I’m sensing exhaustion. 

On Sunday I was biking the 37-mile loop in an event sponsored by the Minneapolis Parks and at Mile 30 I was going so slowly (I’m a terrible biker) that I was able to eavesdrop on two young women riding in front of me.  “I know I’m supposed to be cheerful and upbeat in interviews,” one said, “but after a year of rejection, what do they expect from me?” 

The next day, I got a phone call from a former colleague trying to reenter the business world after a substantial break.  I remember her as a naturally ebullient, optimistic person, but half way through our conversation I interrupted her to ask if she was tired.  She sounded so worn down I couldn’t imagine her having the energy to demonstrate her capabilities in an interview.

 What’s going on?

 It seems that with the beginning of Fall, people are starting to lose steam.  It’s easier to be unemployed during the summer … there’s lots to do at home, people are on vacation, and there were so few jobs out there anyway that it hardly made sense to job-hunt.  But now the economy is starting to improve, kids have gone back to school, and suddenly it seems that everyone else is working.  And you’re still home.

 It’s time to get back on the horse and kick it back into gear (sorry for the mixed metaphors.)  Get on the phone.  Reconnect with your network. Send emails to people you may have contacted when you were first laid off and invite them out for coffee.  I received one “Janice” on Monday which was perfect:

 Hello Gillian,

We’ve exchanged a couple emails over the last couple years, but have not actually met.  Stephanie Poodle encouraged me to set up a meeting with you; she says you’ve been a huge asset to her. I would truly appreciate your insight on finding the right job. Can I buy you lunch, or coffee? You name the time and the place, and I’ll be there!

Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you.

Janice Schnauzer

 Why was this email so great?  In just a few sentences, Janice reminded me of our connection, flattered me (hard not to respond to that!), and showed energy, enthusiasm and flexibility.  We met for coffee today, and she took me through her job history and search activities.  Although she’s been working hard at unearthing opportunities for months, her whole demeanor showed that she’s up for the challenge and excited about rejoining a team.  I don’t currently have an opening that’s right for her, but we were able to brainstorm a few ideas which she can pursue.  It’s so much easier to help people who can demonstrate they’re going to be terrific employees when they land.

Get back out there … it’s time!

It's Time To Get Back On The Horse!