The Candidate Advantage: Job Search Advice

Little White Lies

Every company performs some level of due diligence on the people they hire. Whether the HR person does this themselves or hires a 3rd party to conduct a formal background check, count on everything you say to be double checked.

Know that any informational discrepancy could cost you the job, even if it involves something very minor or ends up being a completely innocent misunderstanding. So always apply the "background check" factor to every aspect of your job search (writing your resume, answering questions during the interview, filling out a job application, etc..) to avoid this problem.

How Much Notice to Give: The New Perspective

When deciding on the amount of time to give notice, don't fall for the guilt trip from your boss or what people tell you is the "standard" notice period. This is as personal and customizable an aspect to your job search as anything else. Know what should factor into this decision and why.

Stand by your word!

This isn't "all about you". There's a daisy chain of people that get affected by your decisions.  So, think things through before acting and then, of course, follow through with what you say.

Avoiding a bad break up

Nothing can prevent the inevitable discomfort that comes along with giving notice. However, there are things that you can do to make this go more smoothly with your boss.

The most important question is...

...why you're looking to leave in the first place! With the market improving, career change is on peoples' minds. Just make sure to think this through heavily before deciding to quit your job.

Writing resignation letters

These not only officially document your decision, but communicate your overall level of professionalism in doing this. So, leave things on a positive note by taking the high road with what you choose to say here.

The "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing"

Counteroffers are accepted everyday. Why? Because money talks. The harsh truth is that this can backfire leaving candidates in an even worse position down the line (unemployed!). Be wary and look at this situation from all angles before considering one.