I’m not sure why people tend to lose their common sense when it comes to job search, but they do. Were it not for this tendency, the organizations that feed on the unemployed wouldn’t exist. And try as we might to put them out of business, new miscreants arise out their ashes.

I fully understand that job search is a stressful time in your life. I was out of work for two years, and the word stress doesn’t even begin to cover it. And much like a person being rushed to the emergency room of your local hospital in an ambulance, you feel at times like those experts who are taking care of you must know best. I only wish it were always true.

There are some VERY caring individuals I have known over the years who work at well-respected outplacement firms such as Lee Hecht Harrison or Right Management Consultants. There are also some independent individuals I have known who provide sound advice for a modest fee. These are not the people who are the subject of this editorial. While I don’t approve of all the advice they give, at least their hearts are usually in the right place.

Before you EVER pay someone to find you a job, I would ask you to call me, Bruce Lynn or Marty Latman for advice, and we will be happy to talk you out of it. (I am not speaking about paying someone a small sum of money to provide you with coaching in job search approaches or perhaps to provide some editing of your resume.) I am talking about someone who PROMISES you that they will find you a job if you pay them a sizable fee.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that NO ONE can find you a job but you. And, as a member of The FENG, you have access to the world’s largest directory of individuals pledged to be of assistance to you in your search. Why you would have to pay someone to help you when you have so many volunteers available to you is and will always remain a mystery to me.

The hidden job market is accessed by networking, networking and more networking. I’m sorry if it is a lot of hard work, but most things in life worth doing right are.

If you don’t know how to find a job and have never been through a professional outplacement program, I would suggest you start by reading a few books on the job search process. If you go out to Amazon and search for books on recruiters and outplacement, for less than $100 you can get a treasure trove of valuable reading material. The best part is that you will then own the process.

I would next suggest you visit our website and use our Member Directory Search feature. Again, it is a lot of hard work to develop an inner circle of friends, but it is something you need to do for yourself.

As a senior financial professional you have acquired knowledge and experience that was a lot harder to gain proficiency in than job search. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest, Accounting and Finance is a 10 and job search at best is only a 5.

Trust me, you can do it. You just have to believe in yourself. And, as is your normal practice, sew your wallet closed and/or leave your checkbook at home when entertaining conversations with the shysters of the world. Or better yet, don’t talk to them at all.

Regards, Matt