The 405 Club

This can be a very interesting question and an easy one in which you can shine by showing your enthusiasm and expertise. Pick an example where you had to call upon all your talents, strengths, skills and reserve. It could be a time when your last company was going through a serious challenge. Or just a time where you can “recite” the who-what-where-when and how you got something accomplished.

I always think of big examples like 911 with the air controllers and 911 operators that day. How did they manage to bring all planes in the skies down safely? What of the accountants who first discovered the Madoff Ponzi schemes and other fraud that brought down the financial giants in NYC? The fireman who brings a child out safely from a burning building that already “flashed over”? Your anecdotes may not be that extreme, of course. Think of when you brought in money or customers, got awarded, if you did, saved the company time in the process to perform something, or just a day at work that was very gratifying. Your recall and story in an interview will flow because it will be on the tip of your tongue and it will, no doubt, be something you are proud of, or will never forget. It could be something so simple as some humble duty you performed that felt good or one in which a boss or customer complimented you. Remember to tell the details. Start out with what it was and go from there—who it involved—you and/or team—what the challenge or duty was—how you had to meet and resolve it—and most importantly—what became of what you did!

Interviewers want to hear initiative, critical thinking, how you problem-solve and outcomes—results! Mostly, they care about saving time and money and making money. So tailor your answer as closely as possible with that in the back of your mind. Tailor it to your field to make yourself unforgettable and a standout.

Without knowing where you are from the best we can do is offer these suggestions…

1. Try googling for local job clubs with search terms like “[city name] unemployed blog” or “[city name] job club.” From there you may be able to find a local club.
2. This may even be more efficient.  Go to meetup.com, enter your interest topic (ie. “Unemployed”, “unemployment”, “Career”), then your zip code and Meetup will automagically locate local job clubs for you within their meetup database.  Similar searches can also be done at Ning.com.

Still haven’t found one? Maybe it’s time to start one!

You are not alone, Eva. Many have found themselves in this position. You are lucky to have your sister. First, consider going to a local church and talking to a minister or priest. Then I would advise you to see a doctor for your health checkup and possible medication, if necessary, and possibly some talk therapy. If you lack benefits, you may be able to obtain Medicaid for health coverage at no cost to you. Join the online network http://www.meetup.com group in your area of interest near where you live.

Also, there is free job search assistance, career direction counsel, skills training, etc. at your local One Stop Career Center. To find the one nearest you go to http://www.servicelocator.org and tap in your current zip code. Also, your local Catholic Church has parish social outreach ministry office which helps people with basic life needs and free community referrals to agencies providing services to individuals and families in crisis and need. Try to see this as a transition period of life. Life has many seasons for us all. Keep your faith strong and go forward one day at a time. As you gather more information and meet more people, you will then begin to find the path in which you want to go. Life is a process and we are all on the journey together! Keep people in your life who support, love and empower you — and let them know you are grateful. One day you can pay it forward…Read the 405 Club daily and other helpful Internet links on health and happiness.

Good luck and God bless you, Eva!

Dear Anonymous: 

Congratulations on your decision to change careers. You are wise in being able to make the first decision in response to your job ending. This is the first step in using this time of unemployment in a valuable way. I would suggest that you enlist in some free help on the Internet for time management in order to round out and plan the hours in the day to accomplish what you want. This is absolutely imperatiave and might be your first order of business for yourself to thrive.

Continue reading…

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