Stephen Miles, co-author with Nathan Bennett, of "Your Career Game" (Stanford Business, $24.95), maintains that applying game theory in your job hunt can help you move forward. He's witnessed a number of career-compromising moments:
• "No-Iron Man" must have known he was almost a shoo-in for a Fortune 500 slot, because, Miles reports, "he shuffled in with no jacket, no tie and a wrinkled shirt." Would that even work for a mailroom job?
• In contrast, "Smooth Operator," dressed to the hilt, described his management style over a lunch interview this way: "They call me the velvet hammer."
• "Smooth Operator, Take 2" seemed to feel that she could blend work and life while waiting for her interview. Bzz, bzz went the electric razor.
• "Off the Leader Board" thought she would impress by telling law firm partners that she loved playing golf. This was something the interviewer pursued, asking, "Oh really, what is your handicap?" She responded, "I have no idea. What's a handicap?"
In addition to promoting thinking caps, "Your Career Game" advises only restrained bluffing when you're negotiating salary, bonuses and relocation compensation. In the last case, if your family won't move, you compromise your ability to play the game.
Dr. Mildred L. Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. © 2010 Passage Media.
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