Tag: Change Jobs

Looking For a Job

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There are many ways to look for a job.  Networking, online posting sites, newspapers, temporary employment services, outplacement firms, private employment agencies, and state employment agencies are just a few.

In a tough job market, don’t stick with only one avenue.  Use every source you can think of.  The only exception would be if you are working and your search is confidential.  In this case, you will have to be careful not to answer blind ads in the paper, because your boss might have submitted them.  Some bosses are so sneaky; they will run an ad or post a job online that might appeal to you just to see if you are looking for a new job.  When your search is confidential, it is best to contact a reputable employment service; one that has been referred by people you trust.  Make sure the employment service knows your search is confidential.  Print “Confidential Resume of ….” at the top of your resume and also mention the confidentiality of your search in your cover letter.  If you live in Oklahoma, Jacobi Kelley Personnel has an office in OKC and in Tulsa.  Their website is www.jacobikelley.com.

If your search is not confidential, you can take advantage of every possible method of finding your new job.  Be sure to explore all your options.

Leaving a Bad Situation

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Dear Jean,

Recently, I had a job where the bosses didn’t talk properly to me.  I just walked out and quit.  I was pretty upset.  I know that is not the best way to handle things, so how would you handle the situation?

Reply:

Rude is one thing and abusive is another.  A lot of people are just rather short and it can be perceived as rudeness.  A rude boss is not a reason to quit unless he or she is always rude.  Even then, don’t walk out.  Give notice.

Not giving notice will become part of your job history.  Make sure the next time you want to walk off a job, you know the difference between rude and abusive.  If your boss is rude, give a two-week notice.

Abusiveness is another issue altogether.  If your boss is touching you, swearing at you, throwing things or screaming uncontrollably, leave.  No notice required here.

If you would like to receive weekly job tips, visit my home page and sign up for “Receive Jean’s Emails.”

Move on Down the Road

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Dear Jean,

What are the signs and symptoms when it’s time to move on to another position, or even another company?

Reply:

When you are not getting most of your needs met or when your personal boundaries are being violated.

I have been involved in the “find a job” strategies of more than 20,000 people.  People leave because they are not getting their needs met.  Well over half the time, the problem lies in the relationship between the employee and supervisor.  The comments I hear most are:  “We just don’t communicate,” “I can’t seem to please my boss,” or “The morale around there is the pits.”

Other reasons include:  no way to learn anything new, passed over for promotion more than once, troublemaker in the department, no challenge, new boss with radically different philosophy, too many hours of overtime, and frozen salary.  It is rare, though, for a person to leave because of salary alone.

A word of caution:  Occasionally, career problems are brought on by the person considering the change.  A rule of thumb is if you had the same or a similar problem in your last position, it could be you.  So before you take that “geographical cure,” make an honest appraisal of yourself.  Bounce it off someone who will tell you the truth, and see if there is anything you are doing to make your situation worse.  If so, change your behavior.  If not, update your resume.