Burned any (job) bridges lately?

• You resigned and told them what you really think.
• You were laid off and told them what you really think.
• In a performance appraisal, you spoke what was truly on your mind.
• You told an underling what you really think about his/her performance.
• A problem co-worker got promoted after doing less than you do, and someone asked you what you think about it.

In your answer, you may have burned a few bridges that could have furthered your career, or at least enhanced your professional reputation.

It’s understandable, we’ve all done it, and it remains a mistake.  Describing your job in anything less than positive terms always carries a risk.  Of course, it felt wonderful for a moment or two.  You had carried these negative feelings for quite a while, and you got pushed too far.  Incompetence, unethical practices, prejudice, favoritism, clique-ish behavior, and being ignored can build up internally, and most of us have expressed these feelings to the wrong people, at the wrong time.

Stop! Remember that jobs are hard to come by these days, remember that loyalty just might be rewarded, remember that you may need to be a better self-promoter.  A graceful exit is worth a lot these days.  You don’t need to stay in a negative situation, but it may take some time to find a more comfortable situation.

You need to practice your reaction to the above-cited situation.  How about these possibilities?

• I learned a great deal in this job, and I plan to carry that information with me to the new place.
• I will miss the chance to enhance my skills in customer interaction.
• Yes, I agree that I need to be more accurate in my work, and here’s what I’m doing about it…
• Timely attendance at work is of prime importance, and I have some concern about your record.
• Joe is enthusiastic about his job, and I hope he will be encouraged to continue to grow.

Pollyanna-ish?  Yes, it is.  But you will gain nothing except momentary satisfaction in badmouthing, backstabbing, or whining.  You’ll feel proud to be the person who can put a positive spin on a negative situation, at least on the job.

If you would like some counseling on how to make the best of a bad situation, in particular, how to plan a positive exit strategy, please contact me.  There are steps you can take that will keep you on the occupational high road. Please contact me at www.anneheadley.com or leave a note here.

Part-Time Jobs: The time is now

The role of the part-time job is essential in measuring the progress of economic recovery.  Because businesses lack confidence as well as deep pockets, they may refuse to offer full-time positions even though they may need the help.  Instead, they are posting half-time jobs.

But you’re a full-time worker, and have been so for all your work life.  What’s with this part-time situation?  

I believe you should say yes if there is something compelling or otherwise appropriate about the offer.  What is good about it?

• You’re working again, and some money is better than no money,
• You’re making connections, expanding your network,
• There might be overtime,
• You’ll be there as confidence builds and people start spending again,
• If the company grows, your loyalty and hard work may be rewarded with a full-time position,
• You’re gaining new skills,
• You still have energy for the rest of your life, such as family, education, and community activities.

In a flourishing job market, it’s a good thing to hold out for a great situation.  But no one has used the word flourishing to describe today’s work world in recent memory.  You’ve already held out for a time and nothing has happened.  So go ahead – take that part-time offer.  You just may be very glad you did.

Resumes: Paper or Cyber?

Several people have mentioned that they heard on NPR that paper resumes are gone.  According to an expert, that document on beautiful paper, carefully folded and clipped to its matching cover letter, belongs to the ages.  What’s going on here?

Several trends have contributed to this mostly-accurate observation.

First, the world of IT has been emailing its resumes for some years now.  They exchange credentials and qualifications with the greatest of ease, and were never known for beautiful papers in the first place.  

Second, the volume of resumes in circulation today would crush anyone’s inbox.  Tools exist which can read, sort, scan, and select the best candidates for the job in a matter of seconds.  

Third, there is a matter of security.  Remember anthrax?  One of the first changes in the twenty-first century has been that of increased security in the U.S. mail.  Mail entering a government building must be decontaminated, and no one can tell you how long this process takes.  If one attempted to mail an application or resume, the job would be filled long before your document reached its destination.  

Is there an exception?  Well, I think that if you are applying for a very small, independent business, very hands-on, which focuses on human relations, such as a wedding consulting firm, day care center, senior center, auto repair shop, or retail shop locally based, a paper resume and cover letter will still be acceptable. 

New skills are called for in today’s world of job hunting.  Formatting, effective words, and computer software that transmits accurately can be combined with the highlighting of your skills, accomplishments, and goals which always made for a great resume.  Stay up on resume trends for today and tomorrow – you’ll be glad you did.

Fewer workers + more work = your opportunity to shine

As a career counselor, I hear it  from  burned-out employees: 

They let go three people and now I’ve inherited their jobs as well as mine.  I don’t think I can do it.

Well, that’s true if business goes on as it did.  You did not suddenly become a party of four.

Now is your chance, though, to shine as an innovative, willing, flexible, valuable worker.  It’s time to schedule a meeting with the boss. Your points to make:

• I have a few thoughts about our priorities, as I’m sure you do, too.
• Clients/customers are changing in their habits/needs/questions.
• Although our turn-around time may have to be lengthened, we can improve our overall customer service by …

I hope you get the idea.  Although the characteristics of your job are unique to you, the opportunity exists for all employed people to shine, learn new skills, and expand their horizons in these challenging times.

What is not on the list for your meeting with your supervisor?

• Whining,
• I can’t do this,
• It isn’t fair,
• Why me?
• I’m stressed and I need to get out of here.

What is your immediate goal?  I hope it is to keep your job.  Ask your unemployed friends – it’s a rotten time to be job-hunting.  They would join me in urging you to work harder and smarter at your job, to contribute possible solutions instead of complaints, and emerge from this in a stronger position to move ahead when the recession is over.

If you would like to talk with a career counselor about your situation and how to make the most of it, feel free to contact me by visiting my website at www.anneheadley.com.

An Overlooked Resource for Networking

What was the last school you attended?  How are you still using it?

If it was college, whether for an undergraduate,  graduate degree, or no degree, does that school know where you are?  Are you in touch with your alumni office? Is that office helping you find a better job?

If you are not enlisting their aid, you are not getting a benefit that you or your parents paid for.  A good placement office should be in touch by email or newsletter or other publication with as many graduates or attendees as possible.  And there should be networking opportunities.  If you live in a metropolitan area, there should be a regularly scheduled meeting for alums in that area.

If there is no such thing, someone needs to start one, and that someone might be you.  Contact your college’s alumni relations to find out.  

Embarrassed about your employment situation?  Many people are.  You may feel like an insecure 20-something again, and it need not be that way.  Yes, there are those who will come and flaunt their success to the group.  Some were always like that and always will be.  But you may reconnect with a friend or two, or make a new one.  You will find people eager to share business cards (don’t forget yours).  And you just never know what might happen.  You can always leave if nothing is happening.

Do you have a story about an alumni gathering that might encourage others?  I’d love to see you write it here.

Congratulations, New Graduates: now about that job…

Doesn’t everyone out there know a young person who is just completing some aspect of formal education?  From high school to advanced degrees, our graduates are basking in their accomplishments while experiencing a gnawing sense of anxiety about their next steps.  I have a suggestion.

A brand new volume, just out, may have some information for new graduates on getting a federal job.  Get to your nearest bookstore or library and look at Guide to America’s Federal Jobs by Karol Taylor and Janet Ruck. Federal employment is surging in popularity as its virtues of reliability, good pay, and great benefits shine in today’s tough times.  

In Appendix A, you can find a breakdown of the most popular college majors and some typical federal jobs that use that education.  So if you despair because your kid majored in physical education, don’t worry: he or she might qualify as a program analyst or a recreation specialist.

If you know a new graduate in business with real estate credentials, remind that person about opportunities in housing, building management, and contract specialists.  Who knew?

Of course, there’s more to the process than connecting a major to a job possibility, but this is a great place to begin.  So many people feel overwhelmed, not knowing how to relate to these unique job titles.  

Despair no more!  Graduates, even as we salute your accomplishments, we’d like to welcome you to the world of work as soon as possible.  Get this book and begin your research.

Questions?  Please feel free to contact me at www.anneheadley.com for further assistance.

From Ho-hum to Trendy: government jobs in the recession

I’m surprised and encouraged to hear that federal, state, and municipal jobs are looking more attractive to new college graduates for the first time in many years.  The benefits are obvious:

• a growing workforce instead of a shrinking one, 
• relative job security (more on that later), 
• a predictable, competitive pay scale.

Why did it take people so long to figure it out?  Here are some possibilities:

• the application process is cumbersome beyond belief,
• the “good enough for government work” mentality may still prevail,
• takes too long to get ahead,
• you can’t get anything done,
• they don’t reward visionary thinking.

What is the truth here?  

Yes, the process is awful.  From lengthy applications (phone number of supervisor in your first job many years ago) to those pesky KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities questions designed to either torment you or elicit narrative of your relative accomplishments), filling out a federal application can take hours and hours.  It’s so complicated that a mini-industry has sprung up to coach you through it.  And state applications aren’t much better.  You can submit your packet and then wait and wait and wait. And while you’re waiting, you can read articles about the simplification of the application process.  Um-hum.

But there is an exception to the usual process. Did you know that jobs related to the federal stimulus package are handled differently?  Check out www.opm.gov and follow the link  to recovery jobs.  It is possible to apply for these special positions with a resume and cover letter.  Who knew?  

 What about the role of creativity and ambition in the bureaucracy? Some agencies get it and some don’t.  At least a decade ago, enlightened planners began to see the need to reward creative problem-solvers on the job.  And they have tried to infiltrate the workforce with mixed results.  I think that as the workforce ages and retires, things will move more quickly, more responsively to public demands.  This is a case of “hang in there”.  

What about job security?  The class of 2009 doesn’t want to go through what their elders are experiencing.  It’s traumatic all around.  Yes, government work is more predictable than the private sector.  But it’s not ironclad anymore, and hasn’t been for a long time.  Please never forget to keep up your network, to keep expanding your skills, and to keep broadening your horizons in many ways.  You will be glad you did, because nothing lasts forever in the world of work.

The pay scale is indeed competitive.  According to Karol Taylor, author of the brand-new Guide to America’s Federal Jobs (Jist), the average federal job pays $77,143 per year, versus the private sector job which pays $48,035.  And this is not factoring in the cost of the benefits package, which is substantial.  Note:  this figure does not suggest that you will begin your job earning this amount, but it does give an indication of what upward mobility is possible.  

Read. Pay attention to articles that compare worker satisfaction in different agencies.  Interview people that work in these places.  Send in applications.  And when you get an interview, don’t hesitate to ask about creative ideas, problem-solving opportunities, and the chance to get ahead.  

Once again, welcome, Class of 2009, to the major sources of employment around here.  You’re needed more than ever.

2009 – The Gift within the Recession

To you who have lost your jobs or are in danger of it, to you who are having trouble finding a new position, I’m going to offer a revoltingly cheerful observation: there’s a gift for you in this situation.

Many of you were in trouble in that former job, and you’re the ones I’m speaking to.

• You made a serious mistake or two,
• You irritated some higher-ups,
• You were costing them money,
• You were a misfit for that organization,
• You really wanted something else,
• You stayed too long.

Need I go on?  There is no tactful way to say this: it was long past time for you to move on.  And you didn’t.  So upper management took control and you were “laid off”.  

Where’s the gift?  

I believe that for the rest of your work life, when you say you left the job in the first part of 2009, few will question you further.  With unemployment at painful highs, you have a lot of company.  There will be an assumption (mostly true, of course), that the economy pushed your organization into  having to cut back.  

The tactful answer (completely true) will be that hard times pushed you into doing what you should have done/were planning to do/wanted to do for quite a while.  You can fine-tune your career, move in a direction that is more appropriate for you and that will a chance for you to use your best strengths.  

You just may look back on 2009 as a defining time in your career.  No one welcomes a lay-off, no one enjoys the fearful situation you’re in, but you can not only survive but flourish in whatever direction comes next.

Optimistic?  Yes, I am.  

Idealistic?  Sure, why not?

Confident in the future?  Definitely.  Write to me in a year and tell me what you are doing.  I’d love to hear from you.

Name-Dropping: the online advantage

Who’s talking about you now?  In today’s challenging job market, you might hope that lots of people are.  And you can make that happen.  

No, I’m not referring to gossip  I’m talking about how to position yourself as someone who does interesting things, who pursues new interests, who is a fascinating person.

Yesterday, I found mention of a good friend and colleague in the week-end section of the local newspaper.  Alice is a professional in the field of web analysis, so I might expect to read about her attending a conference or presenting at it, joining an advisory board that moves federal technology into more effective directions (all of which she has done), but no: this time she was written about for attending a hula-hoop class.

Why is this a career move? Well, of course it didn’t start out that way.  She read about it, took a chance, and went.  And loved it. She couldn’t have known that a reporter would show up and interview participants.  

The career part comes in that she has shown herself to be adventurous, fun, and possessing a playful side.  When employers check her out online (and they will), they will find a new balance in the hits.  Who doesn’t want to meet someone who already sounds like a friend?  And how unique! Not many applicants for a job will find such a delightful reputation that precedes them!

What are they saying about you?  

Strive for a balance of professional activities and fun, in that order of course.  You might find employers eager to meet you.  You’re breaking the ice in advance of your meeting.

If you would like to improve your online reputation, or if you have other career concerns, I’d love to meet with you. You can visit my website at www.anneheadley.com for contact information.

Part-time work: still a golden opportunity

How do you feel about part-time jobs?

• it doesn’t pay enough to live on,
• what would I do with the rest of my time?
• too much responsibility for the time I’m putting in,
• I’m not included in workplace decisions.

Or consider these points:

• It’s a foot in the door,
• I have to start somewhere,
  
• I can make myself so essential that they will offer me more work,
• It’s easier to get this job,
• I have more time to job-hunt,
• I have time with my family,
• The hours may be more flexible,
• I can keep going to school.

There is wisdom in both lists, because part-time work has its advantages and disadvantages. Maybe your feelings about it are tied in with your life and its components, such as the age of your children, your financial situation, and your educational reality.

There is something else to consider that is much more driven by our critical economy. As unemployment numbers continue to rise, it is important to remember three things:

1. those numbers from the Labor Department do not include part-time employment.
2. employers, uncertain about their own futures, lack the confidence to offer full-time jobs, but are willing to offer part-time,
3. excellent part-time workers will be in a position to be offered full-time slots when economic growth is more established, probably next year.

So yes, if the position is offered to you, if it provides a chance to earn money and gain some worthwhile experience, take it. Take a chance on your future and say yes to part-time work. You may look back and be glad that you did.