November 2, 2009

Monday morning and another work week has started.  I'm willing to guess our work weeks are different!  I am one of the 10.5% unemployed in the state of TN.  So, how can I have a "work" week you ask?  Easy - job searching is a job in itself.  I've started this blog to show my journey, discuss what searchers should be doing, share what works and what doesn't work, and hopefully provide a support group for others facing work transition. 

Work transition can consist of those that have lost their jobs, just graduated, or those that have decided to change careers.  We're all in the same boat - looking for employment in a tough job market.  I can share that I've noticed more jobs posted lately.  The bad news, for some, is that they seem to be looking for employees with more experience. 

My Monday morning usually consists of: my weekly certification with the Department of Labor, searching the job boards, researching the companies I am interested in, tweaking my resumes (yes - resumes.  We'll discuss this in another blog.), writing something (have to keep the skills up to par), and networking!  Actually, this is my regular routine for every weekday morning.  Even though I'm working from home, I dress business casual.  It's a mental game - makes me more apt to "work" the morning.  And, should that all important call ever come - I will be in the mindset perfect for an impromtu phone interview. 

Last Wednesday, I had to attend an orientation with the unemployment office.  They outlined what is expected of us to keep receiving our unemployment insurance.  We took a test to see how much we knew about job searching, resumes and interviews.  If you missed a certain number, you had to take the online seminars in that area of weakness.  Yours truly passed.  I better have - being a Human Resource professional!  Of course, there was lots of paperwork.  Then, we waited our turn to talk to the counselor assigned to us on an individual basis.  While we waited, we sat in the computer room and were instructed on how to use the computers for job searches.  It's a great set up for those that don't have access at home for a computer, phone or fax.  Oh, most importantly, we have to keep a record of the jobs we apply to for the next 4 weeks.  We are only required to apply to 2 jobs each week.  That totally amazed me.  2 a week.  Seriously? 

I had to think on that - 2 jobs a week.  I realized most of the people our little career center deals with are blue collar workers and wanting to stay in the area.  Nothing wrong with that, just not my line of thinking.  I am willing to relocate to anywhere in the Southeast or East regions.  I have a wider base to choose from also.  I love HR - and I can look at jobs that are listed as HR Generalist, Employee Relations (my strength!), HR Coordinator - the only area I don't feel comfortable applying for would be an area in benefits - not my strong suit. Know what you want, where you want to live, what you are willing to do. 

So, fellow work transitioners - follow me on this journey, share your thoughts, struggles and successes!  Let the adventure begin!