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Q: My company is closing down and I will be out of
a job soon. I’ve been looking for work since they told us in January,
but haven’t found a job yet (they keep pushing the close date back).
I’ve been networking mainly, looking online for additional leads and have
gone to a lot of job fairs. Is the accounting field really that bad?
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Jim in Rochester, NY
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A:
Part of your story is pretty common, Jim: you’ve been looking but haven’t
gotten an offer yet, and you’re in Upstate New York, where job prospects
are dwindling.
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The odd part of your story, though, is that the
company keeps putting off its date of closure. That’s a blessing,
Jim. You’ve known for six months that your job is ending, which has
given you ample time to get several irons in the fire.
But let’s concentrate on what you’ve been
doing. You’ve been networking, looking online and going to job
fairs. So far, it sounds like you’re on the right road.
You’re also an accountant. Even in the Finger Lakes region, there are accounting jobs
available. Assuming you’ve already applied at the major companies (University of Rochester, Kodak, Wegmans, Paychex, Xerox,
etc.), you may also want to expand your search to smaller and mid-sized
companies. In fact, smaller companies offer more jobs (in aggregate)
than larger corporations.
You may also want to reconsider your networking
approach. Are you too timid? To aggressive? Do you come
across as too needy or desperate? Are you networking primarily by
phone or in person? What visual or audible cues do your contacts give
you? Are they receptive or do you get the feeling they just want you
to go away?
Of course, as you know Rochester (and the rest of the Upstate
New York region) is a very tight labor market. There is a surplus of
highly skilled, qualified workers in nearly every occupation. This
means employers can be more choosy and, because
supply dwarfs demand, they can offer smaller paychecks. If you’re
absolutely sure you’ve tapped every single resource you can, then you may
wish to consider relocating to a more favorable job market.
If, however, your networking approach is solid
and you can’t move, then your best option is to stay the course.
Finding a job in Rochester,
NY isn’t easy, but you will find a job.
IN THE CARAVAN: Assess your networking approach and, if all else fails (and you’re
able to), then consider moving. Otherwise, keep the faith. You
will find a job.
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The Lion’s Pride: Q & A
