Is it Just Me? II

Not if you have planned and executed a sound job search. As John Donne stated, "...No man is an island, entire unto itself...." (Or was it Jon Bon Jovi?) Each of us needs a strong support system to see us through the challenges of life.

At a minimum that system should include your family. Having the love and support of loved ones to come home to at the end of a seemingly fruitless day can mean the difference between a pity party, and the knowledge that we are loved and accepted, regardless of how the interview went.

One HR Director I worked for tells the story of how making sure to include his family into his support system actually got him the job. Joe had spent the past year running an outplacement center for over 800 workers displaced as their common employer obsoleted a production unit. The last person Joe had to find a job for in all that work was himself, for he like his peers and coworkers had been "obsoleted."

To make a long story short, because his wife was aware of Joe's objectives, and activities she made the difference.  She mentioned Joe's frustration in trying to reach a hiring manager to their 6- month old's pediatrician. That doc turned out to be the hiring manager's brother. He set up the crucial interview for Joe while waiting for some lab results. The next week, Joe began work at his targeted job. Joe continued to work there for the next five  years, before getting the opportunity to return to his former employer, in a much higher level HR position.

You never know who your kids, their friends, their friends’ parents, the paper carrier, the postal worker, or your trash collector even, might know. Never assume someone can't help you and fail to talk to them about your job search. Build your support system on a wide foundation. Who would have guessed that the Pediatrician would be Joe's critical contact to get "his job" in a down market?

Have you ever had an interview or job opportunities come out of an unsuspected quarter? If so, share your experience with us. Be an encouragement to others reading this blog by adding your comments.  Become a part of someone’s support system!