Please note the condescending exclamation point here). Wow. I didn't know it was possible to suck this badly. But wait! There is hope for me yet. For a mere $600, I can be transformed from a pathetic, illiterate louse to a successfully employable person!!
Now if I hadn't had my resume already professionally done, I may have taken this personally. Perhaps if I hadn't been a journalist who writes for a living I would have taken this even more personally. And finally, if I hadn't done a little 'intel' work and submitted another, completely different resume to the same company under a different format, and received the same form letter from this company, I would have been heartbroken.
Needless to say, I have found there are people out there who are in the business of capitalizing on people who are out of business. After all the money I plunked down for this site, and applied on-line, I never received a call-back -- not one. It was a hard-learned lesson that these people haven't pounded the pavement. They are there to make a buck, pure and simple.
In the end, I found my way by nurturing contacts I had made years ago. I talked to contacts, used LinkedIn and Indeed.com (free, I may add) and just kept asking around. I have created a successful freelance business that allows me to write regularly, moderate events, and be a spokesperson for different companies.
My other friends found their new positions the same way. Some are working as free agents, and others are working for someone else. However, they found them through their own contacts.
I'm not saying that there aren't good books out there, or even good services, because there are. Books like Free Agent Nation is a great resource for adapting to a changing job market (and is written by Daniel Pink, a former speechwriter for the White House who left his post after working himself to death). I also sought out the advice of a reputable career coach.
So, beware of the books boasting trite solutions to the job search, or expensive on-line services that simply prey on your fears. You don't need them. It's more a matter of working the hell out of your contacts and finding people who are your best advocates. Before you know it, you'll be back in business.
Robin Hamilton is a Boston-based television host, writer and moderator. She has written extensively about the job market, and has a four-part podcast series with career coach Kathy Robinson about the best strategies for employment. Entitled 'Let the Layoff Payoff', you can download from iTunes for free, or go to her website www.aroundrobin.com
