About this item
A witty, friendly, unexpected job hunter's bible that finally answers the real questions. Yes, if you're wedded to your nose ring, wear it to the interview. No, you shouldn't be e-mailing out hundreds of rsums. Writing with enormous authority and a compelling, lively voice, Ellen Reeves brings together her lifetime of experience of hiring, counseling, and rsum-doctoring into an essential guide for young job seekers.Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview takes readers step-by-step through a process that was always tough, but is today especially challenging. Begin the search with a professional mind-set -- get organized, and set yourself up with business cards, a respectable e-mail address, and a working cell phone. The importance of networking and the rule of three -- try to make three e-mails or phone calls a day, but never more than that. The "elevator speech" -- hone your pitch to the length of an elevator ride and be prepared to use it at the most unexpected times. The art of writing cringe-free cover letters and killer rsums -- from timelines, hooks, and grammatical do's and don'ts to why you should never use the phrase "References available upon request," never include your GPA, and never, ever make a typo. How to dress for an interview, including why to put on your business clothes when interviewing at home, over the phone. Things to be honest about: citizenship and past salary range. And things not to say: "I want this job because I need health insurance."Then once you're in, how to negotiate salary, what to expect in a review, and basic first job common sense: take initiative, be humble and helpful, never use your boss as a confidant, and always say "I'll find out" instead of "I don't know." Now you're on your way.
About the Author
Career and workplace advisor Ellen Gordon Reeves is the author of "Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? " featured in media including CNN, US News and World Report, Essence, EXTRA, The CBS Early Show, ABC Money Matters, Fox News Edge, MoneyWatch.Com, and NPR's Morning Edition. Trained in comedy writing and improvisation at Second City, Reeves is a frequent public speaker, consulting to individuals and institutions. She offers her interactive Extreme Professional Makeover and Communications Crash Course boot camps across the country. Reeves has been a blogger for LearnVest and Jobs for Change/Change.org and is now QuantNet's career columnist. Formerly Executive Editor of The New Press and past president of the Harvard Alumni Association, Reeves serves on advisory boards at The American Repertory Theater and The Harvard Art Museums. She is a graduate of Harvard College and holds an EdM from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Master of Arts in Writing and Teaching Writing from Northeastern University.
