Beverley East, Contributor

Here's a scenario that may sound familiar: You are unemployed because your former company downsized. You were one of the people who had to go. You have tried everything, including posting your résumé online, completing several applications, combing the classified adds, calling in every favour from your professional network and friends.

However, nothing panned out and you have had enough "no thank you" and rejection letters to plaster any wall in your house to prove it. You spirits sink faster than quicksand.

You are about to scream. Your family is now worried that they'll starve to death because you are the breadwinner and you can't find work.

Don't panic. Sifting through the classified ads is fine, but as I have said in the past, most jobs aren't even listed in the newspaper. Finding a job is sometimes like looking for a needle in a haystack.

left hanging

On top of that, I find that many companies in Jamaica do not follow through appropriately, leaving potential candidates hanging on a limb for weeks, sometimes months. (A complaint I receive regularly from readers of this column).

What I suggest is that you should apply to companies in which you are interested because vacancies that they don't reveal just might exist. A lot of internal networking must happen. An alternative is to create a position you think is necessary within a company in which you are interested.

workload stress

One of the reasons companies do not post openings is that there may be an employee they want to get rid of, but management can't tip its hand because that would put more work and stress on the workers who are left behind when they have to carry an increased workload after that person is terminated.

Another reason is that finding a new employee to replace one who is difficult, not good at his job, or who is not a team player can be both costly and time-consuming.

The person in charge of hiring and firing employees doesn't want to be 'the fall guy' and fire the employee. In that case, they'll put up with that employee and keep morale up in the workplace. That means that if the employee remains employed, the other workers will not be resentful toward management or wonder when the proverbial axe will fall on them.

The best way to find a job is through your personal and professional network. You must join professional bodies, be a part of a volunteer groups and circulate your résumé to almost everyone you know.

That's how the jobs are found. The other reason people can't find a job is that they really are not sure what they are looking for. Do you want a job, or are you seeking a career move? This question I will address in another article.

Dear Ms. East:

I am a frequent reader of this section in The Sunday Gleaner. I have decided to share this story with you.

The media can be good and bad. As a frequent reader of the Classified Ads, I stumbled on an ad stating that baby-sitters and other workers were needed in the Bahamas.

Being unemployed at the time and a graduate from a well-known college, I decided to take a chance at the opportunity. I made the necessary phone calls and the recruiter was motivating and assured me that the position could open doors for me.

I bought my ticket for the island and headed off to find a better life. I arrived at the airport in Nassau. It was a Friday afternoon. I stood there until a young girl came up to me and asked if I was Jill (not my real name). I said, 'yes'. To my surprise she carried me to her father who was standing outside. Suddenly, I said to myself, "This doesn't seem right."

dirty clothes

The man had on dirty clothes. Anyway, we sat down at the side of a little gift shop in the airport. He then said to me that I should give him some money to buy a ticket for me to go to the island where I would be placed in the job.

I gave him US$300. He went further down to the customer service rep. I waited and waited and he never returned. I was left stranded at the airport. I knew no one and did not no know what to do. I did not panic though. I saw a guy that worked on the ramp sitting nearby.

He then came over to me and said that he noticed that I was there from early in the morning. At that time it was about 6.30 p.m. I told him the entire story how I had been ripped off. He said that this was not the first time it had happened. Eventually, he helped me out. I spent two weeks there and came home. He died two months after I came back to Jamaica. May his soul rest in peace.

My thought in all of this is, how did such a scam get posted in The Gleaner? And is still there every Sunday. My fellow Jamaicans, be careful when seeking employment overseas. It may cost you your life.

Flow your way through this week with a smile and a pep in your step.

Welcome your emails at writefully_yours@hotmail.com

Five ways to impress your boss

1.Be resourceful: Don't run to the boss with every question you have or setback you encounter. Think things through first. If you must report a problem to the boss, develop a possible solution or strategy on how to solve it.

2.Project positive energy: Don't be the one to whine or criticise the boss or company direction. Be a motivator: the person everyone wants to be around

3. Be punctual: Arrive for work or meetings on time (even earlier than is expected) Show you are enthusiastic, dependable and able to manage your work effectively.

4. Be tech savvy: Stay current with technology, legal and knowledge advances in your area. Upgrade your skills and learn new ones.

5. Be flexible: Change is inevitable. Companies need people who can adapt and go with the flow.