3/26/09: Top Career Posts this Week
Every week I check dozens of “career” blogs and other online publications, looking for things that will help you find a job, get promoted, develop your skills, and keep everything in perspective and balance. Here’s the pick of the lot for this week. I’m pointing you to items about interview deception, youngsters versus oldsters in the job market, a little help from strangers, researching employers, and the MBA in a downturn.
From Coup d’Oeil: Job Interview Presentation: Sprucing Up or Deception?
“It just got me to thinking, and wondering if Leanne is (a) being dishonest with her prospective employer, albeit in a seemingly benign way, or (b) creative, original, and smart. I’m sure the interviewer would be able to size up pretty quickly whether she’s an airhead or the real deal, but my jury is still out on whether or not the action is duplicitous. I’m choosing to ignore the perception of the two women engaged in the conversation (at least the one making the comment) because it’s possible she just doesn’t get what’s going on. Besides, the general question is more intriguing. The “lie” is obvious — she’s potentially making the attempt at making herself appear more intelligent than she is — not to mention the fact that she doesn’t really wear glasses. What’s original and smart about it may not be readily apparent.”
Wally’s Comment: When is it deception and when is it creative? Here are some twists and turns.
From Kris Dunn writing at Fistful of Talent: Who Ya Got in this Death Match? New College Grad VS The Experienced, Degreed Worker
“The latest from Workforce Recruiting underscores a talent morality play occurring in an interview process near you. It’s the new college grad VS the experienced, degreed worker. They both need the job you have – as they say in betting circles, who ya got?”
Wally’s Comment: Kris Dunn shares his advice as a recruiter for both young and old. Even if you’re in the middle, it’s a good read, too.
From the Wall Street Journal: Strangers Lend a Hand to Job Seekers
“Alarmed by the nation’s rising unemployment rate, many working Americans are going out of their way to help their laid-off counterparts — often complete strangers — secure new positions. They’re sharing job leads, leveraging their networks and making referrals and often putting their own reputations on the line.”
Wally’s Comment: One thing I remember from my parents’ stories of the Depression was how everyone helped each other. This seems similar, only set in the present.
For a bonus, read Nina Simosko’s post on “Paying it Forward.”
From MainStreet: Find the Best Employer
“It’s high time that job seekers have some leverage. After all, we have questions, too. So if you’re hip-deep in a job hunt, look past the job responsibilities, the perks and the pay, and take a long look at the company itself. How much money does it make? How fast do they lay off employees? Any government contracts? (It’s a big plus in this day and age.) How does it treat its employees? Have they ever been sued? If so, how many times, for what reasons, and by whom? Is the company privately funded? By who? Knowing the answers to these questions before you accept a job offer can mean the difference between the corporate fast track and career-induced chaos. Here’s where to start:”
Wally’s Comment: Due diligence is important. Here’s how.
From the Miami Herald: MBA’s appeal grows in a shrinking economy
“Add this number to the many fact and figures being bandied about during this recession: 246,957, the record-high number of GMAT exams administered to aspiring MBA candidates last year. So far this year, numbers of test-takers show the volume looks to be even greater.”
Wally’s Comment: To get an MBA or not? That is the question. And lots of people seem to think the answer is “Yes.”