A couple of weeks ago, CNN published an article, “Six Tips From Your Future Self,” where the wise and elderly “You” offer life tips about managing your future finances and opportunities. I thought that I would take a hint from that article and offer job tips from a wiser, and older self. What would the older you say to the you now? I borrowed some of these tips from the article, and hope they will help.
1. Avoid prioritizing salary if possible
Job seekers with extended unemployment should seek professional financial planning. This will help you view money from a sober and balanced perspective. Desperate job seekers mistakenly look to salary to save them, and bad judgment follows. Discuss salary when it’s appropriate. Hint: It’s not the time in the first interview.
2. Take inventory of your deliverables
Before writing a résumé, evaluate and identify the skills that repair problems that an employer wants to address. Objectivity is a challenge for anyone, but for job seekers it is critical to establish a great first impression when talking to employers. Be sure you can deliver before you offer.
3. Seem relaxed at every important interview, meeting, networking event
It is hard to think and act when the blood pressure spikes. Calming techniques are useful at gatherings that a favorable impression is critical. It is rare that a high-strung individual impresses anyone positively.
4. Leave the party at home
Whatever way you like to party doesn’t matter as long as you leave it at home. Even cigarette breath is offensive these days in any job-related meeting.
5. No hasty decisions
“Yes” or “No” could be the wrong answers. Are you asking questions at EVERY interview? Are you satisfied with the responses? Are you clear about the questions asked, and your answers? Beyond the interview, it is important to make well-informed decisions. If you are ever unsure, you have work to do.
6. Admit when you’re wrong
There is nothing wrong with changing you’re course of action, even it is the middle of another decision. Changing your mind is OK. Changing your course of action is OK too. It’s called humility.
7. Take control of your online profiles
Your activities online should lean towards business than pleasure. As an entrepreneur or a job seeker people will take in account who you are on-line as part of who you are as a potential business partner. Come across as you are ready for business, otherwise, you are leaving money on the table.
8. Ask for help (BONUS TIP!!)
There is a coach and mentor for everything, and many times it’s a great investment. If you can’t hire someone, then you really can ask opinions and advice of knowledgeable friends. You don’t have to go down the untraveled road alone.
Why not be the wise man now? It takes planning, researching, and careful implementation to be successful, or at least to appear wise.
Is there one more thing you would like to add to this list? Do you mind sharing it below?
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.