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Subject:Re: Searching for a Job when you have one From:Kathryn J Acciari <acciari -at- ACSU -dot- BUFFALO -dot- EDU> Date:Fri, 13 Jun 1997 11:59:57 -0400
I agree with everyone's comments about interviewes understanding
the need to be discrete. Here are some suggestions for Tracy,
who originally asked the question, to 'promote' yourself
without help from your current employer:
1. Build a list of solid references, and keep in touch with
these people. These may be past employers or co-workers, or
people in impressive positions (if you know any). For example,
I have at my disposal the invitation to use as a reference the
provost of a prestigious university. I only ask him to serve
as a reference if I am applying for positions related to education
or his area of expertise (where he may be well known). This has
opened a few doors for me that otherwise would have been quite
tightly locked.
2. In addition to a list of references, ask past employers
with whom you had the best working relationships to write letters
of reference for you. I have a few of these, which I pepper
throughout my portfolio. It's a subtle, yet effective way of
letting potential employers know how great you are without
having to say it yourself. (I had one interviewer ask for my
list of references. Then, he read one of my reference letters
and offered me a job without calling any of the other references
on my list. Just having one person write down that they think
you are competent and valuable can help.)
3. If you are fairly new in your career, and don't have many
past employers, then ask your writing instructors or internship
supervisors for letters/references.
4. Finally, if you still don't have a solid reference list,
get out, volunteer at any place that will help your career,
and then ask for references from those sources.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Kathryn J Acciari
Technical Writer/Communicator
Buffalo, New York
acciari -at- acsu -dot- buffalo -dot- edu
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