Readers:
Dr. Randall Hansen, a nationally recognized career expert, is the Career Doctor.
Discover more about Dr. Hansen, read about the purpose of this column,
and find previous issues of this column at the home of The Career Doctor.
If you have any college, career, or job-related questions or comments that Dr. Hansen could
provide valuable assistance with, please
feel free to email him at: careerdr@quintcareers.com.
Dr. Hansen writes this column on a biweekly basis.
Darby writes:
I just had an over-the-phone job interview with the Children's Museum this morning.
I felt the interview did not go as well as I would have liked. The interviewer was
rather rigid, and I felt the questions he asked did not probe into my strong points
very well. I have a feeling they may be "using" me to show they are looking for a
candidate "far and wide," when in reality I do know they have people from within
that are applying for the job. I would like to make a trip up to the museum to look
around, and also to prove my sincerity. 1) But am I wasting my time? (It would
be a 6 hour drive each way; I'd have to take off work, etc.)
I am gong to send a "thank you for the interview" email, and 2) what can I do to
emphasize my competency in the area of management at that time? I am pretty
sure the interviewer and I did not get into sync in that matter. (I had just had
another interview with another employer that did not focus as much on
management skills [more about ME] & it was more off-the-cuff. I was offered the
job, but the logistics of relocating there weren't ideal, so I turned it down. I think
I was drawing too much from that interview during the recent children's museum
one.)
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
First, you have to remember that most people are not good interviewers. Add
when interviewing over the phone, the number declines even more. So, don't
sweat it too much. Plus, often times the weaker interviews (in our minds) turn
into something while interviews where we feel like we excelled end up dead-ends.
Do write a thank you letter highlighting all the ways you are perfect for the job.
If you know the qualifications, you could even write a two-column letter, where
the left column lists the qualifications and the right column lists what you offer.
If you do brainstorm even more ideas, send it along as a supplemental sheet --
"Darby's Ideas for the Children's Museum."
I wouldn't jump in my car just yet, but in the thank you letter, you can make
the offer -- and then in a follow-up phone call next week, you can mention your
strong interest in the position and the possibility you may be in the area...and
then judge the reaction. If it sounds insincere, then perhaps they are just going
through the motions with you, but if they sound interested in you stopping by --
and this is a job that really interests you -- then see if you can arrange to
"drop by."
Damage-control is not negative; interviews are just going to be awkward at times...
and there are going to be situations where you feel you need to emphasize your
talents in writing...
Keep at it -- and keep at other opportunities as well.
Read more about thank-you letters in this article published on Quintessential
Careers: FAQs
About Thank You Letters.
Karen writes:
I was offered a job that requires a high school/GED for the job. I put on my
application that I went to high school and graduated. I have A.A.S in computer
science and a GED. I was told that the GED is equivalent to high school
diploma, so I listed it that way. They want to see a high school diploma. I
also got the date wrong of it by a year. I thought it was 87 but it was 88. I
don't want them to think I lied on the application. What should I do?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I recommend making a copy of your GED certificate -- along with your
AAS degree -- and submitting it to the employer. In a cover letter, make
note that you consider, as do many, the GED equivalent to a high school
diploma, and that you mistakingly put the wrong date on the application.
Don't dwell on it. Make it matter-of-fact.
Also in the letter, you should again summarize/highlight the key characteristics
that make you an ideal candidate for the job.
If the employer balks, you did not want to work there anyway. I still can't figure
out why they even want to see a copy of the diploma -- especially from so long
ago. Odd.
Q:
Dan writes:
I am an architect in my late 50's who is finding it exceedingly difficult even with
an exceptional work history to get any response to resumes sent to executive
search firms. This even when (1) it would seem my background would match
perfectly with senior management position requirements advertised, (2) I state
my salary is negotiable, and (3) when asked, I respond that I am open to
relocating if necessary. In a youth-oriented profession such as architecture,
is there a certain approach that should be following in submitting in seeking
a position or in the job hunting process in general?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
As baby boomers continue to get older, I think we will see many changes
in how older job-seekers are viewed -- and we’re already seeing some of
those changes -- but perceptions are slow to change (and vary by industry
and profession).
Are you focusing all your energies on executive recruiters? And if so, why?
Recruiters can be one source of job leads - but should only be one source.
Remember that headhunters work for the employers -- and not job-seekers --
so you need to be just as aggressive in following-up with these recruiters
as you would employers.
Have you been networking? I know long-time readers of my column are
probably tired of me constantly beating the networking drum, but all studies
point to the importance and power of networking when job-hunting. And many
professional organizations also often have career and job postings on their
Websites and at conferences. Investigate all the possibilities.
One of the other things I've discovered about older job-seekers, especially
ones who have been out of job-hunting for many years, is that they are often
weak on job-search techniques and tools. What’s your resume look like? Have
you taken dates off your degrees and limited your list of experience to no more
than 20 years of work? Is your resume centered around accomplishments and
achievements?
Finally, what about the resources of your alma mater? Contact the college where
you received your architecture degree and see how the career services and alumni
offices can help you with your job-search.
Get more help with your resume by reading numerous articles and reviewing samples
in the Resume Resources section of
Quintessential Careers.
Q:
Denise writes:
I've been in high tech sales now for six years. I do enjoy sales and technology,
however I'm honestly looking for a career change -- but just don't know what I'm
wanting to do. It seems as if I'm wanting to do so many things, I can't make up
my mind. My question to you is do you know of any good career change web
sites -- and also some good online learning schools?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Changing careers is a very common occurrence - and many career-changers go through
the very same issues you are dealing with right now. Be prepared for many challenges
and moments of frustration. These steps will help you with your career change:
Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes. Make two lists and focus on careers
that relate to your likes.
Step 2: Researching New Careers. Don’t rush into anything; take the time to
gather information.
Step 3: Transferable Skills. Discover the skills you can take from your sales
career and use in your new career.
Step 4: Training and Education. Determine whether you need more education
or training for your new career.
Step 5: Networking. Establish and grow a new network of contacts in your new
career field.
Step 6: Gaining Experience. Consult, temp, or volunteer to get experience in
your new career.
Step 7: Find a Mentor. Having a trusted person to guide you and be a sounding
board will help greatly.
Step 8: Changing In or Out. Some job-seekers who love their employers are lucky
enough to be able to change careers while staying employed by the same company.
Most, though, end up changing employers when changing careers.
Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics. If your job-hunting skills are not current, take the time to refresh them.
Step 10: Be Flexible. Career-changers face numerous obstacles, so flexibility (in employment
status, job title, salary, etc.) is critical.
You can read all the details of these 10 steps -- along with key resources and tools -- in this article
published on Quintessential Careers: The
10-Step Plan to Career Change -- as well as other resources in the
career change
resources section of Quintessential Careers.
And for all sorts of resources related to distance learning -- including online education providers -
go to the Distance Learning
Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
