JT: I recently received a message from Lisa, telling me that she had a great new job – we love getting those e-mails. I asked her if she could summarize her search experience for us so we could pass it along to those still in the market.

Dale: As you read Lisa’s story, notice her job search “slump,” and how she solved it by looking (again) close to home. Here’s her story:

I worked at a mental health facility, and when I returned form vacation in October 07′, my boss had been “let go” and half of my job had been given to someone I hired before my vacation. At this time, I revised my resume and signed up with Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com. I bought an outdated copy (2005 edition) of “What Color is Your Parachute? If” from our local library. I felt very confident that it would be a short period of time before I would have a new job.

Shortly thereafter, I was told that my job was to be eliminated as of December 20th. I called a few people I knew in other departments and was able to transfer to another department and took a substantial pay decrease. Thus, began my serious motivation to find a new job.

The first thing I did was get the word out to friends and family that I was looking for a job, and what areas I was interested in working. I began to faithfully read the classifieds from the Sunday editions of the local papers (where I first met JT and Dale). I sent out resumes (tailored to fit the required experience of the advertised job), confident cover letters, and excellent references. I received three interviews right away, although they weren’t the right ones for me. Then, I experienced a “slump.”

As time wore on, I became discouraged and was desperate for “any job.” I downloaded the Chamber of Commerce directory and began to send “blind” resumes to companies on the list. Eventually, I redefined what I wanted to do, and what it would take to make it happen. I considered careers “outside the box” and considered the education required for each. During this time, I emailed JT about various positions and followed her advice.

I had another interview and nearly talked myself into this “lesser” job just to have a job. I knew it was one I could do, but also knew I wouldn’t enjoy it much.

My husband found the local mental health facility website and downloaded an application for me. I faxed the questionnaire and application on Sunday. I was called on Tuesday, scheduled an interview for the following Thursday. The day after my second interview, I was called and offered the position.

I am now working at the local mental health facility, less than five miles from my home, as an employment specialist. I will be assisting people with mental health challenges find jobs (resumes, applications, and job coaching). I’ve been there three weeks and already my supervisor is talking about “future plans.”

My search is over, and it has been successful!

Dale: It’s interesting that Lisa nearly talked herself into a “lesser job.” During a search, especially in the middle of a “slump,” it’s easy to believe that any job is a good job. But getting that first offer is also a moment when the job searcher has leverage – you can go to any employer who has shown an interest in you, or to employers you would like to work for and say, “I have a good offer but I was really hoping that I might be able to work with your company.” This gives employers a deadline – after all, you have to make a decision about the offer in-hand – but also lets them know that you are desirable, and, as we all know, there is something about being “in play” that makes you irresistible.

JT: Someone reading Lisa’s story might think it odd that she did not apply to a facility near her home until well into her job search. I can’t tell you how often I hear such stories. That’s why it’s always helpful to have many people looking for openings for you – they might spot something you’ve overlooked – but also to make sure you use every resource to identify possible employers. That would include not just the Chamber of Commerce, but also the Yellow Pages, Internet searches, professional association lists and everything else, especially networking. Your search will only be as good as your identification of targets.

Dale: thanks to Lisa for her story – we’d love to hear yours. Please send it to dale@dauten.com.

And please feel free to pass along this e-mail to anyone you know who is searching for a job, and also to go to the “How I Did It” section in of the jtanddale.com website.