Lessons Learned Over the Phone

The Many Lessons learned over the PHONE!!!

So after being refocused, I began making more calls and people began calling me back. I went from being embarrassed to be prepared and knocking the calls out the park. Even though at this moment they have not resulted in employment they have boosted my self-esteem, gave me assurance, and even direction. I hope these moments help you not make some of the mistakes as me!!

The Bad Call

First call, that I learned from that went a little like this:

Contact person: call this lady name Shannon…tell them I sent you they will help you out!!!!

Me: Okay … is that it?

Contact Person: YUP!

Me: U sure?

Contact Person: Yup!

Me: okay…

Me: Hello Im calling to speak to Shannon

Shannon: This is she

Me: Hello Shannon I was referred to you by Rita, she stated that you work in job placement

Shannon: Yes what are you looking for

Me: A full time job

Shannon: Well, what kind of job?

Me: A full time job

Shannon: Okay what kind of job?

Me: A full time one

Shannon: (PISSED AND VOCALLY IRRITATED) I KNOW you are looking for a full time job but what kind, what do you have experience in?

Me: Oh (Voice a bit shaky because I knew this conversation was going down hill) well I have experience in humanities and social services

Shannon: We don’t do job placements for that, we don’t do humanities and non profit. We work with HR, administrative assistance, more corporate offices etc.  but if you fill out a profile online you never know. Have a great day.

Me: You too

Shannon: CLICK

Contact person: Oh I thought you were looking for an administrative assistant position..

ME: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I learned so much from this embarrassing conversation.

First Off:

Anyone who is assisting me in the job search must know what I am looking for. I must clarify and get clarity on any referral.

            -Who is this person you are referring me too?

            -What position and company is this for?

            -What is this company known for?

            -What is the company website?

            -Why do you think this would be a good fit for me?

I was embarrassed because I did not know what I was getting myself into… NOT SMART!!!! I should have been able to tell her exactly what position I wanted based off the position I should have researched that she was offering. I must/ You must always be in the position of having the upper hand. This means, know what the answer to the question before you ask the question. Know the answers to the questions she/he will ask. Nothing should ever catch you off guard during these moments.

When she asked what job am I looking for, my answer was true and honest out of desperation. In my head I am thinking that I don’t want a temp job or a part time position, I want a full time job with benefits doing ANYTHING. Did she need to know that information? OF COURSE NOT!!!! J

Now knowing, I should have answered her like this:

I am looking for a position that offers administrative support. Whether that is through and administrative assistant position, case manager, or any position offering support in administration.

Now is this is my I need to do what I have to do answer without sounding desperate and foolish. Searching for a job has enough stress and shame that one does not need to invite more of it by being ill prepared and making everyone uncomfortable and embarrassed.

The Great Call (lol… sounds like the great commission…my fellow theologians will get it)

I got a call from a contact at one of my top 5 non-profits I want to work for, YES!!,  the Children’s Home Society. I love working with foster care kids, adoption agencies, intervention programs, youth ministries, etc. That’s my passion. I believe that childhood really lays a foundation for life. 18 years impacts the rest of the 80 you may live. Isn’t that crazy?

That is why intervention and prevention programs are sooo important. If kids knew at a young age that they can be successful no matter what, I believe they will achieve success. Unfortunately, when young people grow up with is THUG LIFE or DRUG LIFE (no matter the race) that’s all they aspire to be. But being a doctor, lawyer, teacher, social worker, nurse, engineer, or project manager is much cooler!!! J

Lisa: Hello Jhaniqua,

Me: Yes, Hi its great to talk to you

Lisa: Yes, you were referred to me by Rachel

Me: Rachel is an amazing person. I worked for her as an intern a few years ago. But since then I have graduated with my masters from Duke University. I started working with foster care kids in a home near Fayetteville and I loved it!!! I fell in love with working at that place. I recently got married, had to leave my job and relocate.

Lisa: Oh, great so are you still looking for employment?

Me: Yes, actually I am. I have been looking at non-profits that would allow me to continue to work in the same area. While researching companies, your company the Children’s Home Society continued to pop on my radar.

Lisa: Great!!! So have you looked on our website where the jobs are posted?

Me: (SMILING INSIDE) Actually I am signed up on your list serve for Job alerts and I have applied a few times for the foster care specialist position. Do you have any suggestions on how to gain employment with the Children’s Home Society?

Lisa: Oh good!!! Well I would suggest that you continue to check back with the website and make sure that you are completely filling out the entire profile online. Make sure your application is complete.

Me: Yes, I will do that, would you recommend that I go back to school to get an MSW?

Lisa: Remind me of your education again?

Me: I have a masters in Divinity with a significant amount of course work in Christian education and I have a bachelor’s degree in counseling and religion.

Lisa: Cool, yeah, no the MSW is preferred not required, I think you should be fine.

Me: (EXCITED) Really? Well great thanks sooo much. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me.

Lisa: No problem. I know we are not hiring now for the Greensboro office, but I will ask around and get back to you!!!

Me: Thank you sooo much you have a great day!!

Lisa: You too!!!

Lessons Learned:

-I am sooooo excited recalling this experience. It was just what I needed, to be reassured in my education and experience.

-I was also prepared. I knew about the company! I knew about the hiring positions! I was already connected with their list serve. I was prepared with questions. This conversation flowed. It didn’t seem so much as an informational interview verses as a natural conversation for me to gain more information about this company and potential future employer.

-When you call companies and doing phone informational interviews or even networking over the phone, prepare just as much as you would if you were going into an office for an interview.

-Also, its not all about who you know, but who knows you. Hopefully, during this conversation I made such a good impression upon her, that when a job comes available she will remember me and the pleasant conversation we had, hopefully, she will share with her supervisors or the hiring managers about me!!! That’s the key. Even though I have not heard back, I feel like Joseph waiting in prison, one day She will remember me and I will be in the PALACE!!!

Peace, Blessings, and ENJOY FRIES WITH LIFE!!!!!