Getting on the A-list at work is ridiculously simple. Take on a miserable-but-important project that nobody wants or where others have failed … and succeed.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Give Yourself a Break
Come down off that ledge. Please remember that what’s happening out there is a reflection of the overall economy. It’s not a commentary on your specific qualifications.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Behave Like an Invested Party
At job interviews, show prospective employers you want to add value to their organizations. Act like you’re already on the payroll.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Hold Your Own at the Interview
The more you want to be taken seriously as a candidate, the more you should forget that you are one. Imagine instead that you’re a consultant and that you’ve just been paid a huge, nonrefundable fee to attend this meeting.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Make It a Bit Personal
Don’t address letters to “Dear Recruiter.” Acknowledge the recipient by name, and he or she might actually remember yours.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
A Few Words About Cover Letters
Cover letters need to be way brief. Think haiku. Didn’t you hear that the whole world now has ADD? Mention that your résumé is attached and say goodbye.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Empathize With the Résumé Reader
Think of whoever reads your résumé as an audience, then manage their eye movements. Did someone tell you those horrid little bullets would make it easier to scan? That’s exactly why you don’t want to use them. Shameless self-promotions, garish buzzwords, and “inventive” graphics are as image-positive as polyester leisure suits.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Be Realistic About Your Trajectory
If you’re a dermatologist in Buffalo who wants to pitch for the Yankees, you’ll need a wicked slider because even the best résumé won’t help. And no, 10 years of accounting experience broken down into core competencies doesn’t qualify you to become the next CFO at Google. Putting fantasy on paper won’t make it come true. Ask yourself honestly, “Can I get there from here?”
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Advance by Achieving. It’s That Simple
Don’t rely on recruiters to package or promote you. Seriously. We are not the answer to your prayers. Most of us never even answer our phones. Do brilliant work in your industry or discipline and we will find you when we have the right opportunity.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Make Your Résumé Just the Facts, Ma’am
Write your résumé the way Jack Webb spoke onDragnet: simple, direct statements in government-style, gray-flannel prose. No embellishing. The number of pages doesn’t matter; substance does. Tell your story and get out of there.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Don’t Jump at the First Offer
Take a lesson from Smokey Robinson and “Shop Around.” Avoid jumping into a job where you think you’ll be miserable. Chances are there’s at least one more option around the corner.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Know That YouWillGet a Job Soon Enough
Understand that despite what you see on the cable networks, we are not living in the End of Days. Yes, it’s miserable out there—worse than most of us have ever seen—but it will be a bad memory sooner than you or CNBC imagines.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Work Swiftly but Patiently
Listening too closely to your inner “job clock” can get you wound way too tight. Yes, time is of the essence—there’s not a minute to waste—but most people underestimate how long it takes to find the right gig. Pace yourself and spare the whip.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Don’t Throw Out the Baby …
Revitalize yourself, but don’t reinvent. Companies need the experience and accomplishments you’ve earned over time. Leave the instant makeovers for people who have something to hide. Leverage what you already have instead of focusing on what you fear you may lack.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Rein in Expectations
Be realistic and set your goals at achievable levels. Naked ambition is a great thing, especially on reality TV, but baby steps may be more effective at the moment. Besides, starting at the top is overrated.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe
Job Hunters, Calm the Heck Down
Bleak as the employment market may seem, the solution is not finding elaborate gimmicks or reaching the perfect pitch of frenzy. Forget the video cover letter, the chocolate-chip cookie résumé, and the Robin Williams interview style.
—Mark Jaffe,Wyatt & Jaffe