I am remembering Joan on the second anniversary of her death. May she rest in perfect peace. This blog post was originally written in September 2014.
Over the past year, I have written three homages to people whom I loved and admired: an homage to my mother (Ode to Mom 5/11/2013), my father (Homage to Dad 6/16/2013) and an homage to Sam Berns, tireless Progeria champion (Dropping the Puck 1/14/2014). All of them inspired me and today I add a fourth, the incomparable Joan Rivers. Joan was always a favorite of mine. I admired her intelligence, quick wit and humor above all. She was spectacular at re-inventing herself, something I have talked about with all of my job seekers. She was bold but honest and so funny! In writing this blog I have always tried to instruct, explain and help, using the true facts with humor since I believe it is something most of us share in common. So in homage to Joan, “Can we talk”?
Boldness prior or during a first interview:
– Did you really have to say you wanted to discuss an offer in your cover letter?
– When asked for your interview availability, did you really suggest one time at your convenience only?
– Are you serious about requesting a month before you start a job (which you haven’t been offered)?
– Do you think being unpleasant on the phone is endearing?
– Why would we want to know what your friend thinks you should be paid?
– Unprepared… seriously?
– Negotiating anything during a first conversation, what?
– You said “let’s get down to business” on a phone interview? Please!
– The reason you left your last position was because your office was like a prison? Who are you?
I think Joan and I would agree that boldness can be great when performing at a club or applying for a job at Comedy Central. However, on a job interview or phone screen or even cover letter, you just might have to refine the boldness. What can we learn from Joan that we can connect to Job Etiquette? Plenty!
– Just like some of you, Joan was a single working mother.
– Joan had a part time job that did not turn permanent.
– Joan was fired from a job.
– Joan had to support her family after a tragic event in her personal life.
– Joan always came back even better.
– Joan had an incredible work ethic.
– Joan re-invented herself and remained relevant even at age 81.
– She accepted many jobs to yes, make connects, network and move forward in her career.
– Joan was a professional and a hard worker.
These are things that many job seekers who are not celebrities also face. Using humor always helps and trying to remember that things can turn around can help you move forward. It worked for Joan! My condolences to her family, friends and fans. Learn from her story and for your interviews also remember, don’t get a ticket Fashion Police, look professional! Talk soon!
Job Etiquette By Paula 
Hi Paula: Being thoughtful & courteous should be #1 in everyone’s mind these days. In these fast times, “cutting to the chase” doesn’t always make it fine for all concerned parties. Once again, a nice piece with some helpful info. I remember your Mom when I worked at Worc. City Hospital many yrs. ago. She was a fine person who always put her patients FIRST; and that is one thing that I admired in her. Oh yeah, she always found the time to chat or say hello. Kudos to you on following in her footsteps.. Steve W.
Dear Steve,
Thanks so much for following my blog. Your words about my Mom are so touching. Many people have shared their memories of her with me. I hope you get a chance to read my Ode to Mom. She and my dad were both great role models!
Stay tuned for more blogs!