The Syracuse Pen

Making Words Work for You

The robots are coming! What’s your plan?

Look out! The robots are coming! Seriously, they’re coming! And they want your job!

… OK, phew. Your job is safe now from automation. That was a close one.

But look out! Budget cuts and layoffs are coming! Watch out for falling axes! Your job is in danger!

… OK, you dodged that one. Good. You can relax; your job is safe, you have a good thing going, your boss is great, and — what? Your boss just took a new position in Charlotte and your new boss is the guy down the hall who’s had it in for you since day one? 

Panic!

… Or don’t panic, if you have a solid exit plan.

Any of these scenarios can be disastrous, and depending on your career, any of them could happen to you. That’s why it’s vital to have an exit plan in place before you need one.

How to prepare

Your exit plan should include:

  1. Having an updated résumé. It should describe your current job, responsibilities, and recent accomplishments.

  2. Keeping your skills up-to-date. Don’t get complacent because your job only requires you to know version 5 of the software. If version 6 is out, you’d better learn version 6, and mark your calendar for the release of version 7.

  3. Maintaining contact with your network. You know other people in your field who work for different companies; check in with them every now and then, connect with them on LinkedIn, have lunch to trade news from other corners of the industry. Know the environment, get their take on which way the winds are blowing, and start thinking about which direction you should set sail if the waters get choppy.

You never know when you will need your exit plan; it may sit in the back of your mind for years until you retire according to your own schedule. If so, mazel tov!

But if something unexpected does happen to throw you off course, an exit plan will let you start your new career path from a place of preparedness and control instead of panic and desperation. And that’s the best way to leave one job: with a firm focus on the next one.

The question to get the interviewer thinking - and leave an impression

By Lindsay Drumm
Get the Gig Now

Do you leave interviews wondering if you will get the job, or what they thought of you?  You shouldn't.

It may feel uncomfortable to ask someone if they want to hire you in a live conversation, but doing this at the right time will greatly increase your chance of landing the job. Here’s how:

As an interview is nearing the end, you will almost always be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer.  This is your chance to ask THE question. The way you ask matters. You also need to brace yourself because they will always have something critical to say about you.

When you're given the opportunity to ask your questions, make your first question the most important because some interviewers try to rush off to see what you will do.  If they don't give you the time to ask any questions, be sure to speak up and say, "Before you head out, I had one quick question for you."  Everyone has an extra 30 seconds to spare.

If you’re speaking to a hiring manager, ask, "Do you have any reservations in hiring me?"

If you’re interviewing with a recruiter, ask "Do you have any reservations recommending me for next steps?"

Next, you will be told something negative (hey, you literally asked for it) and you need to be ready to squash their concerns and show that you’re not afraid of criticism or growth.

Take just a moment to process whatever they have come up with. It will typically be something about not having enough direct experience, or perhaps they see some short stints on your résumé. Whatever it is, stay positive and confident when you respond.  Employers want to see how you will react under pressure.  

Acknowledge their concern, assure them why you will overcome it, and give specific examples.  After you have responded, go back and ask them the question again.  "Since talking through your concerns, do you have any other reservations in recommending me for the job?"

Closing your interview in this way will set you apart. It also allows you to know how to proceed with following up, and address any of their concerns directly instead of giving those concerns a chance to dig in after you’ve left. Ask them what the next steps in the interview process are after you have received their approval to move forward.

Whether you're a C-level executive or straight out of college, we all need to know how to make a lasting impression because there is always someone else trying to get the job that you want.

This article was written by The Syracuse Pen affiliate and career consultant Lindsay Drumm of Get the Gig Now. Learn more about her services at www.getthegignow.com.

The Syracuse Pen provides résumé, cover letter, and professional writing and editing services. Visit our home page for more information about what we can do for you.


Greg Marano