Job Doc chat transcript

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Welcome and Happy Monday Chatters!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Let see if we have any questions in the queue.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: We are normally scheduled for noon so I hope we didn't confuse folks with our change in time to 1pm.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I hope everyone noticed that our Job Doc column is in a new section in the Sunday paper. Much easier to find and to read.

brc826: hi pattie ... is there a difference between a recruiter and a headhunter? And should I be wary of anything if a headhunter contacts me about a job?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hello BRC826

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Very good question.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Usually a headhunter is someone who is in the business of filling jobs for a client. The client pays them a fee to fill a job.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: The fee can be a percentage (sometimes called a contingency fee) or a flat amount. The percentage is more common though.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: A headhunter will often call themselves a recruiter too. A headhunter is sort of a slang term for a recruiter who places candidates for clients.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: A recruiter can also be a representative of a company looking to fill jobs for their employer. Usually these types of recruiters work for the company (as opposed to the headhunter that works for an external firm).

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: The terms can be interchangeable in some instances. But remember... and I think Elaine Varelas pointed this out in a recent Job Doc column too... a headhunter works for the company's (or client's) interest. Not necessarily the candidate's. Great question. Tx!

BostonGirl: Hi Pattie: When the employer asks an applicant to call back in 2-3 weeks, what should an applicant say in the phone call without giving off the impression that they are being too pushy?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hello BostonGirl —

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: This a good sign — that an employer is asking an applicant to call back in 2-3 weeks.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I would recommend saying something like the following: Hi John — You and I talked about 2-3 weeks ago about the Sales Rep role. You had asked me to touch base sometime this week. Please give me a call. My number is 123-4567.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Always leave your number... even if you think they have it. If someone is checking their voicemail from the road, it is frustrating to get a message but no phone number.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: And they may be testing you a bit ... looking for initiative and follow through.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: And this time of year especially, the selection process can seem like it takes forever — trying to schedule around vacations and time off is a challenge! Thanks for the question.

inneedofachange: Hi, I recently interviewed with a company and they asked me if they could contact my current employer for a refernce. I said no on the application. I have 8 years in the industry but have only worked for 2 companies (that includes the one I am at now) what should I do for references?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hello — a great question. I am so glad that you asked.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Of course, you should say no — that is reasonable. You don't want to jeopardize your current position. However ...

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: You can provide colleagues, coworkers and maybe even past supervisors who have left your current company. Explain to these references that you have provided them because you don't want to put your current job on the line. A good lesson for every job hunter — always, always talk to your references and prep them before they get a reference call on you!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: You should also explain to the company with whom you are interviewing that you can provide references regarding your current job performance but you can't provide your current supervisor. The company will understand. But you should make it easy for them. Have a list/e-mail that provides references that can speak to your performance in your current role. Thanks for your question!

conundrum: I was recently offered a new job, in the same industry I'm in now. The job would mark a slight title improvement and more responsibility. But I've only been in my current job for a year. If i take the new job, will my resume look bad because I was only at this job for a year? Or will the "promotion" I'd be getting make up for it?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hi Conundrum — (great SAT word by the way :))

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I hate to answer, it depends but it depends... on a few things — your industry for one. Some industries are more forgiving than others. Technology for example is not totally freaked out by one year stints as long as there is logic behind the move.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: And — it also depends what your prior career years look like. If there is a pattern of many one year stints, that is sometimes concerning to employers.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: But if there is a one year stint flanked by 3,4,5 or more years on either side of the one year stint, then that is less concerning to someone reviewing your resume. Esp if it is a step up. Congrats on your job offer.

bettyboop: I work part-time doing PR for a school. I would like the to reimburse me for part of my cell phone bill since I use it when on school business. Is this appropriate? I have an "everything" plan and would ask them to pay a portion per month. What's a good way to figure out the amount? I work 12 hours a week for them.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hi BB —

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: If you have a telephone intensive job — and most PR jobs are phone intensive, then I think this is reasonable.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: You should try to do a careful job of estimating the calls that you make/take for business.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Then I would suggest approaching your employer and explaing that your monthly bill is xxx and you would like them to consider reimbursing your for 20 percent of xxx.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Your cell carrier may also be able to help you come up with a reasonable percentage of your calls per month that are work related. Good luck.

consultant354:I'm a consultant at a medical device company and I recently got a feedback from agency. The account manager said that I'm doing great work and the client likes what I'm doing. The only negative is I should hold off on personal e-mails and phone calls during my lunch hour since they are paying me for the work I do during the day. Basically saying I should stop with the personal stuff. I know I'm at fault for taking company's time to handle personal matters. I have already told my family to only call me during my lunch hour and to call me during the day if it is emergency situation. My question is, should I personally apologize to my Supervisor? I know the feedback is from her cuz she is the only one I report too. I was hoping to one day go perm in this job. I just hope this feedback didn't hurt me.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hello — this is a very good question. I am sure some chatters are looking at this question and identifying with your situation too.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: First, let's start off with the positive — doing great work and the client likes what you are doing — hooray. Good for you.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: And further — it is good that you are both on the same page — that although the feedback is hard to hear (about the personal matters), you sort of agree deep down.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Let's start with your family and the calls/e-mails. Explain to them that one day you hope to get hired by this company. That you can check e-mails/voicemails during your lunch hour but that is it (except for true emergencies).

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: So start with the folks who are calling/e-mailing you and telling them gently to stop!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I think it is a good idea to acknowledge this concern to your supervisor on the job. If you are brave, you can do it in person. Something like: Sarah — I received some really helpful feedback from XYZ Placement. I am glad that clients are happy with my work. I do plan to curtail my personal calls/e-mails. I am sure that you will see a difference. This is a great opportunity and I really would one day like to join ABC Biotech.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: You could also send an e-mail with the same message. But you do need to follow up with your end of the promise and limit the calls and the e-mails. It sounds like this opportunity is a good one for you. Good luck.

mary: I have had several jobs for short durations of time, due primarily to reorgs or economy issues. How do you spin that when you are earning in the $250K range.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hi Mary — we are not going to get alot of sympathy from our chatters for you!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I recently reviewed a resume with a similar history — several short stints for a senior level person.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: The candidate did something smart though — they put reason for leaving on the resume. It was short and to the point. Esp in some industries, this is not that unusual.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: So for example, they had something like:

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: LTD Industries 2000-2001

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: (company moved to CA)

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: It was helpful when reviewing the resume — that there were plausible reasons for the moves.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Another option is to look at creating a functional resume that reviews your skills, achievements, etc. But I always try to piece a chronology together even when I review functional resumes too.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Good luck with your search.

work_related: In my current position I am exempt from overtime. A former employee was eligible for overtime had several tasks that kept him at work for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours once or twice a week. This person left the company and they do not want to play the replacement any overtime, so they are trying to have me do this work without any additional consideration. Do I have any recourse?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hi — hmmm... this is a difficult one based on the info you describe.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: It depends on the content of your current role — and the content and job responsibilities as a whole, not just what has been added.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: But I think you are smart to question it. It is not that unusual though. Companies are trying to shave expenses whereever they can.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I would suggest approaching your supervisor in a professional, non threatening way. Ask him/her about the situation. Usually an employer wants to do the right thing.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Good luck.

SaraC: Hi Job Doc, I just started a new position and it is not what I expected at all. Should I cut my losses now, 2 1/2 months into the job, or stick it out for one year?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hi SaraC -

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: First, you should give some thought about how this happened. It is a lesson learned... think about what questions you could have asked that perhaps would have uncovered some of these concerns before you accepted the position.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Second, how bad is it? Can you last at least for a few months? Is the company a good one that would offer you additional opportunities? Or maybe you can post into a different department?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Third, have you talked to your supervisor? You don't want to burn a bridge and tick off your employer. Can you approach your supervisor in a candid way and ask him/her about your role and what you thought it would be? In every job there are pluses and minuses.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Lastly, if you do start looking at new opportunities, it is much easier to find a job if you are currently employed. If you leave now, it may be a red flag to a future employer. 2.5 months is not a long time. A future employer may suspect that you were fired.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hope this was helpful. Thanks and good luck.

Bostongirl_2: I am currently working full time and in the process of getting my college degree. I am expecting to graduate with Associate's degree this Fall and then I will be going to school to obtain my bachelor's degree

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hi — let me show both parts of your question before I reply...

Bostongirl_2: I am currently doing school part time but am considering doing it full time, although I have to admit, I am worried about how I am going to make it in this economy with only part time work income. I am also considering changing my job right now as I feel that I have outgrown it. Is there a way to go around the college degree requirement and how?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hello — Well, I must admit I have a huge bias in favor of college degrees.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Going part-time seem like it can go on for ever. (I did an MBA part-time and remember thinking, when will this end?)

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: If you look at all the data around careers, job placement, income, even health, people with college degrees fair better.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: So congrats on going to school part-time. Congrats on slogging through it even when you are anxious about this economy (and who isn't?). But stick with it. Even for jobs that don't require a college degree, the degree is always a plus. You will have it for a lifetime too!

Dev: How to make the case for experience over inexpensive in teaching? Middle-aged teacher w/ ivy masters & boarding school background keeps losing ot to the class of 2007 & 2008 for independent school positions. I have one now, but making a change is the trick, since as a dept head, I know that those in their first job make 1/2 what I do, and schools asking 40K tuition seem content too hire student teachers. My niche of also coaching squash & crew hasn't been a silver bullet either. Hmmmm - ???

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Hi Dev — you are my last question since we are closing in on the 2pm hour!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: This is a concern even for those not in teaching. Experience comes with a price tag but you are right... newcomers are hungry and cheap and if plentiful, can pull on that price tag.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I think you have to realize your predicament and think about how to differentiate yourself from your competition. Can you target schools that look to build superior squash and crew teams? I am sure lots of your competition don't have that on their resumes!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: I always fall back to networking too. Talk to others at independent schools about your interests and let them know you are always on the lookout. They are often the ones who know about vacancies before the vacancies become public. Good luck.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole: Bye for now chatters. Thanks for the questions!