Tuesday, I had the privilege to travel from Baltimore to New York to participate in a Job Search Event geared toward the countless job seekers in the New York area. I went as a Career Coach and I spent the day laser coaching - meeting, listening and guiding job seekers. It was humbling, rewarding, and thought provoking for me as a career coach. Let me explain.

My visit to New York afforded me the opportunity to meet people from various industries, and various levels of experience. From a recent college graduate to a woman who clearly had a previous six-figure income. All melded together in a common purpose - their need for employment. Most of the job seekers I met have many, many, many years of experience. It was humbling to sit across the table from them and provide recommendations, feedback and optimistic statements - my belief that they will find employment in this crazy market. I do believe that people can find employment out there. I am not saying that because I don’t see what’s happening. I say it because I truly believe it. But when you (me) sit with people who have been unemployed for more than 6 months one man up to two years, who are not getting calls for interviews, and yet clearly they have marketable skills, it is humbling to believe that you can help them. I don’t walk in their shoes. I felt their frustration, their pain, their fear, and their hope.

The rewarding side of my day is that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have valuable information for job seekers in need of employment. I helped men and women, young and old on Tuesday. In the end, my greatest joy will come when I hear the success stories of each of the people I met yesterday. I am convinced that I am doing exactly what I am suppose to be doing in my life. People are discouraged in their job search. I believe people need to be encouraged. And despite the nay sayers, I want my voice here at Interview Chatter to be one that sounds different to those who find themselves looking for employment in this market. I want an optimistic voice, which I believe I already provide. But after seeing the number of people - real people yesterday, I found myself reflecting on how many of them feel.  I wanted to cry for many of them. But I know that doesn’t help anyone. So what else could I do?

As I traveled back from New York in the snow, and ice last night, I found myself thinking about what else I can do to help job seekers. So many need additional resources, creative ideas for finding employment. How do I touch more people? How can I realistically help a job seeker from moving from being unemployed to being employed in a job that will be rewarding to them? I don’t have a lot of answers to my own questions. But I will begin by making myself more available to more people. I will keep talking to people. I will continue share what I know and look for additional resources that will help people find jobs.

Tags: Interview Chatter, Job Search Event, Resources, New York, Job Seekers, Reward, Humble, Employment, Help People Find Jobs

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On A Personal Note: I sing among the many things I do. And I heard this video at a rehearsal a couple of weeks. And we turned it around and did this song on New Year’s Eve coming into the new year. It was in my spirit and I thought I would share it with you. I will leave the video to speak for itself! Happy Wordless Wednesday! Make it a great day! Oh, how he loves us!

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Happy November!! Things are changing at Interview Chatter once again! I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to Gina G. She has been helping me here for the last 4 months keep Interview Chatter thriving! Thank you for all of your help Gina!! Gina has decided to move on. She will be writing her personal blogs, and continuing her job search! Please make sure you leave her a comment and tell her how much you appreciate her insights over the last few months. Her email is still in the side panel.

As Gina transitions, we are also transitioning here at b5media. The Business Channel is a thing of the past. b5media has launched our new Business Portal called bizzia.com. Interview Chatter is now apart of bizzia.com. You have to go and see the new portal. It looks great and it will help us continue to grow here at b5media. Share the link with your friends and families.

Bizzia covers themes such as finance, leadership, e-commerce, small business, sales and marketing. Bringing together the latest news coverage on breaking topics and popular business discussions, Bizzia makes it easy to access the specific themes a reader is interested in, as well as discover unique business perspectives around other topics.

“Bizzia.com not only serves as a destination for users to get their fill of business news and advice, but provides a forum for intelligent discussion and reader engagement as well,” said Jeremy Wright, president and chief executive officer of b5media. “It will also continue to enhance the profile of b5media as a growing media company, and will allow b5media to compete with the mainstream media by offering authentic advice from a staff of knowledgeable writers and editors.”

With Bizzia.com, b5media is proud to offer a new way to explore high quality business content from one website - while still maintaining a connection with the individual blogs for readers who want to dig deeper and learn more. In this way, frequent blog readers can digest content easily while business enthusiasts who are less familiar with blogs have a way of giving them a try.

I am not going any where! I will continue to write Interview Chatter. I will continue to respond to your questions and comments. If you need a coach, look no further, I am happy to assist you in your job search! Please feel free to drop me an email and I will do what I can to help you get that next job opportunity you are looking for. Enjoy your day, your weekend!

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On Monday I turned 41. Besides feeling pretty darn old, I realized that my job hunt at 41 is totally different from what was 10 years ago. Here’s how…

1. I’m more concerned about the stability of the company. Before I assumed that most all companies were stable and successful. Boy, was I wrong.
2. I place importance on the “culture” of the organization being in line with my personal values. Working for an organization where most people are polar opposite from me on just about every religious and personal belief has really scarred me.
3. I’m concerned about making sure that my personality is a “good fit” for the company, and theirs with mine.
4. These days I’m more interested in investing more of my after 9-5 hours into the stuff that I place importance on like friends and family.
5. I’m more concerned with making sure that I’ll be working with like-minded people. Sometimes even the most simple conversations turn to social issues and feeling like the odd-man-out can really bring you down.

I can assure you, I did not have the maturity 10 years ago to think of any of these things. But, now that I’m in my 40’s and starting the second half of my professional career, I have different goals that are mostly around how I can find a job where my personal goals are in-line with my professional goals. And although I have no doubt that this is the right path for me, it sure does mean slim pickins on the job front.

How much of a cut in pay would you consider if you knew the job you were going to had exactly the kind of culture you were looking for in an organization?

At a block party a few weeks ago, one of my neighbors was complaining that we’re all “wage slaves”.  I didn’t entirely agree with her until this week.  I applied for a position at a not-for-profit organization where I’ve heard the culture is much more in line with my personal value system.  They called me to discuss the position but they were clearly concerned about my salary expectations right off the bat.  She told me up-front that they wouldn’t be able to compete with my current salary, reminding me “you know we are a not-for-profit.”  This position is with a company I’ve been interested in since relocating to Chicago.  I’m fairly certain I’d love it.  But, when it comes right down to it, I’m just not sure I’m willing to make that much less money all in the name of an “enjoyable job.”

What’s your opinion?  How much is your peace of mind worth?  Would you take a cut in pay for a job you loved?  If so, how much?

If you’ve spent more than 5 minutes with me over the past year, you’ve heard me complaining about my job.  To hear me talk about it, you’d think I was a battered wife in an abusive marriage that I was too afraid to leave. 

I have a really good job making good money, yet I can’t stop complaining about it.

The other day as I was leaving Walgreens where I’d stopped to pick up a few things for a business trip, I passed this skinny little middle-aged (my age) woman who was scurrying by me wearing her Walgreens uniform.  She was clearly headed into work.  It was Saturday afternoon and she seemed pretty happy.  I figure if she’s lucky, she makes about 10 bucks per hour.  Seeing this Walgreens employee really put things into perspective for me.

So, on behalf of all the supreme complainers with really good jobs out there, here’s 5 reasons I (we) should just quit crying about it…

1. I have a job (don’t forget that some people don’t even have a job to complain about)
2. Not only do I have a job, I have a great job.
3. I make good money.
4. I don’t have to work at night or on the weekends.
5. I’m doing something I’m really good at and making a difference in the world.

It’s easy to get into a rut and talk yourself into thinking you are abused and mistreated instead of being thankful for having a good job despite a terrible economy.  Don’t forget to be greatful for what you have.

It seems some what amazing to me that September 11th was 7 years ago. What a difference 7 years has made in my life. Seven years ago on September 11th I was living in Salt Lake City, UT working for a medium size organization as a Learning Manager. I was actually on my way to the airport that day to travel to corporate headquarters in Pennsylvania. I never got on a plane that day and my career changed drastically within six months. I went from flying first class, and working in a fairly successful company to unemployment in the blink of an eye.

Since September 11, 2001, I have worked a variety of jobs, graduated from Bible School and now in a completely different vocation. I am in full time ministry today. Will ever go back to corporate America? Who knows. But I doubt it. I am happy doing what I get to do today. The beautiful thing is, that I get to use my skills and abilities from my corporate career in my new career.

What about you? What has changed for you over the last 7 years? Has your career made significant changes, are you doing exactly the same thing you were doing 7 years ago? I would love to hear your story! Scroll down and share. Tags: September 11, Salt Lake City, UT, career change, career transition, what has changed?, Interview Chatter

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For most of my regular readers, you know I am in Ghana West Africa. My trip is coming to an end in the next 4 days. I will be back writing regular posts on the hiring and interview process early next week. I wanted to share one our experiences while here in Ghana. My team and I had the opportunity to pray for 4 people who were crippled. Two of the four are walking today. We spent about 2 hours praying for them to walk. God showed up and here is one of the men taking his first steps! Enjoy!

I am headed to Ghana, West Africa on August 3rd. The awesome part of this trip is that my job is sending me. I am now the Director of a Bible School, an intensive training school. Our purpose is to train people, of all ages for full-time ministry. This is an exciting trip for me for many reasons. The greatest one is that I get to do what is in my heart to do - preach the gospel. I was created to teach and preach and this trip to Ghana will allow me to do it.

I will also be visiting an elementary school. We sponsor approximately 112 children in Ghana. Our sponsorship allows these children to go to school. We are taking school supplies, and gifts to these children. The ages range from about 6-10 years old. We will also visit a hospital, do street witnessing, mime, ballooning, just to name a few things. I am going with 3 others.

How many of you have a passion for what you are doing? Arguably most people are not working in jobs where there is any hint of passion. I am! And I do! And it feels great! I wrote this post as a way of communicating to my regular readers, that I will not be available for the next two weeks. I will be checking email periodically, but I will not respond to comments until I get back. Gina will be hear to take VERY good care of you.

If you are in the midst of a job search and you need assistance, Gina would be happy to assist you! When I get back I will share pictures and stories.

Yesterday, July 14th was my birthday. Bastille Day in France!! In honor of my very special day, I took a personal day and did exactly what I wanted to do. I ate Maryland blue crabs with friends and family. It was excellent! I had lunch with my mom, which included birthday cake. Overall, I had a great day. I will be back later today with a regular post from me to you regarding the hiring process and interviewing. You have a great day!

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons