Idea: Job Advocate

I'm just starting to send this to a few a job coaches, counselors, and others I've talked to in the last five years or so. Still seeking feedback, or an actual "Job Advocate".

Hello,

I am writing to you because you have helped me in the past. 

Unfortunately, my situation has not changed and I am still looking for a full-time, permanent position.  I would like to share a mutually beneficial idea with you that I have been mulling over for years.

THE PROBLEM

There are plenty of resources for job seekers on the far ends of the spectrum:  low-skilled workers have WorkSource and other agencies that place in entry-level positions; executives have headhunters to help them find the perfect job. Like the shrinking middle class, there are few resources out there for people like me: well beyond entry-level, highly educated, experienced, and skilled, but not an executive, or seeking an executive position. There are career counselors to help mid-career transitioners ‘figure out’ what they want to do; there are job coaches to help people prepare for interviews, but there’s not much help if you know what you want to do and have solid interviewing skills.

THE SOLUTION

A ‘job advocate’ arrangement that pays upon placement in a job. Instead of paying up-front for coaching/job hunt assistance, I will reward half of my first month’s paycheck (this is negotiable) to whomever helps me get a job.

WHY?

I recently had my 210^th interview, but I’ve only had 5 offers for permanent employment.  At this point it is worth exploring things I can do to improve and other creative options. However, my desire to remain professional and polite (along with my non-aggressive personality) makes it difficult for me to pressure interviewers for ‘hard feedback’; it also keeps me from calling potential employers for the ‘inside scoop’.

In short, the person I am looking for would:

• Advocate for me
• Get the hard feedback from past interviewers
• Politely but assertively contact HR staff and potential employers, getting the ‘inside scoop’ on positions

DETAILS

• The job must be permanent and full-time (some part-time positions considered).
• Due to my FedLoan status (as well as my personal and professional objectives) the position has to be with a nonprofit organization or government. Private sector jobs will be considered, but pay has to compensate for the change in loan status.
• The job must be a reasonable match for my skills, experience, and education. I’d only consider an entry level position if it looked promising towards a long-term profession.
• To give some specific figures: I currently struggle to make $2000 a month; a 'good job' of the time I'm seeking pays between $3000-4000 a month, so my Job Advocate would get $1500-2000 for successfully getting me a job.

IN CONCLUSION

What do you think? Would this work? What details have I left out? If ‘half of one month’s pay’ isn’t enough of an incentive, what about ‘half of two month’s pay’ or ‘full first paycheck’? What is the barrier keeping this proposal from working?

Your feedback is appreciated!

Thank you,