These come from real life happening in the world of job seekers.
1.}You are applying for a position in organization ABC, gathering data from
networking resources (yes); informational interviewing with contacts
in organization and field (yes); emailing CEO for advice on where this role is
leading with super-friendly, gushing, non-professional email (on my no!).
2.}Finding out about a job posting and deferring applying until you are
100% ready, or because you have all this stuff to do...(no!).
3.}Randomly sending resumes for every open position within
an organization (No! this shows lack of focus and hints at desperation.
4.} Believing that networking and stalking are basically the same thing :-)
(wrong...one is a great job search tool and the other leads to
restraining orders). Show initiative and eagerness for the job without calling or emailing every 72 hours. Be respectful and persistent.
5.} Sending the same resume to all the jobs you apply for.Do the
positions all have the same title? Then why would the same resume work? I interviewed someone once who clearly had a cover letter that was not supported by the resume. The cover letter was accurate but she had not taken the time to update and target her resume for the role. It was a clear disconnect and showed lack of attention to detail and enthusiasm for the position.
6.} Informational interviews are job searches in disguise...not! This is the fastest way to ruin your chances and the chances of those who come
after you...very bad form and ethically a huge no-no.
7.} Sending 100 resumes out to postings on Craig's list constitutes a job
search...wrong! You must actually leave the room to be doing a job
search. Statistics indicate that 80% of jobs are found through networking while roughly 20% of job searchers ever use this route.This means, 80% of people are
searching jobs online, where 20% of the jobs are posted while only 20% are networking into 80% of the open positions; you do the math!
8.} Networking is nepotism...only if you are jealous of great
networkers. Most people who succeed with networking have spent hours
building and feeding their professional network, they find a job lead
and follow it, it is usually the 3rd level of contacts that pays off
for them. Networking in it's true sense is not finding a job at your uncle Bernie's CPA firm...it is instead, building relationships that are professionally reciprocal
moving forward.
9.} I have a degree from XXX so I deserve $$$ for my first job and I expect to live like my parents do now. Question: Have you actually seen a photo of your
parent's first apartment? You must and will pay your dues it is time to grow up
and accept it. You will be a better person for the struggles (and you
will remember these times always). Be brave, give up the feeling of
being entitled...no one is.
10.} Someone got a better break than me because they are...fill in the
blank. Well, maybe they did, or maybe they were actually more
qualified. Do not waste your time on why, pick yourself up, move
forward, find your support system and earn the professional respect.
11.} Some of your bosses will suck, some with inspire, some with be absent
minded, some will be micro-managers, some will claim your work as
theirs (take it back), some will be stingy, some will be absent, some
will not see your talent; learn form them how to be a great boss and how not
to be a jerk.
12.} Don't bring soup, your best friend or your mom to your job
interview.
13.} Never lie or misspell on your resume.
14.} Be who you are in your interview, makes it easier to remember who you
are on the first day of work.
15.} Do not buy your new suit the day before the interview.
16.} Personal scents should never announce your arrival or be the reason
you are remembered several hours after you have left the building.
17.} If you can hear your earrings when you walk...they are not meant for
an interview.
18.} Shaking hands is an art form: do not try to steal the jewelry, grasping
a discreet Kleenex can solve the sweaty hand thing, the limp fish I do
not rally want to touch you hand shake is frankly creepy and holding
on longer than 3 seconds is into that uncomfortable zone. Please look someone in the eye when you shake hands.
19.} Never apologize for who you are. Your life has brought you to this day (both good and bad). Do you really want to work for someone who makes you feel like less than you are, or can be?
20.} In short, life is funny, sometimes crappy, and often beautiful...enjoy
the ride, laugh at yourself and giggle at the total absurdity of what
we count as success. Be comfortable with ambiguity, the best answer is often "it depends".
oh yeah, have a blast...
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