Thanks for the additional information regarding your situation. Houston is definately a tough market, and the competition for positions is intense. In hindsight I was probably a little callous in my last post, so I apologize.

So moving forward, following Nick’s adice will be fruitful for sure. Also you may have already thought of this angle but just in case you have not…as an industry constricts opportunities to outsource non core functions grows. In today’s economy you can find more companies willing to consider sending more work to their vendors. Have you reached out to those companies that service the oil and gas industry. It’s possible these vendors are feeling the growing pains. With today’s technology, you should not limit your search to Houston employers. Think of companies that have Houston based customers. There is a growing trend to work remotely, so don’t limit the universe of potential employers.

Also I have found in targeting an employer, you need to find “the stone in their shoe” or discover where their pain as an organization exists. Once you have that information, you can position yourself as the person that knows how to remove the pain.

Lastly, in addition to qualifications, I believe ATTITUDE will impact your success in receiving offers more than anything else. Through good times and bad be grateful for your problems, because you sure don’t want to trade them for someone else’s.

It does make them stupid if they can not recognize talent that could make them plenty of money when it is right in front of their face.

Fred Astaire had a screen test that supposedly said “Can’t sing. Can’t act. Balding. Can dance a little.” Your telling me this person was not stupid? This kind of stuff goes on every day at companies because they focus not on the strengths of the candidates (and employees most of the time), but on what they lack. It is the strengths that make employees excel and make companies money, not having everything on a checklist.

Good points… but let’s not swing the pendulum too far in the other direction. “What about a link to a slick website…”

How many people do you know who invested in “slick websites” to create a “personal brand” that reeks of phony? Even online, one’s reputation is based on the contribution a person makes to his or her professional community. I learn more about someone from their posts on a discussion forum than from their website…

Not to knock websites too much… ;-)

Something else that could help your viability is coach an mentor youngsters who are working into the field you desire.

A city the size of Huston has professional organizations for just about everything. Gaining a reputation as one who has helped others is a significant aspect of networking.

I am also looking at opportunies outside or starting a new career and yes, I am currently freelancing with a small ad agency.

The message of having a strong network is coming through loud and clear. One of my poor career choices has been to not stay in touch with people I’ve worked with before. I’ll work on rehabilitating these contacts.

I WILL work with Nick’s advice to work the people who can introduce me to the company and make that my cold call rather than trying to go directly at the hiring authority.

I think I have a pretty good Branded Value proposition on my resume. I also attach an index card to the mailing with the Branded msg. on it and a bunch of logos of brands I’ve worked on.

I KNOW there are jobs out there. It’s all about timing.

The second may be the lack of a branded value proposition. If he isn’t selling what a company is willing to pay for, then he’s missing the mark on his real value to a prospective company. It’s not experience, advertising, marketing, or spin … it’s what a candidate can do for a company that will positively impact the bottom line that a company will buy.

Cindy Kraft,
the CFO-Coach

Wishing you continued success along the way. And how about a follow-up story to let us know where you land!

billiesucher

I commend you for keeping motivated. The sad reality, as you and others have alluded to, is there is more talent available than opportunity. The total unemployment rate is closer to 15%, so there are no jobs for 15 out of 100 jobseekers. I’m sure some superstar talent gets caught up in those 15 unemployed, due to location, circumstance, industry, age, etc.

In addition to what you are doing, I would consider freelancing (as you mentioned some of your colleagues were doing), contract, or volunteer projects. It will keep you relevant, and keep your portfolio active and up-to-date. Not ideal, but it can at least provide some income and connections.

Also, I would make sure you have a searchable website with samples of your work. Post advice and comments on LinkedIn and ad/marketing sites to show off your expertise and promote your value. Advertising is one industry where an online presence is crucial, and you must be fluent in web 2.0.

I know we didn’t get your entire story, so maybe you have tried these things also. Either way, I wish you the best. The down cycle will turn at some point and make sure you are poised to take advantage of it when it does.

August Cohen