The New York Times publishes lots of advice from “experts.” But can you trust what you read in the paper? I’ve found 3 stories: The good, the bad and the ugly. In this post I’ll focus on The Good. In my next post I’ll talk about the Bad and the Ugly.
The Good: Philip Galanes offered some excellent advice to a laid-off worker in his coumn Social Qs September 20. It’s the second story in the column: click here.
“KW” has been temping at a company for a year; he (I’m going to assume KW is male just to keep things simple) interviewed for a full-time position but didn’t get it. Now KW is unemployed and moving back home. When coworkers ask, “What are you doing next?” KW is offended.
Galanes advises KW to tell coworkers, “I don’t have anything lined up, which is scary. If you hear of anything, let me know.”
That’s excellent advice. KW shouldn’t go around seeking help but if asked a question – why not? When you need anything – a job, a new apartment, an awesome real estate agent, a new doctor – ask everyone you know. I’ve always been surprised where the answers come from, both for me and for my clients.
Galanes concludes, “You did nothing wrong. You’re finishing a long assignment in fine fettle. And just because you weren’t the right candidate for the full-time job is no knock on you or the company.”
I’d agree completely!
However, I would add a caveat. When you’re on a temporary assignment, it’s dangerous to assume you will have another assignment or a permanent job. Begin networking as soon as you begin the temporary assignment.
That’s also the time to talk to a career coach – when you have money and you’re in a position of strength – if you think a consultation would be helpful. It’s a time to review your resume, analyze your career and decide what you can do to become more marketable before you need to.
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