Apr 9, 2008

BUSINESS MATTERS: First impression can be overcome

Mildred Culp / Daily News columnist

Dear Dr. Culp: My last work at the research center involved using live specimens. I have a great fear/distaste for this protocol, but I've always enjoyed various kinds of notations and coding. I am very interested in medical billing/coding and feel that it would provide long-lasting employment.

I've checked most of the nearby training sites. Unfortunately, my uncle contacted a local training center. I think that information about my employment didn't make a good impression on the director there because I haven't been able to communicate with her. She apparently became ticked. I still feel this particular training site would be very good and convenient for me. How can I speak effectively with her about completing the medical billing/coding training, starting immediately?

On-site Training



Dear Training: Be your own best agent. Go down there in your best job-hunting attire and make a positive impression. Don't mention your uncle or the conversation he had. The director may have spoken with so many people that she's forgotten it. If your work history is broken, tell her that when jobs weren't working out, you didn't realize what has since become obvious to you, that you were spending too much time doing tasks minimally suited to you and too little on those you really enjoy.



Dear Dr. Culp: I would like to thank you for running my question in the Sunday paper. I got two calls for interviews for a job in human resources and another in sales/marketing. That is some very valuable information you gave me. How can I negotiate a time frame for starting, because I've already accepted a part-time job?

Happy Camper



Dear Happy: Well, now, this could be a problem. Ask your new boss if you may begin in two weeks so that you can give your part-time boss reasonable notice. However, keep in mind that if you're still in the process of being trained, your part-time boss may want to stop investing in you immediately. If your new boss won't allow you the two weeks, beware of other unprofessional things he might do, such as cut you off down the road without notice.

If the new boss gives you two weeks and your part-time job is a loss, cut your losses and enjoy the two weeks. The golden rule of getting rid of a job that isn't working out is to do so within the first 30 days, if possible. End a job in less than a year and you may omit it on your resume.



Blog tip: Behavior

Do you control people too much? Cheryl Cran, author of "The Control Freak Revolution: Make Your Most Maddening Behaviors Work For Your Company and to Your Advantage" (Career Press, $19.99), confesses to be a "recovered control freak." She says that she learned how ineffective she was when, leading a team in her 20s, she thought all was going well until she discovered that "my team had mutinied behind my back while making nice-y nice to my face."

Diagnose yourself. Are you impatient? What about overbearing? How about impertinent? Do you get results? Cran got lucky, she thinks, because "a positive control freak leader gave me feedback that turned me into a funky control freak leader."

If you're ready to do an about-face, change your behavior. Your career might depend upon it. But be honest with yourself. Are you really sincere about it, sincere and committed for the rest of your life?

Find an occupation that fits. Sell insurance already. Work as a paramedic, policeman or fireman. Join the military. Work in rescue efforts. Become a sole proprietor or public speaker. Develop the expertise to become a turnaround consultant. Take control of yourself and your work. Meanwhile, soften your behavior, but don't lose your socks.



E-mail your job-hunting questions to Dr. Mildred Culp at culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2008 Passage Media.