Ray M. - A Job at the End of the Tunnel

Ray M. found his new job handling unemployment claims for the State Employment Development Department the old- fashioned way - through a lot of perseverance and hard work, seasoned experience, and the right connections. "This job hunting has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life," he concedes. Landing his new job with the state has been "the end of a long dark tunnel."
 
A lifetime career human resources manager, Ray found himself changing jobs last summer at the outset of the economic recession. By Thanksgiving he was out of work and looking for a new job for the first time in 23 years. Unfortunately, he had plenty of company. "For every human resources position out there, there's 200 to 300 qualified human resources professionals," he says. "These days employers want generalists. You have to have a variety of well-honed skills to get a job because there are so many qualified people out there."
 
Ray began working the online job banks, applying for every position he was qualified for, and landing interviews for nine of them. In January he saw a notice on Craig's List that the State of California was testing for unemployment compensation representatives. Because of the soaring unemployment rate, the EDD had to lift the state hiring freeze to handle all the new claims.
 
Ray sent off his resume but didn't hear anything for months, since the state hiring process characteristically moves at glacial speed. He finally got a letter saying he was qualified to take the test, signed up for it, and took it on May 31. A couple of months later, he was called for interviews in two different EDD offices, and a few days later, he was offered a job in one of them. Though his new job is less challenging and at a lower salary than he is accustomed to earning, Ray is delighted to be back at work helping unemployed workers process their claims. "It's not the ideal job - it's not what I was looking for. But it will be my ideal job because I love working with people and helping them solve problems. I'm going to be able to help people who are hurting and having a difficult time," he says. "Human resources is a marvelous profession. It's one of those careers that's really underappreciated."
 
Ray credits his lengthy experience in human resources, a successful interview, and a prior connection with landing his new job with the state. Ray serves on the Employment Advisory Council, a separate arm of the state EDD that provides resources and services to private-sector businesses. By luck, one of the people he interviewed with for his EDD job also serves on the council.
 
"I have to look at this pragmatically," he reflects. "We can all follow our bliss all we want, but if our bliss isn't going to lead to employment and put food on the table, then it's not bliss. It's certainly not blissful to be unfed and unclothed. If you've got unique talents, then go for it. But the practical reality is it's not going to work for a lot of people."
 
Ray joined EU Oakland in February and has found the organization a lifeline of support during difficult times. "Everybody here has been tremendous. This place is terrific. The support network and facilities and resources are great. I get more done coming here and working on the computer than working at home."
 
His typical Monday morning routine, for example, was to meet with his Success Team followed by his Program Committee meeting. "By the end of the morning, I'm energized and ready to go. I don't have the Monday morning blues," he says.
 
"Outside of my partner of 23 years, this group has been my sole support when I hit below the water level - and I've been there a lot in the past six months. There were literally times when I was drowning. I was up all night. I had major pity parties."
 

As a human resources manager and incoming EDD counselor, Ray has some professional advice for fellow job seekers. "You have simply got to get moving," sending out resumes, conducting informational interviews, and building on contacts to network for job leads. "Stick with it, folks. You will get a job!"