Getting your player ready...
Dear J.T. & DALE: I am a young college graduate who just got offered her first full-time job with benefits. The problem is, I just can’t get excited about the job; it’s not where I see my career going. What should I do? – Vanessa
J.T.: The answer may depend on your current financial situation. If you’re in dire need of a job, this might be the right short-term solution. Keep in mind, the average job tenure for people in their 20s these days is less than two years, embodying the statement, “Every job is temporary.”
DALE: One of the problems with being a well-schooled person is that you come to believe there is a right answer, probably in the back of the book. However, when it comes to careers, the Great Teacher is trial-and-error. So, if you’re forced to take a good but uninspiring job, don’t despair – you’ll learn a lot about what you like and dislike, while developing the ability to spot the next place to try (and maybe error).
J.T.: Agreed. On the other hand, if you are in a position to turn down this job and wait for something more in alignment with your career goals, the relevant question is, “What do you want to do?” We know that isn’t easy to answer. If you turn down the job, be sure you have a game plan for a job search that will get you offers you can be excited about.
DALE: Perhaps you have a passion. If you’re lucky, it’s one that intersects with the desirable and accessible part of the economy. If so, you definitely should seek out those jobs. If none is available, here’s your fallback: Get a job where you work with people in the position you really want. Insights, connections, professional argot: These will be invaluable as you continue to pursue your dream. However, whatever the job, go in with an open mind. We’re told, “follow your passion.” Good advice. If you’re passionate, you’ll be more successful – you’ll bring more energy, work more and be more likely to socialize with others in the profession. So, passion is great. But never forget that dreams and passions come and go. In fact, the best way to kill a passion is to work at it 60 hours a week for a few years. The Great Teacher is always in her classroom.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I have an accounting degree, and after college quickly worked my way up to assistant controller. I took time off to raise kids, and then, preparing to return to work, I interviewed a childcare center for my youngest, and ended up taking a job at the school and became assistant director. Now, trying to get back into accounting, I haven’t had much response to my applications, and I am wondering whether my résumé is up to par. – Caroline
J.T.: Looking at your résumé, I don’t believe that it’s your problem.
DALE: Half the questions we get could be answered with, “The problem is NOT your résumé.”
J.T.: True. Although we do see some lousy ones. DALE: Sure, there are dimwits who don’t bother to get a book on résumés or use online templates, but for most thinking people, the résumé is just fine.
J.T.: In this case, I think the problem is in the application process. The applicant tracking systems that companies use digitally scan your résumé and look for keywords. If you don’t have the right language, you get screened out. You can try to “game the system” by optimizing language, but honestly, you need to connect with people who can refer you to jobs.
DALE: Start with those in places where you have an advantage. There are plenty of accountants, but not so many with experience in education. That’s your key target for networking.
J.T.: First, create a list of potential employers in your area, then see which of the people you know knows someone at these companies. Remember, you won’t be asking them to get you a job, just an introduction. Instead of having online systems screen you out, you’ll have referrals screening you.
– Workplace consultant and career coach J.T. O’Donnell has coached, trained and mentored employees and managers on a wide variety of career-related subjects since 1994. Her book, “CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to A Satisfying Career” is available at JTODonnell.com. Management guru Dale Dauten has written six books and is an authority on innovation in the workplace. His latest book, “Great Employees Only: How Gifted Bossess Hire & Dehire Their Way to Success” is available at Dauten.com. copyright 2013 King Features.
