JT: Dale and I were brainstorming recently on ways we could help our job-seeking readers combat the negative thinking that can result from looking for work when there’s a high unemployment rate and floundering economy. That’s when Dale said to me, “Why don’t we just ask readers to share their own success stories?” So, we reached out to a few folks and the idea was given a big ‘thumbs up.’ We will be posting new stories regularly, so if you have one you’d like to share, please let us know.

DALE: This week’s success story comes from Wendy Jones of Albuquerque. Let’s get right to her summary of her search, in her own words:

When I started my search I made a wish-list of everything I was looking for in a company. First and most important, I held out for that and got everything I was looking for. This includes salary, benefits, location, content/type of work and also great people I would love to work with every day. I have turned down 5 offers in the 6 months I have been looking. Nice companies but they did not match my wish list when it came right down to it.

I know I am lucky that I was able to work independently as a recruiter while I was looking for a new position and therefore had an income during my job search. I also realize this is a luxury that many might not have. I talked to about 35 companies over 6 months, of the 35 companies who responded to my resume or saw my resume posted online and contacted me, I would say that 5 of them were possibilities.

The company I accepted an offer from was clearly a fit from the beginning. In fact just reading the job description was encouraging because it was exactly what I was looking for. I had great conversations with everyone at that company, they have all been at the company for long periods of time and they asked me great questions. They also asked my references great questions. Yes, even my references (my three former CEO’s) thought this was a great company for me after speaking on my behalf!

The company I accepted an offer from took me through the process in a very professional manner and treated me with respect every step of the way. They are nice people and that does matter to me!

I interviewed with some very abrasive people over the 6 month job search, those companies eliminated themselves which was very helpful to me, but sad for the companies those people represent.

So, the moral of this story is to TRUST that there is a company out there that is everything you are looking for. It can be a very disappointing process but I kept my eye on the prize and re-read my wish-list on a daily basis and the outcome is exactly what I expected it would be.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM WENDY?

JT: I love that she started with a wish list. How can you know you found a great job unless you have a practical definition of what a great job is?

DALE: That’s what enabled Wendy to turn down five jobs. Five. Can you imagine the courage that takes? And notice in her story how much of her opinion of the companies was based on the people, rather than the salary and benefits. A great job is one that helps you become the best of yourself, and you get there by being surrounded by people you admire and want to be more like.

JT: Again, we’d love to hear YOUR success story – please visit jtanddale.com and learn how you can help and inspire those looking for a great new job.

Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and author of “CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to A Satisfying Career.” She can be found at jtodonnell.com.

Dale Dauten’s latest book is “(GREAT) EMPLOYEES ONLY: How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success.” He can be reached at dauten.com.

2008 by JT O’Donnell and Dale Dauten