My wife and I were self employed for twenty five years till she got cancer and couldn’t work. She was the creative force in our art business, and thus I am back looking for work. Of course now I have a twenty five year gap in my accounting experience. My accounting degree seems obsolete and I cant even get an interview. I cant even get temp work as a bookkeeper because I didn’t learn Quicken, Excel or any modern computer accounting techniques. I’m broke, ruined and watching my wife deteriorate daily by inches. Foreclosure, bankruptcy, and probably jail are only days away. My newest suit is exactly nine years old. The only tie I own is a Jerry Garcia tie my wife got me for xmas in 1994. I need a haircut, I look older than my 57 years, and I have zero people skills or interviewing aplomb because I’ve been so isolated doing artwork in my garage all these years. We used to sell hundreds of paintings every year. There was no need for a Plan B. That’s why I didn’t pursue my masters or CPA or my computer skills. I guess HR training probably never prepared you for hopeless cases like mine, but thanks for trying.

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I will be retireing from the Navy in a few months and I wondering with all of the online job searching I am doing, how important is it to have a unique cover letter for each job application?

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Hi Phil,

I understand where you are coming from. I was a stay at home mother for ten years so I had a ten year gap. My recommendation would be to recruit all of your friends, even the ones you haven’t spoken with in a while and tell them items that you need. If you have a friend who can give your hair a trim, call them. If you have a friend that is close to your size, ask them to borrow a suit. Exhaust your posiblities. This is what I did until I got on my feet. Hope this helps.
Pamela

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[...] after being self-employed for 25 years while facing a difficult personal situation. Feel free to read his question in its entirety, it’s the first response to last week’s blog post. For Phil and anyone else who may be [...]

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Back injury curtailed a future as an airplane mechanic. Bookkeeping was suggested, and night classes was next step. One of the first opportunities led to a position normally filled by females (employer’s choice), but was hired because the hirelings would not stay, due to the
location and unpleasant (to a female)venue. So, opportunity can and does play a part in job-hunting,

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I am wondering whether it would work for Phil Dolan to sell his services (that which he did for his wife) to other artists in the area?

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I was laid off from a Medical billing/collections position in May 08 after 10 years of service. (Company sold) At the same time I relocated to an area that I am not familiar with, nor do I really know anyone, and I am having a difficult time trying to find a position within the medical industry. There are jobs available but the going trend here is knowing someone within that company. I am really at a loss, I have the qualifications for the jobs but I cannot seem to even get a call back to inquire about my resume. The Job ads are next to none since everything is word of mouth, so I really don’t know what my next move should be. Any thoughts?

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I relocated to the Atlanta area six months ago due to a transfer my husband had to make. I was employed as an HR Coordinator at the corporate headquarters of a large company in Dallas, TX, and have yet to find work here in Atlanta. I am a hard worker, smart and reliable. I know if I could just get an interview or two I might be able to find something, but haven’t even gotten that far in the process. Help!

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Half the staff twice the work. I think this is the common fear for many employees that “survive” layoffs. Many companies are cutting in every department leaving them depleted and grasping for air. I think more now than ever companies need to look at outsourcing as a cost cutting maneuver that leaves employees still feeling a bit of love. Consider using HR Outsourcing to cut the bottom line while maintaining a outlet for the remaining employees to deal with HR related claims such benefits and such. Keeping your remaining employees happy is essential to staying the course.

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[...] Roundtable panel member Michael Haberman had this to say about the City of Atlanta’s controversial move to give some employees hefty [...]

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I have job presently, but I don’t like it. I am very thankful to have a job, but do I stay with my job and be miserable or do I try and find something else. Where do I draw the line. Thanks.

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Duchess:
Right now I would stay with the job and try to figure out what you don’t like about it and see if you can fix it. But, nothing bars you from looking for a job while you have a job. In fact, that is actually the best situation. Just try to do it on your own time. Otherwise you may find yourself on the outside looking in and now is not a good time to be doing that.

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With today’s high unemployment rate, how long would a person be unemployed before he/she is asked during an interview why he/she has been out of work for so long?

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[...] Roundtable member Dionna Keels provides tips on how best to market yourself as a job seeker in a tough job [...]

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I have increased online social networking activities. I also participate in group meetings which have yieleded job leads and charity work opportunities.

Getting in front of people who know people who are hiring is the key to finding employment sooner.

It is also a great time to evaluate a home based business. This solution offers a chance to earn income while you determine your next career move.

http://www.wellnessliving4all.net

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[...] Roundtable panel member Michael Haberman gives expert advice on how to deal with “ageism” while job [...]

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I’m sorry, but I think this praise of the City of Atlanta is ridiculous. Some of those critical employees with that critical talent are the Police Officers of the City but not once have they been given their fair share of raises. One of the obvious ways for the city to save money is to give officers raises so they don’t leave. Instead, these officers aren’t given raises for nearly 6 years, they’ve just been furloughed so their pay has been CUT, which has caused many of them to leave the department for better opportunities in the surrounding areas. Wouldn’t it make much more sense to keep these officers happy rather than spending even more money on recruiting new officers who will then have to be trained for years to meet the level of the officers they’re replacing? As HR professionals we all know, and continuously preach, that its much cheaper to keep your current employees happy than to have to find and mold new ones!

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Why are people always looking for a reason to not like a person first. That is what brings out all harrassment
on jobs, schools and all other places. If a person cannot find a job, there is going to be gaps in their employment.
Their are some highly learned persons with bad hand writing. I used learned because going to school and
learning is not the same thing.

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I am in the process of relocating to the Atlanta area with my wife who will be working in Atlanta. I appreciate these comments as I believe they will assist me in my new job search. The comments also show that the city cares. Thank you…

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[...] Roundtable expert Bill Pinto discusses a variety of strategies companies are currently using to cut costs in this tough [...]

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We’re taking a week’s vacation next week, but we will be hanging out in Atlanta and hiking nearby. Originally, we planned for a week in NC, but decided we didn’t want to spend the money – probably $1,000 – on hotels, food, etc. when we could hike just as easily near home. I just want to get my credit card paid off by the end of the year. If we can do that, we are going to go to London.

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Life is short. Therefore, one should be mindful of her punctuation and Caps Lock key.

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Life is also too short to bother with being a jerk on a newspaper forum. She’s taking her grandchildren to DisneyWorld – don’t be so critical.

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Planning a camping trip to beautiful Cumberland Island.

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I just took a short vtrip to Houston for two interviews, but it was also my birthday that weekend. I feel so much better than I did before, it was so nice to get away! It is crucial to take a vacation or else you will crash!

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I just returned from a week in Orlando. The relaxation was much needed…I was on overload. A week away from work has allowed me to recharge and place things in perspective. The smiles on my wife and daughter face at Disney/Seaworld are immeasurable. It was worth every $$$. Too often, we buy into the culture of working hard with no play; failing to understand other areas of our lives suffer. As result our performance at home and work is not optimal.

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I am new to job seeking at 50 and it is a new day; I panic when I am on line applying for jobs and I am not sure whether or not my resume made it to the employer. Not being able to speak with the employer is mind-blowing to me. However, I am convinced that when I have the opportunity to interview with the employer that I will be able to present my skills and experience in such a way that they will be certain that I am the person for the job regardless of my age. I really try not to concentrate on it because it does come across if you are self-conscious. My problem is being able to convience the employer that I am willing to accept a lower paying position than my past work history reflects. I have tried scaling it down, but it has not worked in some instances. Atlanta

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Job Fairs are the BIGGEST waste of time. Other than getting some practice presenting yourself if you’ve been out of the interviewing game for awhile, one should not expect anything significant to come out of attending a job fair. Your best bet would be to get a list of the employers that will be in attendance from the job fair website, and check out those companies’ website job postings and submit your resume accordingly, because there only going to tell you to check the site frequently, and that they’ll scan your resume into their system.

The only thing you gain from a job fair is the feeling that you’re being proactive about your current job situation. If you need practice get dressed up and go. If you’re getting interviews don’t waste the time, and gas.

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[...] Roundtable member Michael Haberman shares his own tale of having to reinvent himself after losing his job many years [...]

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[...] Roundtable expert Bill Pinto discusses the importance of creating the right kind of culture in the [...]

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My experience with the post interview process so far has not been very successful. I have had several good interviews and although I ask and receive the schedule for the hiring decision and the follow-up process with each employer I am finding that the prospective employer is not following through with their commitment.

I always follow up an interview with a personal handwritten thank-you note and when the scheduled time for the decision has past I follow up with an email and/or call.

When I follow up on the perspective employer I am getting the following;
1) No response to my voice mail or messages or email
2) I am being told that if there is an interest, someone will call
3) No ability to reach the hiring manager
4) No follow up from the employer when the decision is made

Any suggestions for follow up that’s worked for others would be greatly appreciated.

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An example of how to get a great work environment & Culture:

Bill,

The Fruit Farmer, Inc. is a leader in delivering farm-fresh fruit directly to companies nationwide.

We partner with corporations to provide daily baskets of fresh fruit to their employees. We deliver a wide variety of fruits that give employees a healthier option for snacks and lunch at their place of employment. Based in Atlanta, Georgia

(www.thefruitfarmer.net)

Great for boosting the attitudes at work and help employees eat healthy.

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This blog rings true for many in the nonprofit community who have chosen to switch sectors from corporate/for profit to the social sector. I wanted to share for people interested in nonprofit careers that on June 16 2009 Opportunity Knocks, the national nonprofit Job Board and Career Development website owned and operated by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, is proud to present a day of workshops and consultative sessions to help improve job and nonprofit career development strategies and job-seeking skills. Here’s a link to information on our site http://www.gcn.org

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I AM CURRENTLY A BUSINESS OWNER WIYH A PARTNER. DUE TO THE RECESSION OR COMPANY SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO SUPPORT EVERYONE. WE HAVE CUT BACK TO THE BARE MINIMUM ALONG WITH TAKING HEALTHY PAY CUTS. I AM READY TO EXIT BUT JUST DONT KNOW HOW TO GO FROM BUSINEE OWNER AFTER 20 PLUS YEARS TO EMPLOYEE. I FEEL I REALLY DONT HAVE MUCH TO MARKET. I KNOW AS A BUSINESS OWNER I HAVE OFTEN LOOKED DOWN ON PREVIOUS BUSINESS OWNERS WHO APPLIED FOR WORK AT MY COMPANY. MY THINKING WAS THEY THOUGHT THEY KNEW EVERYTHING OR THAT THEY HAD FAILED IN BUSINESS. ANY THOUGHTS?

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Im a convicted felon and never realized how difficult supporting my family would be because of this. I took a plea deal because i was afraid of the justice system, but knowing what i know now…things would have been totally different. I think im in this situation for a purpose, because at one point i was on the other side pointing my fingers at those who chose to live above the law…..and maybe this was Gods way of helping me understand that he’s the only true judge. As for me now, Im trying to start a business working with at risk youth on how to be productive citizens and cope with todays societal problems using music……I truly hope that one day, a system could be institued where felons can be screened and decided by the work they do a few yrs after the initial conviction…Im sure that will say alot…..

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Convicted felons paid their dues, and I believe that denying them employment opportunities is double jeopardy. Since we all are one mistake away from jail anyway. I think people should have compassion. What goes around comes around.

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My son messed up at 17, entering an auto. At 23 he can’nt find a job. What he did was wrong but how can he change when no one will give him a second chance. If someone hired him with the potential of advancement he would be the most loyal employee. Any advice

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Barb. I recommend he not mention it on his application. Some companies will only search back 5 years, some 10 years. Its just a chance your son must take.

Find the cracks in the system and Exploit exploit exploit.

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I am currently in the position of being a convicted felon and there is no simple answer. I was in a situation where it really was the wrong place at the wrong time I haven’t been employed since the initial arrest even though I have a strong resume and college to back it up but there are places that will help, I can say parole or probation is not one of them it depends on your area I found a place based in Ohio called the weed and seed program who help convicts re-enter the work force, they may have a program in your area

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As a long term state employee, I have been in many different work places/offices thru out my years, and what I have observed is that the work place environment is created by the Supervisor and/or Director in each office. If management is fair, reasonable, honest and open, the office environment has always been good/highly productive, but if management is poor, the entire office staff suffer. The office dynamics created by poor management is akin to being a patient in a psychiatric ward where each individual workers worst personality traits seem to come out in the attempt to make sense of something that makes no sense or has no solution. And, what I have seen is that State Management has no accountability to anyone for how staff is treated, and in general staff have little voice or credibility. Fairness in state government for the staff is a joke, and remember we are a Free Work state, which means either accept the environment or look for another job.

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YES, I AM A CONVICTED FELON. bACK IN 2000 WHEN i WAS RELEASED FROM PRISON, PLACES LIKE McDONALDS, BURGER KING, AND WENDY”S DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT WHAT WAS IN YOUR PAST, SO LONG AS YOU PUT IN A GOOD DAYS WORK, SHOWED UP WHEN SCHEDULED,AND WAS COURTEOUS TO CUSTOMERS, YOU HAD A JOB. THATS WHERE I STARTED. AFTER A YEAR OF FLIPPING BURGERS I APPLIED, AND WAS HIRED AT TARGET. I HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED WITH TARGET FOR EIGHT YEARS BECAUSE I DID NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO TELL ME WHAT I WAS WORTH.KNOW YOUR OWN VALUE. I”M ALSO IN COLLEGE WITH A 3.11 GPA.THE SYSTEM INCARCERATED ME BUT I DIDNT ALLOW IT TO KEEP ME LOCKED-UP, OR FEELSORRY FOR MYSELF. BEING A FELON EMPOWERS ME TO PUT MY BEST OUT FRONT. SOON I HOPE TO OPEN MY OWN HALFWAY HOUSE FOR CONVICTED FELONS, AND BY DOING SO I HOPE TO CHANGE THE RECIDIVISM RATE OF FELONS. MY ADVICE TO ALL FELONS LOOKING FOR WORK, COME OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE, START AT THE BOTTOM, WORK YOUR WAY UP. IT WANT HURT YOU TO CHANGE BOATS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN IF YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM

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how about being a bankruptcy attorney, running a liqour store, a funeral home- being a politician, or having anything to do with a business that specializes in others misfortune- for example- repo’s, collections, credit card companies, etc- Also, the next best industry would probably be sales- if you can sell you will always have a place for someone’s business- Now that was the truth- The rest of the comments above were bs-

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Just be honest it does work ! Peewee must be a prosecutor or an ass , both would fit. Hey peewee where did get the name from your wife ?

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Great answer Benny. Im amazed that the three of them combined couldn’t come up with that answer

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uh ya…like Im gonna take advice from the 3 idiots pictured in this article. More junk journalism…*POOT*

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Culture Smulture. One goes to work to perform a task not worry about silly office culture. Grow up ya punks and BTW…GET TO WORK!! *POOT*

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[...] HR Roundtable panel member Bill Pinto gives his take on the health care reform bills currently being debated in Congress, and their impact on small businesses and their employees: [...]

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I would like to add a comment as well my son now 25 unable to get work being a felon mistake ,getting a job is impossible these days with the economy much less having a felon . The only thing I can off as advice is to get a pardon you are allowed a once in a life time pardon so if u do get one you better know your going to be straight from that point onward otherwise it all can come back on your record so that is the only thing i know to suggest unless someone has the heart to give you another chance .

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I have to agree that was pretty lame advice in these times. In particular the attorney…that read like a thesis.

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Thanks Mike for keeping my list going. I agree, commitment to your work is definitely #5. I also agree that companies are relying heavy on top talent right now. So, the connection to meaningful work is so hard to do. How do you think managers and HR professionals can commuicate to employees the value of their job in the overall scheme?

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I am tired of all these HR professionals with the same tired, lame advice. Call me jaded or pessimistic, but I’m sick of it. I am in a rut like so many other people and all I need is a chance. The bad part is that all over the US people blogs and sites have so-called HR professionals talking in riddles. IT IS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT’S WHO YOU KNOW! Anyone living in metro Atlanta can attest to that. And this tidbit has nothing to do with class, gender, race, age, ethnicity, nationality, or sexual orientation—we simply live in a society built on what they now call, “social networkiing.” Who you know, not what you know. And to think I thought sleeping to the top would get me somewhere, honey, Please.

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If you live in this world, and you want a good paying job; and you don’t know anyone you will not get that positon. I don’t care you have all the education in the world they saying young people getting all the job what that say for us older people!!!!

S.W

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Or you could open a top ramen noodle manufacturing plant.The comments above are not helpful, the responses to the comments are more practical information for getting a job in this climate. Jeepers!

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Meaningful work is important to talented employees especially those who possess tacit knowledge (non-verbalized, intuitive, and unarticulated). These employees should be challenged daily to not only remain committed to their job, team, organization, and community of practice but to contribute new ideas, knowledge, concepts, and theories.

What are the attributes of meaningful work? Does in include task identify, autonomy, work/job design, high-performance, intrinsic rewards, etc…?

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[...] Roundtable panelist Michael Haberman suggests that the Brett Favre NFL “un-retirement” saga may become more popular in the [...]

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I agree, having a conviction on your record makes it really tough trying to find a job. I just learned recently that a lot of schools (colleges) wont even admit you if you have a conviction. I feel it is unfair because if you have paid your debt to society, and you are trying to turn your life around and no one will give you a chance it makes it that much harder.

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i am looking for phlebotomu position

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How can HR menangers help to retain staff.

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Hi recently I submited a application online for a retail job position, and finally after 2 weeks waiting they ask me to set a interview with them. I don’t have any retail experience I know that customer service plays a big role for this position. I know what customer service meants to be. would this be a problem for me from getting hire. I love this retail store and I think this is a opportunity for me to use my skills and as well use new skills. I need some advice for the interview, haven’t been in a interview in a long time.

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Enter your comments here i have applied for more than 20 different jobs online with no response for the past 4 months what should i do any advice would be very helpful thank you.

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all good things

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I must concur with the responses here, the info provided above is absolutely USELESS!!!! After seeing these responses the AJC should have just trashed this one, nothing useful here for any job seeker, just a bunch of vague answers.

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Christians, HR employees (sum liars) and those who claim to want to help will most likely abuse your position and reject you the most. Good luck…just start your own business.

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What is the current demand for interns in the information technology field in Atlanta, Georgia? What are the places in Atlanta, Georgia that I can intern at?

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I recently had two interviews and the employers seemed shocked to here that I have been unemployed for a year. Both employers wanted to know what have I done within the past year. I expressed updating my computer skills with self training courses, while continuing my job search. The provided information does help and now my focus is on updating my resume to show volunteer work during my down time.

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11-1-09 671,000 unemployed in GA. Let’s face it, what responsible people have done for 2 yrs. is search for employment to pay all of the bills! This is what they ahve done when employed and not at work; and during the gap when unemployed! People have filled out 400+ databases, aps., mailed resumes, etc. and been interviewed very little. Co’s. all need help; but can’t afford to pay people. For Ex: This Burlington Northern Co. deal includes much less cap. expenditures; and less people on the payroll; among other things such as efficiency, less trucks on the road, and longer trains. Plus, Asian Imports, grains to Asia from the USA, and coal as a cost effective fuel, and its tranported by rail, also. I digressed!
The GA. DOL has 391 + jobs posted, which is .05% of the jobs needed. So, 95.95% of Georgians who want a job are failed by the situation.
Labor Ready, in N. ATL./Roswell, GA. areas has 10 to 20 workers waiting on work M-Sat. with few assignments in 12 + days of sitting around 2/3+ of the time. Yet, I see 15 new office complexes and retail sites in N. Fulton County GA.
With the kind of manpower avail., we could build a pipeline, a high speed railline, a biotech health center, a Stadium, and multi-use projects.
The Infrastructure is being built in small sections of the road at a time by a few workers in heavy construction; or even smaller groups in grading, etc.
The point is this now too: If you envision it, then show Georgia that you want to employ people now.
One project, GM Doraville, is stifling much economically in N. ATL.!
The deal makers need to Partner up; so that Georgians can direct deposit their pay back into another fin. in$tit.

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