I just find this almost related to my situation before as I was still working in a financial institution for almost nine years..just sharing it with you guys!! hope you get some insights!!
Q: I have been interviewing for a new position since I was let go because of a merger. Before this merger, I had experienced two other mergers after which I lost my jobs. I usually have many interviews right away, but my unemployed period between my previous two jobs lasted a year. I was at this recent job for a year, and I emotionally and financially can't take another year of unemployment.
All the phone interviews last at least a half-hour, then I hope they advance to face to face. At the telephone stage, interviewers always try to get me to admit to a desired salary range. I do whatever I can to avoid it because I don't want to be taken out of the running, but sometimes they won't be dissuaded. I can't say that I am open to anything; I am not, but after a year of unemployment, holding out for the highest salary is not a priority. How do I get this across without looking desperate and afraid?
A: Start with the usual statements made to avoid committing to a salary, but the truth is that your lifestyle is based on a particular amount. Create a list of wants and needs. If you never have done without, eliminating some of these services or products might be more difficult than you think. Once you're comfortable with each list, figure what salary you need to stay in each of those lifestyles. It's a good idea to try living without the items on your wants list to see whether you can do so without affecting your mood. The idea is to create a comfortable lifestyle, not one so filled with sacrifice that you become depressed and miserable. If an interviewer presses you for a number, either offer your former salary or offer the salary that supports your wants lifestyle. Under no circumstances should you cave in and say you'll take anything. Receiving interviews should keep up your confidence, so another job will come to you in the near future.
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Loyal Employee May Have Stayed Too Long: Knowing When To Leave
Q: I have had the same job for the past 15 years. I'm in a conservative industry, so it didn't seem unusual to me. I was given raises and a couple of promotions, but I was denied a couple of big promotions. I clearly was more qualified, but I was not a member of the "old boys" club. I have been interviewing for two years now and typically don't get interviews. If I do, I never get a second one. Do you think I stayed in this job too long?
A: Your problem may not be that you stayed too long but that you stayed when you should have left after not being promoted. It sounds as if management decided you do not have what they want for the higher-level jobs, no matter how good you may be. Meet with a life coach, career coach or professional recruiter, who will guide you on your total package, not just your resume. A makeover from wardrobe and image consultants may sound frivolous, but to the contrary; staying in the same job for too long can cause complacency in how you market yourself. You are a product, so review every aspect to see where you need to improve. If you approach the process with an open mind, you can only win.
Lindsey Novak
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