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Career Coach

Lessons from Larry

May 26, 2017 by Pamela Heward

lessons-from-larryWritten by Pamela Heward

Professionally edited by Kitty Carlisle

I met Larry at the beginning of my career as a job placement counselor, He arrived one day, just as our office opened; he was eager and motivated. What was unique about Larry is that he was completely deaf in one ear and about 80% deaf in the other. Because of this, he spoke with a speech impediment. Even if I was not able to understand every word he said, there was no misinterpreting his laser focused determination. I quickly learned that he was a skillful lip reader. He explained that it had been a difficult road getting out on his own and how in the past, interviewers seemed uncomfortable when they heard his speech impediment and would quickly end the interview.

His enthusiasm and determination was contagious, though, and I joined his quest to gain his independence and land the perfect job. I introduced my clients to Larry with an explanation of his challenges and a solution he presented to me. It was brilliant in its simplicity:

If you want to speak with Larry, tap him on the shoulder first.

If they were willing to do this, he would be able to do whatever job they gave him. This was all it took to open the door to Larry’s future! The jobs were temporary assignments at first, but quickly led to a permanent full time position.

I don’t remember his particular job skills, what part of town he lived in or what level of education he completed. What I remember is his passion and determination to live on his own. He knew Why he was there and knew that he was not going to give up until he achieved what he was looking for.

I understand that finding a new career is one of the hardest “jobs” you may have. You may endure several “Nos” and several “Nothing at alls”. Do not be discouraged. Learn from Larry:

  • Get clear about your “Why” and your passion for it.
  • Search for people and resources that are willing to help you (don’t stop til you find them).
  • Once you are given an opportunity to prove your value, be prepared.
  • Whatever your challenges, remember you are not alone.

Filed Under: Career Advice Blog Tagged With: Career Coach, Pamela Heward, Job Search

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I’ve attended a few of your events in Gilbert and Scottsdale since returning to AZ and being an active job seeker. I’m happy to report that I’ve been offered a job! I’m over the moon about the offer and couldn’t be more grateful after a long, three month search (that definitely felt much longer…. 🙂 ). I want to thank you for your programs. You have excellent speakers who always energized me when I was needing it most. And your resume reviewer was great. She was a tough cookie with a red pen y… Read more
Becky T.
I own a Leadership Company, and have enjoyed attending the Career Connector events. With gratitude I listen to the speakers you line up… they offer phenominal and practical information. What has struck me each time has been the audience. My heart hurts for them. They are in a desperate place in their lives. I have had the opportunity speak with a few of the people in attendance, and they have shared their stories… I walk away thankful to God for the opportunity to meet these people and they … Read more
Bonnie M.
After a company layoff thrust me into the job market, Career Connectors was exactly what I needed to develop my networking skills. Networking is a job in itself, and the skills I learned helped me to land a temporary position just three months later that is now permanent. I believe in the Career Connectors mission and continue to volunteer as a way of expressing my appreciation for their support during a very tough time…thank you Career Connectors!
Diane N.
I just wanted to reach out to you and say Thank you to you, Career Connectors and the whole Team! So let me explain why, while I’ve known of Career Connectors for many years, I never thought that I would need employment services or guidance before. On September 19th 2019 I found myself being let go from my job. I later the next day saw the Career Connectors event at Central Christian Church Gilbert Campus coming up on Facebook and signed up for it. While attending my first Career Connectors even… Read more
Brian P.
I took advantage of Career Connectors when I found myself unexpectedly out of work and back in AZ.  The ease in using their website to locate meetings and identify subject matter at their weekly meetings kept me informed and engaged.  Their meetings are interesting and provide relevant and useful information toward getting into the right job.  They say that a network event is what you make of it … with Career Connectors they create the events and provide the resources you need to land your next … Read more
Jennifer V.
I am profoundly grateful for all of the support Career Connectors has provided during my recent job search – from the exceptional speakers to the participating employers, LinkedIn experts (Ted Robison is amazing with his individualized approach), resume experts, photographers, and of course the great opportunity to network! I felt like I had an army of support with me every single day. I appreciate all the time and effort invested by many and am particularly grateful for Jessica! You have a fi… Read more
Cindy G.
When I was laid off last year from the company I’d worked with for over 14 years, I actually found I had an even BIGGER job ahead of me. With an outdated resume, no interview skills, and a huge feeling of displacement, I went searching for help. Career Connectors was my savior. The program and its’ leaders were instrumental in rebuilding my confidence, providing the necessary tools and resources, and ultimately responsible for my landing a great position with a company that was featured at o… Read more
Lynn S.
Thank you for all you do! I’ve been nine loooong months looking for a full-time position and Career Connectors was a real life-line. I was pretty discouraged by the time I found your organization on-line and first visited. The speaker provided some great information but most importantly, encouragement and hope. The panel discussion on resumes was incredibly helpful! Last month I had the opportunity to sit with Brenda and she suggested I really pare back all but the last 10 years of experience an… Read more
Robin C.
Navigating the world of career transition can be an overwhelming experience.  In addition to the mechanics of transition (updated resume, career search strategies), there is the deeper need to connect to people who are in the same situation as you are.   For me, all of this was answered by Career Connectors!  Had it not been for this organization, I might still be sitting in my house, wondering what to do next!  At just one Career Connectors meeting you can be inspired by great speakers, … Read more
Iris M.
Career Connectors is dedicated to bring the job seeker to reputable employers in the valley. I appreciate their professionalism and their consistency to continue to provide great leads.
Leslie B.
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