Ask Ella: Should I Tell Them Where I Am?How Can Receptionist Gain Trust?POSTED: 11:44 a.m. EST March 15, 2004
Dear Ella,
I am relocating to state in which I used to live. Do employers put resumes from nonlocal candidates on the back burner? I have sent my resume to several employers in the area, however, I have not heard a response. I have not done a follow-up with these employers either, but through reading one of your articles I see that I should do this.
Dear I'll Be Right Over,
Unless you are a much-sought-after executive or selling a skill all but impossible to find, companies won't pay any costs associated with relocation. In fact, if you're showing an out-of-state address on your resume you're more likely not to be considered at all.
Since few can afford to move without first landing a job, list the city and state you're moving to in lieu of your own and a phone number in that calling area, too. Since you are going to pay your own relocation costs, there's no need to mention your address until you've had a chance to interview in person. That means you'll have to pay for any transportation costs associated with the interview process, but it's the smart thing to do and it's cheaper than keeping a second apartment while you look for work.
When the question of home finally comes up, let the prospective employer know that you are in the process of moving, but first want to find the right job and company before you put a deposit down on a new apartment. Let the person know that you are prepared to begin work within the standard time of two weeks from date of hire.
Alternatively, if you have family or friends in that city, you could provide their address instead of your own and sidestep the relocation conversation all together.
Dear Ella,
I have been with a company for a little over a year and I'm happy with the pay but not with how the company treats me. It has had five different receptionists in the last two years.
Here's my problem: When my co-workers come in to work in the morning they don't speak to me. When they all go upstairs, however, they are very friendly with each other and don't pay me any mind until they need my assistance on a project.
When I leave my house for work in the morning, I leave with a positive attitude and ready to work but when I get to the office all the negative energy I'm feeling just zaps my energy and good will. I don't want to leave because the pay is good and the benefits are great.
Am I having this problem because the company has had so many different receptionists that they don't know how to treat someone who wants to work hard and long for the company? What can I do to make my work experience better?
Dear I'm Over Here,
You need some good publicity, and there's no better person to turn to for that than yourself.
You are right; they've probably seen so many people in your position come and go that they're not buying into you as a valued resource who's there for the long haul. In a way, they're like the jilted lover who's afraid to love because of abandonment fears. The only way to find a way onto the team is to let them know that's what you want, by words and by the things you do. Tell them that you know they've had a lot of support come and go over the past two years but you are here to stay and want them to help you help them by identifying ways in which you can better support their business efforts.
By acknowledging your commitment to the company and by asking for their help, you take that all important risk and make them sit up and take notice of you as a person and a professional they can count on. By making the connection first, you'll gain their respect and, over time, their friendship.
I can also tell by your sentence structure that you wrote to me from work; make yourself too busy to participate in negative reflections while on the job. We aren't just what we eat, we're what we think too. Now go make an impression.
Private Career Coaching Workshop With Ella Kallish
All Rights Reserved by Ella Kallish
Written By Ella Kallish
For more information on Ella Kallish go to AskElla.com.
Ella Kallish is available for corporate and group seminars.
| |
Email This Story
Print This Story
