Even in the Worst of Times, Best Prepared Candidates Still Get Jobs By Dumont Gerkin Owen Ph.D. NABBW’s Women & Work Expert How is it that even when the times get really tough in the job market, there are always individuals who find jobs.  Are they smarter than you?  Too young, too old? Better qualified, cheaper or are they the best-prepared candidate out of the applicant pool? So how do you, as an applicant, become the employer’s best of the best? Work harder and smarter than your competitors The average advice is to spend twenty hours per week for a part-time job and... Read More

Discouraged in Your Job Search?  Kick Your Inner Gremlin to the Curb. By Dumont Gerkin Owen Ph.D. NABBW’s Women & Work Expert What is a Gremlin?  He or she is the one that whispers negative messages in your ear:  “You’re too old, your skills are out of date, why would anyone hire you, you’ll never find a job?  Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.  Employers only want direct experience in the position or industry and don’t recognize the value of transferable skills. When does it appear?  Usually at the worst time possible.  You’ve just been laid off, fired or resigned. ... Read More

Networking: The Bigger the Better? By Dumont Gerken Owen, Ph.D. NABBW’s Women and Work Expert It’s not about the size of your network.  It’s about the relationships you build.  Put yourself in your contact’s shoes.  Whom would you most likely help further their job search? A.   The person you met at a professional meeting who followed up with a thank you letter but never connected with you again? OR B.   The person that has gone beyond the thank you letter.  The one who sends an update on each referral you’ve offered. The one who “checks in” from time to time to relate... Read More

Is Fear of Rejection a Motivator or Hindrance in Your Job Search? By Dumont Gerken Owen, Ph.D. NABBW’s Women and Work Expert The job search has been described as a series of “no’s” followed by a “yes”.  In other words, rejection is an inevitable part of every job search.  It’s your response to rejection that will influence the momentum and success of your job search. I am reminded of an incident that happened to my mother many years ago. While she was out riding, her horse took the bit in his mouth and headed “lickety-split” back to the barn. This particular barn had divided... Read More

Are You as Courageous as a Baby Squirrel? By Dumont Gerken Owen, Ph.D. NABBW’s Women and Work Expert I watched a baby squirrel the other day as he learned to navigate trees.  He carefully tested each branch to see if it could hold his weight. A little later, I went back and looked up in the tree.  I was amazed!  The squirrel was jumping from branch to branch. Talk about a leaf of faith!  This was one courageous squirrel. How about you? Are you willing to make that leap of faith?  You may be anxious or fearful about your career transition or job search, but are you willing to commit... Read More