Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Avoiding Landmines of Job Search
Don't you wish there was a GPS for job search? We could all start at a designated point and simply program a satellite to reach the job offer destination. Locating the job offer ranks as one of the greatest mysteries of our time because not only are we not provided a roadmap but there is no vehicle either! And to make matters worse, many of us have are unsure of our destination.
How do we resist the temptation of making tactical errors without MapQuest? Here are a few suggestions:
Don't claim to be different - Candidates need to remember that in this era of team play and relationship bonding, a Bohemian, while cool on Friday nights can be disastrous to the business machine on Monday morning. Employers cringe at the thought of potential incompatibility.
Don't submit salary requirements! - Employers know they have a naive candidate when a job seeker complies with that seemingly mandatory request, "Only those with salary requirements will be considered." Generally employers don't eliminate a compelling candidate because he is wise enough to realize that he who mentions money first loses.
Don't cocoon! - Don't be too tired, too busy or too proud to network. With the inevitable change in climate, soon it will be tempting to stay in and watch Monday night football. It's not who you know... its who knows you!
Watch that wardrobe! - During election years I tape all political debates to use as teaching tools. It's amazing what we learn when we remove the sound. Remember, before employers hear you, they see you and therein lies the real initial impression. If you are unsure regarding your image get help!
Finally, be prepared to make a few mistakes and know that they happen to everyone. Just remember that the greater your awareness of job search mine fields the more likely you'll be savvy enough to avoid them.
How do we resist the temptation of making tactical errors without MapQuest? Here are a few suggestions:
Don't claim to be different - Candidates need to remember that in this era of team play and relationship bonding, a Bohemian, while cool on Friday nights can be disastrous to the business machine on Monday morning. Employers cringe at the thought of potential incompatibility.
Don't submit salary requirements! - Employers know they have a naive candidate when a job seeker complies with that seemingly mandatory request, "Only those with salary requirements will be considered." Generally employers don't eliminate a compelling candidate because he is wise enough to realize that he who mentions money first loses.
Don't cocoon! - Don't be too tired, too busy or too proud to network. With the inevitable change in climate, soon it will be tempting to stay in and watch Monday night football. It's not who you know... its who knows you!
Watch that wardrobe! - During election years I tape all political debates to use as teaching tools. It's amazing what we learn when we remove the sound. Remember, before employers hear you, they see you and therein lies the real initial impression. If you are unsure regarding your image get help!
Finally, be prepared to make a few mistakes and know that they happen to everyone. Just remember that the greater your awareness of job search mine fields the more likely you'll be savvy enough to avoid them.
Labels: job search
