By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator
Dallas, TX – Unemployment can cause low self-esteem, isolation, and even bouts of depression. I know. But there are positive ways to deal with it and more importantly, you don't have to do it alone. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Midday.
I really didn't know what to expect when I arrived at the weekly General Meeting of Career Connection, a professional networking group. Years ago when I willingly left a position, I joined a roundtable of unemployed executives. There were about 15 to 20 of us. I regret saying I sometimes left more depressed than when I came. After Tuesday's meeting, I'll bet the fly on the wall left humming a tune.
There were more than 300 people in attendance at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas. The room was big and bright, and the energy level equaled that of a pep rally. The meetings are usually about 90% male and 10% female. Here's the average bio of a Career Connection member: male, 49 years old, annual salary of $89,000, and has been unemployed for about 9 months.
The general meeting begins. Upbeat, humorous and most importantly, educational. Tuesday's topic: interviewing, resumes, and what to say in your 30-second introduction. For instance, it's not enough to say, "I'm a salesperson," or even a salesperson with 10 years experience. You want to keep someone from responding, "So what?" Therefore, say, "I'm salesperson who generated $300,000 in annual revenue." It's not just what you do, it's your value.
Between the few speakers and the volunteer staff I spoke with, the consensus was that it will be getting better soon. Making sure it happens, Career Connection has launched a program titled "Hire DFW First," bringing local talent, companies and government together. I was reminded the unemployed are an integral part of the community. They're parents, voters and consumers. Everyone has stake in everyone else. I liked that and I liked what I heard, and hopefully soon, they can move into a smaller room. For KERA Marketplace Midday, I'm Maxine Shapiro.
Marketplace Midday Reports air on KERA 90.1 Monday - Friday at 1:04 p.m.
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