1 Week. 2 Job Offers. What Recession?

Two job offers in one week, and I'm not even looking. I'm not bragging or gloating. My purpose in sharing this information is to illustrate two critical truths.

1) The will of the universe is unpredictable, always delivering the unexpected at random times.

2) You should not, under any circumstances, get caught up in Recessionitis.

I sit here in awe when I think about the dozens (hundreds) of unanswered resumes I experienced when the economy was thriving. Now, amidst dire economic turmoil, and the fact that I am pleased at my current gig, cosmic forces want to have some fun with me. I can't help but laugh at the sheer irony.

So what was the secret to getting two job offers in one week? Nothing! There is no secret! Unless you can read the stars or have a highly-effective Zoltar machine, there's no rhyme or reason to this stuff. Much of it is out of our control, regardless what career 'experts' like to tell us. Your job is to take care of the things you CAN control.

Good athletes often talk about how they never alter their game plan. EVER. It doesn't matter who the opponent is or where the game is being played. One of the keys to success is remaining consistent, yet knowing how to adapt to different circumstances.

I've already seen the recession 'change' some people around the office.

For example, this might not be the best time to call in sick. However, if you ARE sick, heading to the office anyway benefits no one.

Hold on to this fact: Even if the unemployment rate hits 10%, 90 out of every 100 people will still be working. That means the odds are (overwhelmingly) in your favor that you will stay employed.

Be proactive, not reactive. We'll show you how later this week. Subscribe now.

Comments

[daniel bensen]

Congratulations on the job offers, Andrew. May I ask how you were contacted if you are not actively seeking new employment? It would be pretty cool if you added a feature that allowed people to "lend" or "donate" jobs to other people. That way, when someone (like yourself) receives an offer, they can recommend a person who is currently unemployed because of the decession.

[Ben Eubanks]

In regard the job offers, this reminds me of my own search for a job a few years back. I looked for several months, but I was having absolutely no luck. Then, out of the blue, I got an offer to work at my current employer. I was thrilled. After the interview (aced it), I was brought on fairly quickly. Then I got three call backs from previous applications.

Like Andrew said, there's no way to predict when your resume will show up on someone's desk or not. Be a good Boy (or Girl) Scout, and always be prepared.

[Laurie S.]

Way to go!!!

[Ben Eubanks]

Good idea, Daniel. An interesting addition to that plan would be to let people showcase their jobs if they are planning on moving to a new one. Thanks for the comment!

[Andrew G.R.]

@daniel - I have to credit my online presence with both of these offers. In fact, I would say that running Jobacle.com and maintaining an updated Web-based resume, has led to the last dozen inquiries. That's one of the oft overlooked benefits of blogging.

To you point about "donating" jobs...interesting concept. Back in '06 we at Jobacle were concentrating on "Word-of-Mouth-Jobs." These were postings that insiders would tip us off to and we would announce them before they hit all of the major job boards. The idea of 'paying it forward' when it comes to a job you reject is definitely good karma.

@laurie - Thank you!

[Glen]

Consider yourself fortunate! I am on the verge of being let go and have had no luck for 6 months!!

[Candice]

Congratulations, Andrew! You're fortunate on two levels:

1. You like the job you have and
2. You received two job offers without even trying.

Knowing that you're viewed as competent and valuable must be a real self-esteem boost. Well done.

[Ben Eubanks]

If you get any more love, Andrew, I'm telling your wife. :-)

Glen, if you're looking for help, check out the new Twitter Advice Project. Just Google the phrase "tap into careerealism." You can get free help with career questions, and Jobacle is represented there by yours truly.

Candice, you're right about him loving his current job. That's a blessing in itself.

[Johanne]

"Be proactive, not reactive..."

Very true!

[Jessica]

Thanks for sharing this news. It makes a great point about disengaging from the recession (which we can't control) and engaging in our career (which we can control). Rather than pulling up a chair to watch the train wreck, we can revisit our goals and plan the steps and connections necessary to get there. We can leverage social networking or start a blog that defines who we are and what we're capable of more effectively than any resume can. There are many tools at our disposal.