Career Archives - Page 41 of 43 - The Voice of Job Seekers

The Audacious Follow Up Call After Your Interview

It’s bold, daring, ballsy, aggressive, and necessary to make the follow-up call after your interview count. Don’t be a wuss! Stand out by calling to see where you stand in the hiring process.

Perceived by people as being “pushy” as a result of following-up is not the worst thing that could happen.

People make a living by being pushy, assertive, aggressive, and even overbearing. There are other words that people like this are called, but you have to ask the questions.

Read: Are You An Aggressive Jobseeker?

Did I get the job?

Do you receive my résumé?

Can I get 10 minutes of your time?

When you own the audacity to ask relevant questions regarding your future, you are being responsible, not “pushy.”

There are fine lines between assertive and aggressive, but being passive is bad. Very bad.

Passive people miss chances.

Passive people miss the bus. They miss the train. They miss chances of getting a seat on the train. Ok, if he or she is courteous or chivalrous, but passive? A wimp? A chump?

Passive people are tactful and respectful, and we like them. I am one of them. I’m assertive. I just have this way of persuading people. Some call it charm. Others call it sweet. But I will make the call, and I will ask the question. It doesn’t take a special person to follow up after your interview.

Don’t overcompensate. People will see you as fake. Although I will admit, overcompensation is on the road to being audacious. Which is better than being a suck-a!

A lioness will devour anything that messes with her babies. A woman scorned will imbibe your head the same way with her babies. Your job opportunity must become your baby, and the baby shouldn’t be hungry.

If you’re a chump, slacker, pushover, scared, ‘fraidy cat, scarry cat, or lazy, don’t bother to call back. Don’t just send a thank-you letter, call. Leave a good impression, not a bad taste in someone’s mouth. Don’t email, text, or use telepathy! Call. Take the letter, drop it by the office. Talk to someone that matters.

Employers want to see how badly someone wants an opportunity. It shows enthusiasm. It shows desire. When you place that follow-up call after your interview you can call to say:

“Thank-you for the interview.”

“What are the names of each person who interviewed me?”

“Let me tell you what I learned.”

“The water was tasty, what brand was that?”

Even “Do you have Grey Poupon?” would be better than not calling! Have the audacity to follow-up. You might be leaving money on the table. You could be throwing career fulfillment in the trash if you don’t call.

Audacity alone will not get you a job, but if you were alone in following-up…well, what do you think? C’mon, place that follow-up call after your interview. I promise it won’t hurt.

Image: Steam Punk

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Does Marriage Add Value to Your Career

Marriage makes us better. Two is better than one. Spouses (at least wives) add value to character, life, and value to your career. My wife makes the difference in my work world. She can’t tell me how to do it, but she is aware of my strengths. Somehow, it translates to my abilities. Amazing.

We acknowledge this as a solid business practice.

The forward pass is nothing. It takes two.

The song, “It Takes Two” by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston would mean nothing if it were only Marvin or Kim.

When it comes to the value of your career, does your spouse or partner complete you at work? Does he or she inspire you? Do you work hard or him or her?

If you do, how romantic?

If you don’t, I think that’s OK.

Your Spouse, the Value Creator

Unemployment exploits the best and worse of our character, marriage, and jobs. On this blog, we like to think the best, and add value to your career. I have talked about being transparent before, but the invaluable attribute that transparency bring is that your spouse sees the true you. More often than not, those words are truthful, painful, and sometimes delightful.

Couples that sustain long and happy unions find healing from wisdom lost beneath the screeching or booming delivery. Does our quiet spouse have wisdom behind their banter, or did we marry them to neglect?

Read: 9 Reasons Your Spouse Lost Their Mind When You Lost Your Job

It Takes More Than Finishing Sentences to add Value to Your Career

I giggle each time a couple talk about their compatibility. My wife used to say when we were single that she was perfect for me because she fits right under my arm pit. The common phrase is, “he/she finishes my sentences.” Although silly and cute for that moment, not that it lacks meaning, but I’ve had coworkers that finished my sentences. Maybe I am that obtuse, or spouses know one another. Your sweet-baby-sugar, your boo, can see things that resume writers and career coaches don’t see.

Read: Going From Significant Other to Jobless Other, and More unnecessary Un-Motivational Jabs

Let’s Face It, You’ve Heard It For Years

Your spouse tells you what other people told you. You’re selfish, greedy, angry, insensitive, chauvinistic, self-absorbed, and inconsiderate. All of what employers can’t stand either. My premise that marriage does add value to a career is…well…old-fashion. Did past supervisors in the past tell you that you work too independently? That you take criticism too personally? Shortcomings appear and re-appear in different ways.

Your spouse was trying to help, even in his or her twisted and the self-absorbed way.

For better or worse, richer or poor, your spouse increases your value a whole bunch once you see through lifted toilet seats, and smudged make-up. No telling, they might help you impress somebody influential.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

5 Ways Your Customer Service Mojo Can Get You Noticed and Hired

People love a customer service agent who is confident, knowledgeable, happy, and want nothing. When you receive service like that, it’s refreshing, and exciting. You’re appreciative, and motivated to savor the product or result you wanted.

Wouldn’t be terrific, if an employer felt that way about you?

If that is the impression you exude with networking contacts and hiring managers, it increases your chances for job search success.

1. Customer service agents overflow with I’m sorry. Thank you. How can I help?

You can never say these words enough. It comes across endearing and caring, and that you want to talk to this person even more. Remember you provide a service that people want as a coworker and a customer.

2. Tonè. Tòne. Tonē.

The tone of a friendly voice is attractive to many hiring managers, new contacts, or anyone who is helping you. A hiring manager loves a candidate that overflows with pleasant and enjoyable banter. No matter the medium, email, phone, or smoke signals, people look forward to communicating with you.

3. Follow-up with HIRE in mind.

In most cases, the burden on proof is yours to present. Kindly calling to see if a company has received your résumé and cover letter, application, or a previous call will make you a more attractive candidate.

4. From candidate to resource
A candidate wins when an employer sees your value as a resource and a solution, not just another candidate with a plethora of credentials.

5. Responsive

It is imperative for candidates to be direct in providing solutions, and thoroughly answer each component of multiple questions. Listening is as essential to responsiveness than giving an adequate answer to an equation.

Not all issues and concerns are not always presented as a question. When you hear concerns, are you looking for the larger issue? Trained customer service agents anticipate and understand several issues from one problem presented.