CAREERS NOW 06-16-10

Do You Choose Money Or Satisfaction?

DEAR JOYCE: Which is more important in a job - money or satisfaction? - D.S.

In my book, satisfaction. But that's likely to be greater as compensation grows. Remember an old proverb: Money is flat because it's meant to be piled up.

DEAR JOYCE: My husband survived a big layoff at his plant. But, with four kids, I'm concerned and think I should be looking for any kind of work as a cushion. My husband worries about his prospects but doesn't know what to do. You think what? - S.S.N.

On the assumption that your children will have good care, it can't hurt to look around. It's little wonder that you and your husband are concerned. Workers who survive a hunk-size reduction in force tend to have feelings that may include guilt, anxiety, distrust, fear and insecurity as they wonder where the ax will fall next.

DEAR JOYCE: Every proposal I make is shot down in departmental meetings. These are not loopy ideas, but they are creative. I'm becoming discouraged and think I'll do better in this male-dominated company by keeping my mouth shut. What do your management consultant gurus say? - L.B.

Try putting the principle of stakeholding to work in your behalf. When someone criticizes your suggestion at a meeting, invite ownership by asking for changes that would permit the critic to support your proposal. You may discover flaws you can fix or compromises that bring support.

Some people are inclined to be negative on any idea N.I.H. (not invented here). Letting others help you invent a proposal gives them a stake in its success. Google "stakeholder theory."

DEAR JOYCE: I stumbled in a recent job interview when asked a hard question: "What would your formers employers say about you?" What should I have answered? -- T.P.

Have a response in your back pocket next time. Don't hem and haw your way to rejection. Instead, offer a brief, positive and straightforward answer memorized and ready to roll off your tongue. Example: "I think they would say I'm reliable and thorough, and that I never give up on solving problems."

DEAR JOYCE: I am a first-time supervisor who inherited an administrative assistant from her former supervisor, whose job I now have. Her behavior makes it obvious she resents working for me. I prefer that she stay as she knows more about the work unit than I do, but this can't go on. Best strategy? - M.W.T.

Take the direct approach. Invite her to lunch and simply say: "I respect you and I want you to stay. What can I do to gain your goodwill?" If she doesn't show an attitude makeover within a week, bite the bullet and help her transfer to another work unit.

DEAR JOYCE: When a recruiter takes you to lunch and asks what you want to drink, what's the smart answer? - M.F.

When you need to keep your wits about you - and a recruiting lunch is one of those times - stick to white wine, spritzers, iced tea, coffee, bottled water, or soda and lime. Moreover, today's fitness-generation managers may view stiff luncheon drinks as old- school behavior by old-school thinkers.

DEAR JOYCE: When I am able to get through to a hiring manager at a company where I'd like to work, I usually get blown off: "I can't talk right now. Send a resume." Do I have a decent response? - B.M.S.

Quickly say you will be delighted to do so and, in the same sentence, name three skills you offer (that can solve the manager's likely problems uncovered by your research).

Ask if these three skills are among those most valued in positions that might be opening in the near future. Confirm the manager's e-mail address. The same day, feed back the manager's information matched to your qualifications in the cover letter you attach to your resume. The cover letter ends by promising that you will call within a few days to arrange a meeting where you can more fully present your value.

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