Toni Chanakas · The Job Hunt and Support…

September 7th, 2008

One of my first posts was my “Job Hunt” back in February…I have been so positive in trying to obtain a new opportunity because I am an extravert, I love talking to people and I am not afraid of putting myself out there. Hence, networking was my ticket to a new rewarding position. A few people, I know found wonderful opportunities just that way. “What aren’t you talking to people, some would say?” “Or, I go to a new networking event EVERY DAY.”  Now we are into September, and I have had interviews, one that I thought I was going to get because I was so proactive in finding the opportunity. Bad, I put all of my eggs in one basket. I finally believe what some people have been telling me, “It is the economy.” “Don’t take it personally.” Right or wrong, it has been a very challenging experience for me. I have learned a lot about myself though. I am proactive and bold in calling people who I have found in my Linkedin profile who I thought had interesting positions at great companies.” Can we meet for coffee?” If you are a job seeker, I highly recommend being on “Linkedin.”

I actually have a following with some of my job groups; I have received some applause when I walked into Chagrin Valley Shop Seeker Group, one of the largest, in fact. My business card was passed to another job seeker who needed some “networking” advice. I was very willing to give him my insights into my process. What did I get, an odd bird who didn’t hear a word that I said, and besides that, I became very confrontational, and bitter because he just wasted my morning at the Arabica coffee house. The guy would not stop talking, or get on topic.

My other frustration has been, a lack of support from friends… A lot of my friends just don’t understand what a laborious process finding a job can be. I attend many social functions, and I receive the “Haven’t you found a job yet?” or, why don’t you leave the city? “I am sure the job prospects in San Francisco are much better.” The problem is, I love Cleveland and I don’t want to leave.

Another friend assumes that all you have to do is apply online, then, a recruiter will immediately call you as soon as you press the “send button” for an interview. Then after a week, the job offer comes tied neatly with a bow. I wish it were that simple. The job process has changed dramatically and one must be very cleaver, and creative. I realize I am not alone but often times that are exactly how I feel. I do have some limited support, which I value very much. “Hey, how are you doing?” The situation is mine, and mine alone.

I do feel, though things will get better with this upcoming election. It has to. Whatever side you are on, get out there and vote.

Last 5 posts by Toni Chanakas

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Category: BFD
11 Comments »

11 Responses to “The Job Hunt and Support…”

  1. Justin Balck Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 2:36 am

    It’s a tough market out there. An acquaintance of mine is a laborer and has spent the last two years looking for a full time job with benefits. He does odd jobs in between to bring home a paycheck.

    I don’t mean the following to be mean spirited. Your post had several spelling and grammatical mistakes. If such things also sneak onto your coverletters or e-mail correspondence, you could be sending the wrong message.

  2. michael feigenbaum Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm

    what kind of work do you seek?

  3. Toni Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    Marketing/Communications, I enjoy working to build client relationships and desktop publishing experience in producing various print materials…

    Oops on my grammatical and spelling errors…I guess spell check doesn’t cover everything.

  4. Derek Arnold Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    Have you done any web production? Would you like to? Maybe you could use your print skills to get a position like that? Just a thought…

    Good luck to you.

  5. Gretchen D Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    I know what you’re going through vicariously. My husband was looking for work for ages and people just don’t understand how hard it can be. (I admit, I was rather impatient with him from time to time.) But, he did what he had to do and ended up with a good company that loves him doing a job that’s perfect for him!

    Don’t lose hope; you’ve got a lot going for you, IMO.

  6. Adam Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 1:38 am

    I work at one of the “big guys” here in Cleveland (east side, hint hint). Shoot me an email, we might have openings in your field right now. Unfortunately I am in no way involved with the hiring process so I can only let you know if there’s anything available!

  7. Judy Carlin Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    It is very tough out there. I don’t think people who haven’t lived it quite get it just how very challenging it is to go through the job search process.

    As someone going through the process it is helpful to read about other people’s experiences. Thank you for sharing.

  8. Toni Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    Thanks everyone for the kind responses. I sent you an email, Adam.

  9. Tom Elmer Says:
    September 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm

    Toni,
    As someone who is in the same spot at you I know exactly what you are going through.It is hard and frustrating.When someone who has done all the right things like you to find a job and still cant it tells me how hard it is in cleveland.I hope something happens for you soon.

  10. Katherine Says:
    September 24th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

    I’ve been looking very hard for a job. I’ve looked for jobs where I’m clearly over qualified, qualified or under qualified. I just had a rejection letter sent to me from a company that I really, really wanted to work for. For the first time in a year, I cried. People who are not in these circumstances do not understand, but trust me you are not alone. Please don’t lose hope.

  11. John Ettorre Says:
    September 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

    In the late ’80s and into the mid-90s, there was an incredible resource in this town called the Career Initiative Center, which was located next door to the Food Bank (before it moved to its nicer current digs). Some of the region’s top minds on career development, HR, recruiting and finding a job gracefully volunteered their time there, and I recall spending many dozens of hours there reporting about once-broken people who were helped to relaunch their careers by some saintly folks. I recall with special fondness how the hyperconnected dynamo Carol Rivchun (then with the Growth Assn/COSE, now running a nonprofit called Youth Opportunities Unlimited, would take questions from people in transition and instantly connect them with the phone numbers (from memory) of various influential contacts who could help them in their search. Sadly, the booming economy of the 90s left its services less in demand, and it lost its funding and closed. I always knew that need would return, and I hope something not unlike it will now spring up in its place.

    Meanwhile, I want to point out that something of a spiritual successor has arisen in Solon, called the Chagrin Valley Job Seekers. It meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourt Mondays of each month at the Pioner Memorial Presbyterian Church at 35100 Solon Road, and its founders and leaders, Greg Reynolds (a friend of mine) and Jim Grant are wondrous to watch in action. There’s a listserv available, and this group has helped literally hundreds of people find new jobs. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
    Google it, and you’ll find it has a Linkedin group you can join as well as a listserv. Earlier this year, the PD’s Alison Grant (a one-time finalist for a Pulitzer) wrote this fine overview of the group:

    http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/01/chagrin_valley_job_seekers_clu.html

    Anyway, best of luck to all of you in your job search.