Social Networks and the Job Search

I recently went through the difficult experience of losing my job. After only 7 months in the position, the company had a significant change in direction and a number of us were let go. I am currently looking for a new opportunity.

In the past, the job search would have gone something like this:

1. Grab the classified ads section of your local paper
2. Find potential openings
3. Mail resume and cover letter to potential employers
4. Wait for invitation to interview
5. Repeat  steps 1-4.

Today, with the plethora of online services and the ability to apply online, it seems so much easier than before. But is it really? Now, with the ease of applying online, potential employers receive dozens (if not hundreds) of applications. How can any one recruiter or HR person really deal with that quantity? The short answer is: they can't.

Other than a few friends whom I contacted directly, I chose to communicate my change in status through an InMail in LinkedIn. So my first reaction was not to begin applying and waiting but to reach out to my professional (social) network on LinkedIn. The response and support from the community has been terrific. It's made the process so much easier (emotionally) because there is a connection, most of which were a result of a face to face interaction. While it's hard to say where I will land and how effective this approach will be, I plan continue to use this tool as I explore any and all opportunities.  

Beer and Banking in Baltimore

I recently read a book about the history of the brewing industry in Baltimore. It's written by Rob Kasper, a former reporter at the Baltimore Sun, and is entitled " Baltimore Beer: A Satisfying History of Charm City Brewing". It chronicles the history from the 1800's, when the first generation of German's arrived to the the heyday of the 50's and 60's when local brewery's like Gunther's, American and, the king of the locals, National Bohemian, compete for the hearts and thirsts of the Baltimore natives. They supported the local sports franchises ands were active in their communities.

Unfortunately,as the 70's and 80's came, these local brews were bought up by the larger national players, all but eliminating this local industry. Interestingly, the last few years have brought about a resurgent of local craft breweries, like Heavy Seas, the Brewers Art, and Flying Dog Brewery, to name just a few. It's become a very dynamic and exciting time for the local beer lovers.

So what does this have to do with banking? The demise of the brewing industry almost mirrors that of the local banking industry. Such strong financial institutions like Union Trust Bank (one of the oldest banks in the US), Equitable Bank, Maryland National Bank and, most recently, Mercantile Bank and Provident Bank, were all gobbled up by the much larger regional and national players. Today, there are only a handful of banks actually headquartered in Baltimore City.

However, all is not lost. As with the brewing industry, there are a handful of local community banks that are filling a niche that the larger banks have abandoned. They are doing this by providing a more  personalized service and local decision making to support the unique needs of the local community. Let's hope that, like the local brewers. community banks can be a growth industry as well.