Job Search Blurts

I coined this word to draw attention to the nervous and apprehensive way of saying something in the job search that makes you feel like a buffoon. A "blurt" is a catchy way of saing: Gaffe.

When is a blurt inappropriate? For example, the interviewer has explained to you what the job duties are and you say: "Oh, I can't work on Saturdays". The interviewer has not said anything about Saturday work, only about what the job duties are. You, as the job seeker, not only made a "blurt", but you jumped ahead of what the inter- viewer might or might not have ready to say. You were not listening and fumbled your way out of the next phase of the interview, if there is to be one.

Since "blurting" is a common occurrence and often done because of nervousness, here are some tips to keep it under control.

1. When approaching a friend or acquaintance about who you might want to talk to about an opening , don't talk about your predicament or previous employers. Your network probably knows more about why you're not in that last job than you do.

2. Prepare a simple script when approaching anyone about a possible job. Memorize your script when you are talking to people or just gathering information. It will help keep you on track.

3. Rehearse for an interview. Know enough about the employer for you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable. Be friendly and relaxed. Stay on the subject, even if there is a long period of silence. A "blurt" often happens when you feel the need to fill in a silence void.

Sure, you can't help but make some mistakes and gaffes along the job search route. Some may be really funny and need to be kept in context. A gaffe MIGHT get you a job if it is not too pronounced. A potential employer with a sense of humor might want you to come in on Monday! Don't always count on that, just do your homework.

About The Author

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A.
Certified Job & Career Transition Coach
Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net
Web: www.doitnowcareers.info

In The News:


Study For A Thrilling Career in Fashion
3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany - 7 hours ago
Most fashion retailers enjoy stimulating careers in specialty stores, boutiques, national department stores, discount chains, wholesale apparel dealers and ...

Michigan Business Review - MLive.com

Washtenaw Contractors Association Career Expo hopes to attract ...
Michigan Business Review - MLive.com, MI - Aug 28, 2008
The peak between those two points was in 2000, when construction employment in July reached 211300, according to statistics from the state Department of ...

All work and no play this Labour Day - thirty-five percent of ...
Canada NewsWire (press release), Canada - 10 hours ago
... the situation you're in, it's time to position yourself for a career that's in demand; has growth potential or even the possibility of self employment. ...

ZDNet Blogs

Things you’ve probably done this summer instead of work
ZDNet Blogs - Aug 28, 2008
Yet even those quietly plotting their escape might not have gotten far this summer, as the employment market struggled this summer, in part due to seasonal ...

"Get Hired" Career Program to Offer Insights on Jobs and Hiring ...
MarketWatch - Aug 22, 2008
... it will host "Get Hired," a careers program featuring Kelly Jensen, Omnicom Management Services, Mike Overby, Express Employment Personnel and Robert ...

Times Online

Metropolitan Police faces influx of racism claims following ...
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 3 hours ago
"If you take 200 people in the organisation and asked them to chart their careers, you would see that the rate of promotion for ethnic minorities is ...
Police division: The Met at war Independent
all 604 news articles

Rec launches agency commission
Gradplus.com, UK - 7 hours ago
Those graduates looking for careers and jobs in recruitment could be interested to hear that the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (Rec) has launched ...

CMC considers charges against Flavell
Brisbane Times, Australia - Aug 27, 2008
The hearing, which began in July, has been told Mr Flavell began discussions with private investors about the establishment of Careers Australia, ...
Enough evidence to charge Flavell, inquiry hears ABC Online
all 5 news articles

Native nonprofit to focus on green-collar careers
Indian Country Today, NY - Aug 25, 2008
The nonprofit is focusing on two main goals: educating the community and recruiting tribal members and veterans into training and employment nationwide. ...
Making the best of tough economic times Indian Country Today
all 2 news articles

NFF push to break down employment barriers
Stock and Land, Australia - Aug 26, 2008
"Under this new initiative, we're looking for constructive advice and insights we can apply to agriculture's experience – pairing ideal career opportunities ...
careers employment - Google News

Dissatisfied With Your job? Stop Trying To Go It Alone!

Being dissatisfied with your job is a cycle, a very... Read More

The Telecommuting Tightrope

For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation.... Read More

Importance Of Your Job Search

So that you can decide just how critical your job... Read More

Why It Is Impossible To Raise Your Standard Of Living Working A Job

Everything in nature has been endowed with what it needs... Read More

How Long Does It Take To Write A Resume?

Many people can easily write a resume in just a... Read More

Inside Sales Jobs: A Job Worth Seeking?

Are you interested in inside sales as a career? Inside... Read More

Career Change - Is Your Career A Good Fit Or Is It Causing Pain?

Do you leap out of bed in the morning looking... Read More

You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression

There is no easy way to define exactly what editors,... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter,... Read More

How To Answer Your Call In Mid-Life

Hank Bochenski's story proves it is never too late to... Read More

Multiple Skills for the 21st Century

(excerpted from The Weekend Seminar - Skills for the 21st... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Containing Anxiety

It hangs from the ceiling above your bed while you... Read More

Virtual Heroes: The Growth of the Virtual Assistant

Building and expanding a business is a difficult task, when... Read More

What Do Employees Wish for Most (And How To Get It)

What do many employees wish for at work? A bonus... Read More

Finding Your Ideal Career

In the current climate, many people are looking away from... Read More

Nine Ways to Tell Youre Ready for a Promotion

So you noticed the new job board posting on your... Read More

Dont Settle

Chuck was the best of the twenty-four candidates. Still, he... Read More

Analysing Adverts for the Creative Response

The fundamental rule is: if you are going to apply... Read More

So You Want A Promotion - What Do You Need To Do To Get the Champagne Corks Popping?

The champagne corks have been popping to celebrate your promotion.... Read More

How To Find A Job Writing Grant Applications

Do you have what it takes to land a job... Read More

80,000 Americans Work in the Oil Change Industry

There is a huge shortage, which effects franchises costs in... Read More

Employment Law: Unfair Dismissal - Employer Succeeded in Changing Terms of Employment

Good News for Employers wishing to change the terms of... Read More

Troubleshooting Your Job Search

OK. You've posted your resume online. You've sent out a... Read More

Applying for a Job in Another Country? International Resumes

Is an International Resume still a Resume? This is a... Read More

20 Ways to Advance Your Career

To survive and thrive in today's competitive environment, it is... Read More