CAREERS NOW 06-10-09

Don't Bother Asking Why You Weren't Hired

DEAR JOYCE: I must admit that I'm a newcomer to your column and only began following it a couple of months ago when I began hunting for a new job. Question: I can't figure out why employers will not tell you the reason you weren't selected for the position. Why not? It would be such helpful, constructive criticism. - D.J.L.

Avoidance of legal liability is the central reason. Matt Bud, chairman of The Financial Executives Networking Group (TheFENG.org), explained what happens behind closed doors in a recent blog on the Web site. Here's a summary of Bud's insightful observations about why lawyers advise interviewers not to tell you the truth about why you aren't being considered for a particular job:

"The truth would probably hurt more … In a Jerry Seinfeld world, they would just come out and say: 'Aren't you a little old for that job?' Instead, we have to endure the ever popular comment about us being 'overqualified.'"

Or, when they just don't like us: 'Boy, are you obnoxious. I can't even imagine spending even one day at the office with you.' Perhaps 'overqualified' does sound better."

Bud advises that when the answer is "no," you may as well stop listening because not much, if any, valid information is going to follow. On the other hand, he advises that it's a mistake to despair:

"Before you go off in a funk and think you will never work again, consider the fact that the people who made these comments must be pretty stupid. After all, they didn't hire you."

DEAR JOYCE: Kindness is the key to making layoffs less painful for all. Please share with your readers these five tips for business owners and bosses to better handle layoffs:

1. Say you are sorry for their loss.
2. Thank them for their past service.
3. Let them stay on for a few days after the layoff notice.
4. Offer to help with their professional transition.
5. Let their colleagues say a proper goodbye; perhaps arrange a farewell luncheon.

-- Kristin Tillquist, author of "Capitalizing on Kindness: Why 21st Century Professionals Need to be Nice" (Career Press, 2009)

Many thanks, Kristin. I couldn't agree more with your philosophy. And the people who show kindness under stress won't be branded as jerks when business rises again.

DEAR JOYCE: I get e-mail pitches from a company claiming that, for a fee, it can get an invention patented, promoted and sold. I have invented several products that I think stand a chance of success. Now unemployed with time on my hands, I would like to pursue my inventions. My wife isn't enthusiastic about paying a fee. What do you think? - A.T.

Humor your wife. Avoid the risk of getting suckered by unscrupulous patent mills known to rip off inventors who are babes in the woods. Here's an action plan:

Check out a couple of late-vintage library books on how to develop an invention; if nothing else, you'll get the jargon straight. Next, consult with an experienced patent lawyer before you try to patent or license an invention. Most of these lawyers offer a free initial consultation. If you green-light the development of your invention, you'll need a competent patent lawyer to guide you through the land mines of complex transactions.

DEAR JOYCE: How could I find out some information about getting government training in green jobs? - H.W.

A starting place: The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, www.doleta.gov. The front page of the site contains some basic information and links to other resources that may answer your question.

As you've probably discovered, green jobs are still a developing concept. Stay tuned on this issue.

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