How Many Mistakes Can One Career Counselor Make? Count Them!

I was recently looking back at the last position I applied for and realized I made mistakes I would have never have let one of my clients make.  Learn from the following...

The hiring manager asked me for references and salary history.  I know you're supposed to KEEP IT SHORT and talk in ranges!  I got nervous, like most of us do in that situation, and gave more information than I needed to.  When talking about compensation, make sure you are prepared to try a first round where you talk in ranges versus exact numbers.  Remember that the first one who puts a solid number on the table typically is the one who loses the negotiation game.

I hadn't heard from the hiring manager and was getting nervous, so I decided to place a call.  I know you should avoid leaving a message so you can call back without feeling like you're stalking someone.  Yet when I heard her voice on the answering machine, I went right into message mode, kicking myself the whole time.  Thankfully I had notes so I didn't ramble, at least not excessively.  If you feel you want or need to reach out via phone, try at least a few times before you leave a message, thereby keeping some modicum of control in your hands. 

Don't accept or reject a job before it's offered!  If I had a dollar for every time I've said this, I'd be rich.  Yet from the moment I was asked for salary information I started feeling guilty about telling my boss I was taking another job.  I wrote some notes about what I'd say and even held off starting on a small project at work figuring I wouldn't be there to implement it.  While all the buy signs were there, in the end they chose another candidate, so all of that angst was totally unnecessary.

Keeping Control When Using the Phone

When communicating via phone, don't leave a message on your first, second or even third attempt to reach your party.  Try a minimum of three times to get a person on the line before you leave a message.  This way you can still call back rather than getting caught up in the waiting game and you keep some semblance of control in a process that often feels pretty one sided. 

If you don't catch someone during regular work hours, try before 9 or after 5 and be prepared for the person to answer.  I've often dialed fully expecting the answering machine stumbling when a real live person answers the phone.

If you try three times and still can't get through the voicemail response, leave a carefully crafted, short message.  Write it out before you call so you are focused and don't ramble.

I know all of this and yet when I made a call recently I went into message mode the minute I heard that voicemail beep.  It was like Pavlov and his dogs.