So last week I was at yet another workshop, this one called Experience Unlimited – a state-wide “job club” the California EDD has developed to help us get back into the workforce. The service is free and requires a lot of time and a commitment on your part that I am now researching to see if it hinders the collection of unemployment insurance benefits. Although it enhances your job-search it takes time away from that while you’re getting the training, thus immediately removing you from actively looking. My local chapter is branded OPEN – Outstanding Professionals Employment Network. We all know my experiences with the EDD, so before I register I will thoroughly investigate it. For me it has the potential of offering speaking engagements displaying my expertise in the area of career development and demonstrating how to avoid the pitfalls and become more forward thinking and creative with your time as an unemployed. Check out your local chapter if you currently live in this fine State.
Having said that, another reason to attend as many of these as possible is to not only learn about what tools you need to get out of this devastating horror, but to gather additional information from others and share what mistakes we’ve made and how not make those same ones again and hopefully eliminate others in the process. The key here is to be an active listener and draw together as much knowledge as you can concerning issues of what to do and what not to do. Talk to everyone to gain insight into their lives and ensure everyone stays on a positive, productive path.
Don’t Negotiate Yourself Out of An Offer.
This was exactly one of the sad stories I overheard coming from a very bright and eager young woman at this workshop. Actually, she had two scenarios; one appeared to be a blind call to her with an offer and the other was an offer based on a position she initiated. If a Company is courting you, obviously you have some leverage but never get carried away with thoughts of grandeur. If you are the one pursuing the Company, the ball will always be in their court. Whichever side of the net you’re on, heed this warning: never think you or anyone else is invincible over another. Conduct extensive studies into what salary ranges exist for the line of work you are considering. You will never get above and, at best, might have to settle for mid-range or slightly below no matter how good you are – or think you are. Just like dating or marriage, the same occurs while interviewing and negotiating offers. If you think you can change a person because they love you, or if you ask for their hand in everlasting matrimony and you think your betrothed will do anything for you, the offer comes off the table without hesitation or question.
You best know the situation going into it and make yourself aware of salary potential and accept what comes your way or be prepared to be left standing alone at the altar. If you are a believer of prenuptials, you might ask the hiring manager upon acceptance to add a clause into the offer to evaluate your performance in six months and see if you can be considered for a promotion, if available, or a nominal increase in wages with a clear understanding that this is not a mandate. You simply want an opportunity to be seen and heard for whatever it’s worth.
I have often said that we were working too hard; if a Company expected 2 percent growth and you gave them five, more Corporate Jet rides for them. I am of the opinions that, although these are swell statistics and reasons to self-promote, in today’s world give yourself the pat on the back, because nobody else will.
And so as we polish our skills to make us better and more marketable candidates, let us remember not to make desperate moves in haste. I always thought that if I received an offer I could try to get more, but thinking I’d always be assured the original offer is way off the mark. In a herculean effort to maintain your mark and not strike out, continually be conscious of where the ball is and where it’s going and never swing too hard.
Again, my problem is I’ve yet to be in the lineup and get called to the plate…
As always, thanks for surfing my wave!
Why Just Look For A Job? Create One!(TM)
TheUnemployMENTOR – email@theunemploymentor.com
