Burning Bridges …
Posted: February 7, 2014 Filed under: Job Search | Tags: Job Search, Networking, Relationships Leave a commentJohnny Paycheck sings “Take this job and shove it, I ain’t workin’ here no more.” There is something liberating about just writing those words, much less being able to say them. But walking into your boss’s office and doing your best Johnny Paycheck interpretation probably isn’t great career advice.
Burning Bridges has some very different connotations. Here’s a link to an interesting blog post. In this post Rebecca Thorman says that if burning bridges means cutting ties, then by all means, there are many good reasons to cut ties and move on. I agree. But she also says, “You shouldn’t just walk out. You should give notice and finish your projects and be polite (if for no other reason than your own sense of pride and accomplishment)” and that’s where I come from. Burning bridges to me means a scorched earth policy and I think that mentality will limit your career.
Here’s another interesting blog post. In this one, Roger Custer suggests that burning bridges may involve trashing your former boss or company, or using confidential information inappropriately. Again, these are a career limiting decisions.
My advice is much like your mother’s was long ago, if you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all – especially in an interview. No interviewer wants to hear you bash your former company or complain about how poorly they treated you. Be a grown up, highlight the good parts or stay quiet. I’m not advocating that you continue to work in an unhealthily atmosphere, but I am suggesting that you leave with your dignity intact.
I strongly support not burning your bridges, because you may need them.
Long Term Unemployed? Don’t Give Up!
Posted: January 19, 2014 Filed under: Job Search | Tags: Encouragement, Job Search, Long Term Unemployment, Networking 1 CommentLong term unemployment insurance is in the news. While Congress grapples with how to fund it, real people are still out looking for jobs and wondering about how to pay their bills.
Recently I’ve met with several friends who have been unemployed for over 6 months. They’ve faced the concerns about unemployment insurance expiring and renewing, they’ve worried about making house payments and college tuition payments, and they’ve faced the psychological pressure of “what’s wrong with me that no one will hire me?”
Nothing is wrong with them – it’s the economy. The rule of thumb these days is that it takes an average of 1 month of job search for every $10k in annual salary. So, if you make $50,000 you should plan on being unemployed for 5 months. That’s just a guideline, but it’s the best guideline I have. The bad part about that is, for every $50k job seeker that finds a job in 1 month there is another that won’t find one for 10 months. That’s why it’s called an average. And, with the slow rebound of the labor market, the average is growing.
So, you’ve been unemployed for 6 months or more. You’ve got a great looking resume, you’re applying to jobs online, you’ve networked with everyone you can find, you go to job clubs and you’re just plain tired of the whole process. Now what!?! Here are a few ideas:
1 – Don’t stop. As frustrating as it is, you’ve got to keep at it. You have to keep networking, keep applying, and keep telling your story. The next job will come and if opportunity knocks while you’re sitting on the couch watching soap operas and feeling sorry for yourself, you’ll miss it. Get off the couch and spend some time every day actively looking for a job.
2 – Broaden your search. If you’re not already doing so, look outside of your logical career path. Think about different careers where you have transferrable skills. If nothing else this will expose you to new network contacts. Look under some different rocks and you may be surprised what you’ll find.
3 – Consider internships or part-time work. Particularly if you are an experienced professional, think about offering yourself to a small company on a pro bono or inexpensive contract basis. You won’t earn enough to threaten your unemployment, you’ll get to stay active in your field, you’ll make some new contacts, and you’ll have a great story to tell on your next interview.
4 – Take a part-time entry level job. Look for an entry level job in retail or food service. Sign up with some temp agencies. Sure, you may be working below your skill level, but you’ll be working. In addition to getting a paycheck (however small) you’ll get your confidence back.
5 – Do some volunteer work. Spend some time working at a local soup kitchen, or animal shelter, or thrift shop, or reading to children, or where ever your passion is. Again, this will get you out of the house, doing positive things and you’ll meet people who might be able to help you. If you find joy in serving others you’ll never have a better opportunity to do so, than when you’re unemployed.
The adage still holds true, you have to plan the work and then work the plan. Keep at it, keep your attitude positive and your energy high. You will find another job. Believe.
On Being Overqualified …
Posted: January 5, 2014 Filed under: Job Search | Tags: Job Search, Overqualified, Resume 1 CommentHas anyone ever told you that you were “overqualified”? Have you used that phrase to eliminate a job applicant? What does overqualified really mean?
I see both sides of the “overqualified” debate. The basic premise is that if you have a candidate with significantly more experience than is required by the position that you are recruiting for, that candidate will not be happy in the job and will leave as soon as she finds a job more closely aligned with her experience. Then you are forced to start the recruiting process all over again. While I understand that argument, I’m not sure it is always holds water.
But how does this apply to the job seeker? When you are trying to find a job and you are the one that is overqualified, what do you do?
Well, you could dumb down your resume, scale back your accomplishments and leave off some of your earlier jobs to that your age and/or experience does not jump off the page. You could understate your salary requirements in the hope of negotiating the salary up after they’ve fallen in love with you. But those things aren’t really my style.
First you need to be honest with yourself. Is this a job you really want? Are you willing to take that big of step back in your career progression? Can you afford to live on that salary? If you can’t say yes to these questions don’t apply for the job. You won’t feel good about it and you’ll be wasting everyone’s time.
Next, look hard at the job and the company. I’m a big fan of being ‘open-kimono’ – what you see is what you get. Are there advantages to this smaller job? Will you be able to work fewer hours and get your work/life balance back in balance? Will this job be less stressful and maybe healthier? Does this company offer better or different benefits that may offset some reduction in salary? Are you attracted to the mission/vision of the company – would you feel good working there?
If you can answer yes to these questions, go for it with your kimono open. Tell the hiring manager the truth – that you probably do have more experience than they are looking for – but it is a win-win situation. They will get a worker that does not need as much training and who brings extra skills to the table. You will get a job that answers the questions we just talked about.
If you can all look objectively at the situation and be honest with yourself, being overqualified can be a blessing.
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