Your interviews are going well at Your #1 Targeted Company, and the prospective employer has told you that they'll be talking to your references AND will be calling your former company. A routine practice.

You gulp: Former company...that means Former Boss, who was, well, a jerk. You and he never got along, despite your excellent performance. He's certainly not one of your official references, but you just know they will be able to find him and talk with him. And he won't say good things about you.

How do you head this off? How do you neutralize the situation so that his words don't kill your candidacy there?

Here are six ways...

When you're at an event and want move around the room meeting people, it's easy to get stalled. Here are some ideas so you can connect with more people in less time.

First, don't insist on a full meeting at the event. Get their OK to contact them at a time and day they name, and ask if it would help to send them a reminder "via email tomorrow". Chances are they'll readily agree to that. And they'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Another reason this is a good idea is that they will then spend undistracted time with you.

Second, try to spend only a few minutes with each person. If someone wants to delay you, excuse yourself by telling them about your goal of the evening: meeting as many people as possible, so you have to move on. If they are there to network, they will respect your request.

Of course, be sure to take everyone's business card and bring plenty of your own. Jot down any notes on cards after talking with each person.

Last, the way to be a genuine networker, AND to be remembered, is to help the other person -- by asking them who they would like to meet. That could be someone at the event, or someone in your business circle. Then follow up.

Those who've heard me speak to groups know that I have a saying: "There are no cat skeletons in trees...they always come down. And in the same way, you WILL land a good job!"

Some recent "landees" are Rachel L., Joe I., Kevin S., Pat P., Jeff U. Congratulations and best wishes in your new jobs!

Minneapolis area: Job Search Tools Boot Camp -
Resume and LinkedIn (plus a bonus!)

Tired of no response to your resume, or not enough response? Getting no response to your LinkedIn profile from recruiters, HR, or hiring managers? Glad others are getting interviews and offers but wondering why you're not?

Tired of looking for a job, period? Or just starting your search and don't want to waste time using ineffective tools?

Then stop doing the same old thing. Do something different. Something that gets results.

For more details...

To register, email Joanne@TheJobSearchQueen.com but do so ASAP, as seating is limited and we're bound to fill up fast.