Been a long time...

After 5 months and 2 days, I got an offer for a job! I accepted, and will start work with The Hanover Group on Sept 14th.

It was a long hard process. I learned a lot about myself, and about the world. I had to learn to trust in God, even more than I thought I already did. Unemployment was interesting, and I'm not looking forward to ever having to do it again.

If anyone reading this ever has any questions about unemployment, the process, or anything I can help anyone with, please let me know.

Day 124

Hello all! Long time no post! I haven't given up by any means, I've just been really...really busy!

I've got the wedding coming up on 8/29 which is quite exciting, I've been applying for some really great jobs in different parts of GA (and the Nation) and I've been keeping up with other fun activities as well.

Since I've last posted, I got to have a lot of fun kayaking a river just Northeast of Athens, GA. The Broad River is a rather shallow river that has some class I and II rapids, nothing fancy. I went with a large group, through the Broad River Outpost. It was a lot of fun and I've found something else I really enjoy doing, so hopefully I'll get the chance to do it again soon.

I'm also searching for an NPO in Atlanta to get involved with while I'm unemployed. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

As usual, if you have any suggestions for jobs to apply for, or know of anyone hiring, please let me know. aducktohire@gmail.com

Day 100...

Well, its day 100. 100 days without working has been interesting. Still no good news, but I hope something is just around the corner.

I promised yesterday I'd put up a picture or two of my culinary endeavors of the night. I did in fact cook the papas con chorizo tacos with an avocado cream sauce and spanish rice. It was excellent. I forgot to put the tomatillos in the cream sauce like I wanted to, but it turned out great none-the-less.



I am still searching for jobs, so if anyone has any leads, I'd love to hear them. Hit me up at aduckforhire@gmail.com

Hopefully there won't be a day 200 post sometime! Until the next post though, adios!

Day 99...

So it is day 99 now, just one short of 100. It's really wild to think that it has been that long since I was laid off. I'm looking at just over 3 months now, and I've had my share of ups and downs. To be honest, there is the potential of something REALLY great coming soon. Like, a job above all other jobs. One that I know I would enjoy, and be able to really contribute to. I've gone through the interview process, and am now waiting on the final decision. Cross your fingers and say your prayers for me, this one is BIG.

So I have been blogging about different things I am doing to keep myself busy while I'm unemployed. In previous posts, I have mentioned book, charity work, and exercise. I have also had a little more time to do something I really enjoy. Cook. Yes, I deeply enjoy cooking. It's a lot of fun to create something that looks artistic and you can eat too. I suppose it's another reason I'm so into marketing, is that the creative side of me is just a lot of fun. One of my latest creations is actually an attempted rip-off of a GREAT restaurant here in Atlanta. Varasano's Pizzeria has a very interesting pizza called the "Chica Bella" with Ricotta & Mozzarella finished with Arugula & a Pinch of Lemon. It's a really interesting take on pizza, with no tomato sauce and all, so I decided to try it at home. Well, the first time I made it, I forgot the Ricotta... way to go. Since then though, I've tried a couple more times, and it has come out excellent. The only thing I can't get right is the crust, because Mr. Varasano has an excellent sourdough pizza crust that I just can't get.

Tonight I'm pulling from a Latin theme and going to try Papas con Chorizo tacos with an avacado cream sauce/salsa and spanish rice. I read a couple of recipes online, but didn't really like any of them that much, so I'm just going to throw things together and see how it comes out. I'll make sure to put pictures up for the next post.

Well, until then, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I wait to hear back from the latest company. It really comes close to my dream job, so hopefully I'll have good news soon.

Day 90...

Day 90 has arrived. I have an exciting opportunity coming up, and am really hoping that it works out.

Last week I went to my Church who was hosting a Crossroads Career Networking event. The event had a resume review, and then a speaker, followed by networking time. I was told that my resume was great, and that it didn't need any work. The speaker talked about keeping up your confidence in yourself during the hard times. Lastly, the networking time was great. I got to meet a few people, and I'm even helping on guy find a job now with my old company. I don't qualify for it (10-12 years experience needed) but he does, so time to extend a helping hand.

In the next few weeks I really hope to have a job. Unemployment is not only tough on the wallet, but the spirit as well. I know thousands of people are going through the same thing, and my only advice is chin up. Hopefully you can find the perfect job for you during this time.

Day 79...

Day 79 now, and feeling pretty darn good. Physically at least. I've continued getting up in the morning and getting a cardio workout in. Guess what? It works! I'm down a surprising 8 lbs this week.

I'm still searching on the job front. I've had interviews, and some have been good, others didn't feel quite right. I must say that I'm in a process right now that feels like it would be a perfect fit for me. I'm going to keep quiet on the company for now, but the one thing I have to say is that the work would be in one of my favorite sports.

That's all for now, short update. Stay tuned for some posts next week on the steps I've taken to look for work, what I feel has worked, and what hasn't.

Day 76...

Good morning everyone. I have reached day 76, getting close to 100. I'm proud to say that my spirits are still high, perhaps higher than ever.

Today, I've started working out in the early (almost too early) morning, to supplement my weight training routine. I decided I'd wake up at 6:30 this morning to go hit the gym. My results after just half an hour are in the picture. It may just be an ellpitical trainer, but its a great start for me. Hopefully I'll be in tip-top shape sooner than later.


Also, now that the weather is finally beautiful (except for all of the rain here in GA) I've found time to go hiking again. I've always really enjoyed hiking, getting outdoors and taking on some of the local areas. I'm fortunate to 'live' relatively close to some of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Areas. It really is a beautiful area, and I can't wait to grab a tube and float down the river once the weather gets warmer.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully I'll have some really exciting news to post soon. Stay tuned until then!

Day 69...

I'm closing in on 70 days now. I've had some ups and downs, but I'm keeping in a positive mood.

I'm keeping myself busy too. Outside of looking for jobs, I'm finally reading more, working out, and getting to spend some more time doing community service work.

I've started a few books, reading some here and there. One of them I'm enjoying is Stephen Covey's "The 8th Habit." I'm trying to learn how to better myself while I have the time. Another book I've been reading is "Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: A Bullfighter's Guide." It was a gift from a former Director of mine, and is proving to have an interesting insight into the way the business world works. I'm also trying to, in practice, better my golf game by reading "Tiger Woods - How I Play Golf." Hopefully I can get out and hit the range a little now that the weather is warmer down here in Atlanta.

I've also taken to improving my physical fitness through a book I finished, and have started applying, called "The Body Sculpting Bible for Men." It works off the premise of switching the workout routine every 14 days, just enough that it confuses your body and keeps working it harder. I've never put myself through such a structured and intense workout before, but I think it's working!

Most exciting of all, I've gotten the chance to give back to the community in an active way! Through my Church, I helped out on a project restoring the entry way to a local elementary school. We had a good team, and got a lot of work done. It may not look like a lot, but you should have seen just how ugly it was beforehand.

I've been finding ways to keep myself busy, by either improving my skill set or giving back to the community. I'm looking forward to getting back to work, but in the meantime, I'll keep at it.

Day 54...

So it has been 54 days now. Coming up on the 60 day mark. I really hoped I'd be employed within 60 days of getting laid off. So just 6 days left on that one.

I know the economy is bad, but there are a lot of companies hiring. I just interviewed with a GREAT company up in Charlotte, NC called Red Ventures. They have a high energy and passion level I haven't yet seen. The work is in online marketing and analysis which is great, so I hope this one pans out.

I still have really high spirits through this whole process, and can't wait to get to work for my next employer. I know I bring a lot to the table, and all my past employers would say the same. Only time will tell.

Day 43...

I'm going on day 43 now. I'm actually going to collect the first unemployment check soon. How interesting.

I've been applying for jobs here and there, whatever is actually open and fits my qualifications. There are a couple of really good leads right now, and I can't wait to see how they play out. Hopefully I'll be employed before the end of April.

Does anyone out there have any good tips/tricks/websites that they would like to share with me? Leave a comment and I'll give them a try.

Adios for now!

Day 31, 1 month to the date...

Well, its been one month. I'm hanging in there. At least its baseball season again, and the Braves are 3-1. I keep applying for jobs online, sending out resumes here, there, everywhere. I have a Atlanta recruiting firm trying to find me a job, but honestly, I haven't heard from them (checking in on me) but once in this entire month.

Which brings me to a new point. I wonder how 'effective' recruiting firms and staffing firms really are. I mean, they aren't really a waste of time, as I don't really do any of the work for them, but they interest me as a business.

As for now, I'm about to actually do a weekly 'certification' for unemployment, which is a little scary. I guess we'll see what happens in the next 31 days...

Day 26...

Well then. Day 26. I'm really hoping to have a job soon. I don't want to go on unemployment really. I want to be able to have a job before I have to. It sure would be nice... I really have great qualities and experience. I've worked in communications, event and database marketing, sales, and have 5 years of experience.

I'm still really not sure if anyone reads this. Can anyone comment?

Day....23

Day 23 now. A pretty long while since the fateful day. I've had good days, bad days... It's working out though.

I went through an interview process with a local Apartment company, got through all of the rounds, and then... nothing. Oh well, keep the head up, keep on going.

I've opened up a few new contacts, have a lot of hopefuls, but just don't know the best way to get out there these days. In the mean time, I keep checking online, keep submitting resumes, and keep hoping. I know there are companies out there hiring, and I know I'll get hired soon.

Day 16...

Day 16... wow. It's been over two weeks since the lay-0ffs, and I'm still feeling pretty good. I attended the GT Alumni career fair and met with a lot of great people at great companies. Some of them even had marketing openings, which... that's kind of rare in this economy.

So I'm going to keep checking out online opportunities, keep with my contacts, and keep my head up. I know there are companies hiring, and I'm going to get a job.

Day 9

Day 9. It's Friday, which is awesome. The weekend is ahead of me, and I try to relax some on the weekend. I met with a staffing/recruiting firm here in Atlanta today. I think that they are a good bet, they get my resume out to all of their clients and other companies, a lot more efficiently that I can.

I really have dream jobs though. Those jobs that I could see myself doing for a long time, there are only a few, but they would be great.

All of them involve a marketing position of some sort, so I'm going to list companies:

1) Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, or any major defense contractor.

Seriously, I love National Defense. I'm obsessed with the F-22, F-35 (JSF), or any other jet, weapons system, really... anything. I would love to work on something, anything for those companies.

2) Anything related to golf or baseball. Period.

3) Microsoft, Google, or any major Tech (including video game) company.

I graduated from Georgia Tech, come on. This one is self explanatory.

4) Disney

Disney is a great company to work for. Combine that with how much fun it would be to market for a company like them, and you've got a winner.

5) I'd love to work for a major restaurant chain. I'm not talking about McDonalds or anything, more like 5th group in Atlanta, or Buckhead life. Maybe marketing for a major Chef out there with a lot of restaurants.

And the list goes on and on and on. Realistically I would love to work in any industry. I really like marketing enough to adapt to learning a new industry, the same way I learned a lot about accounting and tax credits.

I'm looking forward to getting a job soon and making someone's company better. Until then, I'll keep searching and keep blogging.

Day 8

We have arrived at day 8.  It has been over 1 week since the fateful day that Reznick parted ways with me, giving me the need to look for other employment.

I'm actually doing really well.  I have a very positive outlook on this whole thing, and believe that my skill set can benefit whatever company chooses me to be their new... something.  

I'm looking for a title like "Marketing Analyst", "Marketing Coordinator", "Marketing Manager", "Marketing Associate" or anything similar.  This doesn't mean though that I am not capable or willing to accept a job as a consultant or anything else.  I have a very broad degree in Business Management, I just enjoy the creative and persuasive side of marketing a little more.

I'm looking forward to the time where I start to interview again.  I really enjoy interviews.  Even with all of the general questions like "Tell me about a time when you faced adversity in the workplace, and how did you handle it" or "What do you think your 3 greatest strengths are?  What about your biggest weakness."  I still enjoy interviews.  I don't know, its like a time where I can meet someone new.  A time to learn a little more about a business that I already did my research on.  A time where I can be myself, and let companies see just who they may hire.  They're fun.  

Now, don't get me wrong.  One of these days I hope an interview turns into an offer, because, who can interview forever?  

So, on that note, my resume is at the top of the page, and if you're reading this and hiring... shoot me an email!

Unemployment - Day 5

Well... it's day 5.  Still hasn't been a full week since the lay-off.  

So far, no real news.  A few leads here and there, sending out resumes, still working on opening up channels.  

Today's actually the day I'm going to run out and apply for unemployment insurance.  I had always heard about doing this, and never really knew much about it.  I know a bit more now, but its still a little confusing to me.  

Soon, this site will have a real name too.  www.duckforhire.com.

To any potential employers, my resume is at the top of the page.  

Day 2...

I feel like I need a 24 clock sound on each of these posts.  If this is going to be an ongoing thing, I think that would be funny.

Anyways, on to the rest of the story.  

So, I think I'm safe.  I guess I was just naive, but I really didn't see this coming.  On 3/11/09 I was called into a conference room and told I was being let go because of the economy.  Great.  The economy caught up to me.  I had been careful in my spending, I had been cautious with my life, and it still got me somehow.

It turns out that 10% of my company was let go that day.  While I viewed my job as extremely important (I mean, who doesn't?), to the people at the top, I was nothing more than $$ on paper.

Now, I don't hold any bad feeling against my former company.  Rather, I thank them for the time I had to work with them, gaining experience and life lessons.  They are a great company, and had to do what they had to do to stay afloat. 

Doesn't change the fact that its rough on me though....

Unemployment - Day 1

This is a running blog of my experiences as an unemployed person.

Lets start out with my story.

Hiring with Reznick Group:

I graduated Georgia Tech in May 2007 with a BS in Management, a certificate in Marketing, and a concentration (I took a LOT of classes) in International Affairs.  Before I graduated, I had an internship opportunity presented to me through a professor of marketing at Tech, Dr. Vantine.

The internship was for a company called Reznick Group, and they were looking for a 'marketing intern.'  I went ahead and applied, at the time needing a job related to my field (marketing) and went in for an interview.  Low and behold, a few days later, I got a call saying I've been chosen as the Reznick Group Marketing Intern.  Woo hoo!  I finally had a job that was in line with my major.

I later received a promotion to 'National Marketing Analyst' and knew that no matter what the economy threw at us (Reznick Group), I would be safe.  

Or so I thought....