Job hunting in a tough economy
1398
Dear Joan:
I have previously worked for an insurance company. I have this offer from another company where the company will give me an offer letter to join as a process leader provided I take up an executive program in the field of my work and take up a full time course paying a huge fee and staying away from home city for about a year. Post my successful completion of the course, I will be taken as a full time employee of the company.
I don’t know anyone who has done this course, nor do I know anyone in the company itself. Does such a course help my career prospects? I will have to take an education loan to pay for the course, since it’s way too expensive.
Does such courses help me move jobs after some time in this company?
Can you please direct me whether I should take up this course and job?
Answer:
The fact that you have written to ask if this is the right thing to do, suggests that you have serious doubts…and you should. The analogy is the young girl who says to her boyfriend, “Buy a house, and then I’ll marry you.” Even if she signs a letter, indicating her intentions, there is no guarantee she will ever say, “I do.” They risk nothing and you invest everything.
Since you have never heard of this course, and you have experience in the industry, that should tell you something. It might be different if you knew the program had resulted in placing candidates in their company, or if they were willing to share in the costs.
If it is a basic degree they are seeking, it would probably be worth the investment, since a college degree is a solid credential that will enable you to qualify for many jobs for the rest of your life. But a specialized program for one industry, all at your expense, and requiring you to relocate to a different city to do it?
Walk away and invest your time in looking for a position that offers you compensation and benefits from day one. And in the ideal situation, look for a company that will pay for your continuing education.
Dear Joan:
Two years ago, I landed a job at a company that I thought I would be at for a long time. But it didn't work out that way. I started in one position within this company, then segued over to another position. I was working there for about eight months, then I made a couple of bad decisions that were work related and I was let go.
Although my intentions were always good and I was nice about the way I did things and got along with everyone I worked with, I tried to re-apply at this same company a year after I was let go.
While I didn't get a phone call from anyone I worked with about the positions I applied for, I was wondering would it be too forward to reach out to the first manager who hired me at the company. I've thought about going back to that company since it's been hard for me to find steady employment since I worked there last. What should I do?
Answer:
Typically, once you are fired, the company won’t rehire you. I don’t know what “bad decisions” you made but those are what count—not your intentions.
You can reach out to your first manager, but his hands will be tied. Even if he really liked you as an employee, he won’t be able to rehire you.
Instead, call him and ask him if he will give you a good reference. He may be able to give you a positive reference, since the situation that got you terminated occurred after you left your first supervisor’s department.
The most important thing you can do is to find a job—even a temporary, or part-time job—and impress your supervisor with your skills and positive attitude. This can lead to a bigger job, or certainly to an enthusiastic reference for a bigger job. I’ve seen part-timers blow off their jobs as “only part-time” or “not in my real field” only to find they can’t seem to land the job they really want because their part-time boss doesn’t regard them as a good employee, worthy of a good reference.
Forget the past and focus on a new job –then pour your heart into it.
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Joan Lloyd is a Milwaukee based executive coach and organizational & leadership development strategist. She is known for her ability to help leaders and their teams achieve measurable, lasting improvements. Joan Lloyd & Associates, specializes in leadership development, organizational change and teambuilding, providing: executive coaching, CEO coaching & team coaching, 360-degree feedback processes, customized training (leadership skills, presentation skills, internal consulting skills & facilitation skills), team conflict resolution and retreat facilitation.
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