2012 Tips for EVERYONE Contemplating Job-Search — Part III

I've got all the tips you need...

Some obscure tips:

~Second-Place Blues? If you were runner-up for a position that was exactly in your sweet spot, you have nothing to lose by calling the hiring manager 90 days later and asking how that new hotshot is working out. You may be surprised to learn that she wishes she had gone with you after all. Far stranger things have happened.

~When asked anything about your work or management style, tell them you start with a short “to-do” list, I “(1) Let people underestimate my abilities; (2) Vastly exceed their expectations; (3) Get more responsibility and more fulfillment.”

~Insecurities? Defensive? Worried about how you look to others? Cut that crap out! Chill! Don’t take yourself so seriously. If you find it hard t laugh at yourself, it may be that others will wind up doing it for you.

~Let your prospective employer know that, “I learned that co-workers don’t value my input nearly so much as my cooperation. It’s all about how I make the other person feel about him- or herself.”

~Put Real Effort into Cover Letters:  Don’t address letters to “Dear Hiring Manager.” Acknowledge the recipient by name, and he or she might actually remember yours. Generic cover letters are a monster no-no. They demonstrate that you didn’t even have enough interest to research the job or hiring firm.

~Present yourself as if you were a Boy Scout: A Scout Is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Period!

~Remember It’s Not Over Till It’s Over: Write a follow-up note when you don’t get the job. This is so unusual that you’ll stand out, and perhaps the interviewer will know of other opportunities and recommend you. Don’t be afraid to ask that question in the note. This is NOT the “thank you” note following an interview.

~Don’t Toady in the Presence of the Hiring Manager: The key to dealing with people who rule your destiny is this: Never suck up, but remember the conversation is always about their issues, not yours.

~Avoid the ‘Department of Redundancy Department:’ Keep track of your career networking efforts so you never send out duplicate e-mails or notes, as this will be perceived as disorganization or worse, sloppiness.

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