New Reality

Scary times! Tough times! Necessity is the mother of invention. Some previous blog of mine mentions this quote. In that particular blog, I discussed the need for each of the unemployed to somehow reinvent themselves.

If you are unemployed, RIF'd, transitioning whatever tag you are placing on yourself (personally, I am sticking with the simple term - unemployed), you have read articles on how the marketplace is changing as well. Last week, some one mentioned to me that for every job opening, there are 400 applicants. How do the HR and hiring managers work through that pile of resumes? How can they narrow it down to a manageable amount? With so many to choose, how does the employer make the right decision?

Reinvention of the process is the answer. Over the last few months, I have read many articles and briefings on the job market. We have heard stories about individuals who have either paid employers to hire them or are serving on a trial basis. Just a few weeks ago, I read a listing of what's the new reality in the hiring process.

The one that stood out for me was: the old way - ask for the job before you leave the interview. The new way - ask when you can start on a trial basis. WOW! This is a new twist in recruiting. Many future employees are now serving as interns to secure a job. Let me say this another way. Many future employees with 20+ years of experience and business savvy are serving as interns without pay for jobs they could accomplish with great success in the sleep.

These stories are more than urban legend. It's becoming a reality. I have a true case in point. Ironically, through a friend, an employer approached me for a sales consultant role with their company. (This role would be a replacement role, not an expansion role.) This company's values and culture are great. The product is something I believe in with my whole heart. Once learning their ways and with some coaching, the employer and I agreed I would be a great success. I kept hearing positive feedback, but no offer. Like everyone else, this employer is suffering a downturn over the last few quarters and is making budget cuts. So with my prodding, I finally got an answer. This company would like me and another candidate to serve as interns on a part-time basis. We would be performing bits and pieces of the role to ensure that we would be happy in the role once we have the job.

To tell you the truth, I have mixed feelings on this outcome. The Pollyana in me is excited that the door is not closed and locked. Also, this will give me a competition to win. Any of you who know me well, everything is a competition for me. Yes, I admit, I have a need to be the best.

Please, I welcome your thoughts on this subject.

Reporting for my internship - MOM