Comments on: How To Avoid Two Bad Afflictions In Job Search

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:54:59 +0000

Hi Emily – I think this is a more recent trend and, yes, I do it intentionally at times to grab people’s attention. Going to 4-5 networking events a month, I meet a lot of people who are struggling through their search because they do not have a solid strategy, do not have clear objectives, or do not have the confidence to impress during an interview. So I guess there is a hook there, yes. I’ve often called it a figurative “2×4 to the head”. My hope is to grab their attention, shake them loose of what might be holding them back and lift them up by illustrating the benefits of getting their search pulled together. And I do try to be uplifting in the body of my posts. I have been fairly conscious of this trend and recently created a list of post ideas that are positive or neutral to counter-balance the more challenging ones. I will write them. Maybe one today! I really appreciate your observation – you’ve got me thinking. By the way, I have written lots of positive posts! Here are just a few:
Say “YES” To Everything During Job Search
Job Search Psychology: Keeping Your Head Above Water
The First 5 Minutes. How To Kick-Off A Successful Interview

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:54:00 +0000

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:38:08 +0000

I’d like to make an observation: in every one of your posts, you start off with a fear factor – some example of how job seekers are lacking or how theirs scarcity in the market place – general negativity. I find most job search advice has this common element – is there some reason you chose to use this approach? Is it just the standard format, akin to the hooks we see on the news? Just something to consider: people’s beliefs create their reality. Wouldn’t you be more of a benefit to your readers if your material was not slinging high-impact hooks to fear and instead providing something more positive and uplifting?

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:38:00 +0000

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:43:58 +0000

Ilan – I think there is “hate my job” and “hate the fact that I don’t know what I really want to do” – the second can be worse because it is always with you! I like that idea of the hidden salary . . .

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:43:00 +0000

By: Ilan Justh

Ilan Justh — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:11:04 +0000

I read somewhere (and I wish I could recall the source …) that there are two sets of salaries. There is the one everyone knows about and that is the dollar figure you take home. The other one is the hidden salary and that is job satisfaction. Are you happy with your job … do you come home with a smile on your face, or is it tension, irratability and anger. The bottom line you need to convey is that you STRONGLY believe that there is no value in taking a bigger paycheck or a fancier title if you HATE YOUR JOB! Yes we all know if people who do this but to me I would rather get a samller check and come home happy and not immediately get into an arguement with the spouse. How do you value high blood pressure and an ulcer? Personally I want to see my kids grow up and have grandkids and if that means watching the budget and a smaller “salary” then that is what I bring home literally and figuratively. The thing is you do have to mean it and say it so that the interviewer will believe you.

By: Ilan Justh

Ilan Justh — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:11:00 +0000

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:47:56 +0000

Hi Karina – Thanks for adding your thoughts to the post! I especially like your points about being clear, consistent and authentic!

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:47:00 +0000

Hi Karina – Thanks for adding your thoughts to the post! I especially like your points about being clear, consistent and authentic!

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:46:01 +0000

Hi Robert – Yes, it can be a tricky time to switch. Best to find a way to transition over slowly if at all possible. If you are finding it difficult to get interviews for jobs in your new field, look for opportunities via education, contract work or perhaps an internship (yes, even well into your career you can gain key exposure and experience). You can also do some volunteer work. This way you’ll have something to say and something to share on your cv/resume. Good luck!

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:46:00 +0000

By: Randi Koenig

Randi Koenig — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:39:49 +0000

Christine,
I experienced the same trepidation when I interviewed for a few jobs in the past month. One I didn’t get because they decided on someone else (I didn’t want the job anyway but a recruiter sent me), and the other was an opportunity I found through LinkedIn and the job didn’t turn out to be what I expected, even though after interviewing I know I could have had the job. I told the hiring manager that I didn’t feel the job was a good fit and if I had accepted it I would have kept looking for something else. I was doing us both a favor, by being honest.
The morale of the story is that you are doing yourself a big favor by being honest about your needs and expectations, and anything less than that will only hurt you and the employer in the long run. You are in charge of your career, no one else can do it for you. So no, I don’t think you’re being naive or dishonest. Just getting real, and Kudos to you!
Sincerely,
Randi
http://linkedin/in/rekservicepro

By: Randi Koenig

Randi Koenig — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:39:00 +0000

By: Karina

Karina — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:04:05 +0000

Before attending a networking event, make sure you can answer these two questions for yourself:
1. Who are you anyway? and…
2. Who do you want to be when you grow up?
Having a clear answer to question 1 helps you present a picture about what makes you unique, about what it is that you do that is different than the 99 other candidates in your field. It also will help you clearly communicate what you are passionate about, and will likely make your conversations more memorable. This gives your new contact a tangible take-away message about you.
Question 2 is most certainly not an age thing and is not really about growing up. It is about your next step and what makes your next step the right step. It communicates your personal and professional goals, where you see yourself in the short, mid and long-term. It tells others why you are the perfect candidate for a particular company or position or industry. Answer this and you can move yourself from a “career identity crisis” towards a “career defining opportunity”.
These questions once answered provide you with a platform to deliver your message. And your message will be clear, consistent and authentic. Hearing such a clear, consistent and authentic message gives your new contact the ability to confidently state what makes you who you really are and be able to present you as you would present yourself.

By: Karina

Karina — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:04:00 +0000

By: Robert W

Robert W — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:42:20 +0000

I read this via Linkedin. I must admit I am from the UK where like most places jobs are very limited in my sector. I have been freelance project managment for 6 years now and got to the stage where by I want to try a career change into something outside IT after 30 years. Trouble is I do not know where to start! got an oppertunity to go in with a friend to start another busines but not sure what to do
Robert

By: Robert W

Robert W — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:42:00 +0000

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:00:13 +0000

Hey Adam – Thanks for your note. It is not always the topic that generates the most views, but it is critical for many. It is really something I am passionate about! Look forward to the chance to say hello . . .

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:00:00 +0000