If you’re negotiating a job offer with an employer, and the employer is unwilling to budge on salary, seek to increase cash and non-cash benefits, such as getting in on deferred compensation or stock options, or increasing the amount of PTO or vacation that accrues to you each year.
Archive for the ‘Job Search’ Category
Employer Self-Inflicted Black Eyes: Admitting An Employee Walked Out During An Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Conflict, Employees, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Work, Workplace Conflict on 2012/04/02 | Leave a Comment »
Don’t tell someone you’re interviewing that a previous employee walked out on you (resigned without prior notice). It suggests that the work situation was so bad and unresolvable that it drove the employee to the breaking point.
Interview Thank You Notes Sent During Business Hours May Give The Wrong Impression
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Thank You Notes, Work on 2012/02/29 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re employed while interviewing for a new opportunity, do not send interview thank you notes during business hours - even if you told the prospective employer you’re taking that time off. People are forgetful, and seeing a time stamp from an hour in which you are expected to be working implies that you are not working the [...]
Noteworthy Career Advice Site: Business Fitness
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Job Search, Manage Successfully, Noteworthy Sites, Resignation Tips, tagged Big Picture Consulting, Business, Business Fitness, Career, Dawn Lennon, Development, Employment, Leadership, Management, Success on 2012/02/19 | 2 Comments »
It’s been a while since we’ve been to a website that offers career guidance as comprehensively as Business Fitness, a blog by Dawn Lennon, a Career Strategist and founder of Big Picture Consulting. Ms. Lennon’s advice is succinct while addressing matters from all angles: managers, employees, colleagues, and HR. Her blog is honest, without being brutal or offensive. Ms. Lennon does not [...]
Don’t Share References Until Required
Posted in References, tagged Employment, Feedback, Friends, Job Search, Jobs, Networking, Office Politics, References, Relationship on 2011/10/27 | Leave a Comment »
If you don’t know what type of relationship your references have with the people considering your application, don’t provide references before requested.
Claiming You’ve Received Something You Haven’t On A Resume Or CV Can Haunt You
Posted in Job Search, tagged Application, Curriculum Vitae, Degree, Employment, Job Application, Job Search, Jobs, License, Masters, Resume on 2011/10/11 | 2 Comments »
Stretching the truth on your resume or job application can really hurt you. Even if you’re expecting to receive your degree or license, if you haven’t received it or official confirmation that you’ll receive it, don’t report that you have received it. Instead, note that you’re a candidate for the degree or license. If an [...]
Ensure You Understand The Message
Posted in Business, Getting Ahead, Improving Relationships, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Behavior, Communication, Employment, Etiquette, Getting Ahead, Interview, Jobs, Office Politics, Successful Management, Workplace Conflict on 2011/10/02 | Leave a Comment »
In business, it’s important to effectively read between the lines. If you’re unsure what a person is trying to communicate, tell them you don’t understand or are confused by their message.
Sometimes, A Degree Can Hurt A Job Applicant
Posted in Education, Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Bachelors, College, Employment, Job hunting, Job Search, Masters, Phoenix, Resume, Strayer, University on 2011/09/29 | Leave a Comment »
From the perspective of a hiring manager, obtaining a degree from a nonconventional for-profit university such as Phoenix or Strayer can actually be a strike against job applicants to white-collar jobs requiring licensure, such as in Accounting or Law, in vertically fluid work environments. Degrees from universities such as these can suggest that the candidate prefers [...]
Arguments With Less Filling Are More Convincing
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Argument, Business, Communication, Debate, Getting Ahead, Interview, John Kerry, Law, Success, Unemployment on 2011/09/13 | Leave a Comment »
If trying to convince someone to agree with you, such as in regards to a legal matter (e.g. an unemployment filing) or an interview, keep your arguments simple. Identify (a) what is necessary to meet the threshold you’re trying to reach, (b) what information is necessary to demonstrate that the threshold has been met, and [...]
Pros & Cons To Disclosing Visa Status On Resumes
Posted in Interview, tagged CV, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes, Visa on 2011/08/31 | Leave a Comment »
Employers are permitted to inquire into your visa status. If you are a non-U.S. citizen seeking employment in the U.S., you can add visa considerations to your resume. Some advisors will recommend doing so. We recommend not doing so as it might immediately disqualify you from consideration by potential employers. Because employers must jump through many [...]
If You Think It’s Necessary, Bring It (From List Of Items To Exclude From Your Resume)
Posted in Interview, tagged CV, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes, Visa on 2011/08/30 | 1 Comment »
In regards to yesterday’s post identifying items to exclude from one’s resume, we’d like to emphasize that this general guidance pertains to applications within U.S.A. Different expectations apply in cultures outside the U.S. For example, collegiate information is more common on CVs in Canada, and a person’s sex is disclosed in a number of countries outside the [...]
List Of Items To Exclude From Your Resume
Posted in Interview, tagged CV, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes on 2011/08/29 | 4 Comments »
Following are things to exclude from your resume, unless relevant to the job for which you are applying: itemized list of classes you attended while pursuing a degree, grades from specific courses, GPA (unless required or of high rank), your sex or gender, family, religion, politics, age if you’re over 18, previous employment unrelated to the job [...]
Noteworthy Site For Employment Guidance: Ask A Manager
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, Noteworthy Sites, tagged Ask A Manager, Direct Report, Employment, Employment Advice, Getting Ahead, Happiness, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Satisfaction, Job Search, Jobs, Manager, Office Politics, Site of the Week, Successful Management, Tips, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2011/08/15 | Leave a Comment »
The site Ask A Manager is a great, interactive resource for credible and thoughtful employment guidance. In addition to authoring the site since 2007, Alison Green has written and co-authored books and articles dispensing management and work advice. An attribute of Ms. Green’s publications is that they aim to construct a collaborative and mutually rewarding relationship between managers and direct reports, which [...]
Three Ways To Distinguish Your Resume From The Competition’s
Posted in Interview, tagged Awards, Candidate, Degree, Employment, Interview, Job Market, Job Search, Jobs, License, Recognition, Resume on 2011/08/13 | Leave a Comment »
In employment markets such as the current market, candidates must distinguish themselves from the competition. The following items can dress up a resume, and are entirely appropriate to use. List any awards or recognition received, including those received from your department or team. Disclose any licenses for which you are eligible or a candidate (e.g. waiting [...]
Don’t Be An Interview Dictator
Posted in Interview, tagged Candidate, Control, Direction, Employment, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Jobs on 2011/08/12 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re an interviewee, do not try to control or direct an interview, except to the extent necessary. Interviewees control or direct interviews by spending most of the interview dictating the conversation, usually via questions. Controlling an interview might be necessary to fill lulls in conversation, change the tone of an interview, gain insight to better form your answers, [...]
Make Your Worst Your Best For Success
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Getting Ahead, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Perspective, Unemployment on 2011/08/03 | Leave a Comment »
A general recommendation for success in interviews is to make your worst attribute your best. For example, if your ability to communicate effectively is a weakness, provide an example of where you communicated effectively with very positive results. If you were laid off or expect a bad reference from a company, provide examples of what [...]
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Communication, Confidence, Employment, Feedback, Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Insecurity, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Results on 2011/07/23 | Leave a Comment »
Don’t ever express any concern about your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of or ability to adapt to a role during an interview unless you are trying to communicate to the interviewer that you do not want the job.
Consider Posting A Card
Posted in Interview, tagged Card, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Thank You, Thank You Notes on 2011/06/27 | Leave a Comment »
The general recommendation for post-interview Thank You notes is to send them within 24 hours via email. However, if you’d like to differentiate yourself from the competition and/or renew your chances of consideration, send your thank you note through a small unique yet tasteful card.
Converting An Interview Into A Conversation
Posted in Interview, tagged Comfort, Communication, Conversation, Conversational Tone, Employment, Getting Ahead, Interview, Interviewer, Job Search, Jobs, Perspective, Psychology, Set the Tone, Tone on 2011/06/19 | Leave a Comment »
A key to good interviewers is comfort. One way to make yourself comfortable during an interview is to actively seek to make the interviewer comfortable. Often, this can be done by introducing a conversational tone into the interview.
Maximize Paid Overtime While Interning
Posted in Education, Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged College, Happiness, Intern, Internship, Job Search, Overtime, Pay, Skill Development, Skills, University, Wage on 2011/06/06 | Leave a Comment »
Take advantage of every opportunity to work overtime in a paid internship. Not only does it translate into a 50% wage increase for overtime, but, it offers additional opportunities to gain expertise.
Intern Often
Posted in Education, Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged College, Future, Getting Ahead, Intern, Internship, Job Search, Jobs, Summer, Summer Job, University on 2011/06/05 | Leave a Comment »
To the extent possible, try to intern each summer while you are in college. It will differentiate you from other graduates, advance your skills, and improve your understanding of course subjects. Paid internships are available in most fields. If you are unable to apply for internships through your program or school, try one or more [...]
When Entertaining An Offer, Act Strategically
Posted in Interview, tagged Getting Ahead, Job Offer, Job Search, Jobs, Strategy, Unemployment on 2011/06/04 | Leave a Comment »
In this market, if you receive a job offer that you’re not totally satisfied with, accept the offer and continue looking for another opportunity. If you stall in order to wait for another offer, you risk losing the first offer. Then, if you don’t receive the second offer, and you’re unemployed, your marketability will most [...]
Bring Your Back-Up To An Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Employment Reviews, Evaluation, Feedback, Getting Ahead, Interview, Job Hopping, Job Search, Jobs, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Performance Review, Professional Review, Reference, Review, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2011/05/17 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re a job hopper or worried about being disparaged by a vengeful former employer, bring copies of stellar performance evaluations with you to interviews. The evaluations illustrate the returns previous employers received from their investment in you, and refute attempts to discredit you. Expunge confidential information. Permit the interviewer to view the copy only, not keep [...]
Improve Success By Inventorying Performance Evaluations
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, References, tagged Employment, Feedback, Getting Ahead, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Performance Evaluation, Performance Review, Professional Review, Review, Unemployment on 2011/05/16 | Leave a Comment »
Hang on to your performance evaluations and create a record or index of highlights within each. Your evaluations serve as a reminder of accomplishments, aiding future job searches, interviews, and reference requests. They provide a means of tracking changes and documenting improvement. Good evaluations can be cathartic during periods of melancholy.
Using Visualization To Achieve Success At Work
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Manage Successfully, Personal Enrichment, tagged Advancement, Aspirations, Basketball, Behavior, Career Advancement, Career Growth, Confidence, Employment, Getting Ahead, Golf, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Networking, Office Politics, Performance, Promotion, Raise, Results, Study, Success, Successful Management, Visualization, Visualize on 2011/04/01 | Leave a Comment »
If you feel there is something within your control that is preventing you from achieving success, try picturing yourself without the inhibitors. Visualize yourself as you’d like to be. Studies have shown that people can use visualization to achieve certain forms of success, such as improving one’s ability to shoot hoops, play golf, give a speech, or take [...]
You Might Not Get It In A “Gotcha”
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Communication, Employment, Ethics, Etiquette, Gotcha Moment, Hiring Decisions, Hiring Managers, Interview, Interview Technique, Jobs, Office Politics, Successful Management, Workplace Bullies on 2011/02/13 | Leave a Comment »
Hiring Managers: Gotcha moments in interviews are counterproductive and give you a reputation. Often, the moments result from an interviewer’s misinterpretation or misunderstanding, and, can get the company in trouble if the interviewer communicates her conclusion as an accusation.
Maintain A List When Interviewing
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Jobs, Life, Networking on 2011/02/02 | Leave a Comment »
Job seekers: maintain a list of places to which you’ve applied and the people you’ve interviewed with. It might come in handy during your current and future job searches.
Linking With Someone You Don’t Know
Posted in Getting Ahead, Networking, tagged Communication, LinkedIn, Networking on 2011/01/31 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re asking to join the LinkedIn network of someone you don’t know, leave that person a message in your invitation that explains how you might be connected and/or why you would like to connect. Wanting to expand your network is not sufficient.
If An Interviewer, Be Considerate
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Successful Management on 2011/01/30 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve scheduled a phone interview with an employment candidate, call him at the time set. Calling at your convenience, either more than five minutes early or late, communicates that you prioritize your schedule over theirs.
If You’re Interviewing, Be Timely
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search on 2011/01/29 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve scheduled a phone interview, call or be available at the time set. Calling or being available at your convenience, either more than five minutes early or late, communicates that you prioritize your schedule over the interviewer’s – a really bad idea if you truly want the job!
Even If You Don’t Want The Job, Don’t Burn Bridges
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search, Networking on 2011/01/25 | Leave a Comment »
Send a “Thank You” note following an interview, even if you do not want the job. It’s better to maintain goodwill rather than burn bridges.
If Temping, Don’t Get Locked Into A Single Recruiter
Posted in Interview, Recruiters, tagged Contractors, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Networking, Recruiters, Temping, Unemployment on 2011/01/22 | Leave a Comment »
If, while unemployed and seeking a job, a recruiter places you in a temporary role, work with another recruiter to find a permanent role. With 40 to 60% margins, recruiters can make more placing people through temporary employment than perm. The first recruiter has an incentive to keep you in the temporary role.
If You Don’t Know The Recruiter, Beware The Attachment
Posted in Getting Ahead, Recruiters, tagged Communication, Employment, Job Search, Networking, Recruiters, Unemployment on 2011/01/21 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re resume is public, or you’ve indicated on a professional or social networking site that you are receptive to employment solicitations, take care in opening attachments (e.g. job descriptions) from recruiters that you did not contact first. Spammers use recruitment sites and vehicles to lure people, too.
#1 Question To Ask Interviewee
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Communication, Employment, Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Interview Questions, Interviewee, Interviewer, Job Search, Jobs, Questions, Successful Management, Unemployment on 2011/01/19 | 1 Comment »
An important question to ask an interviewee is what he would like to get out of the job. The more broadly the question is asked, the more revealing the answer might be. In responding to this question, an interviewee may convey what are his long term interests, if he is collaborative or competitive, if he’s a socializer or mouse, the team and management style with which he [...]
Report Dates In Years On Your Resume
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Employment, Job Search, Jobs, Resume, Unemployment on 2011/01/18 | Leave a Comment »
If you have a lot of job movement on your resume, or have limited work experience, report dates on your resume in years, rather than months and years. For example, if you were employed in a role from July 2007 through January 2009, listing the dates as “2007 – 2009″ will make your work experience look [...]
Unscientific Survey Of Professional Opinions Regarding Excluding Information From Resumes
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Manage Successfully, Recruiters, tagged Employment, Ethics, Hiring Decisions, Hiring Managers, HR, HR Manager, Human Resources, Job Search, Jobs, Opinion, Perspective, Polling, Recommendation, Recruiters, Resume, Resume Writing, Resumes, Seeking Employment, Survey, Unemployment on 2011/01/15 | Leave a Comment »
As mentioned in our 1/14/2011 post, General Professional Opinion On Excluding Job Experience From Resumes, we have performed a very informal, unscientific survey of recruiters, HR managers and hiring managers for their opinion on excluding previous work experience from resumes. Following is a synopsis of what we have learned. Recruiters: The recruiters’ negative responses were based [...]
General Professional Opinion On Excluding Job Experience From Resumes
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Recruiters, tagged Employment, Ethics, Hiring Decisions, Hiring Managers, HR, HR Manager, Human Resources, Job Search, Jobs, Opinion, Perspective, Polling, Recommendation, Recruiters, Resume, Seeking Employment, Survey, Unemployment on 2011/01/14 | 1 Comment »
We performed a very informal, unscientific survey of recruiters, HR managers and hiring managers in different US markets and industries, and have learned the following: while all but one recruiter warned against excluding career experience from a resume, most HR managers and all hiring managers said it was acceptable to exclude short-term career experience from a [...]
Don’t Be Afraid To Counter A Job Offer
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, tagged Counter Offer, Employment, Etiquette, Job Offer, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2011/01/10 | Leave a Comment »
If you receive a job offer, do not hesitate to counter with a higher salary. Take the risk. It’s very unlikely that an employer will withdraw an employment offer solely as a result of a counter.
Poll: Is it improper to exclude job experiences of less than one year from a person’s resume?
Posted in Interview, Polls, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Experience, Job Search, Jobs, Lay Off, Lies, Manipulation, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Resume, Truth, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2011/01/09 | 1 Comment »
Interviewer Translation: “Let Us Know…”
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Feedback, Interviewers, Job Search, Jobs, Results, Translation, Unemployment on 2010/12/30 | Leave a Comment »
Generally, if a potential employer tells you to apprise it of developments in your job search, it means you’re a second shelf or back up candidate, not a top shelf candidate. If an employer is highly interested in you, they’ll let you know by providing, or expressing an intent to provide, an offer within 24 to 48 hours.
It May Suck That You Didn’t Get The Job, But Get Over It – QUICKLY!
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Unemployment on 2010/12/22 | Leave a Comment »
If your application for employment is rejected, try to get over it quickly. There’s a good chance you’ll freak out the employer, thereby impairing potential future opportunities with that employer (and possibly others through word of mouth), if you contact the employer frequently after the rejection. The best response is to communicate once that while you’re [...]
Don’t Make Yourself Into A Victim
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Manage Successfully, tagged Business Expenses, Discretionary Expenses, Employer Policies, Ethics, Etiquette, Getting Ahead, Job Search, Office Politics, Reimbursement, Successful Management, Workplace Conflict on 2010/12/21 | Leave a Comment »
If an employer – even a potential employer - is willing to pay for things, let it. Do not volunteer to pay for business or discretionary expenses (such as bagels) that the employer will cover – it reflects low self-worth and confidence. Letting the employer cover costs forces it to increase its value (through its investment) in you. Good employers [...]
Admit When You Are Rusty
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/19 | Leave a Comment »
If an interviewer inquires into a matter in which you have not worked for a while, don’t try to bluff your way through a response. Just tell the interviewer that you’re a little rusty but it won’t take any time to return to speed.
At The End, Tell Them You’re Interested
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/17 | Leave a Comment »
At the end of an interview or round of interviews, communicate to the employer whether or not you are interested in the role. If you’re interested in the role, tell the employer. For example, tell the interviewer that you hope the company is as excited about you as you are about the company, team and [...]
Things To Not Do While Waiting For An Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Performance, Unemployment on 2010/12/16 | Leave a Comment »
Following is a list of things to avoid doing while waiting for an interview in or around the employer’s premises. Be discourteous to anyone within the area. Correct your clothes or appearance anywhere other than in a bathroom. Talk loudly on your cell phone. Say anything negative about your previous employer or previous interview to anyone, [...]
Key Items To Communicate During Interviews
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/12 | Leave a Comment »
Following are key items to communicate during interviews. Things that you are interested in on a professional and personal level that enhance your qualifications or emphasize the contributions you can make to the role, team and company. If there are deficiencies in your job history such as large gaps between employment dates or a lot of [...]
Tips For Web Chat Interviews
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Technology, Tips, Unemployment, Web Chat on 2010/12/10 | Leave a Comment »
Following are tips for being interviewed via web chat from your computer rather than a local office or center. Test the system prior to the interview. View your image, check the volume, and test the recording sound clarity before you begin. Dress nice from head to toe, in case you need to stand during the interview or more than [...]
Questions To Ask Interviewers
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Interview Questions, Job Search, Jobs, Unemployment on 2010/12/09 | Leave a Comment »
Following is a list of interview questions that may help you in the interview. An objective to interview questions should be determining whether the employer and opportunity provide you with what you are looking for in your next role. Why is the role open? Who would the role report to? Who reports to the role? [...]
Don’t Subsidize The Employer
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Unemployment on 2010/12/07 | Leave a Comment »
Employment candidates: don’t pursue out-of-state opportunities or opportunities requiring long-distance travel during the interview process if the employer is unwilling to pay for the travel expenses. It means the employer is not invested in you. People are more likely to take you seriously and assign greater value in you if they have to make a financial [...]
Don’t Improvise If You Don’t Remember
Posted in Interview, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Performance Evaluation, Unemployment on 2010/12/06 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re being interviewed and the interviewer requests details on an item in which your memory is hazy, just say that you don’t remember the specifics and provide a general description. If you make an error trying to remember or improvise, it could negatively impact your chances of getting the role.
Record Key Points During Your Interview
Posted in Interview, tagged Communication, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Unemployment on 2010/12/05 | Leave a Comment »
While interviewing for a job, record key elements of the conversation, items on which you feel you provided a weak response, items on which the interviewer seemed exceptionally interested or any other item that you would like to address in your thank you note.
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 9
Posted in Getting Ahead, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/29 | Leave a Comment »
If you really want to impress an acquiring employer, volunteer to assume responsibilities specific to that employer or specific to the acquisition.
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 8
Posted in Getting Ahead, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/28 | Leave a Comment »
Even though it might not seem like it, an acquiring company that is temporarily retaining the employees of the acquired company is interested in facilitating a positive relationship with those employees. The acquiring company must motivate the employees to gain the best results. This provides the retained employees unexpected opportunities. For example, an employee may [...]
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 7
Posted in Getting Ahead, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/27 | Leave a Comment »
Even though you might be upset that an acquiring company is letting you go, perform your best work during the period in which you are retained – especially if you’re planning to request an extension of your retention period. It provides an opportunity to build additional references, and possibly an opportunity to expand your skills [...]
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 6
Posted in Getting Ahead, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/26 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve been temporarily retained by an acquiring employer to complete specific tasks, and additional time is necessary to complete the tasks, make a reasonable and supportable estimation of the time necessary to complete those tasks. Anything longer than a month has an increased chance of sounding unreasonable. If you’ve not put in additional time or demonstrated diligence [...]
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 5
Posted in Getting Ahead, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/25 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re making a proposal to convince an acquiring company to retain you longer, couch your proposal in terms of additional accomplishments you’ll bring to the team. DO NOT suggest that an employer must extend the retention period in order to accomplish the tasks for which you’ve been retained. There’s a very good chance the [...]
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 4
Posted in Getting Ahead, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/24 | Leave a Comment »
If trying to convince an acquiring company to retain you longer, remind the employer of the value of your historical knowledge. But, whatever you do, don’t make it sound like a threat to withhold that knowledge or in any other way impede in the transition between companies. Make it clear that you’ll do everything you [...]
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 3
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/23 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve inventoried all the benefits you can bring to an acquiring company for purposes of convincing the company to retain you longer, make a reasonable and supportable estimate of the amount of time necessary to complete related groups of projects.
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 2
Posted in Getting Ahead, References, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/22 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re making a proposal to convince an acquiring company to retain you longer, make a list of the following. Incomplete or potential departmental projects Departmental goals that could not be pursued due to insufficient resources, staffing or time Weaknesses to clean up, especially deficiencies in due diligence Supplemental services that might bring additional revenue [...]
If Your Company Has Been Acquired: Lesson 1
Posted in Getting Ahead, Networking, Unemployment, tagged Acquisition, Employment, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Problem Solving, Unemployment on 2010/11/21 | Leave a Comment »
If your company is acquired and you’re being informed that you’ll be included in layoffs as a result, don’t hesitate to ask if there’s some way in which the acquiring company could retain you longer. The best argument you can make is by coming up with a proposal that lists potential projects or tasks and [...]
If The Recruiter Says No, Just Ask The Employer
Posted in Interview, Recruiters, tagged Contractors, Employment, Interview, Job Search, Recruiters, Temping, Unemployment on 2010/11/20 | Leave a Comment »
If, while unemployed and seeking permanent employment, a recruiter tells you an employer will not consider you for temporary employment unless you agree not to search for jobs while temporarily employed, confirm this with the employer. The recruiter has an incentive to keep you temporarily employed. The prospective temporary employer might be willing to help you in your [...]
Too Good To Be True?
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Job Search, Manage Successfully, tagged Employment, Job Search, Office Politics, Successful Management, Unemployment, Workplace Conflict on 2010/10/17 | Leave a Comment »
If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. If a company with a lot of turnover or dubious reputation makes an offer that is exceedingly above market or below market, consider the following. Companies with high turnover due to internal conflict may make employment offers well above market in order to attract and retain people, but [...]
Do A Little Recon
Posted in Getting Ahead, Interview, Networking, References, Unemployment, tagged Employment Reviews, Feedback, Interview, Job Search, Networking, Office Politics, Performance Evaluation, Unemployment, Workplace Bullies, Workplace Conflict on 2010/10/12 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re concerned about what a former employer might be saying about you, ask friends to interview there. They can inquire into why previous employees left and what the employer would like to change from the previous employee/s. If your employer is the type for which you should be concerned, they’ll let your friends know.
Let Them Down Easy, Or Not At All
Posted in Interview, Networking, tagged Attorneys, Bla Bla Bla, Communication, Dianna Abdala, Email, Employers, Employment, Etiquette, Job Search, Networking, Office Politics, Professional, Recruiters, Rejection, Retaliation, William A Korman on 2010/10/07 | Leave a Comment »
Believe it or not, some employers do not respond well to rejection. You don’t have to be employed to suffer retaliation from an employer. The worse time to experience any form of retaliation – deserved or not – is while you’re looking for a job. Remember the experience of Dianna Abdala, the employment rejection “heard around the world?” Her story [...]
Tool For Making Consequential Decisions
Posted in Business, Dating, Family Enrichment, Finances, Getting Ahead, House Matters, Improving Relationships, Job Search, Lessons From Divorce, Manage Successfully, Personal Enrichment, Resignation Tips, tagged Decision Making, Decisions, Goals, Guidance, Life, Making Decisions, Priorities, Problem Solving, Resign, Resignation, Successful Management, What to do? on 2010/09/24 | Leave a Comment »
Trying to make a big decision, such as leaving a job or buying a house? The following steps might aid in making the decision. Identify your goals and priorities. To the extent possible, establish measurements for these two items. Identify why you want to make the decision. What are the differences achieved by the decision? [...]
The Temporary Wage
Posted in Getting Ahead, Job Search, tagged Contract Worker, Contractor, Contractors, Employment, Job Search, Jobs, Negotiation, Temping, Temporary Wages, Temps, Vacation, Wages on 2010/09/21 | Leave a Comment »
When you consider temping, don’t depend on overtime when considering your wage. Build at least two weeks of vacation into your hourly wage.
Make The Most Of A Temp Situation
Posted in Getting Ahead, Job Search, tagged Contract Worker, Contractor, Contractors, Job Search, Networking, Office Politics, Temping, Temps on 2010/09/19 | Leave a Comment »
Temping is a networking opportunity. Go out of your way to ingratiate yourself to your new team. Accept every invitation, inquire into how people are doing, make an effort to learn and remember everyone’s name and face, even those not members of your team. Smile. Perform your best work. If it doesn’t lead to a permanent [...]
Practice Interviewing
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Job Search, Networking on 2010/09/18 | Leave a Comment »
Practice interviewing with a friend, family member, recruiter or professional service prior to your formal interview. Collections of interview questions are available through several online websites. See our Resources page for a list of a few. Interview questions that might be specific to your industry or the company might be available through sites such as Glassdoors. Consult with [...]
Make Your Resume Searchable
Posted in Job Search, tagged Employment, Job Search, Networking, Recruiters on 2010/09/15 | Leave a Comment »
Want to boost potential opportunities? Make your resume searchable on Monster, CareerBuilder or other online job boards. When someone reaches out to you unsolicited, consider the steps in our post regarding unsolicited recruiters.
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Job Search, tagged Employment, Hiring Decisions, Job Search, Jobs, Recruiters, Unemployment on 2010/09/12 | 1 Comment »
As a great number of people are seeking jobs, we’ve decided to post a list of highly or frequently recommended job search sites, rather than posting a Site Of The Week or poll this weekend. Sites that charge mandatory fees to job seekers are excluded. Let us know if there are any we should add. Indeed Monster Career [...]
Approach An Interview From The Interviewer’s Perspective
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Job Search, Perspective on 2010/09/06 | Leave a Comment »
Keep in mind that once an interview concludes, there’s a good chance the interviewer will remember less about the interview than will you. To the interviewer, it’s not personal - it’s not something directly impacting his/her immediate life. Consider the interviewer’s objectives. The interviewer wants to discern whether you can perform the responsibilities, will get along with the group, and if [...]
Request Feedback: Interview Edition
Posted in Interview, tagged Feedback, Interview, Job Search, Networking on 2010/09/05 | 4 Comments »
Following an interview, do not hesitate to request feedback from an interviewer. Not only is it an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and leverage your strengths, but, it provides a valuable networking opportunity. Give the interviewer a day before reaching out to her. If you do not receive a response immediately, try contacting the interviewer [...]
Double-Check Unsolicited Recruiters
Posted in Recruiters, Unemployment, tagged Job Search, Recruiters, Security, Unemployment on 2010/09/04 | 3 Comments »
If a recruiter contacts you unsolicited, double-check his credentials prior to working with him by searching the standing of his business on the Better Business Bureau and Secretary of State websites. View the company’s information on LinkedIn, including the number of “Followers” and employees. The ”recruiter” could be a scammer phishing for personal information or a former- or potential-employer’s vendor gathering data regarding [...]
Avoid Recruiters With The Wrong Kind Of Email
Posted in Recruiters, tagged Job Search, Networking, Recruiters on 2010/09/03 | Leave a Comment »
Don’t work with a recruiter who uses free webmail, such as Gmail, Yahoo! and Hotmail, as a means of contact. It calls into question the recruiter’s legitimacy.
Manage Expectations: Recruiter Edition
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Manage Successfully, Recruiters, tagged Ethics, Hiring Decisions, Job Search, Networking, Recruiters on 2010/09/01 | Leave a Comment »
Recruiters: to ensure success with your recruits and employers, manage everyone’s expectations and be realistic. If you’re dishonest or overly pushy, most likely the parties involved will perceive it. If you don’t accurately or adequately represent their interests, most likely they will recognize it. If misled, employers and candidates are likely to be very vocal about [...]
When You’re The Substitute…
Posted in Getting Ahead, Networking, tagged Employment, Etiquette, Job Search, Networking, Office Politics on 2010/08/25 | Leave a Comment »
If you’re filling in for a person at work, copy that person on any memos to “File” and similar internal documents. It facilitates goodwill with the group while providing reassurances to the person you’re filling in for that you’re not after her job (thereby making her a potential advocate for future advancement/employment).
Even In Interviews, Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery
Posted in Interview, tagged Interview, Job Search, Jobs on 2010/08/23 | Leave a Comment »
In business and friendships, people are generally attracted to people who are similar. As such, during an interview, set the interviewer at ease by practicing “mimicking behaviors.” Imitate the interviewer’s mannerisms. If your interviewer leans back in his chair, then lean back in yours. If he leans forward, you lean forward. Don’t make it obvious that you [...]
Site Of The Week: That Recruiter
Posted in Getting Ahead, Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Networking, Noteworthy Sites, Recruiters, References, Unemployment, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Lay Off, Networking, Office Politics, Site of the Week, Unemployment on 2010/08/20 | Leave a Comment »
That Recruiter shares insights from its author’s journey through unemployment to employment, with valuable guidance from both sides of the Recruitment field.
Stay Active During Your Job Search
Posted in Job Search, Networking, Personal Enrichment, tagged Employment, Job Search, Jobs, Networking, Relationship on 2010/08/19 | Leave a Comment »
Stay active during your search. It might lead to opportunities for future positions. For opportunities to network within your industry, look for free CPE courses or industry events. For inexpensive or free community or leisure activities, check out or join sites such as Meetup, Groupon and Living Social. http://www.meetup.com/ http://www.groupon.com/ http://livingsocial.com/about
Professional Network Maintenance
Posted in Getting Ahead, Networking, tagged Employment, Jobs, Networking, Relationship on 2010/08/18 | Leave a Comment »
Maintain and develop your contacts. Set aside time that you will reach out to your contacts on a regular basis, such as emailing or calling a different set of 15 contacts each Sunday. Inquire into how they are doing. Tell them about your developments. Ask if you’ll see them at certain professional, community or other social events. Maintaining [...]
Poll: What Were Your Worst Interview Experiences?
Posted in Hiring Decisions, Interview, Job Search, Manage Successfully, Polls, Unemployment, tagged Employment, Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Office Politics, Poll, Unemployment on 2010/08/17 | 1 Comment »
When Not To Listen To The Experts
Posted in Interview, tagged Industry, Interview, Job Hopping, Job Search, Lay Off on 2010/08/16 | Leave a Comment »
Some job-search experts suggest that you ask what reservations about hiring you an interviewer has at the end of an interview. Don’t listen to these experts! The last thing you want to do is remind a person why they don’t want to hire you – especially at the end of an interview. By the end of the [...]
When Interviewing, Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths
Posted in Interview, Job Search, tagged Industry, Interview, Job Hopping, Job Search, Lay Off on 2010/08/15 | 2 Comments »
When interviewing for a role, it’s important to convert your weaknesses into strengths. For example, if you’ve hopped around, turn job hopping into a strength by pointing out that it has enabled you to adapt to new technologies quickly. If you were laid off, point out that you introduced a lot of efficiencies into the [...]
Losing Hope? Don’t!
Posted in Job Search, tagged Job Search, Unemployment on 2010/08/14 | Leave a Comment »
If your losing hope in your job search, try to maintain motivation by thinking of the things you’d like to accomplish as a result of being employed – something not linked to what you might all ready possess, such as enrolling your child in an afterschool program, taking a trip to the islands, making an investment, [...]
Rejection Doesn’t Have To Be The End – Employment Edition
Posted in Interview, Networking on 2010/08/12 | Leave a Comment »
If, after an interview, you learn that you will no longer be considered for the role, write a short Thank You note recognizing the employer’s decision, summarizing what you liked about the company, thanking them for their consideration and asking them to keep you in mind for future positions. This leaves a door open for other opportunities.
Thank You Notes Are Investments
Posted in Interview, Networking on 2010/08/11 | Leave a Comment »
In most cases, the decision whether to hire you has been made by the time you write a Thank You note to the interviewer. Even though the note might not impact the decision to hire you for the current position, it is an opportunity to positively influence the decision to consider you for future positions.
A Game Plan To End Stong In An Interview
Posted in Interview on 2010/08/10 | Leave a Comment »
To ensure you end strong, wear a watch that is easy to read and continuously reflects time into your interview. Wear the watch so that the face is on the inside of your wrist – this will enable you to check the time without being apparent. Instead, it might look as though you are glancing at your [...]
