Hey Mike, Can You Help Me? I’m Looking For A Job.

The reality of this economy is that a lot of good, capable and competent logistics professionals are unemployed. Over the past 60 days I have literally lost count of the people who have contacted me to let me know that they are looking for a job. Truthfully, it has been very sobering.If you are out of work or simply want a better job, you have two choices. You can complain that life isn’t fair and use that as an excuse to do nothing. After all, if life were fair a great logistics professional like you would have a great job. Alternatively, you can decide to do something constructive and view this season in your life as an opportunity to find something better. In other words, you can decide that you will put 100% of your energy into finding a job.

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I have given speeches and written articles about the need for logistics professionals to invest in career insurance and to build a viable personal network. Based on personal experience, I know that the most important question I get from people in the audience or readers of this blog is this: “What advice can you give to someone who is looking for a job?”

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Since we may not meet face to face in the near future, would it be OK for me to use this blog to respond to that question? After looking at hundreds of resumes, conducting lots of interviews, and talking with numerous distinguished executive recruiters here are some things to consider in your job search.

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First, when we talk, please succinctly answer the following questions:

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.                       •  What type of position do you want?
.                       •  How much do you want to be paid for that position?
.                       •  Are there any practical restrictions (e.g., you don’t like to travel or you can’t relocate in the future) which would keep you from doing
.                       •  an outstanding job?

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In answering these questions, here are some tips. Do not say, “It depends!” Answer the questions and remember the adage: When somebody asks for the time, tell them the time - not how the watch was built.

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Second, does your résumé demonstrate willingness to:

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.                       •  Serve others. Are you involved in professional organizations or private charitable organizations (such as your church, school
.                       •  board, or other worthwhile charity)?
.                       •  Build a balanced life. Are you cultivating hobbies or other talents that show you are a reasonably well rounded person?
.                       •  Invest in yourself. Do you take the time and make the effort to improve your professional skills as attested by the CTL, CPM, or
.                       •  other elective accreditation?

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Third, what is distinctive about your résumé? Having seen hundreds of résumés, I know you are a goal oriented, results driven team player, who is looking to do great things for my company. But have you used your skills or talents to serve others? Great teams are built by getting players who are “other oriented” and who know about making sacrifices to put the needs of the team above their personal interests.

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Fourth, make sure you have the experience and capabilities to do the job you are pursuing. If you take nothing else from this Blog, please make sure you understand this point: The competition for jobs is very intense so you need to have realistic expectations!

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Companies don’t have to hire “rookies,” and while they may appreciate your willingness to learn, they are likely to favor individuals who already have their desired level of experience. So unless you like lots of rejections, make sure you have the qualifications for the prospective job.

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Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Sales people know about the power of the Law of Averages. Several years ago I was experiencing a sales drought; my dad encouraged me with the words that with each additional “No” I was getting that much closer to a “Yes.” The Law of Averages tells us that eventually we will get that “Yes.” That is why the words to the poemDon’t Quit are so meaningful. I especially like the last few verses:

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                            “And you never can tell how close you are,
.                            It may be near when it seems afar;
.                            So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit;
.                            It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.”

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Remember, keep going and don’t quit!

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