Ask Sue
A Weekly Q&A Column About Professionalism, Etiquette and Problems in the Workplace
by Sue Morem

Job Searching in a Tough Market

Dear Sue: I am at my wits end. I am about to give up trying to find a permanent job. I’ve been looking for a job in Human Resources for over a year. There weren’t many jobs available last year, and there appear to be even fewer this year. I have over two years experience in this field and live in an area that has a very tight human resources community. I’ve attended association meetings, done a lot of networking, and have asked friends for help. There were no jobs last year and there are even fewer this year. I’ve been doing some personal coaching on the side, and would like to build up my business, however, I would like to get more experience in human resources and use my coaching skills in a permanent position. I am ready to give up on the job market because I haven’t had any positive signs that I am going in the right direction. I make it to some interviews, but haven’t received an offer. I feel as though I don't have enough experience to focus my energy on the one or two things that have the most probability for manifesting positive results. Can you help me?

– Holli

Sue Says: I know it isn’t easy, and you are looking for human resources work in a very tough market and at a time when many others share your frustrations. I spoke with John Dooney, a consultant to the Society for Human Resource Management, who said that the current market is as bad as he has ever seen. He spoke of one human resources ad that generated over 400 responses!

You may not find your ideal job right now, but don’t give up just yet or ignore the less appealing opportunities by being too picky. Even if you end up taking a position that feels as though it is a step down from your previous position, working in your field will give you the experience you need. Sometimes what appears to be a lesser opportunity can grow into something with potential in the future. The key is to get your foot in the door.

Dooney is convinced that you have many things going for you; you aren’t real expensive, and you are moldable. If you are flexible and willing to do a variety of things, you can approach many different aspects of human resources rather than solely focusing on one element of HR. Consider using a few different resumes rather than sending the same one out for each ad. This will enable you to tailor every resume you send out. If a position is looking for someone to do training, gear your resume to the training aspect of HR. If a position emphasizes recruiting, then do the same. For every position you apply for, take part of it out and put it in your resume. Rather than changing your focus or giving up, focus on getting your foot in the door. The outlook is not all gloom and doom – Dooney predicts that the industry will turn around and slowly come back by the end of the year.

Dear Sue: My boss is always telling me, "This is your department, run it how you see fit." I like the idea, but she makes all of the decisions. What do you make of this?

– Trying to run my department

Sue Says: I assume your boss is trying to empower you to make some decisions, take ownership and run the department as if it were your own. Encouraging you to be more involved is a smart move on her part, but it doesn’t mean she plans on backing off or wants to give up her own power and authority. She has told you to run the department – are you or are you looking to her for approval? If you are unsure about her expectations, ask for clarification. Don’t press too hard for an answer, however, and make sure you aren’t asking too many questions -- it may be what she is trying to avoid, and wants you to look to yourself for answers.

Remember, she didn’t say “run the company” or “take over”. She has, however, encouraged you to do things your way and make your own decisions when you are able to. Stop questioning things and take advantage of a wonderful opportunity. You are in an enviable position.

Sue Morem is a professional speaker, trainer and syndicated columnist. She is author of the newly released 101 Tips for Graduates and How to Gain the Professional Edge, Second Edition. You can contact her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com. 

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