HIRED LEARNING: George Decker – “Luck is Opportunity Meeting Preparation”

By Cynthia Lewis
George Decker is another PSGCNJ success story. After eight months in transition, he started in May with Alcatel-Lucent as a multi-generation radio wireless networks supplier quality improvement team leader. His background is in technology supply chain management.
During his time with PSGCNJ, George was an integral part of the Technology Committee where his quiet assertiveness and tremendous work ethic are sorely missed. George said learning to deal with curve balls in his committee work helped with his job search. George says that PSGCNJ was very important to him, providing moral support, and giving him the opportunity to practice his elevator pitch and interview skills.
Persistence was key to George’s landing. He hired Lloyd Feinstein, a professional resume writer.
George found his position through a career portal on the company’s website. He applied at the right moment and landed. He described his hiring process, “Two days after I submitted my application, I received a phone call from the hiring manager and we spoke for 45 minutes. Then I spoke with another manager for 30 minutes on the phone. Then I spoke with my “to be” supervisor for 15 minutes on the phone. Then HR called me with an offer. Each of these calls was separated by a day or two and was preceded by a short email requesting a call. My leadership team and supervisor reside in Illinois, but they have some staff here in Murray Hill, NJ. I never spoke to anyone in person.”
George advises fellow job-seekers: “Luck is preparation meeting opportunity. Prepare and keep trying.”