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.