Out-of-work execs aim high

They may not want buffalo meatloaf for breakfast, but the dozen people who show up at dawn for coffee and breakfast at Ted's Nebraska Grill are hungry.

They want jobs, and not just any jobs.

They want to continue their careers in marketing, human resources, project management, information technology — the professions they spent decades learning and practicing until the 2007-2009 recession hit so hard their employers had to let them and other qualified people go.

This is the world of the out-of-work professional. News about expanding businesses brings hope, job interviews are precious opportunities and networking groups such as this one supply hiring leads, self-marketing advice and the psychological boost of knowing you're not alone.

“It's pretty tough out there,” said Bernie Rulle, a computer network administrator whose job was cut last year by World Insurance in a downsizing move. “Tomorrow's my fifth-month anniversary of being laid off, and I've had three interviews. I've applied for at least 10 or 15 jobs a week, if not more.”

He knows people who have taken minimum-wage jobs just to bring in some money, but so far he has avoided that.

“My wife says she's impressed with me keeping my chin up and doing everything that can be done,” Rulle said. “It just takes time.”

Like Rulle, others attending this meeting of the GOAL Group — Guys and Gals on Arbitrary Leave — want their next positions to be at least equal to the ones they used to have.

“People are looking for that next opportunity to leverage the skills that they have,” said Greg Gaggini, a former senior manager who now runs a consulting business from home. “But they're also open to transforming the skills they have in a different way that they haven't thought of before. You can make yourself more marketable.”

While GOAL is aimed at executives in the job market, Gaggini and a friend started another support group last fall open to anyone looking for work. It's called the Contact Network, short for Combining Our Networks to Accelerate Career Transition.

Its members number about 110, including some “alumni” who have found jobs but return to support their friends at twice-monthly meetings.

At the GOAL session, participants take turns with their “elevator speech,” their 30-second pitch that could open doors.

Among them is Paul David Madsen, self-titled America's Job Coach and author of a new book: “Laid off & Loving It for 2010: Rebuilding Your Career or Small Business with Social Media's Help; Make Your Own TwitterVator Speech, Let Linkedin End Your Job Hunt.”

There's Peggy, a former sales and marketing executive who is studying for a real estate license.

There's Jim, who worked for 10 years in finance and accounting and is studying for the CPA exam.

There's Mac, an Air Force retiree with executive experience: “I'm looking for a company that needs help moving toward the next level of excellence.”

There's Judy, an experienced human resources professional.

There's Scharlie, an executive recruiter, and Dan, who worked for 15 years as a project manager and says he is good with people and processes.

Career consultant Larry Humberstone, who facilitates the GOAL meetings, runs the meeting.

“It's a tough thing to be unemployed,” he tells the group. “It's the toughest part of your career. But it can be a good thing. It's a chance to reinvent yourself.”

Guest speakers from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce are business recruiter Rod Moseman and economic researcher Scott Strain.

Moseman hands out a list of about 250 Omaha companies that have discussed expansion plans and adding employees. He urges those at the meeting to become chamber ambassadors, soliciting memberships in the chamber while networking with the people they meet.

Strain tells them that Omaha's economy is among the nation's healthiest.

For Rudyard Cooper, the GOAL meeting is part of his effort to reintroduce himself in Omaha. He came to the city in 1998 as executive director of the Omaha Children's Museum.

Since then he has worked as a consultant for an architecture firm in Atlanta and for the Great Plains Minority Suppliers Development Council in Omaha and Denver. He's a registered architect in Pennsylvania but not in Nebraska.

“I'm starting my own business,” he said in an interview later. I'm trying to find some employment to help pay the bills.”

His new company, ReCoop Design LLC, encompasses various kinds of design, including graphics, but will focus mostly on residential design.

“My feeling is, the economy's pretty sour right now,” Cooper said, and demand for his home design services may be limited for another eight to 12 months. “If I find a job that I really like, that pays what I think I'm worth, I can always stay on my job and do residential design on the side. I'm keeping all my options open right now.”

He said the GOAL meeting was beneficial because he could talk to other people in the same situation and offer encouragement.

“You have to keep your head up,” Cooper said. “There's always opportunity, even in a down economy.

“I told my wife, no one will be hiring in November and December, but I will have something by the end of the first quarter of 2010. I will have something by the end of this month.”

Contact the writer:

444-1080, steve.jordon@owh.com

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