Of course, there are some do’s and don’ts for both the creation and utilization of your references. Lindsay Olson’s article, “10 Common (and Corrosive) Job Reference Mistakes” provides key considerations. Olson suggests aiming to compile of list of three to five people. After identifying those whom you’d like in that role, consider the following guidelines.
When looking for a job, the kind of environment in which you want to work warrants priority consideration alongside the other important issues like duties, expectations and salary. Just because you are good at what you do doesn’t mean you are going to be happy and/or...
As an adult, it’s often difficult to identify, much less admit to having, a fear. And, it’s even more difficult to see how it might sabotaging your efforts including those involving your job search. The fact is, though, many people wrestle with all kinds of fears when in search of a new job. I’ve highlighted some of the common job hunting fears Marty Nemko identified in his article, “Overcoming Fear of Looking for a Job.” Take a look to see if you can relate to any (or all) of them, then consider the suggestions as to how to reframe such fears to get them out of your way.
It may be because the first interaction is truly a screening interview, or it may be because time and/or logistics prevent an in-person interview from being plausible. No matter the reason, oftentimes, first interviews are conducted over the phone. And, even though you won’t be leaving your home for the discussion, you will still be making your first impression. This point of contact is just as important as any other step in the interview process, so, intentional preparation is prudent. Judith Stock’s article, “6 Steps To Nailing A Job Interview … Over The Phone” offers some great guidance to get you ready.
Often, the vision of what it means to be in charge and the reality of it are often very different. The skewed vision is probably ingrained from childhood where, as children, we couldn’t wait to grow up and no longer be told what to do. This ideal is further perpetuated when we are entry-level employees looking up the hierarchy just knowing there will be a day where we’re in charge and won’t have to account for ourselves or answer to anyone. We don’t just know it; we can’t wait for it!
And, then, we grow enough to finally have the years and experience it takes to land a position of authority and be in charge of others. It is then that we have choices to make regarding how we interact with, or manage, others because it is also here that we find effective management is not a one-size-fits-all, “Because I said so” proposition.
Breaking the (job search) process down into actionable items not only makes the process feel more manageable, but it keeps you from getting lost in your own thoughts. In his article “11 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job,” Aaron Gouveia offers a list of top reasons someone may remain unemployed. I turned them around from “don’t do these things” to “do these things well” during your search to create a positive list of action items. They are sure to help keep you focused through some often overlooked details and considerations
Any negotiation can make a person bristle or raise blood pressure. In fact, how many people admit they’ll do anything to avoid having to negotiate, haggle or even ask for anything? And, don’t we tend to sit back in awe of those who seem to have the guts to do it? But, is it really that these people have nerves of steel? Or, are they simply armed in ways others could be but aren’t? This is an important issue when it comes to negotiating a salary. So, when you’re in the position to talk money, make certain you are prepared.
If you’re older than 50 and looking for advice to approach your job search, there are plenty of resources online to get your mental wheels in motion. After reviewing a variety of readings, I found Kerry Hannon’s article, “The 11 Biggest Mistakes Older Job Hunters Make” as having some particular thoughts I think deserve some extra attention. Click here for her full article, but I wanted to list a few of the standouts from it.