Will My Job Still Be There? -- by Professor Bill White (McC61)
Q:
"With the downturn in the economy, many of my classmates and I are getting worried about getting a job. Several of us were given offers months ago, but with start dates in the future for one reason or another (in some cases, that’s when the jobs were slated to start, and in others that’s when people were available because they wanted to travel). How can we be sure that our jobs will be there? And what about our friends who put off looking for jobs so that they could have some time off?"
A:
The first thing is, as bad as the economy and the employment picture may look now, know that these things run in cycles. There are plenty of older alumni who will tell you about finding jobs in a difficult environment. So know that we’ve been here before and, eventually, people do find jobs. What’s important at all times is to keep your integrity. Regardless of the economic environment, if you’ve agreed to take a job, then you must honor that commitment. You can’t suddenly decide that you’re going to look for a better offer or you’ve changed your mind. If a company has made you an offer which you’ve formally accepted with written documentation, then you are committed.
The good news is that commitment runs both ways. Barring extenuating circumstances, the company should be expected to honor its offer to hire you. If you haven’t heard otherwise, then assume that is the case. In the worst case scenario, if a company has had to cut back its hiring, you would have heard by now. So no news is good news—but let them hear from you.
In advance of your start date, it would be a very good idea to contact the company. Phone and then follow up with an email to let them know how excited you are about this opportunity and how eager you are to start. Make sure your positive emotion (your enthusiasm, not your fear) comes through in your words. Ask what reading or other preparation you should do in order to be ready to go on your start day. Keep up the communication every few weeks until you start. You will feel better and your company will know they are hiring an employee who is ready to make a contribution.
For those who are just starting to look for a job, patience is paramount. Don’t panic and make the wrong choice. Some opportunities (for example investment banking) may be more difficult to pursue because of market conditions, but even in slowdowns companies do hire people. Stay positive and focused, and use your network. The more you connect with others—especially former classmates and the people they know — the better your chances of finding the job that will give you a good start on your career.
Questions? Bill@FromDayOne.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Extraordinary Career features proven success strategies and advice for recent graduates and young professionals from William J. White, who draws upon a successful corporate career, including as Chairman and CEO of a New York Stock Exchange-traded company. Bill is now Professor at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University, and author of the career book for young professionals, From Day One: CEO Advice to Launch an Extraordinary Career.
Sign up for Professor Bill White's "Your Extraordinary Career" e-mail alerts.
Posted November 2, 2009.
