Toastmasters CAN help you find a job

Seven years ago yesterday was a turning point in my life. After working for a company for nearly fifteen years, I was handed a letter that said at the end of the month I would be dropped back to a twenty-five hour work week, and thirty days later would only be paid IF there was a project for me to work on. In other words, I was out the door without using the word fired. Needless to say, I was floored by this turn of events. Was I bitter, angry, upset? You bet I was. Fortunately though, I was able to negotiate something of a separation package without having to go through the stated process.

At the beginning of the next month, after attending several meetings at two different local clubs, I joined the Franklin Toastmasters. Those who have heard me speak before have no doubt heard my line saying I joined Toastmasters hoping it would help me find a job... it didn't. Pausing to let the astonishment grow somewhat. I then hold up three fingers and continue with... it helped me find THREE!

The reason I joined? Obviously, I needed to find a job and wanted all the help I could get. I had previously been told by a friend who worked at a company I had interviewed with that I didn't get the position because I came across as too tentative, unsure of myself, and withdrawn during the interview. Clearly, I needed help. My Toastmasters membership gave me that help. I gained confidence in myself by participating in as many Table Topics sessions as I could, and of course, presenting the speeches in the Competent Communicator manual.

A few months later I did land a job, out of town. I had to relocate (just myself, not my family) to Fairfax Virginia to work for a DOD contractor. That was the first job. Five months after that, I found another job back at home here in Columbus. That was the second job. Unfortunately, I was not a good fit there and soon found myself searching again. Three months later I landed my current position. That was the third job.

From being too timid and withdrawn in an interview, I went through at least seven interviews to land three different jobs in the space of a year. Some might disagree, but I credit my Toastmasters experience and the members of the Franklin club with helping me make it through a difficult period of transition.

Don't let anyone tell you that TM can't help you land a job. 

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