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Dream Job: "Oasis or Mirage"?
Phoenix became known as the
"Silicon Desert" ever since it began challenging California's Silicon
Valley as the prevalent location in the West for high-tech industries. Tempe
even has its own nickname--the "Tech Oasis." With dot-coms popping up everywhere
the lure is nearly irresistible to get a job with one. It is critical to be
aware, however, that not every new technology-related company is an
"oasis"; and not every start-up will be the next Microsoft. As many
people have discovered, there
are plenty of seemingly sensational opportunities that turn out to be a
"mirage".
Before you make a change, there are some things you should decide
about yourself and what really constitutes a "dream job" for you. We all know
that you have a great reputation in your industry and that makes you a "hot
commodity", right?
If you love working in a fast-paced environment, are willing to take the risk
of accepting lower pay today in exchange for possible future rewards, and you don't
mind wearing many "hats" when it's called for, a start-up company could be for
you.
If you prefer working for a company 9-5 every day, want established medical/dental
and vacation benefits, and hate having "surprises" dropped in your lap moment by
moment, you may find a start-up is not the place for you.
Now that we have
assessed your preferred work environment, do you have the skills and education you need for a new job?
If you are in the technical fields, you can get an assessment online for free at
Brainbench.com.
Do you know exactly what you want to be/do? What are you good at?
Or wait! Maybe you already have
your dream job and are just not getting the recognition you
feel you deserve. Is it a matter of money? You've told your boss how much
others are getting paid in your same position to no avail. You've done
great work and even your boss recognizes how good you are, but turns a
deaf ear to your requests for a raise. You believe that it is time for you
to move on to an organization that appreciates you. You know your employer is going to be
sorry to lose you - no one else is going to work for the pay you are getting.
They will be wishing you were back the minute you leave, right? And you
might wish yourself back as well! So before you do anything dramatic or
regrettable, take a moment to revise your resume to show all the experience
you have and the responsibilities you have had. Make it really sparkle! ProvenResumes.com
has some outstanding examples of resumés for all industries.
Now list all your accomplishments with your present company. Pretty impressive,
isn't it? Next write down all the things you appreciate about the company
and why you would want to continue your career there. If you can't think of
anything to write, perhaps this isn't your dream job.
But let's say it is, except
for just a few "small things." Armed with the facts, ask your
boss for an "interview." Sit down with him/her and discuss your list of
successes and your resume. Be assertive but not
aggressive when you say that you believe that your past performance and
your list of successes merit a pay increase. Review your accomplishments with
the boss; the more specific they are, the more impressed he/she will be. Don't
just say you increased sales. Provide details! You increased sales 45% over last
year's
sales, you decreased expenses by 16% and you improved profits by 125% (only the
truth, of course!). You get the idea, I'm sure.
The worst that can happen is you won't get a raise. But perhaps the boss
will recognize that YOU are a diamond too valuable to lose!
If your
approach is not successful, and you decide a new job is
the only solution, develop a plan for your search. Do you
know which companies might have suitable positions? Do
they have job hotlines? Will you check the local
classifieds?
If you will be searching online
check this list of Best
Job Search Sites on the Internet. It includes local
Arizona resources for Veterans and libraries with public access to
the Internet.
Whether you are looking for a position right now or not, it never hurts to network
- so join an active Internet professional group like The Arizona Internet
Professionals Association ("AZIPA")
and keep up with all the new Arizona Internet happenings.
The better prepared you are, the more likely that you will find YOUR "Dream
Job".
Copyright © 2004 by Terri Robinson
*************************************
Terri Robinson, President - Robinson & Associates, a
recruiting company that specializes in sales and marketing professionals. Terri has been published in Arizona Women's News, Arizona Reporter Online
News; interviewed by Recruiting Trends' Newsletter for their Extreme
Recruiting column, by Smart Money Magazine, and by Sales and Marketing Management Magazine. Surf to http://www.recruit2hire.com, call 602-233-8410, or E-mail Terri
For no-cost, no obligation information on how we can help save you time and frustration in the recruiting process,
e-mail_Terri @recruit2hire.com with your contact information.
Reprint rights freely given as long as article is used as is with contact information left intact
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terri-robinson @ recruit2hire.com
Terri Robinson, President
Phone: (602) 233-8410 Fax: (253) 322-1387
"Your business depends on your people; Our business is helping you to find the best"
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