—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Talk About the Team
Whether interviewing or happily employed, learn to communicate without using the words “I” and “me.” Talk about the players and the total effort, acknowledging and crediting others. It will become contagious and you’ll get your share of the glory, too.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Strapped for Time on the Job Hunt?
Use services such as resumerabbit.com and jobdrone.com that post your résumé to multiple job sites at once. They can save you hours of data entry.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Forget Easy Tricks, Quick Fixes
There are no success secrets. It’s about experience, performance, maturity, and attitude—rather than techniques, protocol, gimmicks, and magic talismans.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Take Community Action
Look for a community service project sponsored by the employer you’re interested in and offer your skills to it. You will learn about the company culture and make some key contacts.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Post your photo on LinkedIn?
If it’s a solid asset, great, then use it. Please make sure we can see your face clearly, the mug shot was professionally done, and it conveys a “strictly business” demeanor. When in doubt, leave it out.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Radiate Cash-Cow Karma
How do you get a recruiter’s attention? Look like a meal ticket for future search business once he or she installs you in that sleek new corporate role.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Plain Old Hard Work
Perspiration still wins over inspiration. Being a professional doesn’t mean you have to be super-motivated in everything you do. It means playing at the top of your game and performing as if you were inspired.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Come Clean Constructively
Don’t be freaked out by the interview question, “What wrong turns or unfortunate choices have you made in your career?” Ability to answer this confidently demonstrates your capacity for honest self-analysis and introspection.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Stay Positive
Play to your strengths. Don’t focus on what you perceive to be your weaknesses and limitations. It’s a huge waste of energy.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
About Cover Letters
Think haiku. Didn’t you hear the whole world has ADD? Since attention spans max out at about three seconds, mention that your résumé is attached and say goodbye.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
How do you get a recruiter’s attention?
It’s a distinctly unglamorous method but oh-so-reliable. Do memorable work in your industry or profession and we will find you despite your employer’s best efforts to conceal your brilliance from the rest of the world.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Second-Place Blues?
If you were runner-up for a position that was exactly in your sweet spot, you have nothing to lose by calling the hiring manager 90 days later and asking how that new hotshot is working out. You may be surprised to learn that she wishes she had gone with you after all. Stranger things have happened.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Tell Your Boss the Truth
Here’s an opportunity for an up-and-comer who doesn’t have the universe to lose: Earn your boss’s trust by saying the hard thing, the thing nobody else has the insight or courage to say.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
While preparing a résumé or interviewing, resist the urge to tell me you’re a “highly motivated, results-driven, visionary, world-class entrepreneur.” May I decide that for myself, after I’ve had time to consider your many accomplishments?
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Pull Off a Feat