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

---

Cover Letter Warning: Watch Out For the BIG BAD WORD!

Dear Job-Seeker:Just as Goldilocks was suspicious of the big bad... Read More

Hey! - Are You Being Paid What You Are Worth?

Are you being paid what you are worth? Has anybody... Read More

Counter-Offers: Do They Merit Consideration?

You are one of the fortunate few who have not... Read More

Career Success: Get Ahead of the Crowd

Regardless of where you open your briefcase or palm pilot... Read More

Self-Knowledge: The Key To Finding The Right Career Direction

Your career, like any journey, has a beginning, an end... Read More

10 Tips to Help You Ace the Interview and Get the Job

The interview is the "beauty contest" part of the job... Read More

Writing A Resume That Gets You Noticed

As the old saying goes, "you never get a second... Read More

7 Tips to Deal With a Bad Performance Review

Q. "I wasn't happy with my last performance review. Should... Read More

How Well Do You Manage Your Boss?

Are you in this situation? You and your boss just... Read More

The Telecommuting Tightrope

For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation.... Read More

Diplomats and Spies

"The Baratarian pirates also offered their services. Even though an... Read More

How To Find A Telecommute Job

The answer may be easier than you think, but there's... Read More

A Cover Letter Tip Guaranteed To Land You More Job Interviews!

Looking for a new job?I'm about to reveal one of... Read More

Resume That Effectively Promotes You!

Imagine for a moment that you have created a wonderful... Read More

Why You Only Really Need Four Sample Resumes

Any job seeker looking for sample resumes usually doesn't have... Read More

Have You Given Up On Yourself?

Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to... Read More

Put Some Mystery in Your Life

Mystery shoppers. For some it conjures up images of private... Read More

Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part One

How can you manage your emotions during your career change... Read More

A Bit of Pollyanna

"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More

Your Job Search -- a Marketing Campaign?

The successful job search is really just a personal marketing... Read More

Becoming A Police Officer Just Became Easier

As many law enforcement candidates can vouch for, taking the... Read More

Feng Shui Your Desk for Career Success

Have you used feng shui around your desk? It's a... Read More

What You Should Know About A Medical Billing Specialist

Whether you are a person who is thinking about becoming... Read More

Avoid Potential Job Interview Disasters

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid... Read More

Make A Lasting Impression With Interview Etiquette

(Des Moines, Iowa - February 2, 2005) Behaving appropriately during... Read More

How Long Does It Take To Write A Resume?

Many people can easily write a resume in just a... Read More

So, Why Dont You Tell Me About Yourself?

"So, why don't you tell me about yourself?" is the... Read More

Are You Sabotaging Your Career?

My experience working with thousands of leaders world wide for... Read More

Rich Career, Poor Career

What makes for a rich career? It is more than... Read More

Is Pursuing a Career in Patent Law the Right Move for You?

What's It All About? The field of patent law is... Read More

7 Steps To A Job-Winning Resume

A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network contacts... Read More

Seeking A New Job While Currently Employed : Tiptoeing Through the Minefield

So, you currently have a job but you are looking... Read More

Your First Job

"Your first job is an extension of your education"Fresh out... Read More