At Work by Lindsey Novak

Q: I am 25 years old and have a Bachelor of Arts. I recently decided that I want to work with animals, either aiding in their adoptions or something similar. The problem is that I have no professional experience in that field. I have the dedication and the passion, and I have plenty of work experience; I just never have worked in that type of professional setting. I have two dogs, one that I adopted, and two cats, one that I adopted. The other cat I have had for the past 16 years.

A: Many animal shelters would love to have you as a volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to get in and to see how things are done. Each shelter operates a bit differently, but as you gain experience at one, you will become familiar with the process. How one gets involved with the adoption process varies from shelter to shelter, but experience with animal care and interviewing skills are valuable. Also consider getting into a dog-training program so your résumé will show that you are serious about working in the field. As you gain professional experience and make contacts, you will learn more about the various animal shelters in your area. Some veterinary clinics also take in animals for adoption and may have part-time assistant-type jobs, in which you could learn how to assist in the care of animals.

Jobs at shelters and veterinary clinics are, of course, lower than jobs in the corporate world, but if you could get by on such a salary, you should look for those jobs, as the work likely would be extremely rewarding.

 

Job Seeker Gets the Interviews but Never the Jobs

Q: I started looking for a job before I was laid off. Now I am unemployed and still looking, but I continue to meet with obstacles each time I have an interview. I feel something is blocking me from getting offers, but I really haven't a clue as to what it could be.

A: Interviewing is a skill in itself that requires practice and fine-tuning.

It also requires being perceptive and sensitive to the interviewer's personality. Numerous books on conducting job searches — and specifically on interviewing — caution readers to dress appropriately when interviewing, present themselves professionally and show confidence but not cockiness, but perceptiveness and the ability to connect with others can't be taught. Dr. Phil says there are two types of people: those who "get it" and those who don't. Peruse the many new books on interviewing skills. If you are doing everything on the to-do lists, it's possible you are having trouble connecting emotionally with interviewers. Skills and work experience are important, but after those requirements are met through résumés, people ultimately hire people they like. Examine your social relationships and your social ability level. If you think this may need to be improved, check out group counseling at community hospitals and centers. The fees are reasonable, and groups allow for feedback that is constructive. Weekly meetings should help you increase your perceptiveness and personal communication skills.

Interviewing for a job is like public speaking, only on a smaller level. You must feel comfortable talking to a stranger, knowing that the person is judging you while you speak. To increase your confidence, attend a Toastmasters International (http://www.toastmasters.org) meeting in your area. That group has helped many people with not only speaking before strangers but also feeling comfortable with themselves.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. E-mail her at LindseyNovak@yahoo.com, or visit her Web site at www.LindseyNovak.com. She answers all e-mails. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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