• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Career Connectors

Connecting professionals in career transition with hiring companies and quality resources

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Career Connectors eUpdate
Subscribe Here
  • Job Seekers
    • Events
      • Event Schedule
      • Webinar Recordings
      • Event Recaps
      • Prepare for an Event
    • Resources
      • PipelineAZ
      • Community Updates
      • Career Chats
      • DISC
      • Business Portraits
      • Career Advice
      • Trusted Resources
      • LinkedIn Basics
    • Featured Companies
    • Volunteer
      • Volunteer Opportunities
      • Volunteer Application
  • Employers
    • Hiring
    • Outplacement Services
    • Partners
  • About Us
    • Donate
    • Applause & Testimonials
    • In The News
    • Mission Statement
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact

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

Primary Sidebar

Recent Event Recaps

2/10/22 – Getting My Career SHIFT Together

1/27/22 – Show Out When You Show Up

11/18/21 – A 7 Step Career Amplifier

12/14/21 – The Perfect Job in 2022

More Event Recaps

Career Advice

 10 Tips for Returning To Work As A New Mom

How Personal Brand Applies In The Job Search Process

Career Advice For A Changing Landscape in 2023

13 Stories: The Best Career Advice I’ve Ever Received

How Leaders Run Successful Meetings: 10 Tips and Tricks

More Career Advice

Footer

Socialize with us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Testimonials

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.
Great lead for follow up with a couple of employers.
Rebecca, R.N.
It was amazing, you guys did a great job! I found several potential companies!
Irene
I want to follow up with you about the position I had hoped to get. I got it! And thanks to Jack Milligan’s Salary Negotiation talk, for the first time I didn’t feel like an idiot when I accepted a job. No one else offers that kind of information.  Thank you for all you do. I appreciate your efforts to bless others.  May you and yours be blessed every day. Thank you for everything,
Cheryl
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.
Career Connectors made the pivotal difference in my search for employment after a layoff lasting a full year. Their dedication to providing a consistent, local and no-cost program and venue to search, network and learn, ultimately provided not only an excellent fit in a new job, but also the ability to regain dignity and the ability to achieve financial independence once again. I am forever grateful to all of the volunteers that produced a program so vitally important to our family
Anonymous
I just wanted to let you know that there’s a reason why I haven’t come to any recent Career Connectors events. It’s because I found a job! This past week, I started working as a data scientist for a technology startup in the financial services space that’s based in downtown Phoenix. It’s an ideal opportunity for me to break into the data science industry with an exciting company. I wanted to thank you and your staff for putting together all of your fantastic networking events and bringing … Read more
Chris M.
Thank you, Jessica. Although I wasn’t able to meet you personally, I was able to see you working with another applicant and was impressed with your efforts and the excellent platform that your team presented. Thank you very much.
Luis R.
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.
If you are a job seeker in transition or looking to find that new great position I highly recommend Career Connectors. The search process has changed significantly over the years and Career Connectors will provide you many tools that will allow you to stand out and demonstrate your unique value to potential employers. At each event I had the opportunity to “sharpen the saw” through top notch expert presentations on image portrayal, positive attitude, networking, social media presence, job… Read more
Joe C.
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services

© 2023 · Career Connectors. All Rights Reserved.