Special Article
Competitive Employment – Be the Change
By
Joyce Bender [view bio]
President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services.
We are experiencing an "economic meltdown" as we have not seen since the great depression. Millions of Americans have lost their homes and their jobs. During this time, many for-profit and non-profit companies are spending a great deal of time doing one thing – strategic planning and rebuilding for the future. Many CEO's are using this time to make sure they are ready for the comeback in the economy so they can compete and win. They are also making sure they do not make some of the mistakes that may have caused them to be at a deficit right now. One thing many companies are reviewing is their talent acquisition method – that is, their methodology to determine who they hire. Companies and non-profit organizations are realizing a need for a new type of hire, with a new attitude.
Recently, I spoke with an executive from a well-known, Fortune 100 company, who recently experienced their first ever lay-off; this executive reminded me that it is often "Attitude not Aptitude" that is used to determine who is involved in the reduction in force decisions. What does that mean? It means, when times are tough, companies and organizations will look at not just your technical skills, they will look at who they like and who has the best attitude at work.
Let's face it – no one wants to be around a negative person every day. I do not care how skilled an individual is at work. If you are miserable, you will be one of the first chosen for a reduction in a company's workforce. You cannot underestimate the importance of having a positive attitude at work and being friendly. Many companies are experiencing very difficult economic times, but they are also taking this opportunity to prune the vineyard.
I want to review some basics with you, as you tackle a difficult job market. The following "musts" are critical to your success.
- Do not wait – you must make it happen. Mahatma Gandhi said "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Too often, people with disabilities have been socialized to think someone is going to "save" them – that a person will come to the door to hire them. There is too much reliance on "the system" for help. Wake up! No one is going to do that for you. You have to make up your mind today that you will take action and find employment.
- Have a goal; write it down; and develop a plan. Seeking employment during these most difficult times takes a plan of action; you must work on it all the time. Regardless of whether you are seeking employment at McDonald's or at a law firm, you must write down your goal and then develop your plan. You need to include: the number of resumes will you send out today, the events will you attend and the interviews you are targeting.
- Engage in networking – A great way to meet people is by volunteering for events at your church, synagogue, or mosque; you can also volunteer with organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation or Junior Achievement. You will meet many people and have opportunities that come your way when you volunteer. Remember, if you want to meet people and build up a good network, get out; do not wait. Some of the greatest people that I have met who have really impacted my life and my career were a direct result of networking; this includes Tony Coelho, the author of the ADA.
- Choose a great attitude – As I have already mentioned, a good attitude is imperative for your success during these very difficult times. There are many people competing with you for employment; an individual who displays a great attitude will stand out. You should always be friendly and respectful on an interview or when participating in a networking function. A good attitude shows that you are willing to work hard and give back to the employer. A good attitude begins with how you treat the administrative assistant/receptionist when you call for an appointment. The kiss of death is to be mean to the administrative assistant. Guess who they will tell?
- Commit to independence – So many people with disabilities have been pitied. We do not need pity – we need paychecks. Your family cannot make decisions for you forever. You need to learn to think and act on your own. If you do not do this, you will not succeed in the business world. Being independent means that you will arrange travel on your own for the interview, and will never, ever, take anyone with you on the interview.
- Maintain integrity – Integrity is not an option. You must be a person of integrity and you must never, ever compromise this. Employers today are seeking people with character and honesty. Without integrity, nothing else I said matters at all. Cheating and lying are never an option.
- Always be perseverant – Do not give up! You can not give up under any circumstance. If I had listened to what people told me years ago, I would not be the owner of Bender Consulting Services, www.benderconsult.com, or the host of "Disability Matters with Joyce Bender " on www.voiceamerica.com. Success or a new opportunity is often right around the corner. The very next interview could be the one that gets you a great opportunity. No one said it would be easy; but, it can and will happen if you do not give up.
In a difficult job market, you need to take action and get out there. Remember what I said – there is no "White Knight" that will ride in to save you and find you employment. You are the "White Knight!"
Joyce Bender is President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services. Please direct questions for Joyce to info@disability-marketing.com.