Interviewing
BACK to BASICS
Many job hunters today get scared and forget to do the basics.
They forget to smile. They forget to dress for success. They forget to confirm their appointment. They forget to allow enough time to arrive at an interview early. They forget to sign in upon arrival and ask where the bathroom is so that they can check their appearance. They forget to do research about the company and the person they are visiting. They forget to review their notes about the company and the job they are considering.
Organizing Your Job Search
Disorganized and undisciplined people can be successful, but our chances of finding work increase dramatically when we use systems to organize our job search.
The current uproar that Amy Chua and her opinions about disciplined Chinese mothers have caused illustrates my point perfectly. Too many people today believe that the world owes them a job and a living. It doesn't. And we all need meaningful work to be happy and productive human beings.
NEVER Give Up!
There is always a job - for someone who wants to work. With the loss of over 8 million jobs in our economy over the last two years, there are almost 16 job applicants for every job opening today. Don't be discouraged. Use that information to manage your expectations and to plan the exact work you need to do.
BE HELPFUL
I saw an interesting exchange on a crowded subway train yesterday that taught me a lesson. A large man was blocking one-half of the subway door on the D Train and didn't move to let people out or in at the West 4th Street station. The gentleman entering the train behind me said said to him as he passed, "Excuse me, sir, you're blocking the doorway - but then you already know that, don't you?"
Whew! Easy On The Cologne Fella
Yesterday on my way to the office a man got onto the subway with us and his cologne was so overpowering that it made my eyes sting. He seemed oblivious to the fact that several of us near him stopped what we were doing and looked at him, wrinkled our noses, and glanced around to see if anyone else noticed. Yet the man pulled out his paper and happily went about his business, unaware of the reaction he was causing.
