Griffin Speaks
FINDING A JOB
I have worked since age
five. I use to sell Grit Newspapers, All Occasion Cards and whatever else I
could find around the house that I thought people would be willing to
purchase. I also shined shoes at Grimes Barbershop. I also swept the floor
at Mr. Willie Powell’s Speed Center.
These jobs were held in the great city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. These
jobs all taught me at an early age the art of landing a job!
When you are looking for a
job don’t always assume that the “Big Shots” are the ones with the
power to get you hired. It can very well be the man or woman at the bottom
of the well that has the bosses ear. Let everyone know that you are looking
for a job. You never know who holds the power to get you hired. Twenty years
ago I was walking down the street in Birmingham, Alabama when I said hello
to Eulais Hunt a Legal Secretary at a local law firm. I informed Eulais Hunt
that I was an attorney looking for a job in a law firm. She told me to apply
to her firm, Pennick, Williams, & Jones. I interviewed with Henry Pennick
and dropped his secretary’s name. I was hired on the spot! I can go on and
on about opportunities that were presented to me by ordinary people which
assisted me in landing a job. Of course Eulais and I became fast friends and
we continue to keep in touch today. Eulais is now employed at Alabama State
University in the Honors Division.
Distinguish yourself. Get
away from the pack. You never take friends along with you when you are
looking for a job. There may very well be only one opening. You decrease
your chances when you take other people along with you.
When offered a job keep your mouth shut until it’s
finalized. You will be amazed at how jealous people will attempt to screw
you up. I recall a friend that landed a job and told a number of people
about it before he started. When he arrived to start his first day on the
job he was informed that the employer had changed his mind. Someone had
called the employer and told him that my friend was suspected of stealing
from his last employer. It was a complete lie, but it was enough to frighten
the future employer.
You will also be amazed at how many people can pick up the
phone and destroy your opportunities. We all know that there are some folks
known in the community as pathological liars. Believe it or not even these
known pathological liars will attempt to destroy your opportunities. How do
you tell when a pathological liar is lying? It is simple his lips are
moving. So keep your job offers close to your chest! When you reach the
offer stage you don’t let your left hand know what the right one is doing.
If you can afford to
volunteer I suggest you do so. If you are willing to work for free and still
do a great job the employer will take notice. If there is any possible
chance that he can hire you he will. You will also enhance your resume if
the job is one that increases your experience level.
I suggest that you first
begin your job search in places where you spend your money. Ask people who
work there if there are any openings? You will be amazed at how many people
would be willing to assist you in your job search if you simply asked for
their help.
If you want a job with the
State of Alabama you should contact State Personnel at 334-242-3389 and ask
how to apply? Once you are on the State register contact me Greg O. Griffin
Sr. at P.O. Box 250194 Montgomery, Alabama 36125-0194.Send me your resume
and I will try to assist you in landing a job in an appropriate State
Agency! Thanks to Representative Alvin Holmes Diversity in hiring is improving
at the State level. A diverse State workforce makes it better for everyone.
Greg
Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by
visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com
