Job Search--Best Strategy?

[vhoffman]

Well, my dh is now officially laid off. He has 2 weeks, then that's it.

Obviously, we're in the process of looking for another job. However, how to go about it. Yes, we've been down this road before. He has a resume, job interview suit, etc. and is in the process of sending out resumes, applications, etc. Also, dh is working with a couple of recuiters (headhunters). I have mixed feelings about working with such agencies. We went through this about 5 years ago. Obviously, the headhunters work on commission so they will push the jobs with the highest commission paid to them, not necessarily the best fit for us. It was incredible the crap they were bringing dh for job possibilities last time. Finally I got on the phone with the headhunters and told them we were NOT interested in startups, companies without a proven track record, etc. That's for a single person without a family to support. We simply weren't going to uproot a family of 4 and move all over the country for an unstable at best job. Well, wouldn't ya know it--the very next day dh gets 3 leads from large, well-established companies. The type the headhunters said didn't have openings before I called. Amazing how it all came together!

Well, we're right back to the job search, use headhunters, or go for it ourselves. Obviously we can utilize any means we desire. I've read that about 80-90% of job openings are never posted on job boards, websites, or newspaper adds because the company would be flooded with resumes. Also, many of the job listing posted aren't "real" in that they describe a specific job. They're sort of a "composite" of various skills a company might be looking for. Resumes are thus solicited then sorted for the various openings.

Well, I guess I'm rambling here, but dh feels his best bet is to go with a headhunter (which hasn't brought us squat so far!). He doesn't want to just apply on his own or "cold call" a company because he fears he might cross over whatever a headhunter might be doing on his behalf. Well, it would be different if it were a specific job, but, like I said, the headhunters haven't brought us anything. I don't see the harm in just sending his resume to any company he might be interested in, or for a posting that has at least 10-20% of his job skills listed. It doesn't need to be a perfect match to get at least in the running for consideration. Well, any advice out there appreciated!

 

[zalansky]

We've been through this before also and even though the headhunters can be a PITA, they sometimes work. I wouldn't discount the internet. Heck, even Disney posts jobs on Monster.com. I would just send resumes out to everyone, through any avenue you find. It stinks, but in todays world, lots of people take jobs they don't want because they need the job to support a family - and then keep looking for something better - then find something and quit. DH has hired several people in the past who have done that. Its too bad that we can't find jobs that we can retire from in our day and age.

I know I didn't help out with any advice....just rambled because I can definitely relate. But also wanted to wish you luck in your search.

 

[Mono~rail]

One of Dh's co-workers put his resume on Monster.com last year, and he forgot about it. A company called him a few weeks ago offering him double his current salary! He took it!

Dh had great success with his headhunter back in 1997 when he came out of the Navy. He was willing to re-locate where ever necessary though. He went on about 10 interviews which generated 6 offers to choose from. One of his co-workers also used a headhunter to get his job. They had the same Navy training. He was also willing to re-locate.

I agree that a start up company can be risky because they might fail, but what if they succeed! Just think how your Dh would be there during the expansion. He'd be in a prime spot to work his way up the ladder of success!

I wish you and your Dh the best of luck!

EDITED TO ADD: Have you thought about posting this over on the Budget Board?

 

[Mono~rail]

What is your Dh's career? You don't have to say specifically just general. Like I'm an RN. Dh operates a natural gas pipeline storage facility, and he also has a BS in accounting.

It is so interesting that other people know what a headhunter is and know how to utilize them! When I tell people that Dh used a headhunter no one knows what I'm talking about!

 

[vhoffman]

DH is a computer systems engineer, with hardware design background. He has a master's in electrical engineering. So, he should be good for something out there!

Actually, things are looking up. He got 2 calls tonight from desirable companies. I guess I forgot that such calls will come after hours, when the hiring managers are more free. We took the advice from another thread on this board to have a "dedicated" phone for such calls. We specified dh's cell phone. With 2 pre-teens in the house it certainly paid off tonight. What if one of the kids answered the phone not knowing just how to take a message, or, worse still, ignored the call waiting beep? Yes, I know, they should have better phone ettiquete, but now's not the time to teach them. We're much more upbeat now, it sound like 2 companies are very interested in dh, one local, one in another state. Still, nothing definite, but a good start, and the leads did come from a headhunter! Maybe we'll go to Disney for Christmas after all!!!!

 

[Mono~rail]

DH is a computer systems engineer, with hardware design background. He has a master's in electrical engineering. So, he should be good for something out there!

Actually, things are looking up. He got 2 calls tonight from desirable companies. I guess I forgot that such calls will come after hours, when the hiring managers are more free. We took the advice from another thread on this board to have a "dedicated" phone for such calls. We specified dh's cell phone. With 2 pre-teens in the house it certainly paid off tonight. What if one of the kids answered the phone not knowing just how to take a message, or, worse still, ignored the call waiting beep? Yes, I know, they should have better phone ettiquete, but now's not the time to teach them. We're much more upbeat now, it sound like 2 companies are very interested in dh, one local, one in another state. Still, nothing definite, but a good start, and the leads did come from a headhunter! Maybe we'll go to Disney for Christmas after all!!!!

That's good news! I don't think your Dh will have a problem with his background!

If it helps, we are in the middle of a re-location. Dh was offered a job with another company, and it was just too good for us to pass up! I'm excited but sad at the same time.

 

[zalansky]

monorail - where are you relocating to and from where? I often think we should look into relocating so DH could increase his earning potenital as well.

 

[PlutoPony]

Networking is typically cited as the best way to get another job, hands down. Let absolutely EVERYONE know your DH is looking for a job and the general type of job he's looking for! You'd be amazed at the contacts that end up leading to a job, especially professional positions! People he's worked with before, people at church, neighbors, your hair stylist, etc. Especially have your DH get in touch with people he's worked with/for before who have moved onto other situations. With the sheer volume of resumes companies have to sift thru these days having an "in" is a big, big help. Not to be simplistic, but what he's looking for from people is either a) info on a job that's either open or about to be open (especially job openings that aren't yet common knowledge) and/or b) help in getting his resume to the right person - either someone inside the company to hand carry it, tell you WHO to get the resume to like a hiring manager, or someone to put in a good word for DH after he's put his resume in. Cold calling or just sending a resume into a company without there being an opening isn't known to be very effective. Many larger companies only accept resumes for specific positions (the others going in the trash).
One last thing - don't underestimate how LONG the hiring process can take for a particular job. If you haven't gone thru this lately it's easy to forget just how long this can take. Screening resumes, phone interview (first by HR, then maybe the hiring mgr), decide who to bring in and work with schedules, etc. It can take weeks and weeks even for a company who needs a job filled TODAY!
Good luck to you all!

 

[vhoffman]

Hi, PlutoPony!

Yes, we need to remember how long a job search can take, even if it turns over in a relatively short time. Its all relative!

The days seem to drag in agony waiting for phone calls, emails, etc. DH had 2 phone interviews tonight, both seemed favorable. The next step is setting up the actual face-to-face interview. Well, that will drag out for us. DH seems in such a better mood tonight after those phone calls. However, the process is still ongoing. BTW, one job is in Virginia, maybe we can be neighbors! I think its in Norfolk, not sure. What's it like to live there--cost of living, etc? We currently live in Texas, which has a low cost of living when compared to the rest of the country. We might be in for sticker shock when we house hunt. I've already decided if dh takes an out-of-state job we will not follow immediately. It will take time to pack up and sell the house, etc.

I have been slashing the budget for the last month in anticipation of the layoff, so we're positioned pretty good right now. I guess its just keep on trying. I do hope he finds something in the next month or so, because companies typically don't do much hiring around the holidays. I did insist dh keep his gym membership, he needs someplace to work off the stress. Also its a nice, upscale atmosphere so a good place to network. I guess we just need to be prepared for some emotional ups and downs the next few months. Thanks for all suggestions!~

 

[Mono~rail]

monorail - where are you relocating to and from where? I often think we should look into relocating so DH could increase his earning potenital as well.

From North Louisiana to Southwest Louisiana

 

[NotUrsula]

It depends on the area, but in some fields, listservs are the best online source. Does he follow any of them regularly? Also, as to general job sites, it is my understanding that dice.com is better for IT than Monster.

I know several people who work as recruiters, and for the most part, they focus on management jobs. They just don't do a lot of tech work unless they are tech specialists, and the tech specialists tend to be looking for more consultants (aka contract workers) than anything else. THAT opens up the whole benefits issue, which is going to be a deal-breaker for a guy with a SAHS.

 

[Off2DisIGo]

DH is a computer systems engineer, with hardware design background. He has a master's in electrical engineering. So, he should be good for something out there!

In this area (central GA), your DH would get a job in about 2 seconds w/ that background. Because of a nearby Air Force base (Robins AFB) there are tons of military contractors around here that are ALWAYS looking for engineers and IT people. Major companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, etc, etc, etc.

 

[vhoffman]

hi, NotUrusula---What is a listserve? Is it something different than job boards, .like Monster.com?

We would be willing to relocate. I told dh to make sure to put that on his resume. We currently live in Texas, and i'm tired of 100+ summer days and $500+ electric bills!

We're just in the process right now, and its torture, wondering if we should start packing, where we will be for Christmas, etc. I'm not too worried about the budget at this point since we've been tightening up for the last month. Also, dh got a good severance package, and I'm doing substitute teaching 3x week. We'll manage. Oh, dh had a nibble from a place in Colorado. wonder what its like to live there? Certainly would be cooler. If we move they would have to offer relocation benefits, which many companies don't. It could cost $20-$30k to move an entire household, 4 people, not to mention househunting trips, etc. Been there, done that. Its simply amazing how much a move could cost. Georgia sounds nice, too...........

 

[NotUrsula]

A listserv is a discussion board, much like this one, only usually not so prettily designed. They are topical, and are used to keep up with controversial topics in one's specific field, and to get advice about day-to-day on the job issues. (For instance, if a strange software glitch happens, and you ask if anyone else has encountered it before.) The difference is that unlike this board, listserv's email members whenever there is a posting. (On most of them, you can choose to get only one email per day, called a digest, which shows all posts for the past 24 hours.)

I read digests from 5 such boards every day; they are immensely useful, IMO. I'm sure your DH knows what they are, but some people don't like participating in them and find that they clutter up mailboxes. The thing is, at least in my profession, they have recently become the first place that jobs get posted, largely because one is guaranteed to have qualified people see the notice on such a board, and there is the added bonus of it being free to post them. Even if you don't actively participate, you can usually read the archives of a listserv once you register.

 

[Tiffer]

I got my job from craigslist They have a ton of stuff on there for my area, OC, CA

 

[grlpwrd]

Well, my hubby is a senior design engineer and he subscribes to Contract Jobhunter: www.cjhunter.com . They are based in Bothell, WA and are a clearinghouse of headhunters/jobshops looking for permanent and contract/temporary employees who are in the technical field such as your dh's. It might be worth a look.

I don't work for them or anything. My dh has been doing this since 1997 and this company features reputable headhunters/jobshops. You subscribe and have access to their search and Hot List where you list your resume and then the headhunters/jobshops look for keywords to find potential hires. Again, they look for direct hires and temporary/contract one's, too.

GL!

 

[bmr12]

My only advice in addition to what has been said here is to absolutely contact employers directly. Not all employers work with all headhhunters, or any headhunters at all. Employers may be more willing to hire someone who came to them directly (no commission) than a similar candidate from a headhunter (with a four or five figure commission to be paid). While a headhunter may want you to wait for them to find you a job so they can earn that commission, feel free to apply to companies unless they've explicitly told you that they are working an opportunity at that company.