How to Walk Away from an Opportunity thats Wrong for You
Q. I just finished a job interview. Everything went well. But I can't get excited about the job. The people were nice but frankly, I got bored.
Should I withdraw my application or hang on to see what happens?
A. Let me share a secret. I love country music especially the classics. Your question reminds me of Kenny Rogers's big hit, The Gambler. I can't quote even a line due to copyright laws, but you can Google the song. Know when to stay. Know when to put down your cards. And above all, recognize when it's time to walk away and time to run.
I believe that everyone in business should create a goal, "Be able to walk away." Be able to let go of a customer who's a pain and a job that's creating pain. Be able to recognize a business opportunity that's all wrong for you, to say, "That's not a good fit."
Feeling bored sounds like a signal to me. If you (or your interviewer) has trouble staying awake, that's like a red light flashing and a big siren screaming, "Go away!"
So...what's the best way to walk (or run)?
1. Expect your interviewer or client to say, "Thank you! We appreciate your honesty."
They probably won't add, "Frankly, we agree you're not a good fit here." But most likely, that's exactly what they're thinking
2. Plan for the unexpected. On very rare occasions, you'll hear, "Oh no! What can we do to make you change your mind?" or, "We have another option that may interest you."
But don't count on it.
3. Create a neutral explanation that's mutually face-saving and final.
Good reasons: "We don't have room to do justice to your project," or, "I've decided to pursue another option that seems to be a better fit for me at this time."
Bad reasons: "The chemistry didn't seem right," or, "I don't see room for my career growth."
Your contact person might be searching for a new job herself and you may be a terrific match for an opportunity in her next position.
4. Recognize that you will (most likely) be burning bridges.
Be sure you aren't acting out of short-term emotion. Wait a few days after the interview (if you have that luxury) and consider talking to a coach, consultant or other trusted sounding board.
5. Revive your networking, sales activity and application process. Often saying "no" will clear the decks for you to clarify what you really want. Some folks believe you're reflecting abundance and making way for newer, more appropriate opportunities to enter your life.
Bottom Line: Being in a position to decline opportunities means you hold a winning hand. You're well along the road to whatever you define as success and prosperity. Use this option sparingly and wisely.
In any relationship, I've found that saying "yes" to the wrong proposal inevitably leads to a bitter, expensive divorce.
About The Author
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.
"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com
Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294
 Google News Updated : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:50:53 GMT Marriage ruling not the end of debate in Conn. - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Now that the Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled same-sex couples have the right to wed, opponents of gay marriage are pinning their hopes on an infrequent ballot question in a longshot bid to block the unions. Video: Connecticut Court Allows Gay Marriage Conn. Ban On Gay Marriage Reversed Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:41:18 GMT Stevens's Reputation 'Sterling,' Powell Says - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Del Quentin Wilber Former secretary of state Colin L. Powell told jurors in the corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens yesterday that the powerful Alaska Republican had a "sterling" reputation among the nation's military and political leaders. Reporter's Notebook: Powell Takes the Stand for Stevens Powell says Sen. Stevens' integrity "sterling" Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:13:53 GMT GM Is Said to Be in Preliminary Talks With Chrysler (Update2) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Jeff Green Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Corp. is in preliminary talks with Cerberus Capital Management LP's Chrysler LLC about a possible merger or other partnership, people with direct knowledge of the talks said. Source: Chrysler, GM discuss merger, acquisition GM mulled Chrysler acquisition: Huh? Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:39:15 GMT Nobel Peace Prize winner wants jobs for the young - International Herald Tribune
International Herald Tribune - AP HELSINKI, Finland: Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari said Saturday that finding jobs for more than 1 billion young people in the Middle East and Asia will be a major challenge to peacebuilding in the next decade. Ex-President Of Finland Is Awarded Peace Prize Nobel Finn Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:12:07 GMT Obama Aims for Electoral Edge, Block by Block - New York Times
New York Times - Lukas McGowan is focused on getting voters out on Election Day. “Once we register them,” he says, “that’s only half the job. Obama thanks McCain for remarks, presses attack FOX News poll: Obama leads McCain Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:21:34 GMT Palin hammers Obama on the abortion issue in Johnstown - CNN
CNN - (CNN) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin took her message to voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania on Saturday, lashing out at Sen. Barack Obama for his views on abortion. Palin drubs Obama on abortion during Pa. rally Palin Gets Personal On Abortion Issue Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:06:21 GMT This week in Apple: New notebooks, new writers, and more Woz - Ars Technica
Ars Technica - By Jacqui Cheng | Published: October 11, 2008 - 09:30AM CT This week's most-read Apple news was all over the map, but in a good way. Don't Buy A Mac Laptop* Apple may launch new laptop Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:43:05 GMT Web Site Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... It's your first month in a new position and it's... Read More You know you're good...real good. The problem, though, is that... Read More Feeling overworked and underpaid? If you're starting to feel like... Read More To "sell" oneself on paper is not easy. Creating a... Read More This article relates to the Career Opportunities competency and explores... Read More Are you thinking about a career change? Many people do... Read More Goal Setting & ResearchYou can only set informed career goals... Read More Interviews can be nerve-racking, brain-draining, headache-inducing experiences. These days, recruiters... Read More The fundamental rule is: if you are going to apply... Read More That "B" word---B O R E D O M.How did... Read More When preparing for an interview, you need to know your... Read More If you haven't looked for a job recently, there are... Read More Most jobs on farms in the UK involve picking strawberries... Read More Mystery shopping is an excellent way to make extra money.... Read More Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because... Read More Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More There's no denying that a healthy work environment is a... Read More Jack, downsized from his last job, was frozen in a... Read More The rapid growth of technology, greater exposure to knowledge, higher... Read More Q. I'm about to graduate High School and I don't... Read More It is a well-known fact that more and more people... Read More It takes between seven and seventeen seconds for a person... Read More What's It All About? The field of patent law is... Read More No one should be fired and be surprised about it.... Read More The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child... Read More
Adsense
websites
Surviving Office Politics
Resume Success Factors--What Exactly Is A Resume Anyway?
How to Ask For a Salary Increase and Get Your Raise
The Art of Selling Yourself!
Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Try, Try, Again
Considering a Career Change?
Goal Setting - Road Map To Achieving Your Career Goals
Mastering The Lunch Interview
Analysing Adverts for the Creative Response
Ive Got the Big Bad B Word on My Job!
Preparing For An Interview
Make Your Resume Keyword Rich and Scanner Friendly
Your First Summer Work in the UK - Picking Strawberries The Right Way
Mystery Shopping
Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts
Make a Great First Impression
Signs of a Healthy Work Environment
How to Conquer Job Hunting Apathy
Yesterdays Project Manager is Todays Project Engineer
Should You Make A Career Decision Based Upon A Career Quiz?
Working From Home - Could You Cope?
Job Interviews: What to Wear
Is Pursuing a Career in Patent Law the Right Move for You?
How to Tell if You are Fired and Just Dont Know It
5 Ways to Profit From No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
The Interview - A Few Tips for Making a Great First Impression
Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More
Travel Light to Work
As a frequent traveler, my goal for each trip is... Read More
I Just Lost My Job: How Am I Going To Tell My Kids?
One of the responsibilities of a human resources professional is... Read More
Brainteasers: Or, How Many Crazy Interview Questions Does It Take to Get Hired?
You've looked at all the job interview tips and techniques.... Read More
How to Pick the Best Career for You: Part 3
Marketing-with-Intent precisely drives you to your target and with greater... Read More
Background Checks: How They Can Determine Whether You Get Hired or Not!
Background checks are utilized by companies today to decide whether... Read More
Getting the Job thats Right for You
I'm the type of person that considers a healthy, enjoyable... Read More
How to Work Effectively With Recruiters
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T / find out what it means to me" is... Read More
Should You Join a Modeling School for Petite Modeling?
If you are thinking of breaking into the petite modeling... Read More
Searching for a Federal Job
Many years ago searching for a federal job was a... Read More
The Pros and Cons of Telecommuting - As Seen Through The Eyes of a Seasoned Telecommuter
Janelle Delacorte has been happily answering calls for the Home... Read More
The Top 10 Ways to Manage Your Career
Many people in the last decade have experienced either a... Read More
Top Career Advice ... More Choices and A Better Way of Life
Why Career Advice Is So ImportantChoosing a career presents a... Read More
Should You Seek Temporary Or Contractual Employment While Searching?
According to US Department of Labor statistics, the average time... Read More
Write Resume Keywords That Gets Your Application Read
As children we often used to read stories where magical... Read More
Tips on How to Write High Impact Letters of Recommendation
Congratulations. You've been asked to write a letter of recommendation... Read More
9 Tips on Creating a Professional Emailed Job Application
With the advent of the Internet, many of us have... Read More
How You Can Find Freelance Writing Employment
How can you find writing jobs? Do you have proven... Read More
Get Inspired About Your Career
Get Inspired about Your CareerDo you linger in bed long... Read More
Layoff Survival Guide - Do You Have The Career Management Horsepower It Will Take To Survive?
In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some... Read More
How to Prepare for A Performance Appraisal
Performance appraisal should be treated as an ongoing developmental process... Read More
The 10-Step Resume Critique
Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan... Read More
What is a Career Anyway?
A career is the sum total of all of your... Read More
20 Ways to Advance Your Career
To survive and thrive in today's competitive environment, it is... Read More
Stripper--Turned--Waitress Cant Leave Former Job Behind
She stretches in the break room for 30 minutes before... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |