Bryan Creely

Employee: I believe I deserve a raise.

Boss: Oh really?

Employee: I'm underpaid and exceeded expectations on my past 3 performance appraisals. Besides, my last raise was only 2% and inflation was 7%.

Boss: You're a valuable member of the team! Tell you what, I'll consider that raise during your next appraisal!

Employee: But that's still six months away.

Boss: Our policy is to revise salaries during performance review time. Keep doing great work; I'm sure you'll be rewarded soon!

--- A month later ---

Employee: I'm giving my 2-week notice.

Boss: Wait! Why!?

Employee: I accepted another offer with the proper compensation for my experience and skill.

Boss: We planned to give you a 10% raise in a few short months, though!

Employee: I'm appreciative, but they see my value today, not 5 months from now...and they gave 20%.
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Go where you're valued. When an employer uses “policies and procedures“ as an excuse, it may be a sign they take you for granted.

That's acting like the CEO of your career.

I once interviewed a candidate who made it to the final round.

Three rounds of interviews and a call with the regional director.

All signs pointed toward an offer - a job he was excited about.

However, an unforeseen business change forced us to cancel the job.

I felt terrible but called him and gave him the news.

But he was gracious and understanding.

And handled it incredibly professionally (more professionally than I might have, to be honest). 

And you know what?

I never forgot him.

8 months later, another (even more enriched) role came up in the same location. He was the first person I called.

I reminded the hiring manager of his previous candidacy and he agreed.

We were able to offer him 20% more than planned for the other role.

Had he burned the bridge, we would not have contacted him.

So, handle rejection gracefully, even when it's difficult.

You never know where it might lead.

If you've been laid off and starting to feel self-doubt creeping in,

Just remember this...

Those knowledge, skills, and abilities didn't just disappear with the layoff.

It's easy to get down on yourself when you're faced with uncertainty and start doubting if you really have the goods anymore. (Those rejection letters - and radio silence - don't help either.)

That's why it's so important to keep perspective.

- It's a tough market.
- Many people are struggling.
- Competition is more fierce than normal.

But despite all of it, you still have immense value.

You were hirable before, and you'll be hired again. It's just a matter of time.

Manager: Don't hire anyone who’s been laid off. They are damaged goods.

Recruiter: Okay, let’s hire people who are already working.

Manager: They want too much money and a bigger title.

Recruiter: Let's hire fresh graduates, then.

Manager: Don't hire them. They have no experience; we'll need to train them!

Recruiter: We can target more senior candidates.

Manager: Not ideal, they're too set in their ways.

Recruiter: We'll need to open up our geographic search.

Manager: No remote - they're lazy.

Recruiter: Okay, we'll need to relocate them then.

Manager: We don't have a budget for relocation.

Some time later….

Manager: You haven’t sent any candidates recently. What gives?

Recruiter: I can't find anyone who meets your requirements.

Manager: Figures. Nobody wants to work anymore!

There are plenty of great candidates out there.

You just have to have eyes to see them.

Not too long ago, I had a recruiter reach out with a new job opportunity.

It sounded great: well-paying, challenging work, and a respectable employer.

I passed on it because I wasn't looking for a new job.

But I knew someone who was.

So instead of letting the opportunity fade away, I shared his name with the recruiter.

And about a month later, I saw this person announce they landed the job.

The next time you come across a job opportunity that's not right for you, refer a fellow job seeker.

It may be right for them.
 
And a little more kindness is desperately needed in today’s job market.

Not too long ago, I had a recruiter reach out with a new job opportunity.

It sounded great: well-paying, challenging work, and a respectable employer.

I passed on it because I wasn't looking for a new job.

But I knew someone who was.

So instead of letting the opportunity fade away, I shared his name with the recruiter.

And about a month later, I saw him announce he had landed the job.

The next time you come across a job opportunity that's not right for you, please refer a fellow job seeker.

It may be right for them.

And a little more kindness is desperately needed in today’s job market.