This week my position at Give Kids The World (GKTW) was eliminated after a series of tough budget decisions. This move was indicative of the difficult situation nonprofits find themselves in these days. GKTW is singularly focused on making dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses whose one wish is to visit Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, or Universal Orlando. That was something I identified with very much and it was a privilege to work there.
You may have read The Disney Blog for years and not known I worked at GKTW because I kept a wall between the two at the request of work. That said, my network of Disney fans and webmasters have been nothing but supportive of GKTW and I know they will continue to be.
How you can help
I’ve been very busy polishing my resume, updating my online social networking sites, and looking at job listings. I have already identified a handful of jobs that I am well qualified for and have sent in resumes. However, that is just part of the strategy.
According to Department of Labor statistics nearly 50% of new positions are found through friends, business contacts, and relatives. Less than 10% are found via online job advertisements. So I am counting on you to help me reach that half of open positions I just can’t target via online searches.
I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and/or Emurse. This allows me to reach out if I need a referral or reference. If you have a few minutes to review my resume (see Emurse link), offer suggestions, or help me refine my job search, please contact me via email.
There is a very high rate of unemployment right now, however I am confident I have the ability to make an immediate positive impact to a company’s bottom line and will quickly find a new full time position. In the meantime I am open to writing, freelance, or consulting gigs. Of course, I’m continuing to work on my personal website network too.
I would be very appreciative if you could recommend me for any open positions you are aware of in the Orlando area. As my resume summary states, I am a knowledge worker, writer, marketer, and technology expert able to clearly communicate ideas and goals while working under deadlines. I have experience as a CRM Database Manager, Online Sales & Marketing Manager, Online Community Manager, and Social Media Professional. I would add that I am a flexible fast learner able to pick up new software or job knowledge swiftly.
I am maintaining a realistic, but positive outlook. Perhaps this is an opportunity to move into a new industry or tap back into some long held skills. Job searching is a full time job in itself and I intend to keep very busy until I find one.
Thank you so much for your support,
John Frost
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @JohnFrost
I have nothing but good things to say about Give Kids the World. They made it possible for some friends to give their son Evan a VERY special time at WDW, that he is still talking about a year later.
I don’t have any contacts for you, so I won’t be much help. Good luck in the search!
I don’t comment too often, but I love this blog. If your work on this is an indication, I’m sure you have a lot to offer. Good luck!
I may not have the right connections for you, but I’d be glad to connect on Facebook and Linked In too.
Darren Farrington
My position was cut and I lost my job last week. I’m reaching out to my network for help. – http://is.gd/3Jdmn I need Orlando area contacts.
RT @TheDisneyBlog: My position was cut and I lost my job last week. http://is.gd/3Jdmn I need Orlando area contacts.
RT @TheDisneyBlog: My position was cut & I lost my job last week I’m reaching out 4 help. – http://is.gd/3Jdmn I need Orlando area contacts.
RT @alotofnothing: RT @TheDisneyBlog: My position was cut and I lost my job last week. http://is.gd/3Jdmn I need Orlando area contacts.
I’m so sorry. I’ve heard so many amazing things about GKTW it really saddens me to hear that they, and you, are going through this. I’d be happy to follow you on Facebook; I have no contacts, but it can’t hurt.
Take care.
RT @TheDisneyBlog: My position was cut & I lost my job last week I’m reaching out 4 help. – http://is.gd/3Jdmn I need Orlando area contacts.
RT @TheDisneyBlog: My position was cut & I lost my job last week I'm reaching out 4 help. – http://is.gd/3Jdmn I need Orlando area contacts
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If you would be interested to relocate I may have things available, but I have nothing in the Orlando area. All of my contacts in that area are for the Disney Co, which is NOT hiring.
I wish you the best of luck!
Amazing that you squeezed all that onto one page. My resume is 3 pages, but until my latest job, I rarely stayed anywhere for longer than 3 years.
One thing I was told when I went through outplacement after getting laid off from Compaq was to make sure you quantify your skills that you are listing in your bullets under each job.
For example one of mine is, I optimized conversion code with reduced the time to load from 21 days to 7 days.
I was told that will help show what kind of impact you have had on your prior employer’s bottom lines
Also are you skilled in any direct database work? If so, you might want to put some keywords about what kind (i.e. Oracle of MS SQL Server). Did your work with the CRM Databases involve you needing to write queries or other straight database activities? If so, that might provide some keyword fodder as well.
Best of luck to you in the job search John. If you are interested in moving out to the left coast, perhaps I can help you with something. I just found a job after nine months of unemployment, so I can definitely relate.
John, I am so very sorry to learn of the elimination of your position! You were exceedingly helpful in establishing contact between the Disney Moms and GKTW, and I can’t tell you how grateful we are.
I forwarded the link to your resume to my husband, who has more of a connection with people who may be looking for your skill set than I do. I hope something wonderful happens quickly for you.
And I had no clue you were the Disney Blog dude – how cool is that?
This economy sucks. Best of luck to you in your job search!
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