Job Search Blurts

I coined this word to draw attention to the nervous and apprehensive way of saying something in the job search that makes you feel like a buffoon. A "blurt" is a catchy way of saying: Gaffe.

When is a blurt inappropriate? For example, the interviewer has explained to you what the job duties are and you say: "Oh, I can't work on Saturdays". The interviewer has not said anything about Saturday work, only about what the job duties are. You, as the job seeker, not only made a "blurt", but you jumped ahead of what the inter- viewer might or might not have ready to say. You were not listening and fumbled your way out of the next phase of the interview, if there is to be one.

Since "blurting" is a common occurrence and often done because of nervousness, here are some tips to keep it under control.

1. When approaching a friend or acquaintance about who you might want to talk to about an opening , don't talk about your predicament or previous employers. Your network probably knows more about why you're not in that last job than you do.

2. Prepare a simple script when approaching anyone about a possible job. Memorize your script when you are talking to people or just gathering information. It will help keep you on track.

3. Rehearse for an interview. Know enough about the employer for you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable. Be friendly and relaxed. Stay on the subject, even if there is a long period of silence. A "blurt" often happens when you feel the need to fill in a silence void.

Sure, you can't help but make some mistakes and gaffes along the job search route. Some may be really funny and need to be kept in context. A gaffe MIGHT get you a job if it is not too pronounced. A potential employer with a sense of humor might want you to come in on Monday! Don't always count on that, just do your homework.

c, 2004

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A. Certified Job & Career Transition Coach Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net Web: http://www.doitnowcareers.info

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Are You Ready For A New Career?

Is your current or most recent job truly what you... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers

Imagine a huge river that has been flowing for centuries:... Read More

Resume Outline - Add Structure & Flow to Your Resume

Building your resume, based on a resume outline will give... Read More

Getting Past Fear

Have you gotten tons of career advice, solicited and unsolicited?... Read More

The Top Ten Strategies of A Great Interview

You've just received a call to interview with your dream... Read More

How To Write A Job Winning Resume That Puts Yours On Top

Many people would love to get a better job. And... Read More

Retirement: Is It A Career Change Option?

Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More

How to Work Effectively With Recruiters

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T / find out what it means to me" is... Read More

Get In Career Shape

Research suggests that as many as 8 out of 10... Read More

Finding Success In Todays Job Market

This year we are experiencing the most dynamic and rapidly... Read More

College Labor is Available in Ohio

Ohio has always been big on education and that means... Read More

How to Give Job-Winning Answers at Interviews

Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts... Read More

How to Write a Scientific Resume

You're a scientist, you're very well educated, you're intelligent, and... Read More

Stop Whining and Ask For What You Want!

When you want something, the best way to get it... Read More

We Rejected Your Résumé Today

Hi, I am Mr. Employer.Even though you think I can... Read More

Seven Deadly Types of Job Recruiters

Collect them all!Over the course of six months in my... Read More

Looking the Part

I don't know his name and he wasn't trying to... Read More

Career Change Success Is Yours If you Follow The Formula

Recent surveys suggest that, given the chance, about four out... Read More

Why Become A Truck Driver?

There are a great number of good reasons for someone... Read More

The Musketeer Approach

Stories of intrigue, treachery, politics, lies, double crosses,... Read More

Five Powerful Tips for Interns

Interning is about more than earning money during summer break.... Read More

How to Survive in Business Long Enough to Win

As a former human resources professional it has always intrigued... Read More

Avoid Your CV Always Ending Up in the Bin

Cover Letters must grab the reader's interest so that they... Read More

So Youre Thinking of Changing Careers

"You don't have to take life the way it comes... Read More

Job or Career

At this present time I have a job. It pays... Read More

Job Lead Websites To Use in Your Telecommuting Search

Let me ask you a question: are you tired of... Read More

The 7 Tough Job Interview Questions That Can Make or Break You - and How to Answer Them

Some interview questions are asked so frequently that they've become... Read More

Career Strategy When Your Boss is a Bully

Q. Right after I accepted my new position, the manager... Read More

The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development

Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs)... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Writing Employment

How can you find writing jobs? Do you have proven... Read More

The Top 10 Reasons to have a Career Coach

Many people in the last decade have experienced for themselves... Read More

Telecommuting Interview Tips

Telecommuting Interview Tips- By Nell TaliercioYou've made it! Your cover... Read More

Resume Writing Service Website

Promote Your Resume Business Website!While we make our websites to... Read More