|
How to Walk Away from an Opportunity thats Wrong for You
Q. I just finished a job interview. Everything went well. But I can't get excited about the job. The people were nice but frankly, I got bored. Should I withdraw my application or hang on to see what happens? A. Let me share a secret. I love country music especially the classics. Your question reminds me of Kenny Rogers's big hit, The Gambler. I can't quote even a line due to copyright laws, but you can Google the song. Know when to stay. Know when to put down your cards. And above all, recognize when it's time to walk away and time to run. I believe that everyone in business should create a goal, "Be able to walk away." Be able to let go of a customer who's a pain and a job that's creating pain. Be able to recognize a business opportunity that's all wrong for you, to say, "That's not a good fit." Feeling bored sounds like a signal to me. If you (or your interviewer) has trouble staying awake, that's like a red light flashing and a big siren screaming, "Go away!" So...what's the best way to walk (or run)? 1. Expect your interviewer or client to say, "Thank you! We appreciate your honesty." They probably won't add, "Frankly, we agree you're not a good fit here." But most likely, that's exactly what they're thinking 2. Plan for the unexpected. On very rare occasions, you'll hear, "Oh no! What can we do to make you change your mind?" or, "We have another option that may interest you." But don't count on it. 3. Create a neutral explanation that's mutually face-saving and final. Good reasons: "We don't have room to do justice to your project," or, "I've decided to pursue another option that seems to be a better fit for me at this time." Bad reasons: "The chemistry didn't seem right," or, "I don't see room for my career growth." Your contact person might be searching for a new job herself and you may be a terrific match for an opportunity in her next position. 4. Recognize that you will (most likely) be burning bridges. Be sure you aren't acting out of short-term emotion. Wait a few days after the interview (if you have that luxury) and consider talking to a coach, consultant or other trusted sounding board. 5. Revive your networking, sales activity and application process. Often saying "no" will clear the decks for you to clarify what you really want. Some folks believe you're reflecting abundance and making way for newer, more appropriate opportunities to enter your life. Bottom Line: Being in a position to decline opportunities means you hold a winning hand. You're well along the road to whatever you define as success and prosperity. Use this option sparingly and wisely. In any relationship, I've found that saying "yes" to the wrong proposal inevitably leads to a bitter, expensive divorce. About The Author Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com. "Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294
MORE RESOURCES:
Jobs City of Rochester (.gov)
Careers Catholic University Communications
Careers Washington State University
Careers Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Careers The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation
JobFeed NSW Department of Education
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
10 Things to Do to Get the Job
10. Understand all of the opportunities available to you.
5 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Outplacement Firm
With today's economy, more and more companies are finding themselves faced with the situation of having to reduce headcount to remain competitive. Here are five key factors to consider when selecting an outplacement firm if your company is ever faced with a workforce reduction.
Those Little Things
Moving to another state meant finding a new dentist. I tried one a neighbor recommended who seemed friendly, competent and eager to please.
Business & Career: Know Your Ruling Star!
"Know your Ruling Star. One man is better received by one nation than another, or is one welcome by one city than another.
Travel Light to Work
As a frequent traveler, my goal for each trip is to travel light. Despite thoughtful planning, sometimes that goal is shattered when I go to close the suitcase and realize I need a larger, or even second one.
Resume Formats ... The Hidden Pitfalls
Deciding on a resume format is the first major decision to be made when creating your resume. The overall look of your resume depends on the resume format, font and outline you choose.
Federal Job Search Strategies: 7 Tips to Help You Succeed
Despite constant calls by politicians and policy makers to reign in government spending, the federal government remains the largest employer in the United States. According to the U.
Are You Taking Your Inner Brat to Work?
Is your inner brat taking over your job? Everyone has an inner brat. It's the part of us that's still a 2-year-old.
Death By Workers Compensation
Excerpt of Death By Workers' Compensation"The Bleeding Rose"In this Excerpt the time that has lapsed is over an hour after the accident. What you are about to read will sicken you and make you wonder why no charges were ever pressed and why this man was not arrested for his part in destroying another person's life, let alone possibly destroying a unborn child's.
10 Ways to Speed-Up Your Job Search Effort
Today everyone knows at least one person who has lost their job to down-sizing, right-sizing, cut-backs, production reduction or a mean, vicious "bogus leader" who could care less about your family, your life or your existence at the company. This may sound a bit overboard, but everyone has probably experienced the manager, supervisor or company leader from hell, and if you haven't just stick around.
How To Power Negotiate Your Next Bonus
A raise in your base salary is a permanent source of increased income. However, to increase your take home pay, you can also negotiate performance bonuses on specific projects, activities, or time frames.
Networking Masterclass - Part 1 - Practicing Empathy
Practicing Empathy A vital part of your networking skills is your ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with others. To build rapport successfully with another individual you need to understand 'where' they are coming from and have 'empathy' with them.
When the Teacher Becomes the Student
A relationship expert once said that during an argument, there's usually three sides to every story: his side, her side, and of course, the truth.This is something we must definitely keep in mind as teachers.
Loving What You Do
Man is a social animal and survival is his major need. There are needs that he needs be fulfill.
10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume
Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the coverletter, are the master keys to opening the prospectiveemployer's mind and door so that you can proceed to thenext step in the process - the big interview!RESUME WRITING TIPS AND STRATEGIESHere are 10 valuable tips for anyone writing their ownresume, or who is having someone else write one for them.These tips and strategies are an abridged version of whatis contained in my new eBook, "Instant Home Writing Kit".
Tackling Your Unemployment Creatively
Are you unemployed or been laid off? You are not alone if that is any comfort to you. Worldwide millions of people are in the same predicament as you are.
Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses
You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions left and right.
Make em READ Your Cover Letter Using This Killer Secret!
Got your attention? Great. That was my intention.
Using The Internet For Job-hunting
The Internet is a very useful tool for job seekers as it is a great source of information. Also, taking into account of a more wired world, getting online has never been easier.
Resume Objectives: How Do You Know if Resume Objectives Are Right for You?
Some experts say NEVER bother with resume objectives.While others say they should be an essential element onevery resume.
|