during the time i've been unemployed, i've noticed my temper running a little short. it could be because all the pent-up feelings and frustration that usually comes with dealing with work (or "work rage") get displaced while unemployed...and since it has nowhere else to go, innocent bystanders end up bearing the brunt. hopefully this list* will save others from some whiplash or worse.
1. "how's the job search?"
if the person is not looking for a job, then this question only serves to annoy. and if he/she is looking, then it's like asking, "how's your rosacea?" wait for the unemployed to bring it up first...or just ask how they are doing.
2. "are you working right now?"
when/if i find a job, everyone will know, including you.**
3. "how about sending out 20 resumes a day?"
i know people are trying to be helpful, but suddenly it seems like everyone considers themselves to be experts on 'how to find a job'. given the state of the economy, it's really not as simple or easy as that. some really talented individuals at my outplacement center have been looking for a job anywhere from ten months to two years. if you're not in the same unemployment pool that i'm in, or haven't been there, then i think it's harder to relate.
4. "here's my business card."
hmmm. i'm not quite sure what to do with this. i don't really want to hear about openings in accounts payable or web design, because that's not what i do. before gratuitously handing out business cards and tossing out the "send me your resume" line, find out what kind of work the unemployed person is looking for. once you know that, then you can match up the opportunities with the right candidate...that is, if you really want to help.
5. "let's do lunch!"
for unemployed and employed alike, don't call up someone you haven't talked to or seen in, oh let's say two years, and try to meet up (aka network). and don't pretend that you're a friend...that just makes it worse.
*a top 5, in honor of yth, which is now ivh
**more on that later
1 comments:
I hear what you're saying. But then again it's only because most of those people care about you.
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