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Posts: 31

  1. Be Rich

    29.Aug.08, 09:00 EDT
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    What a cool pair of speakers. Wireless, no less and the price was right. I could easily afford them and was all set to order but stopped for a second, closed my browser window and chuckled. I had a perfectly good pair of speakers already — several, in fact. Boy, these were nice; got great reviews and the price was about half of what they were going for everywhere else.

    So why didn’t I buy them?

    Simple. This is how I save money.


    I’ll explain.


    I like to eat in nice restaurants. Oh, I have no problem with drive-through burgers and fries, but I’m a bit of a gourmand. (That’s like being a gourmet, except I don’t eat with my pinkies in the air. Just kidding!)


    Most days, I either tote a sandwich to work and dine al desko, or nuke some leftovers (though I bet my leftovers are better than yours. Ha!) But once or twice a week, I go out and have a really nice lunch; usually not super-expensive, but… nice. I get to do this because I don’t do it the rest of the week.

    And that’s why I didn’t get those speakers.

    This Savings Account series is about using resources wisely, being smart and getting the best out of life. Not to be avaricious or acquisitive. Not for materialism or greed; quite the opposite, in fact. If you do the things I write about, then money, work, finance and other material issues won’t be at the center of your life. That’s how it should be.

    I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to hang with people who do put those things ahead of everything else: The ones who know the price of everything and the value of nothing. That’s not what it’s all about.

    But I’m not a big fan of being broke, either. I don’t mind roughing it, but only when I choose to.

    Bottom line: If you think twice before spending and only buy the things you need, get the best possible price and terms, you’ll be “rich.”

    But it’s a good idea to save, too.

    And when you’re looking for a job, interviewing for one and starting your gig, if you follow the same prudent principles, chances are you’ll survive and maybe even thrive.

    Looking for a car, a computer, a new home? Same deal. It’s pretty obvious that no matter who the president is a year from now, the economy isn’t likely to improve dramatically for quite some time. Whether you have a business, perform a service, make or market a product or whatever you do to earn money, it’s not going to get any easier.

    We all learn by living and doing, though the strongest lessons often come from mistakes. Nothing wrong with that, but the point is to not make the same mistakes a second time.

    Here’s a good example; even the auto companies are admitting that leasing a car is a crappy deal. When your lease ends, don’t renew it or sign another one. I’m no genius, but I figured that one out a while back, and I not only don’t have a lease, I don’t have a car payment either. If I can do it, so can you.

    But don’t buy a new car. There are other things you shouldn’t buy new, too.

    There are plenty of no-cost or low-cost opportunities for entertainment, too, so you don’t have to spend big bucks to have fun. But if you think twice (or more) and don’t spend, every once in a while, you can spend. That’s the way to do it.

    It’s a paradox but it’s true: if you spend less, you’ll be able to spend more. Check it out.

    Richard Pachter is the     MOLI View's Big Lebowski.

  2. Sharing Expenses

    22.Aug.08, 09:00 EDT
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    If you’re married, in a relationship or just shackin’ up (to use a decidedly archaic term), how do you handle your money?


    It’s an important matter; couples have split up due to conflicts over less important issues. I don’t pretend to have all the answers but I do have some suggestions.


    Assuming it’s not a triad or other complex multi-layered relationship, we’re talkin’ two; a pair; a couple. The easiest solution is to have at least three separate accounts. Each person has their own money, plus a common pool for shared expenses. It’s easier, naturally when both people are working and earning money. But it’s important for each one to have cash for incidentals. The amount depends on how much there is in the first place. More about that later.


    The most important thing is to cover shared expenses: Rent or mortgage payments, utilities (power, water, cable or satellite TV, Internet etc.), but it has to be fair and both parties must agree. If I want all the premium channels and you don’t, if the bucks are tight, we’ll have to compromise. This applies even if the couple is NOT in a relationship — roommates, if you like. If you can figure out an amount for each person to kick in on a monthly or weekly basis, covering all those things, that’s fine. It’s also fair.


    But in romantic or family relationships, usually one person makes more money than the other, so fairness is not so clear-cut. Generally, someone assumes responsibility for getting the bills paid on time. That isn’t always the same one who earns the most money either, so there’s built-in disparity, and potential for conflict!


    The way to deal with it is what businesses call “transparency.” That means that at any time, either person should be able to know where the money is and where it went. It’s easier than ever to achieve this, with online bill paying and such though there still needs to be trust. And responsibility. Major purchases (cars, appliances, furniture etc.) should be discussed and the amount should be roughly agreed upon.


    If there’s interest in actually sitting down and devising a budget, cool, but most of us can’t be bothered. And the truth is, it’s usually not necessary. But for some people, it is, especially if each partner deals with money differently.


    Now, if there’s a lot of money around, then it may not be necessary to watch every penny. But that’s not the case for most people, especially in this highly uncertain economy. Most of us have to be a little frugal and can’t indulge every whim and impulse.


    I’ve written previously about scalability, which involves adjusting your spending according to your income. It’s also important to apply this principle to individual “allowances.” The “fixed” expenses are pretty, well, fixed. Rent (or mortgage) is usually the same from month to month. Utility bills may fluctuate a bit by season; ditto with food but they’re usually in the same ballpark. You may also have other set expenses like insurance and investments. (If you can somehow manage to save money, by all means, do so!) But each individual’s money should cover out-of-pocket, incidental expenses.


    There’s no magic formula; every situation is different. But the important thing is to manage the money so that it works for you and doesn’t become more of a problem than a solution
 or at least, part of the solution. There’s more to life than working and spending, but I’ll let you work that out on your own! Though I can suggest some ways to have fun that won’t drain your funds.


    Next time: Have fun!

  3. Stages

    15.Aug.08, 09:00 EDT
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    Man, it is crazy out there. People who’ve been working forever for companies are getting blown out en mass. I don’t wanna scare anyone but it could get a lot worse. Inflation is the highest it's been in 15 years and when these jokers who’ve been screwing up the country for the last 8 years are out of the White House (and the rest of the executive branch of the federal government), I strongly suspect that we’ll find out that things are even more messed up that we've been told.


    (This isn’t going to be a partisan diatribe, though, since Congress is complicit in this mess.)


    But we all need to deal with change, especially during personal and professional upheaval.


    I’ve been reading The Change Cycle: How People Can Survive and Thrive in Organizational Change. Ann Salerno and Lillie Brock. Berrett-Koehler. 199 pages.


    The authors have given the matter considerable thought and discuss the ways most of us cope with these extreme experiences. Their website offers a number of resources to understand how we, as individuals and as members of a changing society, can cope with these uncertain times.


    What’s most interesting is how they’ve discovered commonalities in the ways most humans deal with times of uncertainty and change, which they highlight here.


    Their stages reminded me of something else. If you’ve ever lost your job, you probably went through a process that mirrored a catastrophic loss and the so-called “Five Stages of Grief.”


    Wikipedia describes it thus:" The KĂŒbler-Ross model describes, in five discrete stages, a process by which people deal with grief and tragedy, especially when diagnosed with a terminal illness. The model was introduced by Elisabeth KĂŒbler-Ross in her 1969 book On Death and Dying. The stages are known as the 'Five Stages of Grief' and apply to any form of catastrophic personal loss (job, income, freedom.)
    1. Denial: 'I feel fine. This can't be happening.'
    2. Anger: 'Why me? It's not fair! NO! NO! How can you accept this!'
    3. Bargaining: 'Just let me live to see my children graduate. I'll do anything, can't you stretch it out? A few more years.'
    4. Depression: 'I'm so sad, why bother with anything? "I'm going to die . . . What's the point?'
    5. Acceptance: 'It's going to be OK. I can't fight it. I may as well prepare for it.'"

    At work, there are things that you can do to try to stay off the layoff list, but the decision is often beyond any individual control. And there are also ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones so that you can cope with an uncertain situation. But it’s also important to remember that we are all creatures of emotion and sometimes it’s necessary to go through the bad stuff to get back to the good stuff.


    Next time: Good stuff!

    Richard Pachter is the MOLI View's Iron Chef.

  4. Bulletproof Your Job

    08.Aug.08, 09:00 EDT
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    I'm reading Bulletproof Your Job by Stephen Viscusi, and it fits right in with what we've been discussing here, how to deal with a new job.

    It's a pretty good book for the most part. The author is an executive recruiter and generally knows his stuff. I was a little put off by a TV appearance where he advocated cheating and unethical behavior, but that's not a part of this book, so I guess we'll let hm slide.

    Viscusi offers four simple principles: Be visible. Be easy. Be useful. Be ready.

    That's good advice for new employees and lifers, too, especially in the current precarious economic climate, where job security is a joke.

    Throughout, Viscusi's admonitions are easy to read. But he states all of his opinions as if they're incontrovertible facts, but some are pure BS, like advocating arriving at work earlier and staying later than your boss ervy day. That's great, but some of us have lives and routinely working late proves nothing and guarantees even less.

     

    But most of the author's rap is pretty solid, and you're free to accept and reject what doesn't make sense to you if you choose to read it.


    Here are some tips from the book:

    1. Set a Goggle alert with your boss's name so you know if he or she ever gets stopped for a DWI or is in the media for anything (do this on your personal e-mail account and always fact check anything you find on the internet!)

    2. Set a Technorati alert for your company and stay in touch with the blog chatter about your company — is it for sale?

    3. Always have a "Viagara handshake" to seal a deal.

    4. Company gossip is gold and can help you bulletproof your job. However, never be known as the company gossip — just let him think he's your BFF.

    5. Bosses are trained to say office politics don't exist in this organization. Only dumb employees believe that.

    6. Mentees-mentors and networking: Create a sleeper cell of friends in your company and industry who will emerge in a time of crisis.

    7. Career coaches are for sissies. If you need a career coach, you don't have a career!

    For further reading, pick up his book, or check out this article on the same subject from earlier this year

    Whether you're a newbie or have been around a while, chances are, your employer is or soon will be going through some changes. Next time, we'll talk about dealing with 'em.

    Richard Pachter is the     MOLI View's Brainiac.

  5. First Day, New Job

    01.Aug.08, 09:04 EDT
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    OK, you got the job. Congrats.

    You have the offer in writing (right?), passed the drug test, reviewed the benefits package, and formally accepted the position. You gave notice at your old gig (if you had one) and got your start date. Now what?

    Depends.

    If you have to start working immediately, get yourself together and go to work.

    If you have a little time, make sure you know how to get to work during rush hour, either by driving or taking public transit if you're lucky enough to live and work where that's an option. You don't want to be late on your first day because you misjudged the commute time or misread the train schedule. Get your oil changed, check the tires etc. Don't let yourself miss any work because your ride is shot! Check out your clothes, too. What were most people wearing when you visited the place? You want to dress nicely but not more formally or casually than most everyone else. You also want to dress appropriately for your position‚ or a little better. The old maxim about dressing for your NEXT job isn't a bad one to follow but don't get too crazy. Use discretion.

    If you haven't done so already, do a little more research on the company and its personnel.

    All righty then. Assuming you have everything together, you're ready to go. Make sure you get a good night's sleep (and are physically ready, too). Get there a little early, which sends an immediate, positive signal.

    Do your job. Ask questions but don't ask too many (you'll know.) Say hello to everyone you encounter if it's a smallish office (under 50 people, but use your judgment). If you don't at say hello, at least smile and nod. Figure out where the restrooms are, where to park, get coffee, where people eat lunch and try to get a feel for the office culture. Find out who's in charge. Be extra nice to secretaries, assistants and other gatekeepers‚ even if you are one.

    Don't spend too much time socializing, though. Do your job and pay attention. In some places, it's sort of traditional for the boss to take the new person out to lunch, but it's not a universal custom, so see what happens. Some places require you to keep track of your time or to go to lunch and take breaks at specific times, so take your cue from your co-workers or ask your manager or someone from HR.

    If you share an office, be a good neighbor. Don't play loud music without earphones, eat smelly food or neglect your hygiene. You already know all that stuff, right?

    The bottom line is that you're there to do a job. You want to make them feel that they made a good decision by hiring you, so don't get into any political situations and keep a fairly low profile, especially in the beginning. If you do what you're supposed to, there'll be plenty of time to get into other stuff.

    Some people, though, screw up. They may have an unrealistic idea about the job or their role, or they may be unqualified. There are a zillion ways to mess up. Here are several.

    After you get adjusted, then what? Tell ya next time.

  6. Be Sharp!

    25.Jul.08, 13:00 EDT
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    While you're looking for your next job, there are some things you should and shouldn't do. First of all, most corporate gigs require drug tests, so govern yourself accordingly. Beyond that, always keep in mind that you need to be prepared —  sometimes with an hour's warning — to show up for a follow-up interview or assignment. I've seen it happen, so stay mentally and physically ready.

    You should also economize as much as possible, as we've discussed earlier, and pay close attention to your personal financial issues. If your savings are limited and paying bills could become a problem, be proactive. Creditors, utility companies and banks should be contacted before payments are due (and unpaid), and definitely prior to late fees kicking in. With the current economy, you might find comfort in the fact that many other people are in similar situations, and companies often have mechanisms for postponing your payments without incurring extra charges or penalties, including derogatory reports to credit-reporting agencies. There are no assurances that all — or any — of your creditors will work with you, of course, but as I always say, it never hurts to ask.

    You may also want to consider accepting a temporary position to tide you over, since unemployment compensation is laughably inadequate, But maybe someone else is supporting you: a spouse, partner, parent or other financially beneficent person. In that case, take the money (but don't run!) A temp positions may be helpful, whether it's bar tending, secretarial or administrative work, security, retail or whatever. You may also consider taking classes to polish your job skills. If you're a copywriter, for example, develop your web tools. If your usual job is a technical one, upgrade your certifications! Not everyone has the luxury of using down-time to add to their qualifications, but if you do, seize the time!

    Naturally, you want to continue networking as we previously discussed, and investigate other opportunities in that realm, too. You might have let some professional or trade organizations escape your scrutiny but now is a great time to dig around for 'em. And see if you can snag coffee, lunch or drinks with someone who might help you get from here to there. It's who you know, right?

    I always recommend going to your local public library, too. Most have kept up with the information explosion, so in addition to being a repository of books, videos and audio recordings, they also can help with just about any type of research, including your job search. Librarians may sometimes seems a little nerdish or geeky but they're invariably super-smart and usually happy to help. Again, no harm in asking!

    I've also blogged extensively about doing your own thing and creating a business. Just check the archives for my extensive postings on the subject here on Moli. Many people continue to have side gigs, freelance jobs or do contract work in addition to their "real" jobs, anyway, so right now may be the best time of all to get started with yours!

    I've also blogged about dealing with job interviews, so next time, we'll go to the next step and get into what you need to know when you get hired and begin your new job!

    Think positive!

  7. Transitioning

    18.Jul.08, 13:00 EDT
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    The first thing you'll need to do is get your head straight. Whether you had the gig for ten days or ten years (or more), it's over. Though there may be a slim chance that you'll be returning — it happens, though only rarely — it's time to prepare for what's next.


    And there will be a “next.” The clichĂ© about one door closing and another opening is true. But unless you’re retiring, going back to school, have a wealthy spouse or partner, a lucrative freelance gig or another job lined up, you’re ready to immediately begin your new gig: getting your next job.


    Of course, you’ve already begun networking (as we discussed last time), updated your resume and have samples of your work ready and maybe even a website to display your stuff. Some people also like to post their resumes online. That’s up to you. I’d rather maintain my privacy and control who sees it.
    I also don’t like to post my resume on job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder for the same reasons. I’ve received solicitations for jobs completely unrelated to my experience and ambitions, but because I appeared professional and at least minimally literate, I got recruited. WTF? No thanks.


    Should you file for unemployment compensation? Maybe. You’ve been paying into it through payroll deductions for as long as you’ve worked but the amount is criminally small and if you have severance pay or income from a freelance gig or a consultancy thing, it’s deducted from the tiny sum you’ll get in employment compensation. Oh, and they also take taxes out. But the same state agency that’s responsible for that may also have a “job center.” It varies but many states, counties and cities offer services ranging from job assessment to training and support, counseling and more. Some have computers, fax machines, resume-writing classes, etc. It you didn’t get any outplacement help from your previous employer, you may want to check this out. Again, not every place offers these services but many do, especially in this crappy economy.


    Did you get a lump sum from your previous employer as severance or payment in lieu of vacation, sick leave etc.? Don’t blow it. Stick it in the bank, preferably in an interest-bearing account. And make sure you keep your health insurance active. Your ex-employer, by law, has to offer a COBRA ,which allows you to continue the same coverage that they previously paid for (along with your contribution, of course). But now, you’ll not only pay your share, but theirs, too, plus 2-5% in administrative fees. Go see an independent insurance agent and discuss your needs with them. You may have a family member who requires special treatment, but you may not, and will be able to save money with limited coverage and high deductibles. The important thing, though, is to make sure that there’s no gap in coverage. If you don’t have insurance and get a new job, the insurer could make you wait longer than usual for their coverage to kick in. Again, be sure to talk to a professional because everyone’s situation is different.


    What else can you do while you’re preparing to find that next great opportunity?


    A few things.


    Like what? Tell you next time!

  8. Network!

    11.Jul.08, 13:00 EDT
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    Last time, we told ya about the signs to look for if you’re in danger of getting laid off, downsized, cut back — or fired. This time, we'll get into one of the most important things to do to overcome that funky situation: Networking.


    The smart thing to do is to dig your well before you get thirsty, so networking ought to be an ongoing thing. But what is networking? The term is thrown around a lot, so let’s define it before we proceed. It’s being in touch with colleagues, business connections and other professional and personal contacts. That’s not such a big deal, is it? But the fact is, many of us operate within a limited sphere, usually confined to friends, family and the people with whom we work. It only makes sense to discover new job opportunities from other people in the biz!


    The good news is that even if you’re somewhat anti-social, e-mail is an easy way to touch base. You don’t have to actually have a human interaction, but can just simulate one instead.


    I’m kidding, of course, but the point is that it’s easy and painless to drop an e-mail to someone you know
 or even someone you don’t know very well — or at all. Politely (and briefly) relate your situation (you got laid off, cut back or whatever) and ask them to keep you in mind. You might also gently inquire about attaching a resume, but don’t do so without asking first!


    Social networking sites are cool. too. Moli certainly offers resources to connect, as does MySpace and Facebook. But the best site for business and professional connections appears to be LinkedIn. It’s free (with paid upgrades, naturally), and has a pretty clean interface. It’s not as customizable as it could be, but that’s a strength, since it forces a certain amount of consistency. You build a profile with your resume and then connect with other members based on common work history, educational experience and other factors. You can also reach out, and accept or reject overtures from others, too, as you wish.


    Of course, human connections are better than virtual ones, so joining professional groups, attending networking events or just picking up the phone and calling everyone you know are all worthwhile.


    If you’re seeking a new job, it’s always wise to network. True, you may not be comfortable announcing your situation to the world, but given the shitty economy and tightening job market, it’s smart to put yourself out there a bit.


    A friend once told me that when you need it, the people you expect to help, don’t, and those that you don’t expect to do anything are the ones who come through. That’s not always the case, but the thing is, you never know.


    Next time, we’ll talk about organizing yourself for your new job: looking for work!

  9. Warning Signs

    27.Jun.08, 13:00 EDT
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    Continuing from last time, here are the signs you might be shown the door, and what to do if and when the axe falls.


    First of all, trust your gut. That’s really just another way to say that you need to pay attention to your perceptions, intuition and instincts. You probably have a good sense of how things appear when they’re “normal,” so you usually can tell when things are a little weird, strained or goofy. Here’s a pretty good list of warning signs.


    A friend told me once that he kept seeing his boss and other managers in meetings with HR people and just KNEW that he was gonna get blown out. He went so far as to check with an HR person he knew, calling her at home over the weekend. She told him that there was nothing going on that she knew of, so he chilled a bit, but the hairs on the back if his neck were still at attention, and he SWORE that something was up. Sure enough, he got cut a few days later.


    Why was he so sure? For one thing, he knew that the company was in transition and he’d had a blowup with the big boss a few months earlier. The issue had been “settled” and everyone made nice, but he was wise enough to know that some wounds don’t heal
 and that some heels wound! He figured that it was just a matter of time and he was right. Here are some things to do to prepare
 just in case.


    If the axe DOES fall, make sure that you get the best deal possible from your soon-to-be former employer.


    Remember, when you're ushered into that little room and handed a piece of paper with your severance terms DON’T SIGN IT. The company, naturally, wants you to, but you will usually have a few days to look it over, so take your time. Bring it home with you and read it carefully, preferably with your spouse or partner.


    You may be in a state of shock, numb or just very angry or sad, so give yourself some time to review it. A while back, I was laid off, but managed to get the company to extend my health benefits a bit, just by asking. You can even negotiate for more money, a later departure date, use of the office or anything else, just by asking. You won’t necessarily get everything you ask for, but if you don’t ask, you’ll never know.


    In the event of a layoff or cutback — when several individuals or A LOT of them are let go — your leverage and ability to negotiate will be limited. The company probably has a set of guidelines they’re following and exceptions are rare, but it still doesn’t hurt to ask.


    Above all, stay cool. Don’t yell, scream, make threats or get violent. Crying is OK; for women, too.


    Seriously, though, in today’s economy, layoffs are par for the course. But as a wise man once said, “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” In other words, always be prepared.


    Next week, we’ll talk a little bit about networking and dealing with the first few days of a layoff. The following week, we’ll resume our job interview/employment discussion. If you’re confused, please don’t be. I’ll lay out both series — with links to each part — next time!


    Richard Pachter is the MOLI View's Exception To The Rule.

  10. Getting Grim?

    20.Jun.08, 13:08 EDT
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    What to do if it looks like you’re outtahere.

    When the Grim Reaper comes to your office, no one is safe, so what can you do about it? Not much, though if you get a hint that a layoff may be coming, there are a few things that you can do to prepare.

    We interrupt our series on job interviews this week and next for another important issue: Getting fired. Or laid off. Cut back. Whatever you call it, it’s no less painful, yet in companies across the country, it’s happening with greater frequency as a result of the increasingly crappy economy.

    No one is immune, but what can you do about it? Not much, though if you get a hint that it could be in the cards for you
 or think there’s a chance, there are a few things that you can do to prepare.

    First of all, watch your expenses. If you were planning to buy a house, a new car or make some other big-ticket purchase, see if you can put it off. Unless you know that you can afford it without the steady income of your job, it could be a big problem, so be careful!

    Prepare your spouse or partner by making them aware of the situation. It’s probably best not to blurt anything out and declare, ”I’M GONNA LOSE MY JOB!!” which may not be true, but lay the groundwork, just in case. Ditto with other family members. Use some discretion; try not to make anyone cry or unnecessarily upset, but communication is important throughout the process.

    Go to the doctor. The dentist. The shrink. Use your insurance while you still have it. Of course, companies are supposed to offer you the opportunity to continue coverage, but you’ll be paying the whole thing out of your pocket — plus. That means if you’ve been paying 30 percent and the company’s been paying 70 percent, you’ll be forking out 100 percent plus a (minimum) 2 percent administration fee. That can get very expensive, so deal with any medical situations sooner rather than later. Ditto with prescriptions. Get ‘em filled NOW.

    Vacations and sick days? Up to you. Many companies will pay you for those days as part of your severance, but some will screw you so watch out!

    Make sure you have copies of your work. This can be dicey. You don’t want to violate any laws or promises you made (especially in writing) regarding company secrets, but you may need samples of your work to get your next job — or to DO your next job, so get copies of your work within the boundaries of your agreement, but keep a low profile. Don’t start printing out reams of paper or e-mailing a zillion attachments to yourself. A large-capacity flash drive — or several— should suffice.

    Should you start looking for another job? Well, it’s always smart to keep your eyes open even if you think you’re secure. Applying for a new gig while you already have one is not a bad thing, but be careful; it’s tough to tell who’s who online and you may be sending an e-mail application to your current employer without knowing it!

    Most of all, whatever you’re doing, be cool. Stay calm. Do your job and don’t attract any negative attention. Often, decisions are made thousands of miles away and the people you work with might have no clue, but keep your eyes open for signs that you MAY be heading for the exit — either on your own or with an escort.

    Next week: the signs, and what to do when you’re blown out.

  11. The Twilight Zone

    13.Jun.08, 13:00 EDT
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    That signpost up ahead... it's The Twilight Zone... the period when you don't know what the hell is going on with your job interview. But let's shed a little light on the subject.


    Before the interview is over, you need to know what's next. Or at least try to find out. Unfortunately, though you might expect the interviewer to be the one driving the train, it ain't always so. Often, the interviewer is a screener, a buffer or a non-player, and they just report to the real decision-maker. From there, it's up to them. Experience has taught me that from this point, you've got about less than a 50-50 chance of ever hearing from them again. Sounds crazy, but there are a zillion reasons for this.


    I once interviewed for a gig and thought it was a done deal. I followed up by phone and e-mail and then started seeing postings for a job above the one I'd pursued and realized that they'd decided to create a new position. I wasn't interested (or qualified) so I dropped it, but I assume that during the internal consultation process, the principals realized that they needed to deal with that need first. I wasn't upset, but a little surprised that they didn't figure this out earlier. I'm sure mine wasn't the only applicant's time they'd wasted.

    But before you walk out the door, ask what's next: Who is the decision-maker? When will they make their decision? Will they be contacting you? If you don't hear from them by the end of the week (or whenever), is it OK if you get back to them? Who should you call? What number (or e-mail address)?

    It's also a good idea to ask — sometime during the interview — if there are other candidates for the position and if they're internal (within the company) or external. You may not get an answer, but surprisingly, you often will. If there are internal candidates, you may also get an indication whether or not they're seriously being considered for the job. Some companies have to post jobs externally, even if they have someone already lined up, but it never hurts to ask. Just be cool about it.

    Following up after the interview is important, though doing so doesn't ensure that they'll follow up with you. Regardless, it's good manners, at the very least, to send a note (by e-mail) thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration. You can also reinforce your value as a candidate by expressing your interest and enthusiasm for the company and the gig. But don't overdo it. And don't send flowers, candy or anything else to the interview — unless you just fell in love and don't care if you get the job or not!

    The next step is the toughest: waiting. You shouldn't bug anyone, so just chill. Or actually, DON'T chill; keep looking for a job. Even if you think you aced the interview and nailed the gig, there's no guarantee that you actually did. Pretend you didn't, in fact, and keep looking.

  12. Questions to ask

    06.Jun.08, 13:00 EDT
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    Last time, we focused a bit on salary. Of course, money is an important part of the interview, but don't let it dominate the discussion.

    It's a good thing to also talk about the job! First of all, you'll want to know what you're expected to do, and second, it's an excellent way to get the conversation away from money and show the interviewer that it's not the only thing you're about — even if it is!

    Asking questions also demonstrates that you're interested in the job, the company and the industry. Even though you haven't been hired (yet), you're engaged. That's good. Just be cool; don't start chattering like a parrot or make it appear that you're overly inquisitive. Things could backfire for you if they think you're some kind of spy or reporter!

    Every job varies, but a good place to start is to ask who you'd be reporting to and working with. You don't necessarily need names, but titles or positions. This is a sneaky way to find out a bunch of things: for example, if there are other people doing the same job that you're interviewing for, they're probably pretty busy
 or else the other guys are leaving. Ask! "Am I replacing anyone?" It's good to know. You might be stepping into a potential political minefield. Try discovering the circumstances of any departures. Did they jump or were they pushed?

    How's business? Is the company in good shape? Have there been any layoffs lately? (It's not unheard of to fill empty positions while eliminating others.) Who's the competition and how are they doing?

    What kind of computer will you be using, Mac or PC? If it makes a difference to you, it would be good to know. It might even be a point of negotiation if they offer you the gig.

    How about the work hours? What time does work start and end? An hour for lunch or a half?

    What about insurance? Don't assume that there are "full" benefits. I know someone who learned — after he accepted a job and began working — that his health insurance covered him but not his wife!

    Before the interview, think about every question you'd like answered and jot 'em down. Some of them may not be very important, but others are, so prioritize a bit, and pick your shots. Don't dominate the conversation either. Try to make it appear as natural as possible, but remember: you're being observed, so make sure that the perception you =create is a good one.

    We'll have more on interviews next time, as well as what to do when they're over, but let's end with a laugh; here are some amusing items people put on their resumes.


    Richard Pachter is the     MOLI View's Martian Manhunter.

  13. Don't Be Nervous

    30.May.08, 13:30 EDT
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    Job interviews can be tense affairs. No one wants to appear desperate or needy, but there are times when we feel that way. Employers want to get a sense of who you are and how you think. If you’re nervous or feel like a dork, you’re not at your best You know it — and it shows. So what can you do about it?


    We’ve already gotten into things like preparation and doing a bit of upfront research about the prospective employer and the position. But it’s well worth repeating because if you have your stuff together and can relax a bit, you’ll do MUCH better. It could even wind up being a pleasurable experience.


    If you’re qualified for the job, understand what’s expected of you and feel prepared, you’re good to go.


    But the one thing that most people worry about is money. “What are they going to offer?” “What should I say if they ask me what I wanna make?”


    A book I recommended previously, Negotiating Your Salary: How To Make $1,000 A Minute by Jack Chapman, says to never be the first one to mention a number. If asked, you can always try to change the subject or say something like, “Well, I have no upper limit,” and then just shut up. Chapman’s point is that the first person who says a number loses, and that if the applicant comes in too high or too low, they risk being eliminated.


    Think about it: if they’ve budgeted $50K for the position and you say you want thirty, they may wonder why they’re bothering with you. If you ask for 100K, you’re gonna blow them away and they’re going to be wrapping things up quickly and usher you out the door.


    So what do you do? Chapman and most others agree that you need to have a number in your head — or maybe several. More about that later, but what if they ask you to provide a salary history or “income requirements?” Ignore ’em. That’s right; just pretend you never heard the question. In fact, to you, it’s irrelevant. You want every possible dime (or the equivalent in benefits or perqs) so why be bound by the past?


    Some job listings may even say that applications won’t be considered without salary histories. I say, screw ‘em, which means you can either ignore the request or address it in your cover letter by saying that you’re not sure if the information is relevant or applicable to the current position and that you’d expect to be fairly compensated. Period. Or, if you dare, you can respond by asking what the position is budgeted for
. which sounds ballsy, but I did it and got a direct answer from a slightly bemused interviewer
 and I also got the job!


    But when you walk into the interview, you should have some idea of what you’re looking for. And if you can’t avoid answering the question, then provide a range: “from the high forties to the mid-fifties” or whatever. But if the interviewer gives YOU a range, ignore the low number. Pretend you never heard it. The high number is what they’re offering you, since you’re so well qualified. Right?

    Next: more

    Richard Pachter is the     MOLI View's Relativistic Bomb.

  14. Cover Letter & Resume

    23.May.08, 13:15 EDT
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    All right. You’re going after a job and you need a resume. But do you really? Not everyone thinks so. Marketing deity and author Seth Godin says that you just need to have a list of your accomplishments. Others say that you must create a compelling online presence, which will supersede a resume and cover letter.

     

    Of course, you ought to make sure that if anyone is checking you out online, your image is stellar.

    But, as we’ve discussed previously, your prospective employer’s Human Resources people, for better or worse, act as gatekeepers and if you don’t have a resume with all the appropriate information, you’re toast.

     

    You’ll also need a cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience match up with the job description, and some knowledge of the company. Here are some good hints for putting a strong cover letter together.

    You can have a “standard” cover letter and customize it for each position, of course; just be sure to double-check it so you don’t accidentally include references to a previously applied job. Obviously, carefully proofread and spell-check it too!

    It’s important to remember that a cover letter shouldn't be a copy of your resume, but a more personal and targeted form of communicationot complement it.

    As for writing your resume, there are plenty of online resources if you’re clueless.

    You probably already have several resume templates on your computer. Microsoft Office, in fact, comes with a number of customizable samples.

    The important thing to remember is that it needs be cleanly formatted, with correct spelling and grammar. It also must be factual. Don’t lie, especially concerning education and honors. You may get away with that kind of stupid BS once or twice, but there've been plenty of instances where the lie follows the person until they’re caught, disgraced and dismissed. It’s not really worth it.

    Use as many action words as possible and focus on your accomplishments, especially those that are quantifiable ("I was responsible for a 30% increase in sales;" "My team exceeded our production goals every quarter for five years;" "I was the Employee of the Month and received the President’s Award twice" etc.)


    If you don’t have accomplishments like those, just detail your responsibilities and the tasks that you performed. Use simple declarative sentences. And verbs — action words, like "achieved," "created," "established," "acquired," "sold," "produced," "built," etc.


    Choose a sans serif font like Arial or Helvetica, since many employers scan applicants’ resumes and if yours contains fancy fonts, it may go unread.


    But sometimes, you can get a little creative. A buddy of mine who’s an advertising designer has a resume that resembles a "wanted" poster. And there’s also a company that sells resume T-shirts.


    But generally, those kind of gimmicks aren’t for everyone.


    Penelope Trunk offers some ideas on editing your resume like a professional. And that’s important, too. Make sure that your resume and cover letter provide an accurate representation of you and what you have to offer a prospective employer.


    Remember, the goal is to get an interview.


    But then what?


    Next: The Interview.

  15. Savings Account: Job Search Closeup

    16.May.08, 13:00 EDT
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    We interrupt the scheduled post on job interviews to respond to a request. A couple of MOLI peeps (you know who you are) asked for info on resumes and more tips on the job-search process, with some specifics on the back and forth between applicant and potential employer.


    My bad. I assumed everyone was up to speed on the resume thing, but we’ll do an update. That will be next week. The week after that, we’ll get into interviews. This time, a few general thoughts on the process.


    It’s not personal. It’s business. Companies advertise positions based on a need, but things change. Sometimes, it’s mysterious process. The point is, you don’t know what’s going to happen, so take a shot. If there’s a job posted to Craigslist, for example that looks interesting, go for it. But don’t waste time pursuing jobs for which you have no shot, or may require specific training, experience or other things you lack.


    Hello? Don’t be surprised if you apply for a gig online and never receive confirmation or other acknowledgement. That’s the way things are these days, but if you do, be sure to respond with a nice note.


    You may also think you aced the interview and scored the gig, then never hear another word. What should you do? Unless you have another job, call the person and ask (politely) for an update. But don’t leave a voice-mail or other message unless you try a zillion times and the person is never in. Then, go ahead and leave a message
 but don’t hold your breath awaiting a response. Ditto with e-mail. After the interview, always send a follow up note, but if a week or so goes by and you haven’t heard anything, send another e-mail. You have nothing to lose, right?


    Network your ass off. Make sure everyone you know is aware that you’re looking for a job and what you’re looking for in particular. Unless you’re embarrassed or need to maintain appearances, get the word out. I’ve learned that people you’d least expect are often the ones that come through, so spread the word.


    Put up a website or blog. If your job involves creative work, make samples available online. But don’t count on it being seen. Some employers — surprisingly — ask for e-mail attachments and won’t look at links. I suspect one reason may be that the initial contact is a Human Resources person who is the gatekeeper and wants hard copies to present the manager responsible for the position.


    And that’s another thing: HR people work for the company, not you. Remember, their job is to ensure that the company complies with all relevant rules and laws. If that helps you, too, great, but it’s not their priority. No disrespect intended to HR people, but their allegiance is to the company. But I’ve dealt with some who are better than others in taking employees’ interests into account, too. (One memorable lady who helped me through a rough patch earned my undying loyalty because of her emphasis on the “human” part of “human resources.”)


    In the area of recruitment, it’s a dual-edged sword. Yeah, finding a great person to hire is HR’s goal, and doing so successfully makes them look good. But during the early stages of the process, they’re screening people out who don’t match the job description. So if the posting specifies three years of experience and you have none, seeya! Ditto with most other requirements, though if you have actually done the job and own a successful track record but lack other things, you just might skate. That’s where the cover letter and resume comes in.


    Next week: The cover letter and resume.

  16. Job Prep

    09.May.08, 13:34 EDT
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    Your primary goal in applying for a job is to secure an interview. Yeah, you may really want the gig and believe that’s the objective, but think about it: the interview is the time to find out if the position is a good fit. It’s also a good way to learn about the company.

    But first, do a little research on your own. “Use the Google,” as someone once said. And make sure you do a Google News search, too, to see if the company has done anything lately that’s worthy of media attention. Use Yahoo and any other search engine you prefer, too, since results often vary. If you like, go to your local public library and ask the reference librarian for help. They often have access to databases and websites unavailable to the general public. If you’re a student, you probably can get on Lexis-Nexis, Hoovers and other business research sites, too.

    The point is, you want to be armed with information; is the company solid? Did they just emerge from bankruptcy? Is the CEO a crook? Is their industry in trouble? Did they just sign up an important new customer? Did they just settle a lawsuit for sexual harassment? Do people hate their product? You may not want to work for a place that sells stuff that’s despised or dangerous, exploits workers or is eco-unfriendly.

    You should also find out how the company is as an employer. Just use appropriate search terms, or look for sites relevant to the industry or profession.

    Speaking of which, you can also add the words “sucks” to the firm’s name, as many companies have engendered enough ill will for angry people to create sites to aggregate the hate!


    Don’t feel funny about doing research, by the way. You can bet that they’re checking you out! And remember, most places require drug tests, so govern yourself accordingly!


    Assuming you’ve done your prep, here are a few other things you need to do: make sure that you’re lookin’ good. It’s better to dress a little more conservatively than usual. You can always dress down later, but if you show up for an office or retail job looking like you’re about to perform agricultural tasks, it’ll be a very brief interview and you probably won’t get the job. Naturally, arrive on time — or a little early. If it’s in an unfamiliar area, make a “dry run” first.


    I won’t insult you by mentioning personal hygiene — a shower,