From time to time I see ads in the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times where people describe their abilities in a "Positions Wanted" classified section. What do you think of advertising to get yourself another job?
Over the years, I have met less than fifty people who have tried to get new jobs this way. So my sample might well be biased. Nonetheless, you should know that most of these job-seekers who tried this technique advised me that it was not successful for them. Either they heard from no one with a job that satisfied them or they heard from insurance or encyclopedia companies offering them selling jobs while they were out of work. Some job-seekers reported that they received letters offering to rewrite their resume or to print it for them. There were exceptions. By and large, those job-seekers who were high up on the executive ladder reported the best results, although even in these cases, results weren't all that good. One senior executive advised that he received a number of employment offers but with a catch-he had to invest in the company, or in other words, they were seeking partners, not employees. As usual, there are exceptions to every rule. I've heard of several notable success stories of copywriters securing fantastic new jobs as a result of the ads they placed in Advertising Age. This may have been because the ads, themselves, were superb demonstrations of their ability as writers. On the whole, however, I think you're better off putting your money into a direct-mail campaign to those companies that are the most likely prospects for what you have to sell.
Things not working out
A few months ago I took a job with a company and things haven't worked out as I thought they would. Thus, I'm in the job market again for the second time in six months. How should I explain this to prospective employers?
The same way you explained it to me. Tell them you made a mistake. And to be sure you don't make a second one, be more careful in any job you accept.
Be clear about your Financial Package
When is the best time to talk about fringe benefits and other special arrangements?
Most fringe benefits, such as stock purchase plans and stock options, will be discussed when your boss talks turkey with you concerning your financial package. But there are several extras that might get overlooked. These include a cost-of-living allowance, should your job require you to relocate, six or nine months after you join, to another, more expensive city or to a state or municipality with significantly higher taxes. A second key extra is moving expense. Most companies pay moving expenses of employees who join from a considerable distance. Not all do, however. If you want the company to pay moving expenses, or a cost-of-living allowance, the time to discuss it is when you discuss your financial package. If you haven't made arrangements then, it's a hairy task to reopen the discussion at a later date. A cross-country move could cost your firm $10,000. No one likes a $10,000 surprise. Be sure to write down all the items in your financial package that you want to cover in your negotiations. When the time comes to discuss finances, be sure you touch on each.
