Inside the Supply Chain and Purchasing Industry

That’s the second time I’ve heard that in a week – once from a Supply professional that had just been ‘let go;’ and the other from a new prospective client. Both had diverse reasons for saying it.

The supply practitioner was just given the news after 9 months of productive employment, and was still in a state of shock. “What do I need to get…Tim?” I replied, “Essentially, you need to obtain 3 things from your employer.” (Actually there are more than 3 things, but this is assuming you’ve been treated fairly, been given an adequate ‘parting severance package,’ complete with appropriate employment documentation; and you are satisfied you don’t need to speak to a lawyer…)

Don’t forget that just as you negotiated terms, conditions, and benefits going into your employment situation, that you should also (try to) negotiate terms, conditions, and an extension of benefits, upon your exit.

That being said, the first thing you need to ascertain is ‘what really happened, and what the company would say, should a potential employer or recruiter call, for a reference. It’s amazing the number of people who still call and say “Tim, I don’t know why I was let go…” Were you laid off, fired with cause, re-organized, or did your contract simply ‘expire…? Your answer will (again) determine whether you have you been compensated accordingly, and you and your employer should agree on what would be mentioned. It prevents a negative impression, should a prospective employer call later, and they hear one reason from you…and another from your ex-employer! Keep in mind that your ex-employer may also NOT want to freely admit to financial instability, cost or head count reduction measures across the firm, etc.; but at least try to agree on what best is to be suggested.

Second, you would appreciate receiving a brief letter of recommendation from your direct Manager. Again, some companies may suggest they have ‘policies’ against such documents, (especially if they’re not sure whether or not you may litigate), but a straight forward letter confirming your title, length of employment, general duties and responsibilities, and (hopefully positive) observations or better – achievements, may work wonders in the future. And besides, if the Boss is ultimately ‘let go’ too – later, (or worse, gets hit by a truck), who is there to vouch for your performance in the future? Written documentation helps.

Third, whether or not you can get the preceding information, you’d also like an agreement, that SHOULD someone call – FROM TIME TO TIME for a reference, your immediate boss (or an appropriate designate), would be kind enough to accept a brief telephone call.

Beyond that, it’s up to you to gather an impressive list of previous employers and trusted working associates that you can use as references, when the time comes. These should be kept current, and agreeable to the task at hand. Naturally, you want to hold these references back (until asked) from your job interviewing process, for two reasons. One, it ensures potential employers will eventually ASK YOU for your references, giving you an important signal when they are truly interested and wish to continue the employment discussion. Two, when they do ask, mention you’ll be happy to e-mail them, when you return home, (as it gives you time to CONTACT your references, when an employment offer is looming, brief them on the specific job you’re in the running for, how you’re perfectly qualified and suited, and what ‘high points’ the company likes to see in a Supply candidate.) It’s called ‘having all your ducks in order!’

That’s it for now, but don’t forget to check out this week’s hot Supply job postings listed at the margins, and our complete listing on www.timmooreassociates.com. Again, please keep your resumes up to date with TMA, as we’ve got more and more job postings coming in. (If you’re simply a subscriber to our Jobs Bulletin, and not an officially registered candidate with TMA – you may be missing out on important (and confidential) job listings which are not posted or distributed via our bulletins. You WILL be overlooked.

Don’t take that chance, and register today ! It’s quick and easy via our website. You answer a few questions, and then you ‘upload’ your resume onto our confidential database. For PRIOR TMA registrants, wishing to update their information (cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, resumes, etc., send your changes to: updates@timmooreassociates.com.

What’s in the next TMA Job Bulletin…? “Tim, I desperately need your HELP!” (Part 2)