Moving Out? Moving On? Moving Where?

February 2006 Archive

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February 7, 2006 [Anonymous Contributor]

I submitted my resume and credentials to you back in 2002.  After 25 years as a PR professional both in the public and private sector and four years with you with no referrals, it appears that there is little need for senior PR people in the new community and I am switching careers.  That is, of course after I return from my tour in Iraq.

Thanks for helping out the young Turks.

CAPT US Navy Reserve

[JUDY]

I cannot recommend that you change careers because you were not contacted over a several year period of time. A search firm does not work with many candidates and of those who apply only a very small percentage are contacted for a job opening. For the most part, a job seeker who is motivated and committed to staying in the field, will become his/her best advocate and “seeker.” If there are jobs, you are the best one to find them.

It is always hard to transition form the military to civilian work, but you owe it to yourself to spend several months once you are back, knocking on doors, talking to public affairs and elected officials to see how they might approach a “Vet.” There is tremendous support for the military and that may be a point of pride with corporations so that they are inclined to bring you on board. Also, in the non-profit sector, e.g. education, you might find a market for your talents. None of the non profit sectors can afford a professional search firm so these would be new directions for you. Good luck.   

I appreciate the military approach but unfortunately no one seems to understand that I am a civilian who also happens to be a Reservist.  My 20 year civilian career since leaving the active military in 1986 has all been in PR.

[JUDY]

The resume should cover that point at the get go. Have a summary of experience at the top and say a 20-year corporate PR professional currently a reservist serving in Iraq seeks…….job…..when tour is completed …..(date). That makes everything clear. You might also want to say how long you are on active duty, etc.

I think you get the best of both possible worlds this way.

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February 7, 2006 [Anonymous Contributor]

I continue to be amazed at your ability to find new ways to explore the worker/employer interface in the communications field. 

I retired after 40 years in communications in 2004 and many of the comments are still interesting. Incidentally, the comments in Moving Out, Moving On apply equally well to post-retirement.  We may not be your best candidates as clients, but the psychological and emotional adjustments being discussed are very pertinent, and I hope to gain some insight for my own personal situation.  That’s a long way of saying your blog could serve some personal interests as well as professional and could be a real service to the post-professional stage of our careers.

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February 7, 2006 [Anonymous Contributor]

First thank you for doing this, if not you, who?

Actually I would like to address the issue of executives who are apparently over the hill although they don't know it.  The number of phone interviews I have had, been told that I was ideal for the job, gone in for what would or should have been a round of interviews only to be told in the first ten minutes that it just didn't fit.

I guess they thought that only 30 year olds could have as much relevant experience as I do.  When I tell them that I have more than 15 years experience in all aspects of high tech PR they are thrilled. Reminds me of the song, just one look was all it took.

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