Thursday, April 28, 2011

X is for the X Factor

Job descriptions for technology managers are like a laundry list of every technical skill out there. Having looked through hundreds and hundreds of job descriptions over the past 4 years, I often get discouraged because my husband will not be considered a worthy applicant due to a missing X factor. Bottom line is that he can't have every technical skill, but he does have solid management experience and common sense. Unfortunately, hiring managers are fixated on those missing X factors on his resume. We can't even get to first base often in the application process.

I write cover letters for him all the time. I try to think of every kind of persuasive twist or spin to get hiring managers to give him a shot at an interview. I hope that there will be something in the cover letter language that will expand a hiring manager's perspective about considering the full package of an applicant and not just the laundry list of skills. Once I see one of those X factor skills on a job description, I know that I'll have an uphill battle with this cover letter pitch. We do a ton of networking and we still run into that X factor wall many times. The X factor is relentless and hangs over our heads when we try and try and try to find something permanent that will pay the bills.

Looking for a job via the Internet has pros and cons. It is convenient to apply via online. However, I wish that he could walk into a place and fill out an application and actually see the hiring manager face to face. Given that opportunity, I'm sure that my husband would make the hiring manager see that a good employee and a hardworking human being is more than a series of matching X factors.

On a lighter note, I think I just have to turn my 3 boys into some kind of boy band. Now if only I could get them to follow choreography. I'm sure that my little daughter would love them to learn a few ballet steps. Picture those tutu wearing boys and little Miss Jillian saying, "Back straighter. Point those toes!" LOL.

Back to cleaning the house for the communion party. I feel like the Roadrunner. Beep! Beep!

Hope to visit you all very soon once things settle down. Hugs and love - Kelly

17 comments:

Mari said...

That X factor! My daughter has also been looking for a job and has had the same sort of problem. They're hard to find.
The boy band sounds like a plan!

Caitlin said...

Ugh. I am so sorry that you are back on the job hunt! Brian's trouble is he has lots of technological skill but very little experience being so young.

Boy band? HAHHAHA! Then your husband wouldn't even have to worry about a job! Do it!

Gail Dixon said...

Gone are the days when you could walk in and actually be seen! I miss those days and think that nothing can replace your actual presence, your essence. Just like that new show The Voice, where singing talent is selected based on voice alone...although a good idea in theory...you really miss seeing the whole package, which sometimes makes that one little bit of difference.

Hoping your husband finds a job soon. Hang in there! It's got to get better.

Vicky said...

Ah, the job search commences, sorry to hear that, but that last image of Jillian commanding the boys to point their toes has me giggling with glee... too funny!!

Boy bands- you may be on to something with that!

Diane said...

Um...... I'm a little disappointed that you didn't go with X-MEN since we both have a total Hugh fetish....

Hoping the job situation turns around soon for you guys. :O)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Enjoyed the X factor, hope it works if it comes to fruitation.

Have a lovely day.
Yvonne.

Unknown said...

That is bummer about your husband. the same thing happened to my husband when he wanted to go into advertising after being an information processing consultant for years. He could not get interviewed to save his life. then he switched strategies. first he asked for informational interviews with companies who weren't hiring at the moment so he could get the face-to-face time. Then he took an unpaid internship to get some experience. Then six months later he got a call to interview with one of the directors he talked to when he was just taking meetings.

Kim said...

I read what Teresha wrote and I've had similar experiences. When I was still waiting on tables I went into my work a few hours a week (it wasn't my work then) and volunteered. I built up relationships - it was a pain in the butt but honestly it was mayb two hours out of a week. They got to know me and liked me. I didn't get a job right away but someone in the company told me about the posting when it came up. Shaune's going to take the same strategy. He's done teacher's college this week. But on his days off (he's going back to selling cars till something in teaching comes up) he's going to volunteer at the highschool. Just a few hours a week so they don't forget him.

Kim said...

I meant to also say, I hope the communion party goes awesomely! Thinking of you my friend!

Susan Fobes said...

Things are tough everywhere Kelly. There are four teaching positions at the high school that aren't going to be filled next year, and one of the teachers is going to the middle school. Hang in there.

The Write Girl said...

I hope things get better Septembermom. Have you guys tried job fairs? Your husband would have the chance to pitch himself to an employer face to face. I am praying for you dear. God bless. Things will turn around soon!!

#1Nana said...

I think you are so right. The internet is a wonderful thing, but landing an interview isn't cyber friendly. Even when the applications are submitted on line, many times it is the human connections that give applicants the edge. Who you know is even more important in this economy. I have several friends seeking positions. One is a finalist for a position where the application was online. She got an interview, after another friend made a phone call on her behalf. That was enough to get her application pulled from the pile of applicants for the screening interview. I wish your husband the best of luck in his search. I know it's not easy.

Jenners said...

I can imagine that both of you are beyond frustrated with this job search situation. Too often people get hung up on the X factor and can't see the rest of the package.

T Rex Mom said...

I just know the right opportunity will present itself. Continue to keep those chins up and toes pointed, too, just in case sweet Jillian says anything.

Robyn Campbell said...

Praying that he finds a job soon. Doggone X factors. Kel, I really will commit to praying about this. Sorry I haven't been by. I'm a bit slack. (^_^)

I know the communion party will be great. Wish I were there, Roadrunner. :-)

Charlotte (Life's a Charm!) said...

In fairness, jobs are so hard to come by these days. I know a lot family who just can't find a job, because there is just no job openings. On the other side, it IS frustrating not to get an interview, to actually let you impress the hiring people through an actual face-to-face interview.

Good luck on your hubby's job hunt.

Michelle said...

Ugh I don't envy you or your husband with that one. So not easy... Or fun. Bleh.

But the image of Jillian? Priceless!