The lessons of that first job…

Think for a moment about your first job.  It affected you for the rest of your life.  It may have been the most tedious thing you ever did, or it might have been a really productive step into adulthood.

In my case, it was both.  I was a summer clerical worker in a small insurance/real estate office in Tampa.  I liked answering the phone, felt important when I handed out messages to people, prepared bills, made coffee.  My role model had been Della Street from the Perry Mason show, and this job, at $1 an hour, made me feel important.

The downside was the tedium of the real estate contract.  I knew how to type, but oh, those maddening little lines on contracts to fill in!  I never got it right the first time, and I loathed that part of the job.  It was an inspiration to go back to college and prepare to do something – anything – other than typing home sale documents.

And what do young people think about it?  I recently talked with 20-year-old Danny Karbeling, who has spent time in the workforce as a camp counselor and as an assistant in a graphics reproduction business.  Danny has learned a few things:

• managing time by prioritizing,
• meeting very nice people, both as colleagues and as customers,
• getting a paycheck, which ends up not going as far he thought it would,
• just doing the job without waiting for a lot of instruction.

If you have the opportunity to be working with a young person, remember these few points and be that encouraging supervisor or colleague.  You might be creating a positive memory that will last a lifetime.

Ask an Intern: What did you do this summer?

If other interns are like Jackie Witkowski, they are going back to college with stories to tell – beyond their expectations.  Jackie is completing a twelve-weeks’ stint at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC, and will be heading back to DePaul University in Chicago.

What did Jackie, a twenty-one year old from St. Louis, actually expect?  Well, she expected that she would do whatever she was asked, that maybe she would get involved in a special project, and generally enjoy her first visit to the nation’s capital.

True, she enjoyed herself.  But her 40-hour work week quickly progressed from all-around helper in the Education Department of the museum to, well, running a few things on her own.  Here’s the short version of how her responsibilities rocketed upward:  the already-small department was depleted by job changers, including the Intern Coordinator and the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Suddenly, instead of assisting the intern coordinator, she was organizing other interns in all the departments for training, sharing, and socializing.
• Instead of assisting the volunteer coordinator in continuing education training,  she was herself  coordinating a special tour at the National Gallery of Art for the museum docents.
• Instead of reporting to coordinators, she suddenly reported directly to the Director of Education.

As one of the weekly volunteer docents at this museum. I noticed Jackie early in the summer.  She introduced herself to one and all, asked to sit at the information desk and began to learn the answers to questions posted by visitors.  She remembered names from week to week.  She kept on smiling as her workload shifted in responsibility.

Jackie’s performance did not go unnoticed.  The chairperson of the Department of Education, Deborah Gaston, describes Jackie as a rock star.  Ms. Gaston, who has seen many interns, says you can tell early in the summer who will be capable of increasing responsibility and ownership of projects.  She cites evidence of the high quality of Jackie’s work:

• She wrote enthusiastically, prolifically, and  professionally for the new blog on the museum’s website (http://womeninthearts.wordpress.com).
• She displayed an excellent work ethic.
• She had a fine grasp of the basics of art history, as shown in her blog postings.
• She asked for help when she needed it.
• She continually showed a fine sense of humor, something needed in an art museum in these tight times.

As Jackie returns to her senior year in college, she reflects on the lessons learned during her internship:

• You need to immerse yourself in your work as soon as you arrive – there is no time to lose.
• You need to meet every single person you can and learn as much as you can about the work of the whole organization.
• You can leave your internship with vastly increased confidence in your own ability.
• There are many career paths that lead to your goal, not just the ones that professors tell you about in the classroom.
• You can stay in touch with your new friends and associates, because you’ll be looking for a job very soon.
• You can plan a return visit as soon as possible because it will keep your network alive.

Ms. Witkowski has set a high standard for interns at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  She is to be congratulated for  recognizing  opportunities and for creating solid accomplishments to carry back to college.  Other interns, please take note!

Time for a Job Change

How do you know when it’s time for a job change?

I am not talking about the obvious – being laid off, being told to start looking.  Those painful situations have the advantage of clarity – you know what you have to do.

For others, the situation is not clear.  I think there is an art to knowing when it is time to take steps.

Signs:

• Your role in staff meetings comes under fire,
• You become identified as a problem when you raise a concern,
• You are not given the tools/authority/assistance/space  you need to do your job.

I know one person whose job included bidding on contracts for continuing education.  He consistently told his superiors that there was increased competition for a major contract, and he needed to come in with a lower cost.  They refused to let him do this.  To no one’s surprise, the contract was awarded to someone else.  I mentioned that yes, it was time to look for another job before people started noticing that this was a highly-paid individual without much to do. The loss of the contract could be blamed on him.  Yes, he started looking, and now has a very responsible job in a major university.

Are you getting an uneasy feeling that nothing is going your way?  I suggest that you take a few steps now:

• Update your resume,
• Set up a few lunch meetings,
• Get on an ad hoc committee to solve an industry-wide problem,
• Get your financial affairs in order for a time of transition.

Yes, tough times make it challenging even to consider leaving a job with a steady salary.  Take the time you need. You will feel better knowing that you are moving in a direction of more respect, more opportunity for success and recognition, more real satisfaction.

If you would like to share some signs that it is time to look for another job, I invite you to post a comment.  This will be of help to other readers.

The Joy of Being Quoted

It’s a professional milestone to be interviewed on a topic one holds dear, and that honor has just happened to me.  Kenya McCullum, a writer on topics in the career field (among others) interviewed me on the topic of the last day on the job: dos and don’ts.  I was happy to share my thoughts because I have plenty of them on the topic.  I’m researching and writing on the subject of how to leave a job, so have a few things to say based on stories I’ve heard.

What does it take to become an expert?  Information, of course, lots of it.  You need people to tell you stories, you need communication to others that you are researching the topic and you need to be willing to talk about it.  Ultimately, you need  recognition. Someone needs to know of your passion, research, sources, and all-around interest in the topic. And in my case, that someone is Maureen Anderson, founder of The Career Clinic. Maureen, a champion networker herself, is generous in sharing names and ideas when possible.  Maureen connected me to an inquiry from Kenya McCullum, and I became one of her sources in a recent article on what to do and not do on the last day of your job.

Read the article!  She connects some valid points made by all kinds of career specialists to the recent resignation of Sarah Palin, herself a controversial figure.  Despite Palin’s polarizing reputation, there is a uniformity of advice from all of McCullum’s sources.  In reading the story, you will find today’s conventional wisdom on behavior for your last day.  You can find it at www.examiner.com/x-13521-SF-Workplace-Communication-Examiner~y2009m7d25-10-things-Sarah-Palin-should-not-do-on-her-last-day-at-work.  Great job, Kenya. I think you enlightened your readers on a topic that all can use at key points on their career paths.

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.

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.

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.

The probationary period ends: now what?

You’re on probation in your new job, and your new boss wants to talk to you. What goes through your mind?

• this is it,
• I really screwed up…
• has the time gone this fast?
• but I haven’t heard a word about my performance,
• should I press for a raise?

Like any performance appraisal, you will know what to expect if you have a good supervisor who communicates and a discerning ear to hear what is being said. In the best situation, you know if you are a good fit or not. You know if people like you and your work or not. You know if people are smiling at you or avoiding eye contact.

But not all jobs are like that. You may not have any idea what to expect if you may have been working hard, trying to fit in, trying not to ask too many pesky questions, learning who the key players are in this organization, but not necessarily tuned in to feedback. And your supervisor might be watching but not saying anything about your performance. If this is your case, no wonder you are nervous and apprehensive!

Approach this interview with some preparation. Assume you are going to stay on, that your efforts have been appreciated, and that there are a few problems. What is preparation?

• A memo highlighting your accomplishments since you began,
• Projects that are underway and their expected completion timelines,
• Questions that you have,
• Acknowledgments of mistakes you’ve made.

The outcome of the meeting is really not in your control. Supervisors and human resource people have made their decision, but I believe that your professional behavior, including the preparation mentioned above, can influence people in the way that your initial job interview won you the position.

Most probation period interviews are positive. In fact, I know of many people whose workplaces completely forgot to hold such meetings. The ultimate compliment!

If yours takes a negative turn, remember that this job may have been a bad fit for you. Remember to remain gracious and to negotiate a reason for leaving that all parties can live with.

If you have an interview story that is still bothering you, or if you have one scheduled in the near future, and would like to speak with a career counselor, please visit my website at www.anneheadley.com for contact information. You do not have to go through this without support.

Good news in troubled times (2)

What does a career counselor consider good news from clients? Any of the following:

1. a new job that’s a better fit for the client,
2. a decision to leave a negative situation and move toward something better,
3. a decision to stay in place and re-arrange priorities,
4. a recognition that one needs to update skills and therefore seek more education or training.

Such a change is happening for Nicki. She has gifts that are barely tapped in her jobs, including a passion for the arts and a knack with foreign languages. In this multicultural society, there is plenty of work for her as a translator, but she has the sense of standing still, despite job changes.

After a bout of depression and after taking a good look at her situation, Nikki has made a decision (thus making me happy for reasons 2 and 4 above). She has decided to stop blaming others for being who they are, and work on changing herself. She is applying to graduate school to become more enmeshed in technological communication.

Slow economic times are good for colleges and universities. It’s a great time to acquire new skills and knowledge for use on the other side of this recession. Nikki will emerge from school with a Master’s Degree, enhanced  confidence, an effective network, and readiness to look for a job in a new career.

Well done, Nikki! You’re making a careful decision, planning your financial life responsibly, and investing in your future.

Commitment to further education is an excellent use of these slow times.

Good news in troubled times (1)

Yesterday, I heard from three clients, each with good news. At least, we think it is good news. Because each reflects a reality of today’s job market, I am going to describe each situation in a separate blog posting, starting with this one.

Marie is an architect. She lost her job in a private sector firm a few months ago. Marie had changed jobs before, and it never took very long to get a new one.. She said the technique of getting a new position was the same: you get in touch with former employers, you have lunch with a few people, and before you know it, usually within a few weeks, you hear about a new opportunity, for which your colleagues are happy to recommend you. Business was good and unending.

She did the same she had done before, got in touch with her connections. Now nothing seemed to happen. So she put herself on Craigslist.

Marie was contacted by a firm which was looking for an architect for federal projects. She pursued the lead and went on an interview. The agency loved the fact that she was free effectively immediately. It was also a plus that Marie was willing to accept a temporary job. Yes, temporary. The job should last a few months.

Marie’s attitude was good, she treated this temporary job as an important goal, and pursued it in a professional manner, taking a portfolio, providing references, not complaining about the temporary nature. And the job is hers.

A perfect solution? No, far from it. But Marie’s story reflects two significant elements of this recession: in hard times, there are temporary opportunities and there are successful contracting firms.

Jobs like Marie’s new one are not accurately represented in labor market statistics. I hope that all job-seekers will be creative enough to see the opportunities in temporary and contract work. The new employer may love you enough to keep you on when their budgets allow it. And meanwhile, you have a new position to add to your resume.

Temporary work: still an effective gateway to solid employment.

Contract work: still the most flexible way to get in the door.