When my position was eliminated from a start-up company last August, I really had no idea what I was supposed to say to anyone when I met them or how “networking” was going to help me find a job. Luckily, my previous employer had already paid for me to attend the AHRMA Conference that was exactly three days after my last day of employment – good timing!
So, armed with some plain business cards from Kinko’s and a smile, off I went to the Conference. I ran into Kate McLagan with Right Management first. She asked how I was and my story spilled out. She told me about some networking groups for people who are looking for their next opportunity. Whew – more help with my transition! Then off to the AHRMA sessions. I again was fortunate and found a chair next to my new friend, Irma, in one of the sessions. We partnered together during the session and then she convinced me to go to the Exhibitor Reception afterwards. Irma and I got to talking and I told her my story and exactly what I was looking for. I cannot stress how key it was that I knew exactly what I was looking for – if I hadn’t been specific, I couldn’t reasonably expect that someone else would be able to help me find it either. Before leaving, Irma and I exchanged information and vowed we’d keep in touch.
A few days later Irma sent me a posting for a Generalist position at Green Mountain Energy. I didn’t know at the time that the position was only posted for a few days before it was pulled due to the high response. I applied, was interested, and got the position. All summed up, I left the AHRMA Conference with a new friend who helped me find my next job, great information, and some recertification credits. Not bad!
Shannon Harding, PHR
Human Resources Generalist
Green Mountain Energy Company
Filed under: Career Development Committee, Informational Articles
