Here’s a fresh batch of questions that I’ve received from readers and I wanted to share them with you.
Q: I consistently have great ideas, share them with my colleagues and no one shows any interest. Next thing I know, my manager sends out a memo praising the creativity of my co-worker and describes my idea! What can I do to start getting credit?
A: You can have great ideas, fresh perspectives, and problem solving breakthroughs, but if you don’t have the confidence to sell them to the right people you’re minimizing your contributions and maximizing someone else’s.
To get the credit you deserve, present your ideas to decision makers and follow-up on those conversations with memos. That way you can create and maintain a paper trail for your ideas as well as your accomplishments. It comes in handy when you’re preparing for performance reviews, promotions, and yes, interviews.
Q: I’ve just been turned down for a job because, I “don’t have the self-confidence” to work in a highly competitive field. What the interviewer is ignoring is that I’ve been working in this “competitive” field for the last 10 years and no one has ever told me that I’ve lacked confidence! I didn’t say anything about this when I was told I didn’t get the job, but the more I think about it, the angrier I get. My instincts are to call and argue my points. What do you think?
A. I think that you’re sounding competitive, and that’s good. Channel your energy into making a case for another interview. Write a letter that reiterates your strong and competitive track record, and follow up with a call that does the same. In both, request a follow-up meeting. The worst thing that can happen is that they’ll say no. They’ve already eliminated you from the running so you’ve not lost any new ground. The best thing that can happen is that you get another chance to prove yourself. This time show them how competitive you can be!
Q: I’ve landed several interviews, which I understand is pretty good, given that my friends and co-workers haven’t had any. My problem is this: I don’t get calls with offers or calls that tell me that I’m no longer being considered. I’m a “one thing at a time” person and it’s driving me batty to constantly feel as though I’m on hold. Help! How can I get closure when interviewers won’t return my calls?
A: I hear you. I prefer closure too, but this job market is too tight to take a
“one thing at a time” approach. Until you have an offer in hand, keep your options open and keep looking. You can’t get interviewers to call you when they haven’t time or inclination. You can provide them a self-addressed, stamped postcard with one of two boxes to check: “Yes, we’re interested, we’ll be in touch”; or “We’re not interested at this time.”
Q: I’ve been at the same company over 25 years and just got laid off. I’ve never had to interview for a job in my life! I don’t even know where to begin. What do you suggest?
A: Remember the Carpenter’s Rule: Measure twice, cut once. Acting without planning can be expensive, both in time and money. When you’re job planning, identify what you want to do, why you want to do it, and where you can be most effective.
Organize your professional history. You’ve accomplished a great deal in twenty- five years. Qualify and quantify those accomplishments, beginning with the most recent. Highlight what you’ve enjoyed most and are most proud, and eliminate what you’re not interested in repeating. Once you connect your interests to your accomplishments you have the cornerstone of your resume, cover letters, networking conversations and interviews.
Q: I can’t get a job. Is it the economy or is it me?
A: It’s probably some of both. You can’t control the economy. You can control your response to it. Accept the former and work on the latter. Accept advice from those who know, stay focused on what you want, and flexible about how to achieve it.
