Ellen Gordon Reeves

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About Ellen Gordon Reeves
Career and workplace advisor Ellen Gordon Reeves is the author of "Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?" featured in media including CNN, US News and World Report, Essence, EXTRA, The CBS Early Show, ABC Money Matters, Fox News Edge, MoneyWatch.Com, and NPR’s Morning Edition. Trained in comedy writing and improvisation at Second City, Reeves is a frequent public speaker, consulting to individuals and institutions. She offers her interactive Extreme Professional Makeover and Communications Crash Course boot camps across the country. Reeves has been a blogger for LearnVest and Jobs for Change/Change.org and is now QuantNet’s career columnist. Formerly Executive Editor of The New Press and past president of the Harvard Alumni Association, Reeves serves on advisory boards at The American Repertory Theater and The Harvard Art Museums. She is a graduate of Harvard College and holds an EdM from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Master of Arts in Writing and Teaching Writing from Northeastern University.
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Blog postLooking for a job is hard enough, but looking for a job in one city while you’re living in another is even harder. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this long-distance scenario:1. Focus On One AreaUnless you have a specific job or industry in mind and are willing to move anywhere, concentrate on one geographical area at a time. Make sure to investigate salary ranges in this region so you know what’s appropriate.2. Use Social Networking SitesThe internet really pays off for long-distance4 years ago Read more
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Blog postLast week, I talked with Katie Couric for a segment called Jobless in America on katiecouric.com. This clip highlights my mantra: Stop looking for job and start looking for a person. The right person will lead you to the right job.Over 80% of All Jobs Are in the Hidden Job MarketIn order to tap into them, you’ve got to get out there and start talking to people. Hone your elevator pitch and let people know who you are, what you can do for them, and what you’re looking for.Break Down Your Overwhel4 years ago Read more
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Blog postHere’s my #1 secret for getting the job you really want, in this or any economy: Don’t apply for jobs you don’t want.“I Got a Job Offer But I’m Waiting To Hear From My Dream Employer”Over and over, my clients come to me with the same dilemma: They’ve received offers for jobs they don’t really want to take, and haven’t heard back yet about the jobs they really want. They don’t want to say no to a job offer, but they also don’t want to burn any bridges.My Question: “Why Were You Applying For Jobs4 years ago Read more
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Blog postIn a conversation with Katie Couric for a segment called Jobless in America on katiecouric.com, I was asked the “Nose Ring” question. “Can I wear my nose ring to the interview?” is a real question I’ve been asked by many job-seekers I counsel, which is why it became the title of my book.Nose Rings Aside, The Issue Is Understanding Company CultureIt’s a great question because it’s really about how to present yourself professionally when you’re job-hunting. Whether you have a nose ring or not, the4 years ago Read more
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Blog postWhen you’re job-hunting, there’s nothing less professional than having to write your email address on a dirty napkin or someone else’s business card. Here’s what you need to know if you’re on the market:1. You’ve Got To Have A Business Card—Even Before You’re In BusinessThis is one of my cardinal rules. The response from recent grads and other job seekers is always the same: “But what do I put on it? I don’t have a job.” How are you going to get one if people don’t know how to reach you to funne4 years ago Read more
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Blog postQuestions about job-hunting, your career path, workplace issues, interview and review preparation, salary and benefits negotiation? Ask Ellen Reeves, one of the contributors to the QuantNet International Guide to Programs in Financial Engineering.Career and workplace advisor Ellen Gordon Reeves is the author of Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? A Crash Course in Finding, Landing, and Keeping Your First Real Job, featured in media including CNN, CBS, EXTRA, Fox, ABC, Forbes.com andNPR. Sh4 years ago Read more
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Blog postNegotiating salary is not high on anyone’s list of fun things to do, and yet it’s one of the most important things you can do when considering a job offer. The more you negotiate, the more you’re likely to get—and I can assure you: if you don’t ask, you won’t get. Be prepared and know what your deal-breakers are. There’s always room to negotiate, as long as you are tactful and respectful and don’t appear to be giving ultimatums. Particularly in this economy, there may be more room for barter tha4 years ago Read more
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Blog postYou should never be sitting home while you’re looking for a job. Never mind the fact that it’s not good for morale to be home sending your resume hurtling into the black void of cyberspace—you need to be out there, gaining skills and experience and meeting people who can lead you to the right opportunity. One great way to get your foot in the door is by temping—but not randomly. Don’t just sign up for any agency and take any jobs they give you.Be Strategic! Accept Only Assignments That Advance Y4 years ago Read more
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Blog postMost people think there are two kinds of interviews: job and informational. But recruiters and hiring managers report that some job seekers are trying to have another kind: I call it the exploratory interview, and it’s a big mistake.When the interviewer for a sales position asks, “Why do you want to work in sales?” you might say honestly but tragically “Sales is one option, but I’m also considering marketing.” You think you’re being flexible, but you’re digging your own grave. When you apply for4 years ago Read more
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Blog postHow long should my job search take? This is a question I’m asked all the time. It reminds me of when I was teaching and my students would ask how long the paper I had just assigned needed to be. Maybe they just wanted to see me roll my eyes and say, “Long enough to answer the question.” And, so, my answer to you is this: How long do you have?How Long Can You Afford to Search Before Getting Stressed About Paying Bills?This answer is different for everyone, as it depends entirely on each person’s4 years ago Read more
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Blog postDear Ellen,Despite the warning signs that I had no forms to fill out when I started my job, I later realized that I was being misclassified as an independent contractor—as opposed to an employee—by my boss. That was three years ago. I’ve had no social security, FICA, sick or vacation days since then. I know the IRS now has the SS-8 form to address these issues, but I’m uneasy about filling it out behind his back. Should I just ask to be treated as an employee? Or file the form and move on? Thank4 years ago Read more
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Titles By Ellen Gordon Reeves
Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? takes readers step-by-step through a process that was always tough, but is today especially challenging.Yes, if you're wedded to your nose ring, wear it to the interview. No, you shouldn't be e-mailing out hundreds of résumés. Begin the search with a professional mind-set—get organized, and set yourself up with business cards, a respectable e-mail address, and a working cell phone. The importance of networking and the rule of three—try to make three e-mails or phone calls a day, but never more than that. The "elevator speech"—hone your pitch to the length of an elevator ride and be prepared to use it at the most unexpected times. The art of writing cringe-free cover letters and killer résumés—from timelines, hooks, and grammatical do's and don'ts to why you should never use the phrase "References available upon request," never include your GPA, and never, ever make a typo. How to dress for an interview, including why to put on your business clothes when interviewing at home, over the phone. Things to be honest about: citizenship and past salary range. And things not to say: "I want this job because I need health insurance."
Then once you're in, how to negotiate salary, what to expect in a review, and basic first job common sense: take initiative, be humble and helpful, never use your boss as a confidant, and always say "I'll find out" instead of "I don’t know." Now you're on your way.