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The Incompetent Interviewer

February 13, 2012 in Job Search with 5 Comments

If you’ve been job hunting lately, chances are strong you’ve run into an incompetent interviewer. My experience is that many people responsible for interviewing see it as a necessary evil. It’s not what they want to do so it’s something to get over quickly so they can go back to what it is they do well. Don’t assume you will be meeting with a polished interviewer.

You can help take charge of making the interview enjoyable and productive.  See the interview as a conversation; it’s not an inquisition or interrogation. Keep in mind the Latin root for the word “interview” means “to see about each other.” You need to be able to move the conversation along by asking appropriate questions or making appropriate comments. You are not there just to answer questions. And you can help lead the interview in a positive direction.

People who ask questions appear brighter, more interested, and more knowledgeable.  Read more »

New Job – but now a better offer

September 13, 2011 in Job Search, Just a Job with 44 Comments

Here’s a question from a Podcast listener:

“Dan, I’m a 30 year old web designer, started a new job 5 months ago and am happily employed, making 60K. I like the firm; I like the people and have no problems. Yesterday I was contacted by an agency owner that saw my online portfolio, got excited and wanted to meet. I did go to check out their place and I loved the vibe and the 80K offer! I have been toying with the idea of making the move but I would feel just terrible to tell my current boss that I’m leaving if this to come through. We are in the middle of producing a major, multimillion dollar project. At the same time, I’m very adventurous when it comes to my career. How do I make the switch without coming off as unprofessional / unappreciative / disrespectful?  Thank you for inspiring my soul!”  Read more »

Need a new map for your life?

August 30, 2011 in Job Search with 12 Comments

In his book A Whack on the Side of the Head, Roger von Oech tells a story about a Native American tribal chief.  Whenever the tribe was having difficulty finding new game, the chief would take a dried animal skin, crinkle it repeatedly until deep lines appeared, and then mark it with some places already familiar to the hunters.  Then he would tell the hunting party that this was an ancient map and that the crinkled lines showed the best hunting trails used by their ancestors.  Armed with this new information, the hunting party would set out with confidence and enthusiasm, and surprisingly enough, would always find an abundance of game for the tribe.

The map was nothing but randomly created lines – so why did it unleash new success for the hunters?  I think we can see several reasons:  Read more »

  • It broke the rut of sameness

I'm underemployed and discouraged

August 10, 2011 in Job Search with 2 Comments

Sarah asks:  “Dan, I’ve been underemployed for 10 years. How do I get my confidence back?”

I agree being unemployed is a real bummer.  But before you burn any bridges, make sure you know exactly how marketable you really are.  Don’t just assume that because 10 years have passed you are worth more.

Here’s a checklist that will help you:  Read more »

  1. Bring your resume up to date.  Don’t just show a chronological history.  Rather, highlight unique areas of competence.  Scroll down on this link to check sample resumes
  2.  Check a couple salary sites like Salary.com or JobStar to see what people with your skills are being paid.
  3. Do a professional job search.  Review my Job Search Process.
  4. Get excited about what you are moving TO rather than focusing on what you are moving FROM.  You’ll see confidence, boldness and enthusiasm begin to show up.

What am I doing wrong?

August 4, 2011 in Interviewing, Job Search with 12 Comments

“Dan, I’m 42 years old and in a place of extreme aggravation and frustration. I’ve been trying to get into the healthcare field for years, I received a graduate certificate in managed care in 2006, and I’m currently working on another certificate in health information management. Even with the certification, no doors are opening. I’ve applied for receptionist, administrative assistant, and customer service positions to get my foot in the door, and nothing. I’ve had my resume done over and over because the bulk of my experience is in telecommunications. What am I doing wrong?”

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