Ask others what they think you contribute
Ask others what they think you contribute
Q: I don’t know what I’m supposed to be when I grow up. And I’m 40 years old.
A: You can solve that mystery by focusing on what you do best. If you don’t know what that is (because your best is second-nature and you don’t have to think about it), ask the people who know you best and benefit most from your natural talent. They’ll not only describe your abilities, they’ll probably tell you how you can make some money performing them.
Q: I’ve submitted my résumé to more than 100 job openings and haven’t gotten any responses. I think my former employer is sabotaging me. What should I do?
A: Focus on improving your résumé and you’ll improve your response rate. Be sure that your objective states the job you’re looking for; that your job experiences support that objective; and that your accomplishments highlight your abilities. Submit your résumé to positions that match your objective. Include the job description’s key words in both your objective and your résumé. Test your résumé’s effectiveness by asking friends for specific feedback. Ask them what your résumé tells them you’re looking for. If they have the right answer, you’re good to go. If they don’t know or can’t say, you have more work to do.
Q: I think I’m being discriminated against because of my age. I’ve interviewed in dozens of places, usually with employers much younger than I, and I’m not getting any job offers. Is there anything I can do?
A: Be sure you’re coming across as flexible, open, energetic, positive, and technologically and skill savvy. If you aren’t all those things, you could be 20 years old and still not get the job.
Q: I’m going to ask for a raise. That might not sound like a big deal, but I’m asking for it in the middle of a layoff. What’s my reason? My boss has told me that I’m a “key retain” and I will play a big role in the company’s future. In the meantime they’ve asked me to do twice what I was doing for the same salary. What should I say?
A: It’s more about how you ask than what you say. If you sound agitated, look emotional, act like a victim or slump with exhaustion, it’s unlikely you’ll advance your career or get a raise. In fact, you might be encouraged to leave.
If you position your request as a problem to be solved, you might get somewhere. For example: “I appreciate your entrusting additional responsibilities to me during these challenging times for our company. I’d like to discuss some ways to adjust my compensation to better reflect that trust. For example …”
Then offer options that would enable you to feel more appreciated and valued.
Q: I’m interviewing for a job. My last boss didn’t like me and will probably give me a bad reference. How should I handle this?
A: Call your former boss, describe the job you’re interviewing for and ask if he’s willing to be your reference. If he agrees, he’s not likely to give you a bad reference. If he prefers to pass, honor that preference and tell the prospective employer that your former boss prefers that he not be called.
Q: My mom and dad are old school. They stayed with their employers for 30 years. They’re worried about me because I’ve already had five jobs and I’m half their age. How can I get them to stop worrying and recognize that the world has changed?
A: They probably know that the world has changed. They’re worried about your place in it. Let them know that you accept full responsibility for your actions and you appreciate the fine job they’ve done in raising you.
Joyce Richman is a speaker and career coach conducting seminars and workshops throughout the United States, and the author of “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” You can reach her at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com. Watch Richman’s latest career advice Wednesdays at 6:35 a.m. during “The Good Morning Show” on WFMY News 2 at http://www.digtriad.com/business/columnists/career_minute/. You can find this column online by visiting TriadCareers.com and clicking on “News & Tips.”
