Charlie Saffro’s Post

2023. A year of grief, free-falling with no sense of when it would end, and a surprising career pivot. After I was laid off, it took me a long time to unravel my self-worth and personhood from my work. I was so entrenched in the culture and heartbeat of the organization that I wasn’t sure how to breathe without a sense of purpose. To get myself out of the house, I started two-stepping at local honky tonks here in Austin. What started as a hobby evolved into joining a rich community of dancers and music lovers and I finally felt like I was walking (or dancing) on solid ground again. After 5 months of job rejections and failing to get my consultancy off the ground, I decided to swallow my pride and get a part-time job at a western retail store I already shopped at. Surprisingly, I really enjoy the retail environment, interacting with customers directly, and feeling pride in merchandising. I’ve recently been promoted to a Keyholder at Cavender's because I’m viewing where I am as a career opportunity instead of a “job for now”. This mindset shift allowed me to stop feeling like I was failing or being left behind while my colleagues advanced in their career. This *is* an advancement, I *am* upskilling, and I’m good at my job! I’m not sure where I’ll be a year from now, but I know that while I may be making significantly less than I was before, I’m happy. — #retailjobs #retailmanager #careerpivot #layoff #careerdevelopment #socialmediamanagement #marketing #cavenders

I share an updated version of this sign every now and again when I find myself at a Buc-cees. If you’re looking to hire entry level or back of house workers in hospitality, retail, even some professions (ahem, marketing), this is what you’re competing with for talent. No, it’s not all about money. But you have to sell why you’re a better opportunity in the long run — and today. #leadership #team #hiring

Assistant store managers, are you looking to run your own store? Store managers, are you looking to move up to DM? District managers, want to make the jump to the regional level? I may be able to help. I've worked exclusively with retail leaders since 2005 (most resume writers don't specialize in any one industry) and in that time I've helped thousands of assistant managers, store managers, and district/regional managers to get ahead in their careers. Check out my profile for 500+ written recommendations from clients and recruiters. Reach out and ask for a free quote. What can it hurt? Email: [email protected] It's a small investment that can make a huge difference. #retail #retailcareers #retailresumes

I'm currently navigating a unique point in my professional journey, and I'm curious if others have overcome similar challenges. 🙆🏼♂️ The Short: My career trajectory has taken an unexpected turn, and I'm concerned that my previous work experience might no longer meet recruiter expectations. The Long: I began my journey as a Disney cast member and had a brief stint in business school before a mutual connection helped me to secure an entry-level role in HR. Through my dedication and leadership skills, I advanced twice within two years, gaining valuable experience leading a team of recruiters in the CDL driver recruitment realm. (Who would've thought I'd end up in trucking, right? ✨) However, in the fall of 2022, my company, like many others, underwent corporate restructuring and multiple rounds of layoffs due to economic challenges. This triggered a phase of continuous job board searches, resume updates, networking, and numerous interviews. Ultimately, I was approached by a local insurance agent who saw potential in me for the insurance sector. I rapidly obtained state licensing and spent around seven months immersing myself in the industry while managing daily sales & service operations. It became evident that insurance wasn't aligned with my true passions and talents—connecting with people, inspiring others, and delivering exceptional client experiences. Eager for a fresh start, I drew upon my over two years of Starbucks barista experience and ventured into bartending at an upscale hotel owned by DOW Chemical Company in my town. Despite undergoing rigorous training with no prior bar experience, I find the new role exhilarating and enjoyable. However, I have some reservations about its long-term financial viability as a career choice. To sum it up, I feel that my professional experience might be undervalued by recruiters, and I wonder if the window for transitioning back to a similar corporate role has passed. 🫤 If you've followed along with my journey thus far, I'd greatly appreciate any guidance or connections you can provide. #CorporateSaddy #seekingwork #careerchat #lookingforjobchange

🚀 Explore Exciting Job Opportunities! 🌐 Here's a list of companies actively hiring. Share this post to connect job seekers with their dream careers! 🌟 Equigas International, Inc. ALDI USA lululemon The Johns Hopkins University FirstService Residential Nova Southeastern University American Heart Association Loyalty Management Group The Terminal Corporation FedEx Broward Health Walmart Advance America Florida Rising Morgan State University University of Maryland Medical System Wyndham Destinations Light Up The Night Tropical Financial Credit Union Giant Food 🔍 Know someone looking for a job? Tag them! 🚀 Are you a recruiter or hiring manager? Drop opportunities in the comments! Let's build a community of career growth! 💼 #JobOpportunities #HiringNow #CareerGrowth #JobSearch #ShareTheOpportunity

So yes, I work at a local Chick-fil-A Restaurants. As many who get laid off, you initially hesitate to announce your bridge job on LinkedIn because to some recruiters or hiring managers it may come off as lesser than. Previously working in Executive Search, I recall many asking, “Why is he/she working there?” My response was simply, “He/she was laid off and have a household to contribute towards, so instead of relying soley on unemployment, aimlessly applying to jobs (only to receive rejection after rejection) he/she decided to work.” Yes, the current job may not exactly be within their area of specialty, but wouldn’t you rather hire someone who was willing to get up from the mat after receiving an uppercut than staying down for the KO?” After going through the rinse-repeat cycle of applying and interviewing for 3 months, I too got off the mat and decided to join an organization I long admired. For the past 5 months, it’s been “my pleasure” to serve our customers, operations leadership, and my peer Team Members. Over the course of my transition period, I’ve gained a heightened sense of teamwork, collaboration, problem-identification, problem-solving, agility, effective communication, active-listening, customer service, conflict-resolution, relationship-building, business operations, leadership, accountability, and (most importantly) humility. I hope to bring these intangibles and my proven ability as a Talent Acquisition/Early-Career/Employer Branding leader to the Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center or my next organization. #openforwork | #talentacquisition

Witness what unfolds when you remove your ego from your professional journey. Numerous individuals face similar challenges, but you, sir, assumed control of your own fate and persevered. Hats off to you, sir Tyrone Broxton, SHRM-CP. This is who you want in your organization. #Prevail #InterimManagement #BridgeJobs

Is it challenging to get a job as a Store Manager? 🤔 Let’s decode this. After spending a year with store leaders and retail recruiters, I can say 3 types of candidates are looking for a job. 1️⃣ Low-cost Store Managers These folks indirectly say, "Just give me a job; any salary will do!" They're ready to jump in, no questions asked. 2️⃣ Average Store Managers These managers apply and get interviewed, but then... silence. Why? They asked for a 30% pay raise and extra goodies, but nothing special about them. That's a tough sell! 3️⃣ Extraordinary Store Managers These candidates blow the minds of the interviewers with their skills and experience. They ask for more pay, more benefits, and guess what? They get the job because they have what it takes! If I put it in numbers, here’s what it looks like: - 10% are ready to work for any pay. - 85% are in the average zone. - Just 5% are those extraordinary ones. If you are someone looking to make a career move and want an opportunity FASTER, you only have two choices: ✅ Come at a low cost ✅ Be Extraordinary. Here’s the crazy part! 👉 Most average managers think they are extraordinary. 👉 Real extraordinary ones DON’T KNOW they are extraordinary because they don’t have anybody who can tell this to them. Do you agree? Share your thoughts. #retailmanagement #storemanagement #storemanager #retailcareers