WorkWise BlogTip: Head-Spinning

Ellen Gordon Reeves presents job hunting for new grads (and others who need fresh perspective) in a new light. She’s the author of “Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? Job-Hunting Tips for Recent Grads” (Workman, $13.95). Her humor will keep you reading, perhaps even job hunting.

Head-spin #1: Reeves maintains that job-hunting should be people-hunting. You’re looking for people — okay, one person will do — to hire you, rather than a job that attaches itself to you. Remember, she says, “The right person will lead you to the right job. People are a lot easier to find than jobs. Have you ever seen a job walking down a street? Talked to a job? E-mailed one?”

Head-spin #2: Imagine yourself in an employer’s waiting room. (That day will come, believe me.) Waiting is down time, right? Time to catch up on missed calls and make a few others, huh? “The world is not your phone booth,” Reeves says, “despite what cell phone culture would lead you to believe. The receptionist IS listening, and she IS fascinated by your exploits of the night before — so fascinated that she will be sure to mention it to HR and your prospective employer.”

Look at job hunting differently. Your head will stop spinning.

Dr. Mildred Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2010 Passage Media.