Job Doc chat with Patricia Hunt Sinacole

October 20, 2006

BostonWorks: Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the BostonWorks live chat.

BostonWorks: Today our guest is BostonWorks Job Doc Patricia Hunt Sinacole, whose name you may recognize from the pages of the Boston Sunday Globe. Welcome, Pattie.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Thanks for having me.

BostonWorks: Pattie is with us for the next hour to answer any questions you may have on job search and employment issues.

BostonWorks: So let's get to it, chatters - fire away with those questions.

LuckyDucky: What do I do if I've been in sales my whole career - 10 years - hate it, and want to try something else? How do I present that on my resume, and in interviews? Thanks.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Good question. Let's talk about what skills you may have that are transferable.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Your skill set is likely transferable to a number of other roles.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Within your industry you will likely to have the most traction because you have knowledge of a specific industry. Think about looking at different roles within your industry.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Service, operations, marketing all come to mind. Marketing would be my top choice.

Tom: Hi -- I have an associate's degree and am thinking about going back to school. I dread the thought of going nights. Does it really pay off?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Education -- one of my favorite topics!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: A bachelor's degree is almost the norm now for professional roles esp within Massachusetts.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Going back to school can be overwhelming but pace yourself.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: If your employer has tuition aid, you should take a look at how that program works.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Recent data suggest that college graduates (with a bachelor's degree) do earn more over a life time than those with an associate's degree. Go for it.

Susan: How do I break into a new industry without taking a paycut?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Your challenge is a common one.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: It really depends upon the industry that you are leaving as well as the industry you are entering.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Sometimes you may have to take a lateral move or even a step down depending upon your skill set.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Think about what skills you bring to a new industry. Make sure that you highlight these in both your resume and during the selection process.

Fred3: I am a student majoring in accounting. I now realize I hate accounting. What do I do?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Accounting was not fun for me either but it helpful to know this info now.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole You may have time to look at a different major -- perhaps business or management.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: If you move within business, you could possibly still get credit for your accounting courses.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: At least you haven't graduated and landed a job in accounting only to discover you hate it. It is not too late to make a change.

Hi_Lifer: Hi, Patricia - they say the job market is picking up but I don't want to risk losing this job yet. Any tips for looking for a new job while I'm still in my current position?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Discretion is the first word that comes to mind!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: It is ok to explore other opportunities but be certain to still perform your current job well.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: What do I mean by that? Still give 100% to your current role. Don't spend time in your current job on your job search.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Also, word of mouth is powerful. Discretely tell a few trusted friends that you may be looking. Make sure these friends DON'T work for your current employer. And keep your job search activities out of your current workplace. Esp email. Company time and company email should be used for job searching.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Correction -- SHOULD NOT BE used for job searching! Sorry.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Ah harassment....

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: In short, you need to somehow get the message to this person that his/her behavior is unwelcome and unacceptable.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Some people need to be told to keep their comments to themselves.

lovesherjob: Hi Patricia, how can I tell the difference between borderline sexual harassment at work, and someone who is just flirtatious, and mildly annoying?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Sorry folks, here is the question - tech difficulties. Let me continue to respond.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: If the person continues with the behavior, you need to let someone know. Your HR Department is a good place to start. If you don't have an HR dept, your manager should be aware of this problem.

jobbyjob: I'm extremely bad at discussing money, and I've never asked for a raise but I'd like to. Whats the best way to approach the subject?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Great question. Money is always a tough topic to discuss.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: First, think about why you think you deserve a raise. New responsibilities? Or just hard work?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Additional responsibilities can sometimes warrant additional pay but not always. If you think you are deserving for a raise because of hard work that may be more difficult to negotiate.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: If you have a performance management system in your company, check out that info in more detail. It may explain reasons for salary increases.

WickedWitch: I think I'm in the right company but the wrong area - sales v. product. How do I go about changing?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Another great question. Keep them coming!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Many companies have internal posting systems. They post opportunities internally before they go outside the company to recruit.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Keep an eye on that within your company. Retaining employees is key for most companies. They would want to keep you even if in a different role -- esp if you are valuable.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Your knowledge of the company is an asset they would likely want to retain.

Boston007: I have been working in the same type of industry for the past 10 years - Software. I've been looking for a change for the past few years but am having a very difficult time making the adjustment. First, I am unsure of where I want to change my career to, second, when I found what I want to do next, how do I proceed to get there? Would a career coach help, if so, how do I find a reputable one that's not extremely expensive?Thank you!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Career changing is easier said than done for sure.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: First, think about why you are making the change. What do you like about your current role and industry? Also, just as importantly, what don't you like?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: That self-assessment will help you better focus your efforts. A plan is also helpful.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Writing down and committing to your plan on paper will help you focus.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: There are many wonderful and competent career coaches that can help you with your career change.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Your alumni association is one place to find a career coach. Also, coaches are frequently cited in the Job Doc column. Check the past Job Doc columns for coaches that are mentioned.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: There is also a website for coaches and a certification process -- which can be found through a search engine. Good luck!

Interested: What do you think of 'Recruiters' for a job search. Does the job that I see listed actually exist. I wonder sometimes.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Recruiters can be helpful

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Recruiters are just one way to land a job. I wouldn't count them out. Most of them are reputable with a few less than reputable ones out there (like any industry).

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: A good way to find a recruiter is word of mouth. Who have your colleagues used with success and who would they avoid?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: That being said, there are also other avenues that should be considered. Networking and employee referrals are good ways to land a job.

Maggie: Hi -- I am a nurse with a bachelor's degree. I went into this field because it was a hot area. I have to tell you I don't like my job. What are my options? I need to work.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Yes, healthcare is a hot industry!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: You are not stuck though. You have many options. A Bachelor's in nursing is a marketable degree esp in Boston.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Biotech, pharma and research would all be industried to pursue.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole Even teaching and healthcare recruiting would be options to explore. Esp in eastern Mass.

princessboston: I've made a lot of friends at work and now I find I get distracted because theyre all around to talk to! How do I make myself focus?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Friends at work is a good thing... or is it?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Having good friends at work is a good thing but can be difficult to manage in an open environment -- cubicles, desks, no doors...

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: I recall one co-worker in a cubicle used to put up a sign when she could be disturbed and when she couldn't.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: But I think asking co-workers to save those conversations for lunch and after work is probably the best option. "I am having a tough time getting all my work done. Can I chat with you after work?" That might work.

HRpotential: Hi Patricia- I want to get into HR! How do I go about doing that?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Getting in HR.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Well, there are a few ways to go about getting into HR. Take some courses if you haven't. Also, check out www.nehra.com -- the professional association for HR professionals.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: If you are currently employed, you could certainly raise your hand for HR type projects (interviewing candidates, helping interpret policies,etc). Good luck!

just_canned: After 13 months, my plan B didn't work out and I'm starting to search again. Financially, I can't wait for plan A because the school year started and there are few full-time positions posted, any thoughts?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: I hate it when Plan B doesn't work out.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: It sounds like you are a teacher. There are several interim roles that you could fill until the full-time jobs becomes posted.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Substitute teaching or tutoring come to mind.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Also, there are lots of professional temporary positions out there right now. You may want to check those out as well.

tammy: i've recently "figured out what i want to do with my life" ;) i'm in a job that is 180 degrees from that goal. ie - i'm looking to change from a 9-5 desk job to head back to school and eventually become a college professor. the current job is not bad, and i'm thinking i need to stay in this position for at least another two years (debt) ... but i'm wondering what kind of things you could recommend for me to do in order to pursue this dream on the side while working full time?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: I understand your situation!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: First, I am not sure of your educational background but you should make sure that you have the educational credentials that are required of a college professor.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Colleges vary on what they look for but most find a doctorate most desirable but will look at those with a master's for some courses.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Also, have you looked at teaching on an adjunct basis -- 1 or 2 courses? That is a good way to test it out to make sure that you are headed in the right direction.

BostonWorks: Chatters, we have time for one or two more questions for Pattie.

BenM_: I have a bachelor's degree in Advertising, would it be beneficial to pursue a Master's in this field or should I stay with what I have?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Great question!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: I must admit I have a personal bias. I think an MBA is extremely marketable and will often set you apart from others in your field. It is a differentiator.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Particularly if you want to move up within the organization. Explore whether your employer has a tuition aid program.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: A tuition aid program may soften the financial blow. Returning for a Master's degree can be expensive as I am sure you know.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Also research indicates that a Master's degree does pay off.

Eunice51: How do I go about scheduling interviews for a new job when Im still at my old one? I cant exactly tell them I need to leave for one.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: A good question for sure.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Esp when earlier in this chat I talked about doing a good job in your current role while conducting a job search!

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: First, explain to the company that you are a committed and hard working employee. Ask them if they have any flexibility for interview times and dates. Many will work with you.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: An early morning appt or late afternoon appt is not an unreasonable request. In some instances, you may need to take a vacation or personal day.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: I would use vacation or personal days sparingly though. That could tip off your current employer and you don't want to jeopardize your current position!

Jobhunting: Would it be proper to interview for 2 different jobs at the same company?

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: This is a great question that I get asked all the time.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Yes, it is permissable to interview for two different jobs with the same company. However....

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: You should be forthright and disclose this to both set of company representatives.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: For example "Mr Smith. I should let you know that I am also meeting with Mr. Jones in Finance. I am really excited about both opportunities but wanted to let you know up front so there would be no surprises along the way."

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Some companies may have internal guidelines for these types of situations. Letting them know in advance will be helpful. Thanks for the question!

BostonWorks: That's all we have time for today, chatters.

BostonWorks: Pattie, thanks so much for the excellent tips and words of wisdom.

Patricia_Hunt_Sinacole: Thanks chatters!

BostonWorks: Chatters, look for the transcript of this chat soon on BostonWorks.com.

BostonWorks And best of luck in the job search or on the job, wherever that may be!