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Job Search Dilemmas
A local hiring expert walks us through the complicated minefield of do’s
the same: the searching, the uneasiness, the unwritten rules. You’re on your own when it comes to love,
but, as for finding a job, Tim Mullane, regional vice president at Robert Half, a temporary and permanent staffing firm with more than 350 locations worldwide (including a branch in White Plains), has advice on how to handle the job hunt.
You’re a finalist for a job. Should you continue interviewing for other positions? “Absolutely,” Mullane says, since no offer is firm until you’ve received the job. If you still haven’t received that final offer, follow up weekly, Mullane advises.
You’ve received a job offer and you’re a finalist for another job. What should you do? “I always encourage people to be fairly straightforward,” says Mullane—but not completely. Say something like, “I’m very happy you’ve made me this offer, but I do need a few days to work through things on my end.” But don't wait more than a couple days to let your prospective employers know what you’ve decided.
A company requires an electronic application. Should you still write a cover letter? “I absolutely encourage, whenever possible, to put in a short paragraph as to why you are a good fit,” Mullane says. If you’re applying via email, put the cover letter in the body of the email. “The manager will open the email and there’s the informa- tion,” says Mullane. “You don’t want people to do too much work.”
The employer has a “don’t call us, we’ll call you stance.” How should you follow up? Wait a week to follow up. “I encourage email, although it’s not inappropriate to make a phone call,” Mullane says. “But make sure it’s respectful, not aggressive, and fairly brief.”
You’re looking for full-time employment, but are offered an interim assignment. Should you take it? "I absolutely encourage people to consider an interim assignment,” Mullane says. His reasons: It helps pay your bills; if you’re out of work too long, people start to question why that is; and, most important, if you’re in a temporary position and do a good job, they’re more likely to hire you full-time.
You find the hiring manager on LinkedIn before the interview. Should you connect with him? No. If anything, wait until after the interview to connect. But looking at the profile beforehand "could give you pretty good tips and information of what they’re looking for,” says Mullane, since most hiring managers are looking for people with a similar background to their own. Looking at his or her profile will help you understand the manager’s background, which you can touch on in the interview.
You don’t meet all the qualifications listed for a position. Is it still okay to apply? “As long as you have the core of what they’re looking
Fnd don’ts.
a
INDING A SIGNIFICANT
other and finding a job are much
for, it's okay to submit your resumé,” Mullane says.
—SS
Brainstorm Better
Better ideas, Better Business
If innovation and problem solving are at the heart of any successful business,
then no enterprise can do without creativity. Sadly, looking for new ideas usually devolves into one of those dreaded brainstorming sessions where people sit in awkward silence until the CEO just decides to stick with the old way. It’s not much brain—and a lot of time- wasting storm. Fortunately, you can do better. We asked a bunch of expert brainstorm- ers—some of them from sectors that might surprise—to give us their top suggestions for coming up with new ideas.
“AS EVENT PLANNERS, WE ARE ALWAYS
brainstorming new ideas for our clients. I like to light a scented candle, as it creates a relaxing environment. For offsite brainstorming meetings,
I always host them at a fun, trendy restaurant along with some nice glasses of wine to help everyone unwind. It’s a no-brainer—we always come up with some
great stuff!”
—Chereese Jervis-Hill, President, Events To Remember, Cortlandt Manor
“I’M ALWAYS SURE TO REITERATE THAT
all ideas are good ideas. It’s important that everyone feels very comfortable so that they’re more likely to contrib- ute their thoughts.”
—Steven Polevoy, DMD, Owner, Gentle Touch Dentistry, Harrison
“ONE OF OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO
brainstorm with clients is to ask everyone to write their ideas down on Post-Its rather than calling out randomly. Then everyone puts their ideas up on the whiteboard or wall. No names on the Post-Its—just the ideas. This helps cre-
ate an environment where people are less concerned about having their ideas judged and where quieter people—who often have great ideas that get washed out by the louder voices— can ‘speak up.’”
—Chris Sabido, Partner,
Emerge, Tarrytown
“THERE’S A REASON PEOPLE GET THEIR
best ideas in the shower: The key to innova- tion is getting yourself in a zone where you are truly relaxed. So think office-antithesis. Get away from your desk. Even better, get out of the office. No editing. No judging. Crazy is good. Write it all down; evaluate later. Drink more coffee. Laugh. Be inclusive. Flex and
build your creative muscle daily. Enjoy the creative high, and, yes, it’s addict- ing.”
—Lauren Amsterdam, Executive Creative Director, Amsterland, Pocantico Hills
“WE HAVE A TENDENCY TO GUARD INITIAL
ideas, keeping them on paper only to find out much later that they do not work. As you test out an idea in a very raw form, it’s amazing what you will learn and how it will evolve into new ideas. Remember: Sometimes you just have to walk
away, admit you’re stuck, and put the question deep in the subconscious of your brain. It’s funny how the solution pops into your mind when you least expect it.”
—Bill Phelps, President,
Idea Storm Products, LLC, Tarrytown
—BB
Debbie Harwin photo by Stacey Ewald
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