Looking out for #1

Quick tip this week but it’s a good one.  I get a lot of calls from people asking me to help them with their job search.  I love it, always fun to help people find new gigs even if it’s not with my current employer (um Google that)......but I worry about something.  I worry that people expect miracles from my advice and for magic job offers to arrive at the end of our conversation.

Um, not likely...

So, here is the tip.  Only you can get your next job.  There is no networking guru or silver bullet that your buddies can shoot and get you a job.  You, and you alone have to find that great gig.  People like me can help, give advice and make connections for you.  But at the end of the day, it’s up to you to look out for #1 and convert those leads into jobs.

Got it?  Great...now get networking and find a great gig

Job Tip of the Week - February 11th 2012

The goal of these weekly tips is to give you quick, short pieces of information you can use in your job search.  Nothing else, short and sweet.  So, with that....

This tip is huge in my book.  Frequently when you get an offer, you negotiate.  Right?  Push back and maybe ask for a few more bucks an hour, more vacation, sign-on bonus...whatever.  The point here is when you are negotiating it's important to do it either on the phone or in-person.

No emails, no voice mails...when you're negotiating do it directly with the recruiter, manager or HR person.  Leaving a voice mail or sending an email makes you look like you are avoiding the conversation.  Take a deep breath, have the conversation and get the job.

Got it?  Good luck out there this week.