Employment
by
, 06-19-2010 at 05:09 PM (4348 Views)
After almost six full months, I have now landed a new job. It's been really difficult trying to gain employment in these hard times. The hardest part to getting a career job has been caused by the internet. Although the internet makes it easier to search for all of the job opportunities, it also makes it easier for all the other Johns, Joes, and Janes to search also. There was one factory nearby that I went to personally. After the ad hit the newspaper, I went straight down to the plant to apply in person, to make that first impression, but the response that I received from the receptionist was, "You can apply....online!"
I'm just another entry into a database of who knows how many. I'm not even a smartly arranged resume printed on an elegant stationary. I'm not a clean cut, well dressed individual with a smile on my face showing that I'm eager to show someone my abilities and qualifications. I'm not the face of initiative. I'm not a go getter. For now companies don't even give you a contact name and phone number. They only give you a link to click.
But I did find a company (the only company around) that I was able to fill out an application by hand. I received a phone call by a real person (not just another part of a Human Resources Department). The individual was able to talk to me directly, assess my abilities, and make a sound decision.
It's a small steel fabrication company but even larger than the company that I was working for before. Originally founded in 1948, it is an AISC certified, woman owned business that has been thriving for many years. They have hired me in to help save them money. I started on Thursday as their new Document Quality Control person. It is my job to review their specs, drawings, and various documents for errors and out of the ordinary costs that may get overlooked. Within minutes of receiving my first set of drawings, I was able to immediately detect errors, some of which would have cost additional time and resources.
It feels good to be needed.