I'll File a Grievance

I recently went to a retirement party with my husband for one of his co-workers. I worked at this same place six years ago (that's where I met my husband, but that's another story), so I knew most of the people at the party. 

One person I didn't know (I'll call her Jill but that's not her real name) was talking about how bored she is in her current job. She's been with the agency for about three months and is doing administrative work. 

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"I'm way overqualified for this position," she said. "I used to be an Office Manager. I only took this job because I heard this agency was a good place to work. I know I can get something better." 

Jill told me she planned to apply for a new opening at the same agency -- a slightly better-paying administrative position. That position became vacant recently when that secretary retired. It's been filled by a temp for about three weeks.

"I know I'm way more qualified than that temp!" Jill said. "If she gets hired instead of me, I'm going to file a grievance!"

If she hadn't quickly disappeared, I would've given her some advice. If you've ever had the same attitude as Jill, maybe you can use this advice.

First, an employer is not under any obligation to hire the most qualified candidate. They can hire the least qualified candidate, as long as that candidate meets the minimum qualifications stated in the position announcement. >vacancy  

Second, employers are people, and people hire those they like and want to work with. As long as there is no discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation or physical/mental disability, employers can legally hire whomever they want.

The fact of the matter is, a candidate is never hired based solely on her qualifications. A candidate is hired because she convinces the hiring manager that she can do the job and be a positive, enthusiastic, pleasant-to-work-with member of the team.

Someone who is blabbing to co-workers (and strangers!) that she'll file a grievance if she doesn't get hired is unlikely to fit that bill.

If you're thinking of applying for a promotion within your current company, please realize that more than your experience, skills and qualifications will be judged.

What's your reputation? If you're a dedicated team player, great!

But if you're a complainer whom your current boss and co-workers would not miss, you've got some reputation repair work to do first! >employee

Strategies For Successful Career Networking

Written by Bob Stanley Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com

Some of the best jobs aren't listed anywhere but filled through word-of-mouth or networking. Networking means developing a broad list of contacts and using them to your advantage when you are looking for a job. There are many career networking opportunities every day. It's done at parties, dinners, events, small gatherings, birthdays, volunteer activities, ceremonies and online via social media. It happens at the gym, the grocery store, and the garage. Talk to anyone and everyone including those new to an industry and old pros, those in school and those overseas. They all matter.

Here are some strategies for a successful job networking:

1. Develop Contacts

Contact everyone you know. You meet people who might have insight into your job search. You talk to people who know people who could help you out. You talk about it with strangers at parties. Don't limit yourself to people who could clearly help you out.

2. Places to Find Contacts

The best place to start developing your network is with your family, friends, and neighbours -- and with their family, friends, and neighbours, but don't stop there. Talk to co-workers, colleagues in your industry, and those you meet at industry gatherings, such as trade shows and conferences.

3. Be Prepared

You should approach networking opportunities with a game plan. Find out who will be at certain places and activities, or do your best to list who you think will probably be present. Then, decide who you would most like to meet. When you have your list of potential contacts, thoroughly research their work and their backgrounds and then make up some questions and conversational statements that reflect your research. And finally, think critically about what your goals are for your networking function.

4. Networking Knows No Boundaries

Business conferences, informational interviews, college reunions, and cocktail parties are obvious networking opportunities - you expect to walk away with a few business cards and some recommendations for potential employers. Good networkers are flexible people who approach connection-making as a fluid enterprise that extends far beyond hotel conference room walls. Don't let these opportunities pass you by. Always be ready to make a contact and exchange business cards. Prepare also a powerful resume and cover letter. Resumes can serve as detailed business cards, reminding contacts of you and your accomplishments. Create a version of your resume and cover letter for networking alone, one that can be pulled out on short notice.

5. Follow Up

The key is keeping your network informed of your situation. Never take your network for granted. It's important to keep them updated without being imposing or invasive. And, of course, if you get that new job, be sure to tell them and thank them again for their help.

6. Follow the Golden Rule

If you want to be treated with respect, treat others with respect. If you want your phone calls and emails returned, call and write back to the people who contact you. If you want big-wigs to make time for you, make yourself available to others whom you might be able to help out. It's that simple.

7. Make It Easy For Your Contacts

When you call, meet with, or write to a potential contact, make it as easy as possible for them to help you. Explain what you specifically want, and ask detail-oriented questions.

8. Be Organized

This is crucial to your success. Keep a record of your networking. Make sure your system has plenty of room for contacts' names, addresses, phone numbers, companies, job titles, how you met them, and subsequent conversations you've had with them.

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