The upside of the down economy.
by Jonathan C. Smith, senior industrial designer, IDSA
If you are like me, unemployed, then you are all too familiar with the anxieties related to interviewing. This event plays out in many ways but here is how it has played out for me since January 15th 2009, when I was laid off.
I search a variety of Career and Monster job sites, looking for an opportunity I am a fit for. I discover a few opportunities and then tailor my resume to fit their needs as it relates to my experience and capabilities; I never imply that I am capable of doing something I am not, that could get ugly real quick. I prepare a cover letter that conveys information about me, my interests and what I can bring to the organization.
Inevitably I receive a standard response via email, indicating that they have received my resume and will be reviewing applications for the next few weeks, after which time I will be notified if I meet their needs.
Now on to the so called adventures:
I was called in for an interview at a newly formed company. I arrive ten minutes early and discover that the company doesn’t use the name it presented in the job listing, but instead goes by another name. I knock on the door, open it and see what appears to be a move in progress.
I am asked what I am there for and then asked to have a seat in a room far away from the events I saw transpiring moments before. I wait patiently for my contact to come in and meet me and a few minutes later she arrives along with another manager. I am asked a series of predetermined questions and my responses are transcribed for future reference.
Because I am there for a design position I expect that I will be asked to see my portfolio, but I am not. Which I thought was quite odd. I later learned that the opportunity didn’t actually exist. Their true intentions were to solicit information and then implement those solutions on an as needed basis utilizing the talent they already had available.
In retrospect, I should have gotten a clue when the name was different than advertised. It was a great learning experience and also provided me with a new perspective about the current economy.
Another recent interviewer asked me to play the role of developing business leads after which time I would present them to said employer, without being paid for it. I did say that I would be happy to develop new business opportunities while also designing the solutions to fit their needs if there were a salary involved. They said they weren’t interested in paying anyone to do this work, but they would appreciate it if I would do it.
I was a bit puzzled and after thanking them for their time I promptly left the meeting.
I have also interviewed for “Ghost” positions where the off site recruiter described a position to me that I was very aware didn’t exist. I am aware of this because I know three different people who work at this organization and none of them are aware that an opportunity existed, as even they are a bit weary of leaving work before 6pm as they may be viewed as “not being devoted to the needs of the company in these hard times”.
This is something that I have encountered a number of times. Some recruiting firms have quotas which their employees are required to meet. This doesn’t always mean they must interview a set number of people per month or per week. But it can mean that they must generate new leads and in roads to companies or firms that they can one day reach out to in an attempt to develop new business relationships with.
So when you submit five or six references along with your resume, be sure to clear it with your references first and then follow up with them to enquire if they were contacted by said company.
Overall my “adventures” haven’t been bad. By in large I have had more positive experiences and met more great people than I would have if I were not in this position. Even writing this article was a bit of a challenge. I have really learned a lot about myself, my interests and what things to be aware of when looking for a new opportunity.
If nothing else this has been a great experience for me as a person and as a designer, one who is looking for a solid opportunity where he can contribute to the greater good.
What are your thoughts? Post your comments below.