Joel's Job Tips #2 and #3

JOEL’S JOB TIP 2 - TRY TO NEVER BE OUT OF A JOB

Why is it easier to get a job when you have a job than when you don’t? Because employers know you’re a worker if you have a job. If you don’t, they may wonder if something is wrong with you. 

Always be working whether you get paid or not.  Get involved in area civic and professional development organizations. By serving on a national board of directors for an engineering association, it garnered me attention and connections all over the world. Even though I never got paid, it helped me uncover numerous opportunities and landed several jobs. It was like a business trampoline. Whenever I fell out of one job, the association of connections allowed me never to fall to the bottom. They propelled me to higher levels of employment. 

Volunteer at your church, area boards, foundations, associations, just get involved. You also can learn some management skills that will prepare you for future supervisor positions. 

So, try to always have a job and you will always rise above your current circumstances. 

JOEL’S JOB TIP 3 - DON’T EVER BE DESPERATE

Despite whatever family or financial crisis you are enduring at home, please keep that separated when negotiating with future employers. 

When I was in my home office, my wife used to listen to me make calls to employers. During the negotiation portion of the interview, she poked her head in the doorway. I saw her fearful face as I came off desperate and begged for the job. This triggered a signal of trouble to the employer and they declined my offer even though I was very qualified. 

When you are job searching, do your best to conduct negotiations somewhere private so you can focus on the job and not your needs.  If you have to do it in your car, make sure you stay positive and focused on the company’s desires, not just yours.