In these tough economic times, there’s only one thing worse than searching for a job and that’s feeling like it’s you against the whole world, like nobody else understands what you’re going through or even cares.
But the truth is, you’re not alone and there are people who not only understand, but also want to help you.
That’s why the North Oakland County affiliate of Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) has joined forces with churches in the Oxford-Orion area to create an employment networking and career guidance program called Transitions.
The faith-based, volunteer-run assistance group is open all local individuals who have found themselves jobless during these difficult times and are seeking advice and assistance in their search for employment.
Transitions will meet every Friday morning, beginning Feb. 5, at the Oxford United Methodist Church (21 E. Burdick St.). Meetings will start promptly at 9 a.m. and conclude no later than 10:30 a.m.
‘I think it will be a tremendous benefit to people in this time when there’s so many people looking and so few jobs,? said Jeff Davidson, former president and Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Bank, who will serve as the group’s moderator.
Davidson knows what it feels like to be searching in this job market because he’s in the same boat as many others.
‘I’m unemployed, too,? he said.
After 24 years with the bank, including five years as president and CEO, Davidson and the local financial institution parted ways in late May 2009. Nearly eight months later, he’s still searching for a new position.
‘I haven’t been without of a job since I was 15 years old,? he said. ‘I started working summers at Oxford Hills while I was in high school.?
After many years of reading countless resumes and interviewing a multitude of people at the bank, Davidson believes he can be a real resource to others as Transitions? moderator.
‘I think I have the expertise to be able to help people and it will help me stay focused on my own job search,? he said. ‘It’s about sharing. And my job is really not to critique people, but to help them.?
Davidson attended a similar employment assistance program in Rochester and is excited about doing one here. ‘I found my visits to the Rochester group to be helpful and if I can share some of that with other people, we’re all better off for it,? he said.
He found the ‘give-and-take? between the Rochester members to be invaluable.
One gentleman discussed his experiences of knocking on doors and asking to speak with the person in charge of hiring.
‘He said it was amazing the success he was having by showing up at an employer’s door,? Davidson said. ‘His success rate at getting a short visit with them was intriguing.?
The group also offered networking opportunities as members shared contact information for people they knew at various companies.
Although he found the exchange of job search techniques and contact information most helpful, Davidson said the best part of the group was being with other people who ‘are working hard towards the same end.?
‘It makes you feel like you’re not all by yourself,? he said. ‘You’re not sitting at home, in front of the computer, feeling bad, feeling like you’re spinning your tires.?
In addition to group discussions that will involve sharing ideas, advice, information, experiences and feelings, Davidson said Transitions will help its members by having volunteers and outside experts do things like conduct mock job interviews, help write resumes and cover letters, and look over existing resumes.
‘My goal to bring in Human Resources experts to tell people what to expect in an interview these days,? he said. Potential volunteers are always welcome to stop in during meetings and offer their services.
Davidson would also like to bring in counselors from time-to-time to help members overcome feelings of being ‘odd or alone.?
‘They can tell them the emotions you are feeling are normal,? he said. ‘These are the things you should expect to feel.?
Area pastors, such as OUMC’s Doug McMunn, will take part in the weekly group on a rotating basis. They will offer spiritual guidance and support to all.
‘We’ll always have one present from one of the churches,? Davidson said. ‘For me, my pastor and my faith has been a tremendous support mechanism.?
Although Transitions meetings are expected to be informal affairs, the group will have one hard and fast rule.
‘If a member lands a job between one meeting and the next, they have to show up with coffee and doughnuts for everyone at the next meeting,? Davidson said.
For more information about Transitions, visit www.oumc.us or call (248) 628-1289.
‘If you are reading this and happen to be an employer, or if you know of open positions within your company, please call the church office and share your contact information with us,? Davidson added.