Tell us about yourself and your career

Paddy Viswanathan – I started my career as a Supply Chain professional. Soon after, I saw the value of being in the information technology area and took my functional skills in supply chain to start as a business analyst. Gradually, I progressed to a point where I was managing enterprise-wide, large and mission-critical programs across various industries.

Why were you looking for a job?

When my position was impacted when the Pandemic hit, my initial thought was, “Well, it was only a matter of time before I got another one.” But, the reality of it all hit when I did not hear back from the companies that I had sent my resumes to and time seemed to pass rapidly. Around that time, I chanced upon a presentation by someone, who had lost his job twice, in quick succession at ages 59 and 60. He was able to come back up quickly and that is where I learned about the power of networking.

How did you discover PAGCG?

I heard about the Philadelphia Area Great Career Group (PAGCG) network when I attended a meeting of the PSG of Mercer County and Lynne Williams had posted in the chat about the group. When I checked out the website, I was amazed at the sheer number of resources that were being provided by PAGCG and I decided to take advantage of it.

How did PAGCG help you in your job search?

I started attending the networking meetings and based on Lynne’s suggestion, I became a BENG member. This was one of the best decisions, I ever made. This membership gave me access to a lot of online resources. Most importantly, I was able to attend meetings that were solely focused on networking and developing contacts who could be mutual resources. These sessions kept me engaged and gave me a sense of control and direction in my job search.

How did you find your job? How long did it take?

It was about eight months before I found a new job. Of the four jobs that I landed, three were through networking (two from colleagues that worked with me in a previous company and one through someone that I met in a networking meeting).

A piece of advice – please go back and speak with all your former colleagues, family members, and friends, even if you have spoken to them before.

What kept you motivated during the job search, especially during the downtimes?

Always being motivated and upbeat was important for me to make sure that my attitude did not take a nosedive. I heard from numerous networking meetings that what goes on between your ears determines how soon you land. I knew that motivation was essential. I devised my own methods to keep my momentum. Positive self-talk, watching motivational videos, reading PMA books, and more importantly, I associated only with people that uplifted and encouraged me. These things were my methodology. Also, when things seemed stark, my faith played a critical role.

What were the lessons that you learned during your job search?

I would highly recommend you all to keep your faith. Because, when it rains, it pours. I received 4 offers within 4 weeks. I spoke to a few others who had recently landed, and all of them received more than one job offer, so keep the faith.

Do you have any networking tips or tricks that you can share?

I learned a few other things.

1. Networking has higher odds than applying online, as three of four of my job offers were through networking

2. Like Marty Latman says, ABP (Always Be Positive) and ABC (Always Be Connecting).

3. Don’t be susceptible to self-pity.

4. Always connect with people that you meet in the networking meetings and have conversations about job search and connections.

5. Be strategic in attending networking meetings. There are so many opportunities for zoom meetings that they could fill your time, with no sufficient time available for job search.

6. Keep your numbers. Be sure to make and hit your targets on the activities that need to be performed each day.

What will you do in your new role?

In my new role, I will be spearheading the implementation of large Salesforce projects for various clients of my company.

What is one takeaway or nugget of wisdom that you would like to share?

Do your best so you can sleep well at night. Then pray, because, when it rains, it pours.