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Unemployed worker networks his way to new opportunities

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Photo by Dan Lassiter

Christian Lopez prepares packages for shipment at Professional Power Products of Darien. Lopez, who was laid off from his job at Goodyear, says networking helped him land the job.

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Christian Lopez

Christian Lopez has three words for people looking for jobs in this economy:

"Network, network, network."

It worked for him.

Christian, 34, credits the staff and programs at the Rock County Job Center with helping him get back into the workforce after eight months of unemployment.

"I think, probably, I was involved with the right people," he said.

Christian and his wife, Michelle, of Milton, were featured in a Gazette article in June about dislocated workers. Both had been laid off from jobs in the auto industry—Michelle from Alcoa Wheels and Christian from Goodyear.

They were worried about paying their bills, taking care of their sons, ages 3 and 8, and providing for Christian's family in Costa Rica.

Christian and Michelle were two among several thousands of laid-off workers in Janesville. The Rock County Job Center, through groups such as the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and Collaborative Organizations Responding to Dislocation, has been offering training, counseling and—here comes that word again—networking for those who need it.

The couple did all the right things to land on their feet, said Ed Martinez, employment and training specialist with the job center.

Michelle took advantage of state grants to return to school and hopes to get her teaching license in spring.

Christian attended workshops, such as how to build a better resume, and worked with center staff, Martinez said. Both attended Java and Jobs, a networking group for unemployed workers that meets Friday mornings at the UAW Hall.

Java and Jobs was a lifeline for Christian because it helped him relieve stress, he said.

"Sometimes you talk about stuff that's not related to the job," he said. "But that gets you out of the house."

When Martinez heard that Professional Power Products in Darien had an opening, he recommended Christian.

"Why did he pick me to apply over here?" Christian asked, sitting in the conference room at his new job. "I think it's because I was talking to him all the time. I was trying to do some things. He saw my effort."

Christian's story is a perfect example of the importance of building a network, said Bob Borremans, executive director of the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board.

Jobs still are scarce on more formal networks such as job Web sites, he said. Last week, Borremans saw only about 10 new job postings for Rock County on the state job center site, he said.

But more are available through referrals and word-of-mouth, he said.

"That right now appears to be the best tool for helping people find a job, getting together and using that support system and networking to see what opportunities exist," he said.

Borremans said volunteer and community activities, as well as staying plugged in to community news, can help unemployed workers find opportunities. He highly recommended the Java and Jobs program.

Christian also had the right attitude, Martinez said. He was willing to accept a job as lead supervisor in shipping and receiving, even though he has a degree in international relations and public diplomacy.

But Christian can't complain, even if he is making less than he did at his last job, he said.

"I hear a lot of people say, 'No, I can't take this job, I can't take that job,'" he said. "You know what? It's better than unemployment."

Christian hopes to move up in the company, which creates generators, to eventually get his dream job, representing a business internationally.

"Basically you need to get your foot in the door," he said.

He advises everyone who's still looking to take heart and keep trying, even if you feel like giving up. He estimates he applied for more than 100 jobs before finding one.

"I don't get discouraged easily," he said. "I think, 'OK, it didn't come today. It'll come tomorrow.' Keep praying."