Dear Coach: I have an advanced degree in international business. I received it while studying in Mexico City at a school that is part of a university in the United States. I also speak fluent Spanish. How can I locate companies that are looking to hire someone with my qualifications?
Carol Kleiman: Your best hope is the university you once attended, but if the school says it knows of no jobs, ask for names of graduates in your field and network heavily with them. Speaking Spanish is a huge asset in the business world, and you should make it work for you.
Dear Coach, If you were offered a job and the dollar amount was mentioned over the phone–not face to face–how do you negotiate? Would you ask for an in-person meeting? Would you even consider negotiating at all in this bad job climate?
CK: It’s important to negotiate and you should start over the phone by saying you’d like to discuss salary in person. But you have to know what you’re talking about: What does the job pay in today’s market? What is the salary range for the job? Does it include benefits? Do your homework before you say anything–over the phone or in person.
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Dear Coach, I was fired from my job and I think it was because of my French origin. I think that is also the reason I am having a lot of trouble finding a job. I think employers are against French people because of the war in Iraq. I am very sad because I don’t know what to do anymore. If you have any advice, please let me know.
CK: I hope the reason you can’t find a job is not because of your national origin. The truth is, there are very few jobs available today, whether or not you’re French. If you’re an American citizen, however, there are laws against this form of discrimination. In any case, keep looking.
COACH CAROL’S 15-SECOND DRILL: The Mommy Track–the very slow career path women with children often are relegated to–is a discriminatory roadblock to advancement. Get off the track by making clear to your managers that you want to move ahead and are a full-time professional as well as full-time mom.
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Hear Carol Kleiman on WBBM-AM 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. Mondays and at 11:20 a.m. Saturdays. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV. E-mail [email protected].