Dis-assembling a Bunk Bed and the Job Search

My son will be turning 18 in three days. As we looked at his room, there stood the bunk beds we had purchased when he was only six years old. The set didn’t have a “little boy” look. In fact, it was white-washed pine and still in great condition. However, I knew it was time for him to upgrade to an adult bed.

Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not mechanically inclined. If you present me with a test that has one column on the left with a completed, patterned box on it, and another column on the right where I have to pick which 1 of the 4 pictures made the box on the left, I will sit for hours trying to figure it out. My mind just isn’t wired that way.

As a resume writer, my mind is geared toward creative thought processes – I can write anything. However, I know what my challenges are, and I seek out and network with experts to help me with the tasks I can’t complete on my own.

The Solution

I knew I couldn’t dis-assemble the bed myself. So, I immediately picked up the phone and called my neighbor, Ron, who is a retired machinist. This man can build, fix, or disassemble anything, and has a tool box with every gadget ever made! He has been a great friend to me the past five years, and is always willing to help out his “single mom” neighbor.

Ron came over and we worked together to disassemble the bed (I didn’t just sit and watch). Then, after we were finished, I thanked Ron and handed him a gift card for Home Depot (I always keep gift cards around for people who help me out, as I never take anyone for granted).

Next, I knew that I didn’t want all the bunk-bed pieces and mattresses in my garage. Within minutes, I began to “network” with all the neighbors I knew that had small children. In 30 minutes, the bunk bed set had found a new home – at no cost to the recipient!

How does this story apply to the job search?

By now, you’re probably scratching your head wondering what the tear-down of a bunk bed has to do with the job search.

Well, here are the similarities that I see:

Identify your challenges.

First, no one can possibly be great at everything! While you might be mechanically inclined, perhaps you’re challenge is writing a resume, interviewing for a job, identifying a career path, or figuring out how to search for a job after being downsized from a company you’ve worked with for many years.

Or, perhaps you’re shy and don’t like to meet people. Maybe you’re lacking a degree or certification that’s holding you back.

Don’t be afraid to admit you have a challenge. But, be willing to do something about it.

Find the experts and enlist their help.

While I could have probably figured out a way to disassemble the bed, I didn’t have the right tools and knew it would have taken me hours to complete the project. So, I sought out the one person I knew could help me with the project.

Often, I have potential clients “apologize” to me, stating that their resume is horrible. I always tell them they are experts in their field, I probably couldn’t do their job, and writing resumes just might not be one of their strengths. Then, I tell them seeking out an expert to help is not a sign of weakness – it’s actually a sign of strength.

No matter what your challenge, whether it is related to the job search or not (lack of education, public speaking, shyness, etc.), find an expert to help you out.

For instance, you could join Toastmasters to overcome your fear of public speaking or shyness. Or, you could sit down with a college admissions counselor to determine the best degree for your industry. Also, you could hire a resume writer, or an interview / career coach to help you overcome your obstacles. In any of these instances, your ROI will be worth it!

Build Your Network!

I know that networking scares the heck out of some people. However, in this economy, it’s not what you know, but WHO you know.

When I moved into my neighborhood, I made it a point to get to know every neighbor on my street. We have become like a family who helps each other out. I have written resumes for them, watched their children, kept an eye on their house when they’re out of town, etc. And, they have returned the favor when I need help.

I have done the same thing in my business. I have made it a point to network with individuals inside and outside my industry. I always know who to call when I have a question or a need. Also, these same people call me when they need a referral for something.

Don’t be afraid to network. If you haven’t spoken to someone in a long time, reconnect with them either over the phone, through email, or join sites like LinkedIn or Facebook.

Sometimes when you’re searching for a job, you’re direct contacts might not be able to help you. However, they might be connected to someone who can.

Return the favor when people help you.

I believe in the principle of “giver’s gain.” While I chose to give Ron a gift card, that doesn’t mean every time a person helps you out in your job search you need to spend money on them.

Also, I could have sold the bunk bed on EBay or Craig’s List. But, I chose to give it away to someone who really needed it.

In the job search, you can return favors by referring your friends to a job you found that isn’t a right fit for you, but would be perfect for them. You can also introduce them to people you know who could aid in their job search.

Final thoughts.

I hope you see the similarities! So, the next time you need help in an area that isn’t your strong suit, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. I have found that people are always willing to help.

Then, be willing to assist others, whether directly or indirectly. It will be appreciated and you’ll stay in “top-of-mind” awareness when a great opportunity comes forth!