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Employment Today™


"TAKE OFF THE BLINDERS-- YOUR JOB DID NOT COME WITH A GUARANTEE FOR LIFE!"

Dear Kathryn:

I'm not really desperate for a job but my husband is trying to get me to parlay my good skills into more money. I say I will be putting my current good job into jeopardy if I start looking. And frankly, I'm not really that enthusiastic about looking for a new job!

My company, a major health care company is going through merges, thus potential changes. My husband is afraid I could get laid off, but I say I would be the last person to be laid off!

To shut my husband up, without really job hunting, is there a way I can scope out what's out there without my employer finding out I'm looking? I'd die if I ran into problems here at my job when it's not even my idea to look.

SAMANTHA R., Woodbridge, Ct

Dear Samantha:

Well, your husband's right on this one and you should take your head out of the sand. First you are a hotter commodity when employed, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should jump ship either.

One is always wise to keep their ear to the ground. Be aware of who's hiring, what the compensation and benefit packages are for pros like yourself, and which employers are growing. You should routinely be studying the five and ten year outlooks for your own company as well as their competitors.

My suggestion is to network as frequently as you go shopping. At least every other month attend an industry meeting. By exposing yourself to other company's execs you will stay in the loop. Should something dramatically change where you're at or you get a real itch to change jobs, you won't be starting at ground zero.

At least twice monthly scope the major recruiting websites as well as your competitor's career websites. This will at least keep you current as to who's hiring for which positions and in what time frame.

While you don't have to be the gossip, you can listen! 50% of what you'll learn will be true, and will keep you alert to what smoke signals are rising from the gossip mill. Last, keep your internet searches and phone calls regarding new hires limited to your home computer and your cell phone. Tempting as it is to share good news regarding a potential employer with a friend or co-worker, don't! Keep all job hunting searches and conversations 100% private!

Most times, employers find out an employee is job searching because the employee does something dumb! The employee either leaves their resume and other job hunting details around their work area or on their computer, or they share their latest job hunting venture with a coworker. Very few people know how to keep a confidence to themselves. Soon that information becomes grist for the water cooler gossip mill.

Don't be too complacent about your current "great gig." Great gigs go sour in a snap and you will then be wishing you had listened to your husband and me.

Good luck.

Dear Kathryn:

I've got a brilliant young employee that I'd like to get more involved in dealing with our firm's clients. The problem is that there's a definite "charm quotient" that's lacking. I don't mean the niceties or normal social quips that are part of everyday life, but he seems to lack the ability to communicate in a positive manner.

I'm planning on having him attend some Dale Carnegie-type classes, but wondered if you had any other suggestions.

STEVE R., Wethersfield, CT

Dear Steve:

Boy, do I! Rarely am I so enthusiastic about a book, but I have to tell you-I read this one cover to cover in two sittings, it was so motivating!

Check out Brian Tracy and Ron Arden's The Power of Charm, an Amacom publication. After reading only three chapters your employee will have a few easy to apply techniques that are guaranteed winners.

I'd not only recommend it as part of your mentoring program, I'd recommend it to anyone that ever deals with people! Even your own personal relationships will benefit from this read.

This book truly shows you that charm can be learned and once you read it and apply their suggestions, I predict you'll be not only delighted with the result it achieves, but you'll enjoy the process. Let me know the outcome.