Comments on: How to Lose A Gig in 10 Ways

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:03:51 +0000

lol great job! Make’em wait…you’ll look busy (in demand) and everyone loves a little mystery

sadly, I have known these people

By: Carol Ferndale

Carol Ferndale — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:12:18 +0000

@ Ann G: You were absolutely right! When a potential employer asks for a significant amount of work up front, before any hiring or agreement has taken place, that definitely rings alarm bells for me.

I also work as an English teacher, and one employer asked me to write some material, on the topic of how I would tackle a certain class, and to bring it along to the job interview. I duly wrote a short paper relating to cultural differences and teaching methods. At the interview itself, the paper was whisked away and copied.

I was duly offered the job, and on Day 1, myself and the three other new recruits were given some briefing papers by management. Guess what it was? Yes, my work.

@ #3: Thanks!

By: #3

#3 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:43:06 +0000

Thanks Elijah, I appreciate your thoughts. A vote for more outrageous – hehehe, I don’t think you want to see how far the rabbit hole goes (in my mind) :0)

There are times that editing will change the meaning, focus or importance of an article, etc. Those are some of the times when writers have every right – politely like you said – to offer their differing point of view. Often editors/clients will appreciate your take on things. I think some of the best writing I’ve ever produced came from great communication on both sides of the product. You’re right though Elijah, we shouldn’t get stuck on our “rules.”

By: Elijah

Elijah — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:34:03 +0000

This is a decent post — using reverse approach is a known technique to point out own faults. I’ve seen it several times on the web, and it works. Perhaps the author is too cautious at times, as if afraid to go all the way. As a result it’s not outrageous enough for some readers to look past the veiled admonishments. But it takes guts to write a post like this.

I am not sure about #4: I think sometimes its good to make a stand — in the form of polite suggestions and opinions, of course — it’ll only show the employer your confidence. I guess the trick is not to cling to your ideas.

By: #3

#3 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:09:51 +0000

@ Carol: I’m glad you enjoyed it! That’s what makes this contest so cool. And the wealth of info that all the writers are producing – wow! Have a productive day!

@Ann G: Wow. Nothing like the last zing emails. “You can’t break up with me, I’m breaking up with you!”

By: Ann G.

Ann G. — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:22:53 +0000

Hey, I was actually told that I was #5 (High Maintenance) yesterday before I even landed a job. The potential employer was looking for a writer for his Web site and to “land” the job he wanted people to submit a full marketing plan and ad campaign for one of the products he will be selling. That sent up a red flag for me – I could do all the work, be told I didn’t fit and he has a free campaign to run with.

When I told him I was no longer interested and explained why doing that work before even landing the job was not something I was going to do, he actually did email me back and tell me that due to my “untrusting nature” I was too high maintenance for him anyway. So I guess being high maintenance isn’t a bad thing all the time!

By: Carol Ferndale

Carol Ferndale — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:06:32 +0000

Ha ha! Lovely post, lovely!

Point number 10 definitely struck a chord in relation to some people I have had to work with. I cannot understand how some individuals actually seem to be proud of being “technologically challenged” – lazy, more like. (I once had to work with a woman who announced in a meeting that if anyone wanted to send her an email, they would have to print it out and deliver it to her home – I think she was serious too.)

Thanks for a great post which has brought a smile to my face on another busy day!

By: #3

#3 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:30:45 +0000

@13: Ha! I’ve done that with articles on the Onion. Thanks for the great compliment, I’m glad you liked it!

By: Candidate #11

Candidate #11 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:18:11 +0000

Nothing wrong with a little levity now & again to get your point across.

By: #13

#13 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:49:42 +0000

While reading the first two entries, I was appalled… then I realized, “Duh! This is what **NOT** to do.” Yes, I just added to the 101 reasons why not to peruse the Internet after 11:00 PM. (I’m in need of serious shut-eye and cannot grasp the refinement of being witty.)
Seriously – this was funny and really did hit the major points about how to lose a job. Permanently.
Good post!
~#13~