The Business of Jobs

JACK: It seems that the major topic of conversation and of concern is the jobs problem. As a matter of fact, the pundits are telling us that the next elections will hinge on the success or failure in regaining the millions of jobs that have been lost. If you question 10 recognized economists you will get 11 different opinions. I prefer to think of it as an individual problem that can be solved by individual Americans.

SCOTT: First, thank you Jack for letting me have guest appearance #2. I couldn’t agree more that the jobs issue is on the forefront of all of our minds. I have been fortunate to find and keep work during this difficult time, but as you noted, millions of people have been less fortunate than myself. Just this week, we saw some conflicting and confusing numbers. On the one hand, the overall unemployment rate fell under 10%. At the same time, new jobless claims rose far more than expected. Numbers and statistics mean less to me than this question — how can all of the people who are out of work find something to do?

JACK: Your good fortune, to say nothing of your personal planning, places you in a specialty that is not only in demand, but is greatly needed. The business of compliance law is really a must for all businesses. Witness the dilemma of Toyota, and the questionable actions of major banks in awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses while they are still in debt to the taxpayers. Addressing the business of finding a job, I was interviewed last week on The Enrichment Hour with Mike Schwager on this very subject.

Over the course of my 60 years in business, I have hired thousands of people and can give direct advice to people who are looking for a direction. I do believe, just as all politics is local – all problems are local as well. There are a number of ways that people can go. One is to start their own business, and the other is to truly understand how employment is administered. My question, and solution, is in finding a way to make yourself extremely attractive to a prospective employer.

SCOTT: This sounds like great advice. Can you tell me a bit more? For example, for every job opportunity that may be out there, particularly in a tough economic climate like this one, there are many qualified applicants. What are some things that people can do to stand out among the throngs of people who are angling for every open position? On a related note, is there something people can do to try and gain employment with a company who may not even be hiring?

JACK: My first recommendation is that the applicant choose companies for whom he or she would like to work. Learn all that is possible about the company, and particularly, its problems. A great deal of this information is immediately available on the company’s website. Then, present yourself not simply as an applicant for a position, but as a qualified solution seeker that will directly go after both the problems and the ambition of the corporation itself. I think you can best get the idea by my imbedding the interview on careers directly into this posting. This is a 30-minute interview on "The Enrichment Hour with Mike Schwager" on Sedona Talk Radio — pictures will be furnished upon request! Please find the link below.

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