As an academic, I was paid to share my opinion, to be open and honest about my point of view and defend it adamantly. I did not realize how different this would be for me when moving to the private sector since I did not know anyone from that world.
Now that I have refocused on the post-academic world, I want to share some mistakes I made in the past 15 years so you can avoid these pitfalls.
No-No Number 1: Never discuss money.
My first day of my first corporate job, the team went out to lunch as a welcome. In the car, I mentioned something but how excited I was to get this contract because it was so much more than I made teaching (a big no-no out of the gate). Someone asked how much, and I answered. Two days later, my manger asked me if I had shared that because now someone was asking for a raise. She was speechless when I answered yes. Whoops!
Why is this an issue? A couple reasons. Unlike public-sector jobs, salary and pay are very private in the corporate world. Sharing your information can back fire in two ways: 1) it could piss someone off because they make less than you or 2) you could pissed off because you make less. This can cause animosity between people and on a team. It is just better not to know.
Secondly, discussing money with your boss or anyone else makes it look like that's all you care about. "We'll, duh, that's why I am getting a post-academic job!" might be your response. But, while true, companies want to feel that you are coming to work for them because they are awesome. I know it sounds crazy, but the money is supposed to be a side benefit. Remember, these are folks who have been out of school for a long time and who, in many ways, love their job and/or employer. They want you to feel the same way. Instead of talking about money, discuss "learning opportunities" and "challenging work." It's just easier that way.
No-No Number 2: Dress the Part
When working as a contractor, my manager at the time hooked me up with an interview. I asked her what I should wear, and she said to dress the part. I thought about it and showed up in my cutest outfit, ready and excited to talk to them: sandals, jeans, the whole thing. She took one look at me and said, "don't you have an interview?" Whoops!
As an academic, I was pretty casual in my dress, so I did not understand what was expected for a job interview and was pretty naive. What I know now is you always dress up. It doesnt matter if they have a business casual environment. A suit is essential.* You want to look like you are taking them seriously, that getting the role is important to you. So look like it is.
No-No Number 3: The Private is the Public
Posting on Facebook about the ins and outs of work may seem like a good idea to share with you friends and family. At a prior employer, I was posting about a successful meeting I had, and as a snarky, smart-ass, made a few asides. A few weeks later, my manager was asking me about it. Out of context, I looked like a grade A a-hole. Whoops!
First off, I made my Facebook settings private (duh), but I also never post anything negative about an employer, no matter what I am feeling at the time. Even if I feel like I don't care about the current situation, future potential employers will see this as a reflection of your professionalism and may have concerns that you would do the same to them. So, be careful and stay classy.
My advice may sound like I am suggesring you not be yourself. Far from it! There is a fine line between being professional and being myself. I have a pretty strong personality and know I would be miserable at a company that doesn't appreciate the fun and quirky style I bring to the team. I have left companies because this wasn't valued. I know who I am and want to work some place that appreciate me. I just wish I would have known about a few no-nos before I stepped into them.
For more advice on what to do (& what not to do, check out the post-ac conversation at theprofessorisin
*if you are applying for a fashion company, where something that fits with their style (and has their brand).
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