Offering "Bounty" to Head Hunter ??????

[asphaltgambler]

As most here know, I'm a European Technician by trade and obviously in the car business. It's no secret that the repair side of this business is in the toilet w/ no rapid recovery around the corner. In the past thirteen months I have hired a "Career/Financial" consultant to advise me where to best focus my talents and direction for a better furure.

Even though I am considered "Journeymen" level in my trade, I am nothing more than a subcontractor, purely commision only and my W2 continues to plummit. I see no more value in continuing in my profession. To that end, I have attended /completed several trade schools in Electronics / Electronic Security / Fiber Optic cabling-termination and also obtaining my "DCJS" card (Dept of Criminal Justice)

This DCJS cert is becoming ever more common requirement to work as it is a background check and finger print registration with the State of Virginia. It shows my future employer that I have no criminal background. I have paid for all of this with my own money, time and unpaid leave to have a more rounded resume and become more marketable outside my current professsion.


I have received and paid for a substantial amount of ' interview' coaching and resume 'tweaking' as well as coaching specifically for county, state and federal govt online job and subsequent face-to-face apllication process. I have submited @60 resumes in the last 7 months, secured three interviews...................no offer yet. And I recenty turned 52 year of age...............the effin clock is ticking.


Also, in the next 30 days or so I am inheriting a substantial amount of money, over $125K +. I am strongly considering offering a $5-10K cash reward for a secured employment. Since obviously I could afford it - it may be the best chance of cutting through the B*ll S**t and landing the job I'm looking for with real career growth. In my eyes it's nothing more than 'greasing the wheels' an 'investment' in my future. I have explored all options, but continue searching and sometimes submitting resumes everyday.......................but no deal yet

Now before anyone logs in with is this being illegal, immoral or completely rediculous, has anyone else seriously considered this as an option in this economy?? Desperate times call for out-of-the-box thinking. If so how I would I go about 'finding" that person with the right connections??

[VincentVega]

I'd much rather spend the 5-10k on training/schooling. Whenever I've been in training, even for a week course, I learned of a job or at least opportunity. Not sure about your experiences but of the dozens and dozens of 'headhunters' I've dealt with, only a few really added value. Say they get you a gig and you hate it or get canned?

[asphaltgambler]

To address that, I would do my research on the company, talk w/employess, etc just like any professional would do. Once I'm there, then it's up to me.

[kaisen]

Use some of the $125K+ to start your own business. Period.

[svandamme]

paying to get a job just sounds like a conflict to me..

[asphaltgambler]

Buying an / into existing business was the first thing my advisor told me NOT to do. That amount doesn't go very far today's climate, besides it's my ONE financial bullet. I was instructed never to "fire" it.

[Zeke]

First you must know the market. You need to know the market even to look for a job. Obviously your "coach" is not doing a very good job on his part.

Another plan is to get the money and quit your mechanic's job. If you can figure out how to live on a minimum, you'll have full time to search out the job you want.

Try to expand your horizon with a look at low voltage and controls. There are jobs in heat treating and other heating processes regarding ovens. Look up a temperature calibration specialist. Stick you nose in wherever there's wiring.

I remember a post where you fixed the wiring on a lady's car (if you can call her a lady). You could do outside work for all the shops dealing strictly with electronics. You deal with each shop's manager, never the customer. You might need your own bay somewhere to keep your sanity.

I sure wouldn't invest any money in a private business unless there was business to be had right away.

[asphaltgambler]

The opposite side is companies 'pay' everyday to find the best talent.......

[asphaltgambler]

Zeke, all good advice - I am doing exactly that, trying to concentrate on govt or govt subcontractor opportunites with-in that realm.

[kaisen]

So what do you WANT to do with all of those great skills??

What do you want to do each and every day you wake up, assuming you could do anything?

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

The opposite side is companies 'pay' everyday to find the best talent.......

exactly, my company payed the headhunter to get me, i didn't pay for it.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I've dealt with several reputable headhunters over the years on both sides of the equation. Mostly hiring. Never heard of one taking a "bounty" or pay from a potential employee. I'm not familiar with your line of work but I don't think I'd deal with one that would. Have you considered looking outside your current geography?

[asphaltgambler]

Looking to have a salary and retire on tax payers dime. IE: Technical field / Equipment repair / service / Electronics in-with local, county, state govt

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

When I was looking in 2009 I sent out 20 to 50 QUALITY resume's and responses per week.

Is your search area that limited that there are so few openings or do you have time limitations to work around?

Three interviews for 60 resume's sounds like a good record to me! I had about four interviews from hundreds of resume's and two job offers in about 90 days.

Sometimes in gubermint hiring the issue is how many boxes are you able to check off before you can hire a person (disabled, diabled military, Veteran, minority, etc).

Keep an eye on all the listings and get your foot in the door. Most positions are listed internally first for government jobs then listed outside. You MIGHT have to start at a lower level and work up. I did.

[1990C4S]

I don't see this ending well, sorry.

You are looking at it the wrong way, moving from a job you no longer like to a job you don't like that will pay better? Is that the idea?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

I don't see this ending well, sorry.

You are looking at it the wrong way, moving from a job you no longer like to a job you don't like that will pay better? Is that the idea?

Sounds more like he's looking for easier, more stable, more secure, to coast into the golden years.

[ramonesfreak]

headhunters take a fee based on your placement anyway dont they?

if a job offers you $70K though a headhunter, my understanding is that what is really happening is they are budgeting $80K with 70k to you and 10k to the headhunter for fee...or some similar arrangement. so why pay them more for doing what they are already gonna get paid to do

i would invest the inheritance carefully and forget that you have it and keep plugging away as best you can

[notmytarga]

My thoughts on the "bounty" is that a headhunter who is influenced by the extra cash would also be the one that wouldn't flinch if the job was a poor fit. You don't need a job, you need an income. But you will be happiest if you can design the best career for your home stretch to retirement.

I thought automotive repair was doing better because more used cars are going high mileage. But....many people fear the costs of vehicle care, even maintenance. Several auto businesses I have seen are positioning themselves to improve volume by marketing themselves as easy appointments, fast, free shuttle, reliable, economical, honest ...... all the factors that stop car owners from bringing in their cars.

Over the weekend my wife and I sat down with our 20 year-old daughter who is returning today to the next quarter in her second year in college. She has done fairly well, but is somewhat distressed regarding future career and has changed her major every quarter it seems. We discussed using the career counseling center for the battery of interest surveys and other resources. She mentioned that she enjoyed the English teacher she had last quarter (who gave her good feedback on her writing) and we encouraged her to seek the professor out for advice. A quick search on the kitchen table tablet brought up the fact that this English professor has focused on career development etc........ Sometimes the best resources are already so close to you.

Amazon.com: Your Personal Renaissance: Twelve Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling (9781600940019): Diane Dreher: Books

We ordered the book for her. Not many, but all of the reviews are quite positive.

Consider this job change an opportunity to do exactly what you want.

Good Luck!

[asphaltgambler]

My goal is leave an industry that is failing to a govt entity that provides secure, stable employment with good benefits, opportunity for career growth in an area where I already have expertise and am interested in.

Most people do not know what is like to work in this business, with our pay structure. I would consider relocating in the future if I cannot make something happen by the end of this year. The DC metro area is one of the best for opportunity, so I am concentrating my search here

[ShakinJoe]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Use some of the $125K+ to start your own business. Period.

+1 it cannot be said more clearly. Lots of franchises for sale or do your own gig. I wish I had an extra $20k sitting around when I went out in my own.