The McClatchy Company 12/27/2009 4:56 AM ET
2010 should be better, experts say, but not for everybody [The Charlotte Observer, N.C.]
It looks like Business Week picked up and published the Kristin Valle’s December 27, 2009, Charlotte Observer article where she interviewed me. I thought Kristin Valle did a fine job with the outlook and overview. In fact, it was ironic that when she called one of my finest clients came in and told me that the company just called her back about an interview, told her they “loved her” and “couldn’t wait to hire her” but they were temporarily “freezing” all positions. Kristin Valle alertly wanted to interview her and included her in another story. That’s the fun of this year and a tough, high unemployment market.
I wanted to show you my quote, add a thought or two to it. You know how interviews go. If you don’t the reporter can talk to you for 30 or more minutes and then use three lines. So I thought I would not do the uncut version of what I said to her on the phone in December but just add a few more points. I wanted to show you my quote, add a thought or two to it. You know how interviews go. If you don’t the reporter can talk to you for 30 or more minutes and then use three lines. So I thought I would not do the uncut version of what I said to her on the phone in December but just add a few more points.
My thoughts accurately reflect what we were dealing with and still dealing with in 2010. The job market for executives looks pretty good compared to last year. Other reports echo this sentiment including Execunet’s recent release that has been listed in and fully vetted in the Wall Street Journal.
1. Just as in 2009, jobs will be out there if you can prove you are competitive. But you will have to not only be and continue to demonstrate your productivity you will have to continue to be flexible in terms of pay, relocation, travel and other considerations. It won’t stay an employers’ market forever but it still is now.
2. Just like out job seekers this year who successfully landed I tried to drive home the message to never, ever again get lazy with building their brand whether they are in transition or not. It’s human nature to let up as you feel you have won the prize.
3. It is very important to develop, refine and continue to look at your career like a work-life mission and journey not a destination. This is what Career Pro Inc. clients, insiders and Executives in Transition participants know. There is something and there should be something bigger than the paycheck and title.
4. Companies should look at how they are administering both hiring and outplacement services. Career Pro Inc. can provide some of our best from our client resources to help you. And above all if you are hiring check with us first. We have the best people and we have the best in outplacement.
Here is the quote from Business Week and the Charlotte Observer:
“… The psychological impact of something like an extended recession may be worse than the actual hit.”It’s been a challenge this year to lift job-seekers’ spirits, said career coach John O’Connor of Raleigh’s Career Pro of NC Inc.
“Their ego’s hurt,” he said. “…Frankly, you have to go through some of the pain.”
He’s seen executives excel in interviews, only to have the firm announce a hiring freeze. Qualified candidates who went months without a bite. But also people who have worked harder, been more creative and come out more positive as a result.
“Jan. 1 is kind of the symbolic time to rethink, reinvent,” he said. “I would say people are mildly optimistic.”
***
Tell us about your outlook. Do you want to be on a journey to your work life mission or do you just want to work?