Posted on 11/19/2008 1:07:57 PM PST by Hotdog
OK...just need some advise. I've been given a severance package because I refused to transfer to Detroit from Nashville. I worked for a fortune 150 company as an engineer (undegreed) for 23 years but took this option because I wanted to be near my family. After about 5 months I haven’t had much luck in finding serious employment so I'm thinking about placing a few 30 second spots on the radio in hopes of finding something. Has anyone ever done this or heard of it being done with positive results?
Don’t waste your time (and money).
I’m in Detroit. Can I apply for the job you turned down?
This sounds like barstool “brainstorming”.
Sometimes the more creative ideas work. Just be careful, you will have every fruitcake with an MLM scam knocking at your door.
Being an undegreed engineer you should have moved. You can’t even get interviews with out the degree.
You should’ve taken the transfer to Detroit while looking for a new job in Nashville. The Detroit area is not as bad as the media make it seem, in fact the suburbs are some of the nicest in the country...and it’s a short jaunt to Nashville. I’ve learned never to leave a job without having the next one already in hand. At this point, your options are limited unless you can go back to your old employer and offer to take the job in Detroit. In this economy, it will be hell looking for a new job, and I don’t believe that advertising on radio will find you the right target audience.
Hotdog, I both agree and disagree with Cyclone59, specifically because of how long you've been on the job. In many engineering jobs, you can't even work without a license so obviously, the paper is important. I supposed it depends on what type of engineering job you have and the other papers you may have (such as certifications like the MCSE, etc).. MCSE certifications are worth far more than many degrees. If you don't have certifications and it is an area that usually requires some sort of certification or degree, Cyclone is right, realze the blessing of being in that position without a degree and don't let it get away.
So I guess this leads to some questions.
What type of engineer are you? What specialty areas do you work in? Do you have any certifications or licenses?
There may be other alternatives depending on how you answer those.
Seriously, save your money. Radio spots aren't cheap, at least those that are heard by anyone.
As much as I hated to "network" when I was unemployed, it eventually worked. Stats show that most folks get jobs not from people they know, but from people who are themselves acquaintances of the folks they know (does that make sense?).
You could also try reading business journals, like the "Nashville Business Journal." Last week I sent a lead I found in "Business TN" (businesstn.com) to an unemployed IT friend.
Keep trying, keep positive, save your money and hold expenses down. And that's good advice whether you have a job or not.
Speaking of networking. Be sure to join LinkedIn.. You would not believe the number of job offers I’ve received just by recruiters stumbling on my profile there, and I wasn’t even searching.
Isn’t that the truth.. when you get Google recruiters calling you, you know you’ve found a good tool.
Not to mention the cost vs the number of listeners.
Have to question the wisdom of refusing to transfer in these economic times. If you can, contact your old employer for a re-think...
Have you thought about starting a private consulting business?
Why not use your skills in an entrepreneurial venture? The RATS are gonna start spreading lots of dough around on "alternative energy" and automotive projects. Form an LLC with "Green" in the name, partner with a "diversity" person (like a girlfriend) and watch the grants roll in.
Hey, dog. I am an HR professional (20+years). Don’t waste your money this way. Gimmicks are not the answer. However, you are onto a good concept when thinking about “differentiating” yourself from the herd. There are considerably less expensive ways to do that.
try craigslist
You need to honestly evaluate your current market.
How many other companies in your immediate market have a need for someone with your skills?
What are the company names? Have you been to their web sites? What about your professional engineering events locally? You might also want to check out indeed.com that checks multiple job boards and sends you an email each day.
Action leads to change, so get out there and talk to some people, get out of your comfort zone and you will find something you are happy with.
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