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.
Dr. Hansen writes this column on a biweekly basis. 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.
Dean writes:
Do you have some tips for someone who is ready to make a job change but is
limited as to what he can do while working full-time? Being in close quarters with
other employee's makes it impossible to speak to anyone let alone follow up on
resumes sent out.
Thank you.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
It certainly is a catch-22 isn’t it? Most experts say job-seekers have better
chances of finding a new job if they are currently employed, but how is one
supposed to find the privacy and time to do all the things necessary to finding
a new job while working fulltime?
First, let’s make sure we all know the cardinal rule of job-hunting while working.
Do NOT use your workplace to job-hunt. Do not use their phone system or email;
do not disappear to go on a job interview. Your current employer is paying you to
work, so that’s what you should be doing.
The key, if you can afford it, is having a cell phone -- even if you just invest in one
temporarily while job-searching. You can use the phone to make follow-up phone
calls privately while on breaks from work -- and prospective employers can leave
you messages while you are working.
And once you become a candidate for a new position, you should make it clear to
the hiring manager that you are only available at certain times because of your current
position. Most employers, if they are truly interested in you, will work around your
schedule and conduct job interviews during lunch or before or after normal work hours.
If it is a job you really want, I would consider taking a personal day so that you are
refreshed and clear-headed for the interview.
Finally, remember that no matter what you do, especially in small offices, word may
get out that you are job-hunting. Is it the end of the world? Not necessarily. If rumors
are spreading around the office, it’s best to have something prepared to tell your boss
if/when s/he approaches you.
D.B. writes:
After 5 years in my first management position, I decided it's time to
move on. I sent my resume to apply for a manager position with a
bigger company about 3 weeks ago.
I was immediately asked to come in for an interview with HR. Then, 2 days
later I was asked to come in again to meet with the director who this position
reports to. Then, 2 days later I was asked to come in again; this time to
meet with a technical resource (another manager who would be in the
same level) and the president. Both indicated that they liked my experience,
my technical capabilities and also my personality.
I haven't heard anything for almost 2 weeks! wanted to follow-up but I'm afraid
that it may looks as if I'm desperate to get the job, but if I don't write, I wouldn't
know what went wrong.
Help!
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Yours is a very common situation in job-hunting today. Everything is done at the
employer’s pace, and sometimes you are moving rapidly, as you did with the interviews,
but then something happens, and the employer dramatically slows the pace. And
the job-seeker is left to question what is going on behind the scenes.
There are any number of reasons why an employer changes pacing. An internal
candidate may have come forward. A major client may have canceled a contract.
They may be waiting on another candidate or two to schedule interviews. They may
be considering a hiring freeze. Or perhaps they just want to see how many other
highly qualified candidates are out there by holding the position open longer.
How can you find out what is going on? Repeat this statement after me: Following
up all job leads is a crucial part of job-hunting; it shows interest in the job, NOT desperation.
I would call the director today -- not the HR person -- and tell him/her how interested you
are in the position, how confident you are in making a contribution to the company’s
success, and asking about where they are in the hiring process. Following-up
NEVER hurts your chances unless you are rude about doing it. Following-up is
essential.
Finally, I am a little concerned that you say you only sent thank-you notes to the
HR person. Why? You missed a great opportunity in not sending thank-you notes
to the director, the other manager, and the president!
Devin writes:
Hey, I was just wondering what I can do to get a job. My problem is that I'm flat-out
not getting accepted anywhere, and by now, it's taxing my patience. Part of the
problem is that although I'm smarter than pretty much every single one of my
friends who has a job (which by now is all of them) I don't have some sort of "in" --
no friend of a friend or anything like that to help me out. On top of that, I'm very
personable, usually at the center of any conversation I take part in; however I don't
look very good on paper, since none of my accomplishments are things they give
awards for.
I realize my questions are a little muddled and disorderly but any help you can
provide after you piece together everything I've said would be great.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
It’s important to have confidence when job-hunting, but being over-confident
is a killer.
The first thing you need is a reality check. You would think that seeing all
your friends get jobs would be a humbling experience for you, but instead
you blame circumstances beyond your control, a common complaint made
of twenty-somethings -- where you blame others rather than face the fact
that you might be to blame -- or at least share in it.
The next thing is to take stock of your current network of contacts. Everyone
has a network. Your network consists of your family, friends, neighbors,
professors, and anyone else you know. So, sit down and make a list. I am
confident it will be much bigger than you imagined. And guess what? You
can add to it everyday by simply meeting new people.
As for not looking good on paper… that’s also a copout. Anyone can maximize
their education, experience, and accomplishments and develop a resume that is
attractive to prospective employers. Ask for help from your college’s career
services office.
Finally, if you say you are as personable as you say you are, the keys for you
will be networking -- where you can use your charm to obtain job leads -- and then
interviewing, where you can sell your skills and potential to prospective employers.
Just remember… tone it down.
Q:
Roxanne writes:
I took the workaholics quiz
you have on your QuintCareers.com Website and it said that I was in danger of
overdoing it. Unfortunately, I have a boss who does not believe there is anything
but work and more work. In fact, most of us in the office never even take all our
vacation time for fear of what might happen. So, I guess I want to ask what should
I do? Should I be concerned? Or is my boss right about all of us being a lazy society?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I’m not surprised that your boss does not believe in workaholism; I am,
however, disappointed. Workaholism can be described as when work
becomes the sole reason for a person’s existence above more important
things (such as family and friends). Please note -- this definition is much
more than someone who is a hard-worker.
Being overworked can obviously lead to job burnout and dissatisfaction, but
more importantly, workaholism is not something to take lightly because it
can lead to very serious health and relationship issues.
In my mind, there are two types of workaholics -- the ones who do so of
their own free will and the ones who are forced by circumstances to do so.
And given the changes in the workplace over the last decade -- the massive
layoffs and downsizings, the focus on efficiency -- many workers are working
longer hours, performing the work formerly done by two people.
And as you mention in your office -- and confirmed by national studies -- a healthy
percentage of U.S. workers do not take their full allotment of vacation time, either
because they feel pressure not to do so or because they fear they will not be
seen as loyal to the company.
But vacation plays a critical role in helping maintain a balance between work
and life. Other tips for reducing workaholism: when you do go on vacation,
don’t bring the work with you; start an exercise program (after clearing it with
your doctor), schedule time for family and friends, and find a hobby or volunteer.
And if your work environment is so bad, take some vacation time to plan your
next job or career move.
