Mar 26, 2008

BUSINESS MATTERS: 'Assistant' jobs are vanishing

By Mildred Culp / Daily News

Q: Dear Dr. Culp,

I've had a difficult time finding meaningful full-time employment. I last worked for a military contractor providing case management and relief efforts for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. The company lost its bid last September. I've applied for federal jobs and in the private sector, with little response. I had help restructuring my resumes after the New Year but still haven't had any real success. Working as an HR assistant, in IT, or Human Services would be my desire. I've also considered sales (pharmaceutical, etc.) more closely.
My experience is in Human Services (case management of various kinds), IT (installation, help desk, training) and some sales. I haven't had many interviews, just lots of inquiries with my resumes on a few Internet sites. I am temping. Since I'm not specialized in one area and have lots of adaptable skills, I feel like a "tweener." What should I do?

Frustrated

A: Dear Frustrated,
You have a right to be. You've been putting out an APB. Focus on IT departments. Tout your HR/HS skills, which make you an apple among oranges. Delete "assistant" from your vocabulary, written or spoken. Jobs with those titles are vanishing. Use "coordinator." If this method doesn't work, write again.
Notice

Q: Dear Dr. Culp,

I work for a security company at an industrial plant. Last week, rumors surfaced that the company had lost the contract. When I got to work yesterday there was a memo posted throughout the plant announcing several changes. A new security company would be starting Friday. My company has not said one word or given us any notice.
How hard should I push to find out whether or not I/we are going to be assigned another post and, if so, where? I don't want to job-hunt but will, just in case. My co-workers and I feel that we haven't been treated fairly or properly. My initial intent was to let management know I am unhappy and that if they cannot or will not give us information about our future now, then I must conclude they no longer want us at the site working for their company.
WORRIED!!!

A: Dear Worried,

Indeed you should be. The company may be changing hands. Don't push hard but find out. The old owner may be powerless at the moment. Know that new management often wants its own people; so continue with your voluntary job search.
Jackpot

There's nothing humorous about salary negotiation, except when you land the big cahuna.

Now, wait a minute. Yes there is! There's something painfully humorous when you don't know what you're doing. You feel the pain and might see the humor.

For example, you know your stuff, but there's a disconnect when it comes to knowing what you should earn. You forgot to research? Or, worse, you researched but didn't come up with an answer? What good is diligence if it doesn't set you free?

Consider when the company "makes you an offer you can't refuse," suggests Maryanne Wegerbauer, author of "Next-Day Salary Negotiation: Prepare Tonight To Get Your Best Pay Tomorrow" (JIST Works, $8.95). Her book is chock-full of information about a more complex process than you might think. The specific offer pays twice your current salary, but it doesn't include benefits. Now you have to research where to find them and what they'll cost -if you can get them. Egad! You were just starting to de-stress.

Wegerbauer also points to the case in which you got the coveted job and salary, but, in your zeal, you forgot to ask about a parking spot. You get to mull things over when you're transferring on the local bus or subway system twice.



E-mail your job-hunting questions to award-winning journalist Dr. Mildred Culp at culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2008 Passage Media.