Finding a job is seldom a straight path

Thanks, Marsi, for sending this article to us.

Apply-Interview-Negotiate. Repeat. Finding a new job is rarely a straight path. Follow these tips to handle a multi-tiered hunt.

Kevin Fogarty

Finding a job sounds and feels like a logical, linear progression: You search for a job; you find a job posting; you apply; you interview; you get an offer; you negotiate; you begin your new job.If only it were so straightforward.

While each individual application may proceed step by step, every engagement progresses at its own pace, some never start, and some stop short. While Job Prospect A is already approaching the negotiation phase, Job Prospect B is in the late-interview phase, and Job Prospect C just called to say they got your resume and would like to set up an interview. Of course, you’re still searching for leads and sending out resumes to additional prospects weekly, if not daily.

For the job seeker, the trick is to keep each of those engagements progressing despite the different pace and the varying degrees of effort and attention required at different stages.
"You have to think of yourself as a juggler, with many balls in the air, and you have to keep them all moving," Arlene Barro, founder of executive search and coaching firm Barro Global Search Inc. of Los Angeles, who holds a doctorate in education and is the author of “Win Without Competing.” "A lot of people will keep waiting to hear from somebody; that's not effective. If you haven't heard within a week, pick up the phone and find out what's going on so you can close the gap with that employer. You need to continue your search; you can't sit and wait."

The life cycle of a search
Your job prospects typically follow a standard progression. Each stage requires a unique amount of attention and effort. However, there is room to add or subtract time and effort at each stage.
Search: You hunt for available jobs using job listings and networking. This phase is ongoing, and time and effort vary based on the method used and each prospect. Much of the time and effort are outside your control.
Apply: You choose the most promising and appealing jobs, and you apply. This usually means adjusting your resume for the specific position, writing a cover letter and submitting the application. This stage requires the least time and effort and remains almost entirely within your control.
Interview: You meet, often multiple times, with representatives of the prospective company. This stage can involve travel, extended preparation and focus and will vary wildly from job to job. It is the most consuming stage of the job search in terms of time and effort.
References: A prospective employer will check your references and perform a background check. This requires little effort on your part other than coordinating contact with your references. The time and effort required is largely outside your control.
Offer-Negotiate-Accept: The search doesn’t end with an offer of employment. The offer must be reviewed. It may require research and several rounds of negotiation. You may also wish to delay accepting while you keep other job prospects progressing.

Juggling leads
A successful job search requires you to keep as many prospects as possible live at all times, including a range of prospects in various stages of development – from initial contact to final negotiation. That means jobs at different stages of the search are competing for disparate levels of time and effort.
The process resembles the workflow of a salesperson, said Lynn Berger, a career coach, licensed therapist and author of The Savvy Part-time Professional, which examines issues of work-life balance. In a single day, a salesman might cold-call a new contact, do follow ups on prospects with whom he or she has talked several times but are not ready to buy, and negotiate a price with a customer who has finally sealed the deal, Berger said.
That doesn’t sound like a terrible challenge to a lot of people, especially those who have worked in sales and are accustomed to keeping up with many customers, according to Barro.
However, it's all too easy to get distracted by a single job prospect, to lose your motivation to pursue new prospects when an existing one looks like it might succeed, or to focus on things like consulting work that help pay the bills while you search for jobs. In Barro’s juggling metaphor, it’s easy to focus on one ball that needs attention and drop the other balls.

Where juggling jobs can hurt you
Since long delays are common between the initial interview and a job offer, it's easy to forget who you're supposed to be talking to, or even confuse the details of one job and another, Berger said.
It's also easy to get detoured by a likely looking job that ultimately won't come through and put off generating new prospects, Barro said. That’s a serious tactical error; you'll end up having to choose – or be chosen – from a much smaller pool of job prospects than you would if you were more consistent in generating new prospects.
Even if you're staying up to speed on your networking, job applications and interviews, it's easy to get off track doing too much research in an interesting area that has few job prospects, neglecting new prospects while waiting for a really promising offer that might not ever arrive, or even doing work around the house that makes you feel good but doesn't help you get a job, Berger said.
"If you have a tendency to respond to issues at hand, if you're really good in a crisis, there's a really good chance you're not paying enough attention to the shorter term," Berger said. "You have to put some structure in place to make sure you're attending to the things you need to -- something outside yourself that can help you make sure you're attending to other things."

Emotional Stages of a Job Loss
Right at the beginning of your job search, write out a blueprint of what you want to do, how you want your search to progress, and list the things you need to do to keep it on track, Barro recommends.
"Put down all these things you want to do and weight them according to what's most important to you," she said. "If you give consulting a 30-percent weighting, that's almost a third of your time. What are you going to do with the rest of your time? Spend it on the job search? Spend part on follow up? What allocation do you give each activity?"
After that, keeping on track is strictly day-to-day time management. "I tell people to revisit the blueprint about once a month to make sure your priorities are always current," she said.

Must love pets - full-time job with veterinary clinic

From the Douglas County Sentinel on 08/13:

"Fast paced veterinary clinic in need of experienced front office assistant...high energy and teachable. Will be handling all front office tasks to include phones, scheduling appts, greeting pet owners by name and taking payments as well as occasionally handling strong animals. Strong office skills to include excellent customer service skills, telephone skills, computer knowledge, and patience. Will be trained on computer system. Must like animals but love people. Requires compassion with outstanding customer service in all situations. Full-time, will include Satursdays. Competitive wages, great benefits. Fax resume with cover letter to 770-949-2637."

Naturally Fresh - 2 jobs in Q/C, 1 electrician needed

Thank you, Leah, for calling in these leads--your help is much appreciated! Here are 3 new openings at Naturally Fresh, for their Atlanta location.

How to Apply: Apply in person Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1000 Naturally Fresh Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30349 OR email resume and salary requirements to employment@naturallyfresh.com

Technician/ Quality Control
Job Description: Entry level position. Perform quality testing of products including mixing, packaging and warehouse handling. Perform quality testing of incoming materials and ingredients. Inspecti packaging for fill, labeling, coding and integrity. Perform microbiological testing. Measure colors and flavors for production. Monitor HACCP compliance. Investigate customer complaints.
Requirements: Qualified candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in food science, biology, microbiology or chemistry. Prior experience in the food industry a plus.
How to Apply: Please submit resume with salary requirements to employment@naturallyfresh.com

Electrician
Job Description: The manufacturing environment consists of high volume industrial and manufacturing electrical equipment maintenance and repair in a continuous operation.Install, troubleshoot, perform PM's, and repair electrical systems, apparatus, and electrical and electronic components of industrial machinery and equipment by following electrical code, manuals, schematic diagrams, blueprints, and other specifications.Must be experienced with 480 VAC 3 PH power distribution. Must be able to layout and install rigid conduit as well as read and understand electrical schematics for power and control systems. Install power supply wiring and conduit for newly installed machines and equipment, such as robots, conveyors, and programmable controllers, following electrical code and blueprints.Test and diagnose malfunctioning machinery using test equipment, and repair malfunctions with other maintenance workers. Replace faulty electrical components , such as counters, relays, switches, and motors.
Requirements: Qualified candidates will carry over five years of electrician experience within a manufacturing/production/industrial environment performing electrical maintenance.
How to Apply: Apply in person Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1000 Naturally Fresh Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30349 OR email resume and salary requirements to employment@naturallyfresh.com

WIT (Women in Technology) news, networking, and more

Thanks to Marsi for sending this our way:

AUGUST 2009 You...WIT. The fast track just got more interesting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIT's Leadership, Managing Your Success Series: September 16th
Join us on Wednesday, September 16th as we hear from Vicki Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Vicki will share with us how her career path and choices led her to the leadership position she now holds with Turner. Make sure you come early for one of the best networking opportunities in the Atlanta technology community! Learn more about this event or register to attend.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celebrate WIT's Fast Track Women by Purchasing Your WOTY Awards Ticket
Early Bird Ticket Prices for the WIT's Women of the Year in Technology Awards presented by Grant Thornton are now available online! TAG members can purchase their tickets for $125, non-members for $155 through August 28. Reserve your seat or table today. WIT's 10th annual Women of the Year in Technology Awards presented by Grant Thornton celebrates women technology executives for their accomplishments as leaders in business, visionaries of technology and women who make a difference in our communities. See the list of 2009 Honorees and join us in congratulating them.

Select sponsorships for WOTY Awards still available! Looking for a way to connect with top decision makers in the technology industry through effective and cost-efficient marketing avenues? High-profile sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event at price points to fit most budgets. Contact Heather Rocker, WIT executive director, for more information.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIT's Executive Coaching: Last Chance to Apply for 2009
You've paid your dues and have a proven track record of success - now you need the strategies to fast-track to the top. Let WIT's Executive Coaching combine individual coaching and small-group training to help you develop a personal strategy, promote yourself and your successes, and gain the visibility that puts your career on the fast track to the board room. Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years experience plus experience managing a team of direct reports. Contact us for more information and receive an application for enrollment. Applications are due ASAP and Orientation will be held on August 22nd.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW Program: WIT's Reinventing Your Career
In the world of career possibilities out there, where do you fit? Are you at a crossroads? Have you been 'slated' in a role without a future, or that no longer inspires you to grow? Does your career path look like it needs to take a detour, instead of simply the next step? There is a way to look at what you have, who you are, and what you've done, and find in it the path to something more, something different. WIT's Reinventing Your Career walks you through this reinventing process. There is a lot of change that occurs in the life and careers of women in the technology field, and Reinventing Your Career helps you reposition yourself through that change - for a successful outcome and for a new direction. Register Now - limited space is available.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIT's Book Club Event: August 16th
WIT is pleased to present the fifth BiblioBabes Book Club meeting designed just for WIT! Focused on readings which support the growth of women in the business community, these book club sessions are small, informal gatherings where Atlanta business women can share their insights and perspectives on selected business books. This month's book is "GenderTalks Works: 7 Steps for Cracking the Gender Code at Work" by Connie Glaser. WHO should attend? WIT supporters who want to be current in their business readings, but may not always have time to read. This is an affinity group available to women only. Reservations are required and attendees are asked to make a $5 contribution to the WIT Foundation. Learn more and RSVP to attend the meeting on August 16th.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIT Strategic Alliances
Marketing budgets everywhere are being slashed, and it's time to get creative. WIT's Outreach program connects businesses and top decision makers in the technology industry through effective and cost-efficient marketing avenues. Join companies including AutoTrader.com, Cbeyond, CNN, Equifax, Jabian Consulting, NPI, and Turner Broadcasting Systems and learn how to build your business with WIT while supporting WIT initiatives and philanthropies. Contact us to build your custom outreach solution today.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIT Co-Sponsored Event: Agile on the Green
Get your putters ready for the ultimate day out for the Atlanta technology community at Agile on the Green (AOTG). Sponsored by Agile, one of the region's fastest growing IT talent firms, AOTG kicks off on Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, at Bear's Best in Duluth, Ga. All net proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate, and will help the local community tackle early detection of breast cancer. For the second year, WIT will sponsor a Golf Clinic prior to the event, which will feature an 18-hole scramble format followed by a cocktail hour, dinner and awards reception.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIT Co-Sponsored Event: Women on Boards
Currently, women represent only 15.2% of Fortune 500 company board membership, and we are out to change that! The event held on October 13th (3pm to 6pm) will educate and prepare women for board service. Our panelists are top-level executives with extensive board experience and a desire to share their knowledge and necessary tools for serving as a director. Topics include: being an effective board member; how to position yourself to get on a board; how to transition from serving on non-profit boards to for profit boards. Register for this event.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIT's mission is to develop and promote women for success in technology in Georgia.

Dendreon to bring jobs to Georgia

Some good news from Xconomy, an online newsletter published out of Seattle (and a news clip about Dendreon is also in today's DC Sentinel):

Dendreon Will Build Manufacturing Plant in Georgia

by Eric Hal Schwartz, 8/10/09

Dendreon (NASDAQ: DNDN), the Seattle-based developer of an immune-boosting drug for prostate cancer, announced today that it has leased property in Atlanta to build a second manufacturing plant for the drug. Rumors about the deal surfaced last month, but Dendreon would not comment before the official announcement. The factory will actually be built in Union City, GA, just southwest of Atlanta, and cover 160,000 square-feet of land. Financial details were not released, but the plant may cost an estimated $80 million and create around 300 jobs for people in the area, according to a report last month in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Dendreon’s first factory is in Morris Plains, NJ, but the company expects that extra manufacturing capacity for the drug, sipuleucel-T (Provenge), will be necessary. Concerns over manufacturing limitations have previously been an issue with Dendreon after the clinical trials for the treatment turned out so well. The issue is that sipuleucel-T is not just a pill but a complex treatment. It requires blood to be taken from a patient and processed at a clinic three times a month. It’s extremely important therefore to keep the supply chain uninterrupted.

The FDA is expected to approve Dendreon’s treatment by early next year, but demand is expected to easily outstrip the production capacity of the New Jersey factory. And since most of the estimated 100,000 American candidates for sipuleucel-T live in the eastern corridor of the United States, placing the second plant in Georgia makes a lot of sense.

The state of Georgia plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the factory on September 30.
source: Xconomy article on Dendreon

Customer Sales Rep needed in SW Atlanta

From today's DC Sentinel:

Inmar is a leader in providing technology-driven logistics management solutions to retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers in the consumer goods and healthcare markets. The Inmar family of companies includes CLS, Carolina Supply Chain Services, CLS MedTurn, CMS, Carolina Services, VSI Targeting, Winston Data and Stratapult.

Inmar is seeking a customer sales representative for its SW Atlanta location. HS diploma and minimum of 3 years administrative or customer service experience required. Excellent communication and organizational skills, with ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.

Excelent compensation & benefits. Send resume and salary requirements to: rhonda.saline@inmar.com, or fax to 404.344.7708.

Looking for a Senior Customer Service Representative

Marsi, thanks for pointing out this lead, which comes from LinkedIn.com:

Senior Customer Service Rep needed in Kennesaw area: The Sr. CSR will provide world-class customer service to bidders and sellers to facilitate successful transactions and improve customer satisfaction. The Senior Customer Service Representative will assist customers who have questions about billing and general operation of the site,. This person will also help resolve fraud complaints and assist with security monitoring of the site by looking for duplicate accounts and potentially fraudulent listings.

Support is accomplished through our customer support tool and is all online support. There is currently no telephone support required.

Candidates must be a motivated self starter that can work that can follow directions and think independently. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with customers in a written format are required. Ability to problem-solve and document trends for management and experience with online auction sites is needed.

Requirements:
• Candidates MUST work weekends. Flexible work schedule with 3 days in the office and weekend work from home. This is a 40 hr/week full time position with benefits and profit sharing.
• You MUST have a complete home office including high speed Internet access. We will provide a laptop and software.
• Proven Customer Service skills in a challenging or complex environment. Recent college graduates will also be considered.
• Successful background in an environment requiring simultaneous listening, interpreting, typing and computer use skills.
• Office, organizational, PC and interpersonal skills commensurate for dealing with customers at all levels.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem solving, project management and decision-making skills.
• You must be able to pass a thorough background check before a position is offered.

Company Information:
GunBroker.com is the world's largest online auction for hunting, sport shooting and related accessories. Founded in 1999, GunBroker.com promotes responsible gun ownership. As a company, GunBroker.com sells none of the merchandise listed on its Web site. Third-party sellers list items on the site, and every buyer or seller must be legally allowed to own firearms. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. The site also features buyers protection. The site is an informative, detailed, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms and hunting and shooting accessories. The company does not maintain any product inventory.

Location:
Kennesaw, GA just off of I-75 and Barrett Parkway
Company Perspective:
• Small but fast growing
• Profitable
• Stable
• Highly value personal initiative
• Focused on getting the job done
• Casual – not bureaucratic

Contact Information:
Please submit resume to Careers@GunBroker.com.

Gen gets a fan letter!

GEN folks, here's part of an email we received that made our day...hope it inspires and encourages you, too!!

"I want to thank you and everyone at GEN. The meetings I attended and the contacts I made helped me. I got a job through one of your postings.

Thanks again and keep up the good work."

She wrote later to add:

"The new job is going GREAT! I am meeting lots of new people and enjoy the work.

Thanks again for GEN and the opportunity it gave me."

Darlene

Darlene, congratulations on your new position. We're glad to hear that things are going well. God is good, and we give Him the praise for this answered prayer!

The newspaper may report bad news; the radio and TV broadcasters may sound glum. But our God is for us, and who can be against us? With Him, there is always hope.

Blessings, GEN members. We continue to pray for Darlene, and for all of you as well. We look forward to posting more good news!
Lynn
FPC office

Advantage packing seeks sales person in Douglasville

Company - Advantage Packaging, Inc., manufacturing industry
Location - Douglasville, GA 30134

Full Time Employee
Relevant Work Experience- 1+ to 2 Years
Education Level - High School or equivalent
Career Level - Experienced (Non-Manager)
Salary - 30,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD /year + commission
Sales - General

About the Job:
Corrugated Box Manufacturer located in Douglasville has an outstanding opportunity for an aggressive sales person. Must be currently living in the Metro Atlanta area. This is a salary + commission position. Must be able to prepare and deliver proposals to prospective and existing customers. Effectively manage all the accompanying follow-up steps necesary to secure sales. Qualifications - Minimum 1 year experience with superior presentation skills. Must demonstrate an ability to efficiently organize, prioritize and plan daily activities. Please email a resume, cover letter detailing your relevant experiences to: Employment@advantagepkg.com