The 405 Club

(Writer’s note:  I would like to thank those who volunteered their experiences for this week’s and next week’s writing.  In return for their stories, I have changed their names to insure anonymity).

My job search consisted of over six months worth of networking, cold calling, lengthy interviews and follow ups.  For me, the end result was a combination of timing, skill, and yes, some good luck. 

For those of us who are fortunate enough to be in the final phases of job search, it is imperative that you are just as careful in considering offers of employment as you were in the earlier phases of your search.  In order to prove this point, some of my friends and associates shared their personal experiences which I, in turn, would like to share with our readers.  The point which needs to be emphasized is that good judgment and caution are required during all phases of job search. 

With this in mind, my writings for the next two weeks have to do with Employment Offer Horror Stories, and the lessons that can be learned.

Lesson Number 1 (The offer that went away): 

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As I have been through an unusually long job search, my heart goes out to everyone who is trying to find a job. Although I realize summer is a difficult time to carry on a job search, it can also be a time period where you can make a lot of progress. It is also a time period where you will find some individuals, and businesses that lack compassion when it comes to those who are out of work.

One instance that comes to mind came from a former co-worker. She has been out of work for over a year now and remains dedicated to her job hunt. About two weeks ago she received a call that went something like this (I have changed names those involved):

Caller: Hello, Is this Ms. Oberson?

Ms. Oberson: This is she.

Caller: I am Ms. Pemberson from Widget Employment Services. I would like to tell you that I have received your resume for the accounting position…

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Ed. Note: In case you missed Part 1, read it here. Part 2 is here.

   Now is a good time to reiterate a statement I made two weeks ago, when I started writing about my worst job interviews. It is very easy to let the negatives of the job hunt get to you. If you have gone through anything similar to the experiences I have written about, please remember that you are not alone.

I hope that, by sharing these experiences, you will realize that the best thing you can do after an “interview from hell,” is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep trying. This week’s experience took place last year, and I had no idea that it would turn into a nightmare interview. As with the previous writings, all names have been changed. Time to continue with:

MY WORST INTERVIEWS PART 3 (CONCLUSION)

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The United States Labor Department is always working for you, developing innovative ideas and government is enacting new strategies to make employment easier on business and job seeker. While unemployed folks are still hoping for an extension of unemployment benefits after the current 99 weeks duration limit, the labor department has created incentives to bolster the world of work and usher in opportunities for hopeful workers-to-be.

Congress has recently passed the Hiring Incentive to Restore Employment Act (HIRE). These are tax credits that will provide companies, non profit organizations and public colleges and universities with 6.2 percent payroll tax cut or their share of Social Security taxes on wages paid between March 18, 2010 and December 31, 2010.

If businesses retain newly hired workers, they receive an extra $1000. in 2011.

This should sweeten the economic pie and make opportunities open up for jobseekers as we all businesses. Job seekers can remind employers of this HIRE incentive during interviews, as well. The complete terms and conditions of HIRE are available on www.labor.ny.gov.

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

Today we’ve taken a trip down to

Texas to have the pleasure of sitting with That Unemployed Chick in Austin. Don’t mess with Texas!

Before we chat about the blog, what will you be having for brunch? 

*Burger, Bloody Mary and Coffee

1. When were you laid off and what did you do? Or are you employed/self-employed? If so, what do you do now? 

*Laid off: Jan. 21, 2010 Profession: Public relations Employer: Fortune 500 software company

2. Tell everyone the name of your site, where they can find it, then when and why you started your site. 

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