Q - I have a counter offer. please help
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Q - Q: Can I negotiate a counter-offer?
A - A: If you are thinking about negotiating a higher offer...
...by playing one off the other, my best advice to you is don't do it.
If you're in a situation where you feel you have no choice, then be
very careful.
The way hiring managers handle counter-offers varies widely.
Ask yourself what are your motives. Do you really prefer their
company, or are you using them to raise the stakes?
Some hiring managers may feel easily threatened and decide
you lack sincerity or will not be reliable and loyal, and will
immediately dismiss you as a candidate.
However, if you really do want to work for them, make this very
clear up front. Then if the company really wants you, they may
match the other offer.
There is nothing wrong in letting them know you have other offers,
but tact is extremely important when you do -- you don't want to
sound boastful, arrogant or heaven forbid, like an ultimatum. |
Q - Q: I was fired from a job – how do I handle this in interviews?
A - A: This can be sticky, and needs be handled with composure.
If you left your last or any company on bad terms, be honest
about it.
Write out various ways to answer this until you have can explain
the situation in a brief, honest and professional manner (no
disparaging comments about the company please!)
Rehearse your answer. You might want to mention (briefly) what
you learned and how you can productively use that knowledge to
go forward in your next position. |
Q - Q: I have two job offers – what should I do?
A - A: I’m sure you’ve heard it a thousand times…
...draw a line down the middle of the paper, list the pros on one
side, and cons on the other (for each job).
Include long term projections as well, not just the thrill of a title or
higher pay. Add up the columns, and you’ll soon see which job is
right for you. |
Q - Q: Is it appropriate to contact a company after an interview?
A - A: If you are working with a recruitment agency, the answer
is a firm no.
Let your recruiter handle all the follow up. If you don’t get the job
and you know there are other openings in the company, have
your recruiter put you forward for any you are interested in. Do not
approach companies directly when a recruiter has introduced
you.
If you are applying directly, without being introduced by a recruiter,
then absolutely do send a thank you note or email to all of the
people you interviewed with.
If you haven’t heard anything after a week, call the hiring decision
maker and ask where they are in the decision process.
Do this only once though, and remember to reaffirm your interest
in the position (or others that may be coming available). |
Q - Q: I quit my last job – How do I handle this in Interviews?
A - A: First off, you do not want to burn your bridges.
So regardless of whether or not you left on bad terms, don’t bash
the company you worked for.
Describe the circumstances, trying to be as neutral as possible,
by explaining the facts... what you expected, what happened, how
you tried to resolve it, etc.
If a previous employment experience still holds an emotional
charge with you, be sure to rehearse your answers to this
question with friends and family: Why did you leave your last
position? until you can respond in a cool, calm and professional
manner. |
Q - Q: I went back to school to get a degree.
What are my chances of getting a job once I get out?
A - A: Lucky you, the market is hot.
A few years out of the workforce to upgrade your education should
put you in very good standing with employers who appreciate and
reward initiative and ambition.
Rehearse answers for these sample interview questions and
you’ll be well ahead of the game:
What in your previous experience made you want to go back
to school?
How did school add to your previous skills?
How will this new degree benefit you in this position? |
Q - Q: How do I know I’m in the right field of work?
A - |
Q - How do I know I’m in the right field of work?
A - Figure out what's important to you -
– is it helping others in need, writing good books or great copy,
being a terrific parent, becoming a guru in your industry or market
niche, giving your clients a level of service they can't get anywhere
else?
When you know you've made the absolute best effort you can in
pursuit of these objectives ... take a minute to feel good about
yourself.
Here are some resources to help you on your way to better
enjoying the job you’ve got, and/or to finding the right path to career nirvana:
The Artist's Way at Work: Riding the Dragon
by Mark Bryan and Julia Cameron
Do What You Are : Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type
by Paul D. Tieger
I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work by Julie Jansen
I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It by Barbara Sher
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2007: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard Nelson Bolles
The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People
by Carol Eikleberry |
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WELCOME TO ASK ABBY