Utilize and Professionalize Your Social Media

Written by Shelby Oyer

Social media is great for many reasons. It gives us a way to stay connected with friends, to keep track of what people and organizations are doing, and can provide us with the opportunity to meet new people.

With the growing popularity of social media, it’s no surprise that more and more employers are going there first to check out potential employees.

Here are some tips to help you both look professional to these employers, as well as how to utilize the many options social media provides during your job search.

Facebook

-Check your privacy. Set your profile to private to prevent any unwanted things from being seen and to keep your account safe from hackers.

-Remove incriminating photos/statuses. This may seem like common sense but be sure to double check that no photos of you out partying with your friends or statuses where you complain about your boss are present on your page. Even if your page is private, things have a way of being discovered.

-Do research. Look up companies you’re interested in working for. “Like” their pages and use the information given to gain knowledge about the company. Seeing their updates in your newsfeed may give you a recent piece of information to talk about in an interview, as well.

Twitter

-Follow companies. Search for companies you’re interested in as well as companies in your related field of interest and follow them for information and updates.

­-Retweet and favorite. Take it a step further and interact with these companies by retweeting, favoriting or tweeting back at them. You might just catch their attention.

-Keep it clean. Make your picture professional and keep your tweets professional, too. Mention in your bio what you’re interested in and who you are so companies who take a look at you (after all your retweeting and interactions with them, naturally) know more about who you are.

-Follow internship and job companies. Places like internships.com and many other sites have Twitter accounts where they regularly post jobs and internships for you to apply for.

LinkedIn

This is possibly the most important social media site for you to utilize. If you don’t have an account, make one. Like, today! Employers rely on this site more and more. Plus it’s basically an online resume for you to refer to, post samples of your work, get references, etc.

-Update your info. Make your picture professional and make sure all of your information is on there and up-to-date. Include school activities as well as jobs and post any samples of your work. LinkedIn is basically an expanded resume where you’re not limited to just one page. Utilize this!

-Get connections/recommendations. “Connect” with your coworkers (past and present), bosses, friends, RAs, parents’ friends…anyone and everyone you can think of. You never know who might be connected to them and see your profile as a result. Also, ask former employers or coworkers for recommendations. Personalize your requests, too.

-Join and follow. Join groups on LinkedIn (may I recommend the LACD page? *hint hint*) and follow companies you’re interested in. This will give you first-hand access to new information about the companies, including any possible job openings.

-Do company research. Utilize your groups and who you follow to do research on the companies you’re interested in. This will always come in handy in interviews.

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Having a strong, professional online presence can greatly help you in your job search. Not only do these sites allow you access to information about companies you’re interested in, they also allow those companies information about you, giving you a leg up on the competition.

Adjusting to a new City

written by Tanvir Rahman

Getting a new job after graduation may mean moving to a new city as well for many people. Adjusting to a new life with a new job in a new city can be hard, but there are things you can do to make it easy and fun!

A new city means new possibilities. It is important to be open to new things and explore what your new environment has to offer. Look into community events and festivals that you can go to. Explore your interests and what your city has related to those interests. To give you an example, one my interests is dance. If I were to move to a new city I would look into dance workshops, clubs, and other events like those. Staying in touch with your interests is a good way to meet new people and get comfortable with your environment. Even if your city doesn’t offer exactly what you like, there may be things to try that you would have never expected to do.

Moving to a new life in a new city also means leaving behind your old life. While it is important to stay in touch with old friends and contacts, communication should be somewhat limited so that you’re not relying too much on that. Keep up with current trends, gossip, and news through regular communication but an excessive amount will only make you wish you were there more. It’s important to keep in touch, but also remember that you have a new change you need to adjust to.

Being in a new city also means that you can be a new person. It’s good to try and build a reputation over time but be careful not to get too comfortable too fast. You will want to build networks and connections and get yourself established in your new job and city. Starting a new chapter in your life is a good opportunity to grow and learn new things. Don’t try to become the big fish in the small pond but remember you are there because you have something to offer.

Having something to look forward to can also help you get through the tough days. Look for events, hobbies, or opportunities and put them in your calendar.  Whether the event is big or small it is good to have something to look forward to, making your time in your city more enjoyable.

A new city means new experiences, you just have to put yourself out there and do some exploring. You never know what you can find. Stick with your interests or find new things to enjoy. Meet new people and work hard at your new job. A new environment can make you grow and learn so make the best of it. Taking advantage of new opportunities will make it that much easier adjusting to a new city!

reference: http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2008/07/25/5-ways-to-adjust-faster-to-your-new-city/

The Power of LinkedIn

Written by Sarah Hornsby

With it only being January 24th, their is still time to make a new year’s resolution in both your personal and professional life.  One resolution you should consider for your professional life is to begin marketing yourself via social media.  Yes, there are social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook that can be a great tool in creating an online presence (hopefully a good one), but LinkedIn is a social media network that not enough college students are taking advantage of to market themselves professionally.  For those of you that do not know, LinkedIn is similar to Facebook, but is for professionals to showcase their skills in the workplace and connect with other professionals.  

Some of you may be thinking, “Why would I need to do this if I’m not even in my career yet?”  So many young professionals (college students) often overlook the steps they need to be taking to advance themselves professionally.  LinkedIn is a great resource that allows you to market yourself in the professional world and is a place where you can connect and follow other professionals and articles of your interest.  You have to start somewhere. 

If you don’t have an account you should consider creating one, and if you already have a LinkedIn account and are unsure of how to effectively use the social network this post will be extremely beneficial.  An article written by Lisa Williams lists 10 ways to improve your LinkedIn profile:

1. Upload a decent photo

Your LinkedIn profile photo sets the tone for everything else a viewer will experience on your page — just like match.com or Instagram. Except LinkedIn isn’t match.com or Instagram. It’s the world’s largest professional network.

2. Your headline = you, not your job

The headline of your LinkedIn profile is highly searchable. I know that no one on LinkedIn (or Google for that matter) is looking for “founder of Sierra Tierra Marketing.” So I list something more search-friendly that speaks of what I do on a daily basis — and for which people may want to hire me. “Social media consultant specializing in analysis, strategy, and instruction. Author | Speaker | Educator” paints a much better picture of who I am and how I can help potential clients and agencies with social media marketing.

3. Make your summary shine

Don’t let the positions in the “Experience” section do all the talking about your professional abilities. Many recruiters and potential clients won’t take the time to scroll that far without incentive.

4. Update your most recent job

Even if you’re not actively looking for employment, review what your most recent entry is under “Experience.” Do you have a new title? New responsibilities? A recent accomplishment that speaks of your professional prowess? Be sure to list those here.

5. Add visuals to your experience

LinkedIn allows you to upload images, documents, and videos to each job you list under “Experience.” Why not liven up that section with visuals that show the greatness of which you’re capable?  If you’re a graphic designer, professional organizer, or landscape artist, show off your most stunning accomplishments. If you’re a storyteller, community activist, or professional athlete, use video to show your work in action.

6. Join more groups

At times LinkedIn might not seem like it, but it is considered by many to be a social network. Demonstrate your ability to network with like-minded professionals by joining LinkedIn groups. Look at your coworkers’ and competitors’ profiles to see which groups they’ve joined — pick the best of the bunch you find there.

7. Follow some influencers

By following LinkedIn “influencers,” you give viewers a sense of which thought leaders you respect — whether it be President of the World Bank Jim Kim, industrial psychologist Dr. Marla Gottschalk, or Nancy Lublin of DoSomething.org (or all three). Influencers regularly post to LinkedIn, so you’ll also be able to comment on and share articles that are meaningful to you.

8. Follow your own company

It’s surprising how many employees do not follow their own company’s page on LinkedIn. Where’s the company pride, people? Seriously, show that you’re a proud team player and affiliate yourself with your current employer’s page.

9. Select skills and expertise that you want to be endorsed for

There is a ton of controversy over the value of LinkedIn endorsements. But you know what? They’re here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. So use them to your advantage.

Did you sign up for LinkedIn with your work email address? Is that address still valid? It would be a shame for you to do the nine previous steps and then have a potential client or recruiter write to an outdated address.

Liberal arts Career Week is coming up, and the employers you meet at the Career Expo during that week may want to connect with you on LinkedIn.  So before Career Week is upon us, take some time to create an account and follow the advice given above.  This is an opportunity for you to develop professionally, and there is no better time to start than now.  

To read the entire article by Lisa Williams and more of her articles about social media follow the link below,

http://socialmediatoday.com/kalnerwilliams/1700131/10-simple-ways-improve-your-linkedin-profile

Start Your Day the Right Way

Why is breakfast the most important meal of the day? Breakfast has been proven to increase brain function throughout the day, including memory and test taking skills, and has also been proven to lower risk of disease and weight gain.  I know that if I were only able to eat one meal out of the day, I would eat breakfast. It sets the tone for the entire day. When you wake up you are tired and need energy to get your day started. Breakfast is a great Segway from getting out of bed to actually waking up. Breakfast should be the largest meal of the day because you then have the entire day to burn the extra calories you took in when you woke up, unlike dinner when you typically go to sleep a few hours after eating. You may be wondering, what does this have to do with my career? Well, everything.

Not only is breakfast essential in starting your day out right, but it contributes to the rest of your daily activities and brain function. If you wake up in the morning with enough time to get ready for a normal work day, and have time to eat breakfast, you shouldn’t feel rushed. Eating breakfast every morning is a great way to make sure you have extra time to wake up and be fully prepared for the rest of the day. If someone wakes up within 20 minutes of having to leave for work, they are probably not eating breakfast, and probably feeling very rushed for at least the first half of their day, if not the entire day. Breakfast is calming and energizing at the same time. WebMD says, “Time invested in breakfast is much more valuable than the few extra minutes of sleep you might get by bypassing the morning meal.” The value lies in what happens for the rest of your day, and your productivity and attitude. If you want to be successful, to be productive, to be the best at what you do, then start from the beginning. That means start from the beginning of your academia, your career, and your day. The best way to start your day, is to start with a healthy breakfast and a positive mindset. Wake up every morning, say ‘thank you’ and eat a healthy breakfast. This is how to jumpstart your day, your career, your life.

Written by: Bronwyn Huddleson

Successful Before 30 Blog Series--Donald Glover

By: Maureen Corbett

Today is the day I launch my first blog series. As a veteran blogger for the Liberal Arts Career Development office, I have found it increasingly difficult to discover new and interesting topics that students are interested in. I took some time to think about it, and I realized that one thing I enjoy reading about is people with similar backgrounds and interests as me who have grown into hugely successful people.

So for the next several blog entries, my theme will be centralized around the idea of “Successful Before 30.” I plan to feature young entrepreneurs and successful business men and women, all who have Liberal Arts degrees. The goal is that by discussing their achievements and triumphs, that I can convince students who may think Liberal Arts degrees are a waste of time and money that there are always ways students can succeed in their careers.

The first lucky winner is Donald Glover. While he barely makes the cut having just turned 30, this comedian/writer/actor/rapper accomplished most of his current career successes before he was 25. He began in 2006 at New York University pursuing a degree in dramatic writing, where he used the internet (mainly YouTube) to broadcast his talent. He pursued rapping recreationally, and was a member of a sketch comedy club that eventually became a YouTube sensation. Glover’s big break however was getting hired by Tina Fey to write for the show 30 Rock while he was still an undergrad.

As Glover advanced, he became most well-known to the public as the beloved character Troy on NBC’s show Community. He has also pursued a career in the rapping and record producing industry, performing under the stage name Childish Gambino. Glover has already released two successful albums, and continues to pursue his musical career.

What students can learn from Glover is the importance of standing out. In an interview with Forbes, Glover talked about how he constantly thought about what he could do to make a unique impression and offer something that nobody else could. His ambitions helped motivate him to begin writing scripts while he was still in high school, and he claims he thanks the internet for successfully promoting his brand. He’s one to never give up on a dream he’s always had, and encourages other students pursuing similar interests to become as unique as possible.

To learn more about Glover’s success or watch his full interview with Forbes, follow the links below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXyFXSQaPy0

http://noisey.vice.com/blog/donald-glover-childish-gambino-interview

How to Prepare for an Interview

Written by: C Raven Anderson

Most students have heard, "Make sure you prepare for your interview," but very few students know what that actually means. I was one of those students wondering what and how am I supposed to prepare for these often nerve racking situations. Lucky for us James Caan, Serial Entrepreneur and Investor in People with Passion, gives a great set of steps to follow to be prepared for an interview.  

1) Get yourself in the right frame of mind.
You want to be in the best possible shape when you arrive for an interview. A positive mental attitude is the key – think back to any previous successes you have had, in any walk of life but particularly job related. Visualizing these will automatically put you in a good frame of mind. Also, make sure you know exactly where you are going when you set out and that you leave yourself plenty of time when you get there. Turning up late or flustered puts you in a slightly panicky mindset and this is the last thing you want.
2) Make sure you look the part
It goes without saying that you don’t want to turn up for the interview looking scruffy; first impressions are everything. Everything about you is a shop window and as an interviewer I will be scrutinizing every aspect. For example if your shoes are dirty or your appearance is messy that is an instant mark against you. It may sound silly but it tells me you lack attention to detail.
3) Match yourself to the job spec
Prospective employers will want to know that you have properly understood what it is they are looking for in a candidate. Make sure that you have fully understood the role you are applying for by studying the job specification and whether your skills and experience would make you a suitable candidate.
4) Ask for advice
When in doubt ask for advice from someone who might be able to help you. If you know someone who has worked for the company you have applied for, then talk to them and find out about the company culture and the person interviewing you. Something like LinkedIn can also be a big help here. Failing that, do you know somebody who works in a similar role for another organization?
5) Do your homework
Thanks to the internet It has never been easier to do some research on the organization you are hoping to work for. Any interviewer is immediately going to dismiss a candidate who turns up not knowing his or her stuff, so it would be foolish to not do your homework. Some general facts about the company, for example an award they may have recently won, is good to drop into the conversation before the interview has started. After that, you should know more specific details about the job you are going for. If you are applying for a finance position, you should have a good grasp of their latest accounts, or if you are applying for a sales role, looking at recent deals the company has made is a must.
6) Have some questions up your sleeve
At some stage in the interview you are going to be asked if you have any questions. This can often make or break your chances. This is where you need to take control and ask the interviewer almost as many questions as they asked you. Take every chance to drill down the role and the company. Generic questions like “what are the hours” won’t tell you anything of significance – what you really want is information such as what a typical day consists of and what are your key performance indicators. Challenging the interviewer like this immediately tells them you are a proactive person, and they will be sure to remember you when the interviews are all done.
7) Be confident but not cocky
It is important to be confident about yourself and your abilities, without going over the top. Employers want people who are lively and full of self-belief, but they also want someone who will work well alongside their existing team. Be careful not to cross the fine line between confidence and arrogance, as the latter is something managers rarely look for in new hires.

 Anyone can accomplish being prepared for an interview by using these seven steps. The only thing holding you back is yourself. If you put in the time and effort you will eventually get a return on your investment. From now on I plan on following Caan's seven steps, in a timely fashion, to prepare myself for every interview. I challenge you to do the same.


http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131015134511-32175171-7-steps-to-prepare-for-an-interview

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say”

By: Janna Parke

Some may think that success is hard to come by, but according to Brent Beshore, Founder/CEO of adventur.es, success can be found in a few simple steps. Beshore explains this concept as “not being an idiot,” which gives the advantage. While reading these principles, take time to reflect on your career experience, personal life, or any activity you may be involved in. 

1. Follow Through: Just do what you said you were going to do when you said you were going to do it. If you quoted a price, stick with it. If you promised something, deliver.

2. Say “Thank You”: The world doesn’t owe you anything, so don’t act like it does. When someone acts in your best interest, thank him. If you’re given a gift, thank the person who thought of you. If you’re particularly pleased with someone’s performance...you get the idea.

3. Be On Time: Circumstances occasionally cause a justified aberration. But most of the time, tardiness signals self-importance, a lack of respect, and disorganization. As the saying goes, “Five minutes early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”

4. Use Impeccable Grammar: This is the clearest canary in the mine. If someone can’t properly spell, punctuate, or structure a sentence, chances are he a) is not well-educated, b) lacks attention to detail, and c) doesn’t care. Any way you slice it, bad grammar is bad news.

5. Say “Sorry”: Being wrong is being human. Just own up to it, and everyone will move on. Apologizing conveys that you a) care, b) are humble, and c) are self-aware. It’s incredible how much a genuine “sorry” can make up for.

6. Be Intentional: We all have the same amount of time. You can choose to randomly stumble around, hoping to bump into money, meaning, love, friendships, and opportunities. Or you can be intentional. It’s your choice, every single day.

7. Question Why: The smartest people in the world know what they don’t know, and they aren’t scared to look ignorant. If you don’t understand, ask “Why?” until you get it. This simple technique is the greatest antidote for the illogical and inexplicable.

8. Default to Silence: There’s a reason you have two ears and only one mouth. If you don’t have something meaningful to say, keep your trap shut. This ensures that when a significant thought does arise, people might actually listen.

9. Set Expectations: The formula is simple: Happiness = Reality — Expectations. Changing reality is hard. Setting expectations is easy. Under-promise and fill reality with happiness.

10. Take Responsibility: We love to rationalize blame. While it feels good to play the victim, it’s incredibly destructive, leading to a cynical and jaded life. The far better approach is to say, “It’s all my fault.” It gives you control to change yourself and your circumstances.

11. Say “No”: Life is a game of opportunity costs. If you say “yes,” you’re saying “no” to something else. Have clear priorities, pursue opportunities that align, and say “no” to everything else.

12. Continuously Learn: If you wake up each day trying to get a little better, before long, you’ll find yourself ahead. Read, ask, and listen. If something conflicts with your worldview, dig deeper and determine whether you should embrace it or discard it.

13. Embrace Simplicity: Small bits of complexity add up quickly and exponentially. A little white lie can get you fired. A little gossip can ruin a friendship. A little kiss can end a marriage. Enough small splurges can lead to bankruptcy. Given a choice, always choose simplicity.

14. Gain Perspective: We measure ourselves by our intentions, but others by their actions. But you’re not a special snowflake. Everyone else, regardless of how convinced you are that they’re “doing fine,” is struggling with something. Remember that to have some perspective.

15. Check Yourself: As Warren Buffett says, “Negotiating with one’s self seldom produces a barroom brawl.” Surround yourself with people who will a) call you on your BS, b) thoughtfully help you reason, and c) genuinely understand your weaknesses.

16. Avoid Eating Crap: You were given exactly one container for this life, and the quickest way to damage it is by consistently eating lab-concocted, food-like substances pumped full of chemicals, hormones, and fake nutrition. Simply eat real food that came from something previously living in a recognizable form.

I have found myself in a variety of positions over the past few years. I have been in school, internships, jobs, and volunteer work, all of which involve a road to success. These steps seem simple, but are easily forgotten when I have been working the same positions for so long. It is hard to continue your drive, perspective, and be intentional everyday, but that is how you will make the greatest impact. Now is the perfect time for a new beginning, so I am going to take a few of these basic principles and apply them to my daily life in order to be the best me. 

 http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140106160108-21597783-16-basic-principles-for-avoiding-stupidity?trk=object-title