Expectations...

So I'm checking out companies like crazy in my job search. I appreciate it when a company is really upfront on who they are... who they are not... and what they are looking for. People who tell you honestly what you can expect from the organization. Unfortunately not all organizations have this process nailed down.

So I was quite impressed today when I saw a job posting that included the companies hiring strategy... called the 4C recruiting process: (here it is)

Competence: Does the candidate have the credentials, skills and experience needed?

Character: Does the candidate have the highest level of integrity to represent you and your organization?

Chemistry: Is there a true interpersonal connection between the candidate and team members?

Culture: Is there a true match between the candidate's professional/personal style that will enable him/her to be successful in the specific work environment?

Getting people who fit in these four categories is how you build a solid team!

Raleigh in Review

I did fly to Raleigh on Thursday night for a one day trip and half a day of interviews. Thank you to all my friends who are praying for God to reveal his direction in my life through experiences like this.

The uncertainty and lack of control that I really have at this stage in my life is humbling. Then imagine me leading my wife and kids with calmness and confidence when I really can't promise them anything other than God will lead us and I will follow.

I had 3 long sessions of interviews on Friday with 5 different people involved. One of the neatest thing that stuck out to me was the hands-on involvement of HR in the process.

My first session was with the hiring manager and HR. At one point the hiring manager was following a line of questioning and stopped short and asked the HR guy "Can I ask this question?" The HR guy smiled and said "Nope." I quickly realized HR was there to keep the hiring manager in check. The question wasn't crazy and I went ahead and answered the question he "could not ask"... but it put me at ease to see the checks & balances that HR brought to the situation.

I put my best foot forward... but didn't have the best vibe at the end of the day. I should find out in about 2 weeks. I have to keep reminding myself... this is a journey!

I must say that the Psalms have become my friend these days... so I'll leave you with something God shared with me.

But for you, O Lord, do I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer."
Psalm 38:15

I'm off to Raleigh

I'm off to Raleigh, NC for a set of morning interviews on Friday from 8-noon.

I sure would love to land a job and get out of this unemployment thing. The idea of supporting my family financially seems so manly.

Prayer warriors... unite!

Full Disclosure

Not too many people or businesses are into full disclosure these days. It seems that everyone and every organization holds at least a few cards close to the vest. There are just some things that you aren't meant to find out.

So as I was looking for a job today... I chuckled as I came across a company that is bending over backwards to set clear expectations up front. This is legitimately fresh off monsterjobs.com

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and use hands to operate computer keyboard, and telephone. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

I laughed out loud. I'm not sure I can live up to expectations (I'm only good up to 20 lbs)... but at least I know what to expect.

No... and ...Yes

Today is a typical day in my unemployment journey... it was first a NO... then a YES.

The NO: I had a great interview yesterday. The kind that got me thinking through what it would look like for me to have the job. I pictured myself with business card in hand walking in on sales calls. Then I got the call... It always goes the same. "You have a lot of energy, passion and potential" (the butter-up)... "BUT" (I hate the but)... (now the real truth comes out) "this other candidate has more blah-blah-blah that would be a better fit for our organization. One door shut.

...then... the YES: I'm walking in from lunch and the phone rings from a number I do not recognize. It is a manager who received my resume from a colleague and wants to set up a face-to-face interview. I ask some probing questions to clarify the opportunity then hang up. I do a dance and say "Thank you God." Another door opens.

Life is a roller-coaster (see a related post of mine). God will shut some doors... and open others. And whether he is shutting or opening... he has his best interest (which involves my best interest) in mind. Just another day in my unemployment journey.