The 405 Club

In November of 2008, I was laid off from my position as a Project Manager for a real estate developer in L.A. due to the financial crisis. I’m 36, and have been in city planning (complete with an MS)/real estate development my entire career-two industries that have effectively vanished. The process of transitioning out during the recession has been an absolute nightmare and now I’m faced with almost 1.5 years of an unemployment gap. I now feel like this is the most threatening aspect preventing future employment and need to address the best way possible. I’m considering designing a website, offering professional services and giving myself a title simply to have on my resume. Is this outside the bounds of what’s acceptable? I certainly wouldn’t lie about work performed under this heading. I’d like to be able to point to classes taken, etc. but frankly finances simply wouldn’t allow (I have massive grad student debt and refuse to go in deeper-esp w the nightmare stories/statistics that are out there for those who have done so). What should I do?

Thanks, Ben

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(Ed. Note) We are excited to introduce Lesley Pink, an editor and writer who has worked in marketing, financial journalism, and immigration law.  She wishes she could swim for a living, but for now you can find her here in her new “Single White Unemployed Female” column. Enjoy.

I thought I was lucky. After seeing a number of my former colleagues laid off in 2009, I held my breath and continued to work as an editor. I knew times were still tough, but thought I had escaped the hatchet coming down on me. I was wrong.

The first week of January, I was laid off. It was my first time. I had been at the company over two years, had gotten good reviews, thought my [now former] boss liked my work. The phone call came from the HR director right before 5 on a Thursday.

I knew that her call meant one of two things: either I had gotten in trouble somehow or I was being laid off. Based on the timing, I guessed the latter. HR Director and Former Boss were seated at a round conference table, stacks of large white envelopes surrounding them. “I can guess why I’m here,” I said, waiting for what I knew they were going to tell me. “And what is that?” asked HR Director. “I’m guessing I’m getting laid off,” I replied. “Unfortunately, you are correct. We are eliminating your position,” she said. And with that, I entered the ranks of the unemployed. HR Director went on to explain the meager severance package, COBRA coverage, and, of course, how all of this would go down.

Having just seen “Up in the Air” a week before, I felt like I was in the movie itself…

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(Ed. Note) One of the most important features on The405Club.com, our “Ask HR” feature gives full access to a Fortune 500 Director of Recruiting for all members of The 405 Club.  We hope this feature opens up the lines of communication, solving some of the job hunting mysteries and questions we all have.  Enjoy. 

Dear HR,

Should I include my desired salary in my cover letter?  I’ve already lowered my asking price $20K, but still no bites…

Sincerely,

Cover Letter Lucy

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Dear Cover Letter Lucy,

There seems to be a lot of debate over this subject. Most applicants feel if you say how much you are looking for , you may be ruled out. I would much rather a prospective employer knows how much I am looking for, so that there is an understanding before you go on the interview. Otherwise, you can spend hours of your time interviewing only to find that the salary is significantly below what you are looking for. I say put it out there…

-Kelley Anglin, Director of Talent/Human Resources

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Have a burning question you would like to ask the Human Resources Department? Submit your inquiry here.

(Ed.Note) Welcome to our journey into the world of recession blogs! The 405 Club wants to get personal via 10 questions with our favorite fellow bloggers who are documenting the recession and unemployment firsthand.

This week’s blogging brunch companion is Dan of The Job Trekker.

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First off, thank you for joining us for Sunday Blog Brunch - what will you be having for brunch? Don’t worry, it’s on us since this isn’t real and all…

I will be having huevos rancheros - with coffee and a bloody mary to start off a nice fun Sunday of strolling around town.

Now to the real juicy stuff…

1. When were you laid off? Or are you employed?

I was laid off in October 2008, I have just taken an advertising job with a small record label, but I am keeping up with www.thejobtrekker.com to help all others.

2. What did you do and what do you do now?

I was a software trainer for an advertising analysis company, now going back to my routes in Media Buying.

3. When did you start the blog?

January 2009, after the realization that I was not getting a job as fast as I wanted to and not being able to figure out what I was doing wrong. Knowing this was a new situation for everyone around me a knowing that unemployment was increasing; I figured an inspirational blog was the best way to try and forge ahead, learning the next steps and keeping spirits up for myself and all people in the
same situation.

4. Initial reason for starting the blog?

To learn about the recession, keep myself inspired and working, to help other people with what I found out on the internet that could help us all grow to our potential and find a new position.

5. Motivation to continue blogging?

Helping people and finding some great stuff out there to help myself.

6. Do you think blogging about unemployment/the recession helped you find your job/keep your job?

I think it did, 10 years in advertising and I had never been unemployed, then all of the sudden I was faced with a drastic change in my life. I learned how to look for the jobs I wanted, use my contacts, build a better perspective and over all feel out the job market. I think it has changed a lot about me and my skills to offer the work world.

7. Was this job what you had in mind when searching while unemployed?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but after much soul searching and reading I realized that I liked working in advertising and media. The blog reassured me of this; when I first started I had no idea what to do but figured I would punch away at it. Soon enough I was learning and realized that the most interesting part for me was the numbers and growth of the actual site. I was doing what I had been doing in the media world for year and didn’t realize it. So long story short I
started to look back in that field.

8. Has your blog changed since rejoining the workforce?

I think now that I am employed I can make the changes I want to the blog, add some stuff and possibly promote it a little more. I want to keep it going and build it so that the visitors get more out of it… It is all about helping people through the tough times and showing there is a light at the other end of this tunnel, just
keep looking.

9. What’s new at your blog and where does it go from here?

Anne Gilsten, a 25 year human resource specialist has been writing for
www.thejobtrekker.com for a little while now. She has the insight from the a job coaching perspective and a HR leader that can help anyone grow. We are also starting a new section called “ASK ANNE”; where she is going to answer those tough HR questions that you might not otherwise know.

That sounds great — also fairly similar to our “ASK HR” feature which has been received well.

10. Why should someone read your unemployment/recession blog over others
and/or what makes your perspective special?

Well; I think everyone’s perspective is important. I am not saying visit my site over others, I am saying read them all, get what you can out of them. I try to offer articles and content that encourages and inspires the reader to think about their future goals and be successful. I think my blog is really positive and can help people be positive in a not so positive situation.

Bonus Questions: Any final thoughts or words of wisdom for members of The 405 Club?

Read, research, and run with it. You are the maker of your
future and this is the time to sit back explore ideas and realize what
you need to make it happen.  You might not get that dream job but if you start making and setting goals to do so you will end up where you want to be.

A trail begins with a single step into the unknown, it is your job and
purpose to take that step and lead the way…

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A huge thanks to Dan, writer and founder of The Job Trekker.  Be sure to check out The Job Trekker here.