Topic: General Posts
Subject: Still out of work....
Submitted on 11-29-11 9:35 pm
Message:
All my online job application submissions and network connections have not resulted in any job interviews. It is 10 months now since I have been out of work. It is discouraging and disappointing that my job searching effort has not resulted in an interview opportunity. My search has also expanded outside the auto industry without any results. Not sure what else to do. I need to find work soon, any ideas?
My background is in automotive accounting. I held the position of controller in the past 8 years for a large multiple franchise automotive group.
Message:
All my online job application submissions and network connections have not resulted in any job interviews. It is 10 months now since I have been out of work. It is discouraging and disappointing that my job searching effort has not resulted in an interview opportunity. My search has also expanded outside the auto industry without any results. Not sure what else to do. I need to find work soon, any ideas?
My background is in automotive accounting. I held the position of controller in the past 8 years for a large multiple franchise automotive group.
Replies
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 11-29-11 10:20 pm.
Message:
Gero
Stalls are common in job searches - I believe I am in one now myself.
Attack this on several fronts - personalize this for your needs.
Resume makeover - tweak it a little; have someone else review it for fresh ideas
On Line Makeover - brush up where you exist on-line = LinkedIn; Facebook; Twitter; etc
if necessary, get a teenager to help you, they live the web
Personal Makeover - keep up your rest, nutrition, exercise... try something different....Crest white strips?
Family Makeover - spend time with loved ones...not talking about work...just enjoy the companionship
Household Chore Makeover - make a "honey-do" list and check off a few accomplishments
Conversation Makeover - email / call some people you first contacted 10 mos. ago, see if they have any new ideas
Idea Makeover - invite a trusted friend to breakfast/lunch and ask them for ideas, new rocks to turn over
Visibility Makeover - get yourself out there, join/re-join a group/network/organization
SCORE; Chamber of Commerce; Job Fairs; Trade Associations; Conferences
Being the CEO of Me, Inc., there will be good quarters and not-so-good quarters, just like any enterprise
The disappointment and frustration are real, you are entitled to feel it....and it hurts...its miserable
Channel your disappointment and frustration - make small, near term goals and complete them
Again, Gero, personalize these ideas for your needs ... but make some small adjustments/tweaks
Brian
Message:
Gero
Stalls are common in job searches - I believe I am in one now myself.
Attack this on several fronts - personalize this for your needs.
Resume makeover - tweak it a little; have someone else review it for fresh ideas
On Line Makeover - brush up where you exist on-line = LinkedIn; Facebook; Twitter; etc
if necessary, get a teenager to help you, they live the web
Personal Makeover - keep up your rest, nutrition, exercise... try something different....Crest white strips?
Family Makeover - spend time with loved ones...not talking about work...just enjoy the companionship
Household Chore Makeover - make a "honey-do" list and check off a few accomplishments
Conversation Makeover - email / call some people you first contacted 10 mos. ago, see if they have any new ideas
Idea Makeover - invite a trusted friend to breakfast/lunch and ask them for ideas, new rocks to turn over
Visibility Makeover - get yourself out there, join/re-join a group/network/organization
SCORE; Chamber of Commerce; Job Fairs; Trade Associations; Conferences
Being the CEO of Me, Inc., there will be good quarters and not-so-good quarters, just like any enterprise
The disappointment and frustration are real, you are entitled to feel it....and it hurts...its miserable
Channel your disappointment and frustration - make small, near term goals and complete them
Again, Gero, personalize these ideas for your needs ... but make some small adjustments/tweaks
Brian
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 11-30-11 12:22 pm.
Message:
Are you willing to relocate? Honda has an opening now (Torrance Ca) and Hyundai has had openings (many) in the recent past in Fountain Valley. The CFO at Hyundai is a FENG member. Even Toyota posts an opening periodically.
All three companies are looking for finance people in the lending area of automobiles. Go to thier websites and see if a job is there for you. Do not post on the their website but instead network to get to the hiring manager. Then apply through the hiring manager.
Good luck and best wishes for your success,
Daniel Miles CPA
[email protected]
Message:
Are you willing to relocate? Honda has an opening now (Torrance Ca) and Hyundai has had openings (many) in the recent past in Fountain Valley. The CFO at Hyundai is a FENG member. Even Toyota posts an opening periodically.
All three companies are looking for finance people in the lending area of automobiles. Go to thier websites and see if a job is there for you. Do not post on the their website but instead network to get to the hiring manager. Then apply through the hiring manager.
Good luck and best wishes for your success,
Daniel Miles CPA
[email protected]
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 11-30-11 12:49 pm.
Message:
Thank you Brian and Dan for your thoughts.
Message:
Thank you Brian and Dan for your thoughts.
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 12-05-11 12:47 pm.
Message:
Don't lose heart...I can understand the frustration but generally something comes from a unexpected front.
Keep trying to get more networking through FENG/FEI/Linkedin etc.
Some of the recruiters may also have consulting practices where a assignment or two may come up which might help you to get a perm position in the longer term.
There are many in your boat so the only option one has is to row harder and faster so that one gets to a shore....
Good luck
Message:
Don't lose heart...I can understand the frustration but generally something comes from a unexpected front.
Keep trying to get more networking through FENG/FEI/Linkedin etc.
Some of the recruiters may also have consulting practices where a assignment or two may come up which might help you to get a perm position in the longer term.
There are many in your boat so the only option one has is to row harder and faster so that one gets to a shore....
Good luck
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 12-05-11 10:02 pm.
Message:
Gero, if you would like, I would be more than happy to look at your resume. Also, have you contacted your alumni association?
Message:
Gero, if you would like, I would be more than happy to look at your resume. Also, have you contacted your alumni association?
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 12-09-11 7:12 pm.
Message:
Vinod, thank you for your encouraging statements.
Message:
Vinod, thank you for your encouraging statements.
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 12-09-11 7:14 pm.
Message:
Dave, thank you for offering to review my resume. Once I make a few suggested tweaks I will forward it to your email address.
Thank you!
Message:
Dave, thank you for offering to review my resume. Once I make a few suggested tweaks I will forward it to your email address.
Thank you!
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 01-11-12 11:54 am.
Message:
Gero,
I am responding in support of your situation. My husband too was out of work for 15 months. In the midst he was offered a job in the Middle East, and started the lengthy visa process.,,,just to have a job. He was to move, we would stay here. it would be like he was in the service, not seeing his family. He is in the television news field. Then one day, out of the blue he got a call (result of much earlier networking and discussions between other mutual contacts) asking if he was interested in a job in NC. (we lived in NJ- he worked in NYC) The new job paid just a little more than half of what he made in NYC, and he was disheartened because the cost of living in NC is not much less than it is in NJ, except for property taxes. With all our savings gone, and nothing else coming...we decided it was best that he take the job. It was an excellent decision, even with money very tight down here, and us missing family all in NJ, because the lifestyle and people are wonderful here. The schools are great, and the lengthy commutes from up north are a thing of the past. My point to you is not to give up, but do consider any and all opportunities, especially ones you would not have considered before. There are silver linings behind all those clouds, although we may not realize what they are until after the fact :). Each day be kind to yourself. My husband would work half the day, each day on his job leads, connections, and phone discussions. The other half he would keep free for chores or free time. Just yesterday he told me his biggest gift in his unemployment was the time and ability to be with his boys at their activities etc. A lot of which he missed while on the road and travelling when they were young. It did not bring money in, and we spent our savings and all retirement money to survive, but we grew so much as a family through this experience. Even though he is working now, it is still very hard for us financially, but keeping a positive perspective that things will get better helps I suppose. It isnt what you want to hear, but it is reality. I am a FENG member but work on my own, in order to help my special needs child have the best education and life, which requires my presence, so full time work is not an option for me now, which only added to our dilemna. We sincerely wish you the best during your search, and hope that you have good news to share soon.
Message:
Gero,
I am responding in support of your situation. My husband too was out of work for 15 months. In the midst he was offered a job in the Middle East, and started the lengthy visa process.,,,just to have a job. He was to move, we would stay here. it would be like he was in the service, not seeing his family. He is in the television news field. Then one day, out of the blue he got a call (result of much earlier networking and discussions between other mutual contacts) asking if he was interested in a job in NC. (we lived in NJ- he worked in NYC) The new job paid just a little more than half of what he made in NYC, and he was disheartened because the cost of living in NC is not much less than it is in NJ, except for property taxes. With all our savings gone, and nothing else coming...we decided it was best that he take the job. It was an excellent decision, even with money very tight down here, and us missing family all in NJ, because the lifestyle and people are wonderful here. The schools are great, and the lengthy commutes from up north are a thing of the past. My point to you is not to give up, but do consider any and all opportunities, especially ones you would not have considered before. There are silver linings behind all those clouds, although we may not realize what they are until after the fact :). Each day be kind to yourself. My husband would work half the day, each day on his job leads, connections, and phone discussions. The other half he would keep free for chores or free time. Just yesterday he told me his biggest gift in his unemployment was the time and ability to be with his boys at their activities etc. A lot of which he missed while on the road and travelling when they were young. It did not bring money in, and we spent our savings and all retirement money to survive, but we grew so much as a family through this experience. Even though he is working now, it is still very hard for us financially, but keeping a positive perspective that things will get better helps I suppose. It isnt what you want to hear, but it is reality. I am a FENG member but work on my own, in order to help my special needs child have the best education and life, which requires my presence, so full time work is not an option for me now, which only added to our dilemna. We sincerely wish you the best during your search, and hope that you have good news to share soon.
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 01-17-12 11:39 pm.
Message:
Where are you located? I know of a auto controller job in Dallas, TX
Message:
Where are you located? I know of a auto controller job in Dallas, TX
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 01-28-12 11:40 am.
Message:
Gero,
I would encourage you to consider marketing your expertise and skills as a consultant. Anyone in your former industry is a potential client, as are companies in industries with similar characteristics. Your skills are definitely in demand right now, if only on a part-time basis as companies continue to struggle with the economy. Landing just a few part-time clients will keep you busy and engaged in things that you are good at. It will do wonders for your spirit and the money you earn will help tide you over until you land a permanent position. It will also give you something interesting to talk about when future employers ask the inevitable question, "What have you been doing since you left your last position?" It is also quite possible that one of your clients will eventually need you on a full-time basis. I followed my own advice during my search. Looking back, the only thing I would do differently is offer my consulting services sooner and more actively than I initially did.
Chris
Message:
Gero,
I would encourage you to consider marketing your expertise and skills as a consultant. Anyone in your former industry is a potential client, as are companies in industries with similar characteristics. Your skills are definitely in demand right now, if only on a part-time basis as companies continue to struggle with the economy. Landing just a few part-time clients will keep you busy and engaged in things that you are good at. It will do wonders for your spirit and the money you earn will help tide you over until you land a permanent position. It will also give you something interesting to talk about when future employers ask the inevitable question, "What have you been doing since you left your last position?" It is also quite possible that one of your clients will eventually need you on a full-time basis. I followed my own advice during my search. Looking back, the only thing I would do differently is offer my consulting services sooner and more actively than I initially did.
Chris
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 02-01-12 10:51 am.
Message:
Gero,
I too understand the frustration that this market presents. If you haven't already, include CT in your job search. I have seen a number of Dealer franchises looking for finance leaders in the southern CT area - and they may be within a commuting distance from NE NJ. Good luck. Glenn
Message:
Gero,
I too understand the frustration that this market presents. If you haven't already, include CT in your job search. I have seen a number of Dealer franchises looking for finance leaders in the southern CT area - and they may be within a commuting distance from NE NJ. Good luck. Glenn
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 10-18-12 10:25 am.
Message:
You must keep pushing-I have basically been out for 2 years. I have been CFO for large auto group and done work with banks and GM. Once that dries up it's tough. Keep your head up and keep looking-Check all your sources, banks, finances companies, CPA firms and attorneys
Message:
You must keep pushing-I have basically been out for 2 years. I have been CFO for large auto group and done work with banks and GM. Once that dries up it's tough. Keep your head up and keep looking-Check all your sources, banks, finances companies, CPA firms and attorneys
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 10-18-12 11:03 am.
Message:
I would suggest that you form an 'accountability team' comprised of people like yourself who are making the transition to a new position.
I belong to a group here in Northern Calfornia called Job Connections. We have established smaller groups (8 to 10) who meet once a week or every other week. We've named these groups SWAT (Success With Accountability Team) The members support and hold each other accountable. What have you done since we've last met, what did you say you were going to do, what groups do you participate in, etc. We have had great success with this approach.
It is interesting that the more you help others succeed the more success you realize. What goes around comes around is as true today as it ever was.
In that vain, join a non profit you believe in and give others the benefit of your experience, your skills, your wisdom and your compassion. You have a lot to give those who are not as fortunate as your are. Believe me you are fortunate. Count what you do have not what you don't have and you'll be surprised by the results.
Message:
I would suggest that you form an 'accountability team' comprised of people like yourself who are making the transition to a new position.
I belong to a group here in Northern Calfornia called Job Connections. We have established smaller groups (8 to 10) who meet once a week or every other week. We've named these groups SWAT (Success With Accountability Team) The members support and hold each other accountable. What have you done since we've last met, what did you say you were going to do, what groups do you participate in, etc. We have had great success with this approach.
It is interesting that the more you help others succeed the more success you realize. What goes around comes around is as true today as it ever was.
In that vain, join a non profit you believe in and give others the benefit of your experience, your skills, your wisdom and your compassion. You have a lot to give those who are not as fortunate as your are. Believe me you are fortunate. Count what you do have not what you don't have and you'll be surprised by the results.
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 10-25-12 7:35 am.
Message:
Gero,
I just sent you an email with my telephone number. Would like to discuss a few options instead of posting here and post-tag.
Message:
Gero,
I just sent you an email with my telephone number. Would like to discuss a few options instead of posting here and post-tag.
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 10-25-12 9:28 pm.
Message:
Gero,
With your automotive background, you might also want to try the car rental companies. Both Hertz and Avis Budget are headquartered in NJ.
Message:
Gero,
With your automotive background, you might also want to try the car rental companies. Both Hertz and Avis Budget are headquartered in NJ.
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 11-06-12 11:35 am.
Message:
Keep at it. The challenge today is that with all of the tips on resumes and profiles, everyone has a great resume, profile and elevator speech, plus a great list of accomplishments. I have found that not only networking but understanding the nuances of human behavior are key to breaking through in a job search. When employed you felt in control of our work, how we managed it, etc. Now unemployed it is easy to feel you have no control - as you can't force anyone to hire your or even call back. This changes the way we think, believe and act during a search. I know, I have been there 3 times. Here is some very different job search information to help http://garyspinell.com/are-you-making-everyone-you-meet-drink-from-a-fire-hose/
Contact me if you have any questions.
Message:
Keep at it. The challenge today is that with all of the tips on resumes and profiles, everyone has a great resume, profile and elevator speech, plus a great list of accomplishments. I have found that not only networking but understanding the nuances of human behavior are key to breaking through in a job search. When employed you felt in control of our work, how we managed it, etc. Now unemployed it is easy to feel you have no control - as you can't force anyone to hire your or even call back. This changes the way we think, believe and act during a search. I know, I have been there 3 times. Here is some very different job search information to help http://garyspinell.com/are-you-making-everyone-you-meet-drink-from-a-fire-hose/
Contact me if you have any questions.
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 11-20-12 10:37 am.
Message:
Hello Gero,
This will sound basic, but it is and yet extremely vital. Do you know exactly the job you want AND are spending all of your time there? If you are scattered it can kill your search. Second, get feedback from your networking connections about your background, how they believe it fits into the market and how best to sell your skill set. Do this when you meet in person. Walk through a couple of interview questions with them. Keep building your network and making a good impression on them and HELPING them so you stay top of mind with them. Contact me if you have more questions. All the best. Gary
Message:
Hello Gero,
This will sound basic, but it is and yet extremely vital. Do you know exactly the job you want AND are spending all of your time there? If you are scattered it can kill your search. Second, get feedback from your networking connections about your background, how they believe it fits into the market and how best to sell your skill set. Do this when you meet in person. Walk through a couple of interview questions with them. Keep building your network and making a good impression on them and HELPING them so you stay top of mind with them. Contact me if you have more questions. All the best. Gary
Subject: Re:Still out of work....
Submitted on 12-04-12 10:57 am.
Message:
Gero
There is an automotive group in Orlando looking for a CFO. You have to keep a positive attitude and it will work out. I have been at it for 6 months and on multiple interviews with the same company and all you can do is wait. Hang in there
Message:
Gero
There is an automotive group in Orlando looking for a CFO. You have to keep a positive attitude and it will work out. I have been at it for 6 months and on multiple interviews with the same company and all you can do is wait. Hang in there