TEN COMMANDMENTS OF A JOB SEARCH

1. Thou shall not ever stop career networking
2. Thou shall not openly disclose that you are looking
3. Thou shall not discuss unhappiness
4. Thou shall not hesitate to be open-minded
5. Thou shall not leave a valid opportunity unexamined
6. Thou shall not procrastinate resume updating
7. Thou shall not covet false job security
8. Thou shall not avoid long-term career planning
9. Thou shall not forget to conduct proper research
10. Thou shall not bear a negative attitude

1. Thou shall not ever stop career networking
   Think of your networking as a beam of light. People walk in and out of your beam, some will add great value to your career and some will have no impact. The most successful networking is like a constant beam of light with no on or off switch; your beam always shines. Powerful and effective networking cannot be turned on only when you need help. Networking works best when it’s a two-way street. When you help others find opportunities, the same will happen to you when you need assistance. Perpetual networking will help others succeed and will create greater benefits for you in the future.
   
2. Thou shall not openly disclose that you are looking
   There are two decisions to make before you change jobs. One is to look and the second is to leave. The looking mode happens when things are relatively good at your company. There have been no setbacks or problems, you’re comfortable with your boss, and your boss has indicated that you’re doing a good job and should be promoted in the future. This is the exact time to protect your position.
   Every company has an informal grapevine or gossip line. If you share, even in a casual conversation, that you are looking, that information can lead to job security destruction. Sooner or later, it will leak to your boss. You may never know that your boss now thinks differently about you being a long-term employee.
   Do not share with anyone when you are looking or are open to other opportunities.
   
3. Thou shall not discuss unhappiness
   Do not complain. Do not become the voice of the many unhappy employees. Unless you are in a unionized company that requires a major misdeed to be fired, you must protect your job at all times. The negative employee will be the first casualty in future cutbacks.
   The old axiom, "where there’s smoke, there’s fire" could apply to you. The smoke is your unhappiness, the fire is that you will leave as soon as something better comes along.
   
4. Thou shall not hesitate to be open-minded
   I’m going to reverse the old saying of "He who hesitates is lost" to "He who is lost, hesitates." The most important career goal is open-mindedness. People are lost and hesitate without a goal. When you set your goal to be open-minded, it can only lead to a positive and exciting career. This goal is not a monetary amount or a new beach house. It becomes part of your personality. This personality will lead you to success and prosperity.
5. Thou shall not leave a valid opportunity unexamined
   When you are committed to investigating opportunities as a lifestyle choice, you attach an abundance of choices. The more choices you examine, the more experience you get to judge and evaluate other opportunities. This experience will enable you to pick the best opportunity for you.
   
6. Thou shall not procrastinate resume updating
   You can move confidentially and quickly with a current resume in your back pocket. Update and add all new titles and accounts as they happen. Many people spend more time preparing for this year’s vacation then they do updating their resumes. Opportunities can arrive and disappear in days, sometimes hours. A resume quickly updated under time pressure will not reflect the same quality as a groomed resume. Your resume should be locked and loaded at all times.
   
7. Thou shall not covet false job security
   Understanding that job security is a myth, you will not be lulled into complacency. Job security can never be granted by your employer. You know that real security is always your ability to produce results. With confidence in your abilities and cash in the bank, you will feel secure. Your employers will change over the years, but you will be protected when your security is not dependent on your current employer.
   
8. Thou shall not avoid long-term career planning
   During every job search, you must evaluate the long-term effect on your career before you accept a new position. If you are between jobs and need income, your decision may be based on the best money package. The best job search is one that links into your long-term goals. When you are employed and can see the big picture, you will make better long-term decisions.
   
9. Thou shall not forget proper research
   Proper preparation produces results. Internet search engines can find all the data you need on a potential company, if you might relocate. In-depth details on the new city, information on property value, the school systems, taxes and safety are all available.
10. Thou shall not bear a negative attitude
    This is the most important of the commandments because it is invisible. No one can snap a picture of an attitude, but your attitude can be seen and felt. It is the glue that holds your entire career life together. Even during the most desperate and humbling search, you must stay positive. When you buy into the negative position of "why me?" you lose the positive energy it takes to get the right job. We can all see and feel a bad attitude. It is always your choice to make, so make it positive.

Dear Headhunter,

I have several years of experience in financial and software sales. I have a Bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA in Technology Management with honors. Recently, I have been out of work and I do not know how to best approach this issue when interviewing.
Unknown to me, my very first company out of college had a very bad reputation. Unfortunately, now some companies feel it is a bad reflection on me regardless of what I say. Can this be fixed?

Thanks, Andrew

Dear Andrew,

You use the words very bad reputation. This is telling the interviewing company that, before joining, you did not do in-depth research on that company. It is a poor reflection on your judgement and decision-making skills. You can’t change the past, so you need to neutralize it by admitting that you made a mistake and this is good work you’ve done since. Try to bury the past by over-loading your interview answers with current accomplishments.