Job search stories from the front line

Looking for a job isn’t all that amusing, but there’s no need to cry. Humor runs rampant as part of job search — for instance, the responses you get from companies after you’ve applied for one of their once-in-a-lifetime jobs. Breaking the bad news to an applicant has taken on a decidedly clever flair. Here are some examples:

After careful review of your application, we found that your qualifications were not the best match for this job opening. Often, we face the difficult decision of turning away many promising candidates, so we hope you’ll take this more as a reflection of the intense competition rather than of your qualifications.”

I’m all about competition. And is “best match” kind of like match.com?

Your information was evaluated against a very competitive group of candidates and we opted not to move forward with your application at this time.”

So will you “move forward” with my application next week? Maybe?

Now it’s time to get back to work. Maybe I can help organizations craft their “no thanks, good luck” notes to applicants who didn’t make the cut.

I’m available.

Let’s stop punting the issue

“Troubled but talented.” That’s what some are saying about Greg Hardy, the former Carolina Panthers DE just signed by the Dallas Cowboys. But that didn’t stop the Cowboys from signing him, in spite of the baggage he brings with him to “America’s team.”

Hardy was convicted of assaulting and communicating threats to his then-girlfriend last summer, although both counts were dropped after the accuser failed to show in court. The Carolina Panthers decided not to re-sign their former player. The Cowboys expressed an interest in Hardy along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and when the Bucs opted not to pursue him, Dallas signed him.

The NFL will probably suspend Hardy for a few games. Remember, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (finally) spoke out about domestic violence following a number of high-profile cases around the league.

These events have sports reporters, football fans, Cowboys aficionados and just about everyone in Dallas (and around the country) expressing their points of view on this topic. Dallas Morning News columnist Jacquielynn Floyd penned an insightful commentary on Hardy’s signing. Dale Hansen, sports anchor for ABC’s Dallas affiliate WFAA, shared his thoughts yesterday.

Whether it’s in the NFL or elsewhere, the discussion around domestic abuse should continue.

Angels with tails

The dog-human connection is powerful, even life-changing. That’s no surprise to dog lovers! And Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a non-profit organization, facilitates this relationship in a magical way. They match people with disabilities with highly trained assistance dogs, raising and training four types of dogs — service dogs, skilled companions, hearing dogs and facility dogs. Canine Companions provides dogs and services free of charge.

Today CCI is building a new training facility at the Baylor Scott & White Health Kinkeade Campus in Irving, Texas, thanks to a generous grant from the Baylor Health Care System Foundation. I’m proud to be a volunteer for CCI’s new North Texas Chapter!

The CCI – Baylor Scott & White Health partnership is a winning combination. If you’d like to lend a hand (or raise a paw), volunteer opportunities are available!

Meet Waylon, pictured here. He owns CCI puppy raiser Jeff LoParo.