The best advice I got about receiving advice is - always always consider any interaction even if it's just "getting advice" as an interview. This concept ahs served me very well in something even more important than getting a job (yes, more important) - and that's fostering a new relationship. I recall one investment banking professional who off the bat told me, his small outfit is not hiring. But for whatever reason he took me under his wing, invited me (undergrad with zero experience) to one of his capital raising roadshows. I consulted him on companies I considered joining and he would opine. When I did finally break into the industry, he was my mentor early on guiding me through what is arguably one of the toughest jobs for a recent grad.
Now this was well before the mass popularity of Twitter and smart phones (circa 1997) so I would have to ... gasp ... call him on the phone for advice. Now that everything is "insta" this and "insta" that. I am finding most online channels to get advice either bias to the huge company they turn out to be a part of or are simply so general and generic in form that it has close to little value ("networking is great - include your family!" ok, uh, thanks.)
I did come across what looks to be a new forum that touts itself as completely independent - "real advice from real people" they claim. I'm hoping it gets some traction because, at least on paper, this could be a very useful place to share and give advice specific to one's circumstances ... http://careeradviceforum.com/
foreverjobseekerof CA2:22PM May 14, 2013
Thats a great little article you have there with some excellent points. I was wondering if you would mind if I posted it on our site: http://www.careeradviceonline.co.uk.
I'd reference this page as the source and it would have its own page on the site but I don't want to post it without your permission first.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts,
Mark.
Mark12:10PM March 23, 2010
I love these tips! It helps me when speaking with young people.
Keith Lipkeof IN9:35AM January 22, 2010
A reader contributed another insight to my Facebook page--I thought it was so good I'm adding it here: Many people, when asked for advice, will give it whether or not they actually know what they're talking about. They are just loathe to say "I don't know."
Good thing to keep in mind.
Working Girlof WA9:42PM January 21, 2010
Number 5 is especially important--look for advice from people who are doing something related to the field you are interested in, you just might discover some facet of interest you hadn't thought of. My 19 yr. old son often feels that he is imposing on someone by asking for an informational interview. But most people, well, many people, actually like to help others out. As Karen says, look for help from a variety of people.
Lynn Grantof WA6:55PM January 21, 2010
Karen,
This is thoughtful, excellent advice. Thank you for sharing it, and I look forward to reading your book.
From a reader in London (even though I had to put in the name of a state!)
May Buschof CA5:34PM January 21, 2010
Karen, I love your blog post. #8 is an often missed tip. Many successful people can't explain (or incorrectly attribute) why they're successful. Sometimes it's better to observe than to listen.
- Seattle Interview Coach
Seattle Interview Coachof WA11:58PM January 20, 2010
I think most of us could write lengthy articles on bad advice. But it's the good advice we want to remember. Who planted the seed that set you on a certain path? Which adult treated you like a grown up when you were a kid and really listened to your ideas? Karen is spot on when she says that people who give good advice are also good listeneners.
Joanneof WA7:33PM January 20, 2010
I have a similar story. During my undergraduate studies in journalism, I took a magazine writing class. I had already published an article before the class. During the class, my instructor tore apart everything I wrote and said I would never succeed as a magazine writer.
Today, I've published more than 100 Northwest travel and history articles and three books. Oddly enough, one of my articles appeared next to this former instructor's piece in Sunset magazine several years ago.
Cherylof WA6:45PM January 20, 2010
Truly, Karen, this post is amazing. Navigating the waters of a career path is tricky stuff, but being able to find the balance among all the advice given and knowing your own self will help a person find where they want to go.
Reader Comments
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foreverjobseeker of CA 2:22PM May 14, 2013
Mark 12:10PM March 23, 2010
Keith Lipke of IN 9:35AM January 22, 2010
Working Girl of WA 9:42PM January 21, 2010
Lynn Grant of WA 6:55PM January 21, 2010
May Busch of CA 5:34PM January 21, 2010
Seattle Interview Coach of WA 11:58PM January 20, 2010
Joanne of WA 7:33PM January 20, 2010
Cheryl of WA 6:45PM January 20, 2010
Melissa of WI 2:27PM January 20, 2010