—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Remember: Worrying Produces Nothing
No matter how legitimate your need to panic—money, health, children—stressing and obsessing will only paralyze you. Has gunning the fear engine ever done anything to relieve the pain?
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Plan What to Ask
Make a list of questions to ask at your job interview. Avoid long-winded ones; get to the point. Ask upbeat questions the interviewer can answer with positive information about the organization.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Can the Holier-Than-Thou Stuff
Don’t be sanctimonious. Hey, what’s the weather like up there on Mt. Olympus? Nobody can stand that crap, so just don’t start.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Remember It’s Not Over Till It’s Over
Write a follow-up note when you don’t get the job. This is so unusual that you’ll stand out, and perhaps the interviewer will know of other opportunities and recommend you. Don’t be afraid to ask that question in the note.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Quit Groveling
Consider giving up manipulation entirely. Flattery, appeasement, and old-fashioned boot-licking are especially poisonous to a relationship, even if your manager is a modern-day Caligula.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Keep It Rosy During Job Interviews
Maintain a positive, upbeat attitude. Everyone wants to be around a winner. Never criticize your current or former manager or employer.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Enough with the Anxiety
When you worry, you’re just recycling the past. This is now. Extricate yourself and do something useful.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself
One small negative step can sink a job search. Never ask about telecommuting, job sharing, whether or not relocation is necessary, what sort of car will be part of the package, or whether this a cubicle or windowed-office position.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Don’t Toady in the Presence of a Giant
The key to dealing with larger-than-life people who rule your destiny is this: Never suck up, but remember the conversation is always about their issues, not yours.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Avoid the ‘Department of Redundancy Department’
Keep track of your career networking efforts so you never send out duplicate e-mails or notes, as this will be perceived as disorganization or worse, sloppiness.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Win Via Discretion
Assume that people never keep anything you tell them in confidence. Gain mastery over this secret weapon, and you will become powerful beyond your wildest dreams.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Let Job Sites Work for You
Use major job search agents, such as www.theladders.com or www.execunet.com, where you sign up and receive job listings by e-mail. You’ll get to more jobs, more recruiters, and more opportunities.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Rise in the Wee Hours
Every successful person since the advent of opposable thumbs has risen at the crack of dawn. Set your alarm and get moving.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Feeling out of the Loop?
Contact former professors with whom you had particularly good bonds. Odds are they can advise you on how to get current in a changing job market.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Make Them Feel Important
Please remember that headhunters, like lecherous old men, need a little love, too. (Occasionally it’s an overlapping demographic.) When a recruiter calls, say the magic words: “Hold on a second. I have to close my door.”
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Get with the Gratitude
Thank-you notes are a must. E-mail is fine, but be specific as to what excited you about the opportunity, how you can hit the ground running, and what impact you can make immediately.