I agree that it's really important to evaluate the job, the company, the type of work you'll be doing, and your future boss. The one thing I disagree with is that you shouldn't try to get the job at all costs.
As a consultant for the past 13+ years, I try to get every gig that comes my way. I certainly don't take them all (or even get offered all of them), but I do try to get even the gigs I know I don't want from the start. The reason is networking.
Networking is the most important thing you can do when looking for a job. If you make this employer/client want you, that means they really like you. If they offer you the job and you refuse and give them a good reason (like it's not a good match, not enough money, etc), they'll like you even more for being honest with them. Then they'll recommend you to their friends in other companies... or even colleagues in other departments in the same company. Those referrals are gold. When you get referred to someone, you've got an automatic in.
So I say go for all the jobs you can, but keep your eyes open. Make sure the decision is yours to make, not the employer's.
cjof CA2:16PM May 06, 2008
It took over 10 years for me to realize this simple fact...that I am interviewing my next boss! I had gone as far as to wear wigs and clothes that I would never wear to work to an interview. I am so grateful I have been freed from that school of thought.
Thanks for the article and congrats on your gig! Check me out at AskMrsHR.blogspot.com. I'm still a blogging baby.
Mrs. HRof SC2:12PM May 06, 2008
All good points, but sometimes, like in dating, desperation can kick in, and even though you can tell the job might not be perfect, you're afraid the perfect job will never come. You end up with slutty job hunters, going to job interviews to bolster self worth.
Dataceptionist1:22AM May 06, 2008
Your posting is right on target. With the stress of day to day life these days you should not purposely set yourself up to fail. Being "fake" just to get a job isn't worth it - especially in the long run. You don't help yourself or the company - both take at least one step backwards when a new hire goes wrong. The company is hurt financially and the other employees are hurt by the wrong hires bad fit. The new hire is hurt in lost time, lost opportunities that they could have taken, stress and a bad reference and spot on their record. By branding yourself correctly from the beginning you attract the right type of companies and repel the wrong type. Be honest and respect yourself - don't sell yourself short.
Sabrinaof CA7:11PM May 05, 2008
If we could all approach an interview like a date, that would be great, but in the real world the rent gets paid if we're single, but not if we're unemployed. If you are in high demand and expect multiple job offers, well then by all means. But the vast majority of us aren't in that position and have to fight for every job we're lucky enough to get an interview for and should be telling people why they should hire us, not why they shouldn't.
Law Student in DCof DC6:42PM May 05, 2008
Good advice - both in terms of dating and job interviewing. And the combination makes reading about a sometimes boring and tedious subject (job hunting) much more interesting!
Michael X.of DC4:41PM May 05, 2008
The dating metaphor is perfect. Some time ago I interviewed for a well-payed writing job at a medium-sized nonprofit. After multiple interviews I was told that I didn't get the job. Strangely, I felt relieved. I realized that I would have hated and probably been terrible at the position. But all I really just wanted to do was "score"! Good thing I didn't.
Steve Sof DC3:51PM May 05, 2008
This makes for sound advice, whether you're looking for a job or a significant other. If you're not honest with yourself and others, you're not going to end up in a good job or with a good relationship.
Michaelof MD3:03PM May 05, 2008
I'm an MBA student, and too often, the focus is on I MUST GET THE JOB AT ALL COSTS... and then (whether it is internship or full-time recruiting), the former student has attained a job with which he/she is completely dissatisfied.
Additionally, if one views the interview as, "I am going to learn about the company, and they will learn about me," the inteviewee will be considerably less nervous, more conversational -- a win-win! Good post!
Jasonof FL2:52PM May 05, 2008
I agree. Even a bad date serves the purpose of discovering you don't want to go out with the person again. An interview can say a lot about your perspective boss, and can help you weed out a bad fit.
Reader Comments
Back to blog
cj of CA 2:16PM May 06, 2008
Mrs. HR of SC 2:12PM May 06, 2008
Dataceptionist 1:22AM May 06, 2008
Sabrina of CA 7:11PM May 05, 2008
Law Student in DC of DC 6:42PM May 05, 2008
Michael X. of DC 4:41PM May 05, 2008
Steve S of DC 3:51PM May 05, 2008
Michael of MD 3:03PM May 05, 2008
Jason of FL 2:52PM May 05, 2008
Ric Andersen of VA 2:46PM May 05, 2008