Re-entering the Workforce

Todays job market favors the employers. My engineer hubby was laid off from Intel and was without work for a couple years... first time in his life employers weren't clamoring for him. Finally in desperation he took a job far beneath his skills... but within a relevant field. (Applying for a job that you're over qualified for is not a plus for anyone generally speaking.) After two weeks he was promoted, then again in a couple months and again and again... so that within 6 months he was made head of a department they created for him and the only person over him is the owner.

What I'm saying is... don't lose heart. And every rejection is one step closer to the job where he's a perfect fit.

Hi Carrie,

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Good luck! D.

I work as a consultant for an outplacment company and as a private career coach. 75% of jobs are landed by networking - talking to people - only 25% are landed by answering job postings. I would suggest your husband spend more time connecting with people and less applying for jobs online - especially ones where he is obviously over-qualified. There are so many applicants for any open job that decision-makers are either looking for the "exact" fit for their job description, or else someone that has been referred by a current employee.

One way to enter the workforce is create your own position by working for yourself. It does not bring immediate financial rewards but can long term be more rewarding both financially and with a business to someday pass or sell. And even if it fails which many do, it does increase marketable skills as learning and running your own business requires many skills to be used. From planning, organizing, accounting, marketing, customer service, analysis and much more. To give you an example: Say a worker helps a company with its professional skill and or experience to do marketing. The company must make a ROI on the worker so what ever the worker earns for the company the worker gets some of that money and the rest goes to the leaders, the overhead, long term value for the company, etc. Think of the highest level workers at companies. What do they get? Well they are like they own the company when so high in it. So they get the best of both worlds. Golden parachutes, stock, like they owned the company and of course some do or did. So anything less than that is what his skill is not being valued for. Of course going it on your own versus and employee you have to cover the health benefits and much more over time. And when there is a slow period you have to reduce your costs and work harder for less money. If you have a good job with stability? Then your husband could better do this. I worked for as a tech in a small engineering based company and the owner told me how their child gave them the idea for a product and it made them much better off. The owner had an Engineering background and was much older. (and better off than if he stayed an engineer working for others) Logistics is a growing area in general for shipping of products and smart mapping tools for trucks and also devices to attempt to control cars for the driver by sensors on roads which is in its infancy but the possibilities maybe endless. I retrained that was my answer but working for others. Every place I went to they really wanted me to start my own business vs the job they could offer to me. Good Luck!

Does he understand that many employers never call the people they get resumes from -- that they just wait for the applicants to call and that is how they know who is really interested? It is absolutely critical for your husband to call to follow up on a resume -- "I sent my resume last week and I was just calling to see if you might have any questions for me?" This is especially important if he is applying for jobs for which he might be overqualified -- the employers are not going to think he is really serious. I was in this situation before and learned the hard way. Has he considered substitute teaching? Maybe not the best job but easy to do part-time and if you apply, they take you. Then you get your own hours by calling the hotline in the morning.

Indeed.com consolidates all job sites and I have heard it is one of the best for job search, also talk talk talk to everyone you know and let them know he is looking, many local churches have job search networking groups-check their websites :) Good luck

The main problem in today's economy is that employers have the luxury of being much more selective than they used to have to be.

I learned this the hard way when my company went through a massive downsizing last year. I was laid off, thought I had great/applicable skills, and had a hard time landing interviews. I was lucky to get back to work after 3 months but at 80% my previous base salary.

My job loss was in the pharmaceutical industry. Average applicants to 1 open position are currently at 300. Most recruiters have to "search" for keywords to identify suitable candidates.

From all I've read recently, cover letters are really important to help distinguish yourself from other candidates and to explain why you're the best choice to move forward with to an interview.

A few questions your husband is very likely to receive are:
1. Why did you leave the work force (easily explained by staying home with the kids)
2. Why he's looking at opportunities that require skills below what he left the workforce with? (also pretty easily explainable)

A lot of companies, though you hear you need to "know" someone, are moving to automated recruiting that doesn't give preference to someone having an inside contact.

I'd also recommend having him create a profile on professional networks such as Linkedin. The more exposure he can give himself by having his resume out there and by participating in discussions that are relevant to what he's trying to get into, the more likely he is to catch the attention of a potential employer.

Good luck. I hope the search ends quickly!

Have him go to the local Workforce center. There is a lot of information available through Workforce including how to start new networking opportunities and information on job fairs. I would also suggest checking into temporary agencies. They offer part time work as well as full time and already have developed relationships with the firms that your husband might be looking to work for. Good Luck. I am just now starting back in the workforce as well after being out for school for the last 2 years. Networking is the key.

When my husband tried getting a part time job, he would go directly up to the place he was planning on applying to and would talk to the person who does the hiring. He still had to apply online, but it helped him to get a job.

The hiring person would then keep an eye out for his application. Doing this has helped him to get a few part time jobs over the years.