A Monthly Column about Life on the Job |
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By Mary Pergander American Libraries Columnist Mary Pergander is director of the Deerfield (Ill.) Public Library. Send comments or questions to working@ala.org. Column for March, 2008 |
Loose Lips Sink Ships
Preparation and a calm demeanor counter career perils
I recently had an unsettling experience: An email I thought I sent to an individual somehow posted to an entire discussion list instead! Fortunately, the only damage was my acute embarrassment. From now on, I will be extra certain that I know where an e-mail address leads.
By definition, discussion list archives have very long memories. Always be certain to reread and reconsider your message before hitting “send.” Beware of the candor and ill-advised personal attacks exemplified by some of our librarian colleagues on professional discussion lists. Such posts could certainly limit your career. If you must vent, practice writing e-mail without filling in the message recipient. Delete it after you cool down. Omitting the names from the start makes it impossible to accidentally send your rant.
There are hazards in speaking your mind or posting your photos on the internet that can come back to haunt you during a job search. Last December, a library manager expressed to me reluctance about using web search engines, social networking websites, or other such tools to seek information about prospective employees. Another manager responded that employers should not feel hesitant to look at what potential employees are obviously confident enough to share with the entire world. Moral and ethical issues aside, assume that unintended eyes will see your posts and sites, probably at the worst possible time.
Never lie or deny
Of course, not every awkward situation has its roots on the Web. For example, a librarian conducting a job search asked me how to handle a previous felony conviction. Should she reveal this on applications? Did I think a potential employer would ignore it and offer her a professional position anyway? And what about terminations? Is there any way to put them in a positive light? Can you just pretend they never happened? Some candidates are forthright in interviews. They raise the uncomfortable topic themselves, provide a brief explanation, and move on. Others dread the question and try to hide the facts or avoid the inevitable as long as possible.
How should a job candidate handle discussions of awkward or career-damaging situations? In such circumstances, remain objective to avoid rekindling emotions that may have accompanied the situation. Focus on the present, not the past.
Do not lie or deny. In fact, doing so could result in immediate termination if you do get the job. Prepare your response in advance. Get some assistance by connecting with a local job-counseling center. (Local organizations may offer these services free or at a low cost. Check with your United Way.) They can assist you in telling the truth briefly yet accurately, accepting responsibility, and focusing on what you learned from the experience and how you have grown as a result.
(c) Copyright 2008 American Library Association