anybody going through the second career process?

[newtohobby]

I got laid off and seeking funding from the government to get retrained through the second career program.

I met with the people, after you put in the paper work with government with what program you want to take, they want you to call up 6 companies and speak with the HR to see what the future of your career course with the company is, and if they will be hiring?

Who thinks this is an impossible task? I don't think HR takes calls from job seekers and they ask that no phone calls are made when a job is available. With all the unemployed people out there and seeking work, and the people going through the second career process. How many people are actually gonna get hold of a HR department willing to speak to you. They will get pissed off with people calling them constantly in my opinion.

 

[Toke]

I'm doing it. Depending on what you wanna do (and the type and amount of previous training that you have done), it could be as simple as a few months of 'work' to years if starting over.
Is it worth it? I think so; especially if you will be doing something you want to do.

 

[oldjones]

I got laid off and seeking funding from the government to get retrained through the second career program.

I met with the people, after you put in the paper work with government with what program you want to take, they want you to call up 6 companies and speak with the HR to see what the future of your career course with the company is, and if they will be hiring?

Who thinks this is an impossible task? I don't think HR takes calls from job seekers and they ask that no phone calls are made when a job is available. With all the unemployed people out there and seeking work, and the people going through the second career process. How many people are actually gonna get hold of a HR department willing to speak to you. They will get pissed off with people calling them constantly in my opinion.

What, your taxes should train you for a job no one's hiring in? So it's hard work and you'll get lotsa "sorrys", how would you set it up better? As a second career struggler myself, all I can say is, "Good luck," but about the HR thing, "Sorry".

 

[Ross Eyerie]

Yeah they pretty much want you to jump thru hoops for this program... seems like there's lots of paper work involved... I'm in the process now... but I've been procrastinating...

 

[RandyAndy2]

I got laid off and seeking funding from the government to get retrained through the second career program.

I met with the people, after you put in the paper work with government with what program you want to take, they want you to call up 6 companies and speak with the HR to see what the future of your career course with the company is, and if they will be hiring?

Who thinks this is an impossible task? I don't think HR takes calls from job seekers and they ask that no phone calls are made when a job is available. With all the unemployed people out there and seeking work, and the people going through the second career process. How many people are actually gonna get hold of a HR department willing to speak to you. They will get pissed off with people calling them constantly in my opinion.

Hey new, sorry to hear about your misfortune. I've been there and I wish you the best.

Is calling a half dozen HR departments an impossible task? Without answering your question, it sounds like you're trying to talk yourself out of doing it, and justifying your action. I don't know the second career process, but from your description it sounds like this is a requirement, not an option. So you have to find a way of doing the job.

First, you have to get a positive attitude. Talk yourself into doing it. You've got a good product to sell, yourself, so keep that in mind. Don't defeat yourself before you start.

Second, I understand that you're not asking the HR person for a job, you're simply asking for information about opportunities in an industry or career field. A lot of people like to talk about things that they know about, and many people like to help others (hey, that's why I'm writing this now). You're not putting them on the spot by asking for a job, you're just asking for the benefit of their experience.

I know that cold calling isn't an easy thing to do. Like I said, I've been there. One of the ways to get more comfortable doing it is by writing a script and practicing before you call. "Hi, is this the manager of HR for the Cannonball? Great. My name is newtohobby, and I'm interested in working in the field of strip club costume inspection and I was wondering if you'd have a few minutes to talk about this? Oh, I understand that you don't have any job openings right now, I'm just calling to get some information, and benefit from your experience."

Also, if you know someone in the field that you're looking at, HR or not, perhaps they can make an introduction so that your first call is a bit easier. Give it some thought.

I know much of what I've written is pretty obvious, and it's easier for me to write this than for you to do it. But I don't think that contacting 6 HR departments is an impossible task. Maybe not easy, but not impossible.

Good luck.