Carla Certeza
Let’s say you’re an intern
at the company that you want to end up working for. You’re taking the elevator
one day and who walks in but none other than the company’s CEO! Now is the time
to use that elevator pitch that you’ve been practicing. Wait…you don’t have
one? So instead of impressing the person you want to work for with an elevator
pitch, you stand there trying to come up with something to say. Before you know
it, the CEO walks out of the elevator: opportunity wasted. Don’t let this
happen to you. Prepare an elevator pitch.
The objective of an
elevator pitch is to pretty much impress someone in about thirty seconds. State
who you are and what you do, but don’t flat out ask for a job. Just present
yourself as an interested individual with impressive qualifications. You should
also tailor your pitch to whoever you are speaking to. This is another reason why doing research
on companies you want to work for is important. [Check out last week's post]. Figure out the most important
points you want to bring up. Don’t overwhelm the person with so much
information.
Once you know what you
want to include in your elevator pitch, read it out loud and ask others for
feedback. Then rehearse it, but be ready to think on your feet. The person may
engage in conversation and ask you questions, so be prepared to stray away from
your pitch. Don’t speak too quickly. Make it sound natural and have confidence.
Elevator pitches allow
you to take initiative and put yourself out there. You might not want to bother
the person, but if you are serious about what you want and believe that speaking
to this person can springboard you in the right direction, go for it. At the
same time, you shouldn’t overstay your welcome. Sometimes, people respond just
to be polite. Keep it short and sweet. You’re on a mission. Get in, get out.
Keep in mind that you
probably won’t be a priority, even if you might be the best elevator pitcher
ever. Don’t expect a call from them the next day saying that you’re hired. Your
goal is to make a lasting impression. Try to make yourself stand out. At the
end of the day, you want this person to remember your encounter.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Planning for the Future: What can I start doing now that will come in very helpful in five years
written by Yuan-Wei Tan
But how does one go about planning ahead when circumstances can alter so drastically and scuttle everything? There is no fool-proof way to ensure everything will go according to plan and recognizing that fact makes planning ahead even more important. It is very important to incorporate the experience of others who were once in your position as this will allow you to have better information to make plans and tackle obstacles.
In this Quora survey, a 23 year-old physics student asked what he can start doing now to prepare for the future. The responses are from a variety of people, some with working experience, who detail the steps they took to plan ahead and whether those plans bore fruit.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Get on the Right Track: Track Your Progress
Carla Certeza
When sending out your resume, it is important to track your progress. Start by deciding what kind of job you are looking for and figuring out what companies you want to work for. Research companies in the area if you are planning on staying close to home, or companies abroad if you are looking to travel. Also, think about when the job will take place and your availability at that time. Don't just look for companies that are hiring. If a company that you have always wanted to work for isn't hiring, you can at least get your foot in the door by reaching out to them; they might even contact you when they are hiring in the future.
After researching, compile a list of at least 10 companies. Make an excel spreadsheet with the following categories:
1. name of company
2. mailing address
3. phone number
4. email address
5. website
6. name and title of contact person
7. other info specific to company
9. progress
Continue researching to fill out categories 1-8. The box for "progress" is to keep track of the progress you have made with the company. In this box, you can add notes like, "no response," "contacted for interview," "offered position," etc. These notes prompt you to take the next step. For example, if a company contacts you about an interview, you should get back to them with your availability, then write that you responded to them on your spreadsheet. Make sure you keep track of the dates that these events occur and constantly update your notes. You don't want to be following up a month later because you forgot when you initially contacted a company.
Making a spreadsheet is beneficial because all your progress is organized in one place. You can even color code boxes depending on if a company responds to your initial email, or if you get a job offer. That way, you can easily determine the overall progress you have made with a company just by glancing at your spreadsheet.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Standing Out As An Intern
written by Yuan-Wei Tan
An internship position, in addition to being something to put on your resume, is also a valuable opportunity to gain work experience and learn the essentials of building up a career. While engaging in your duties as an intern, you will meet experienced workers with industry tips and experience as well as contacts for networking.
Taking a pro-active approach is the best way for an intern to make the best out of a position and stand-out to management.
"This internship may be the start of a long-standing career in the industry," says Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of The Hired Group, and author of "Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad." "So you'll want to use this opportunity as a way to start developing yourself as a professional who delivers quality work with a great attitude. In turn this could lead to recommendations, lasting business relationships, and a full-time job."
Kahn provides the following tips:
1. Do your homework before your first day.
You most likely researched the company while preparing for the interview. Even so, the night before your start date you should refresh your memory and do some additional research on the organization's history and culture, says Kerry Schofield, a psychologist and chief psychometrics officer at Good.Co, a professional assessment and self-improvement platform. "By being prepared, you will feel more confident going into the internship," Kahn adds. "Start your first day with a general understanding of the industry, its buzzwords, the company, and your boss. This will make you sound more knowledgeable and confident." You can also setup a Google alert for the company to track any recent press, he says.
2. Dress for success.
"You've heard, 'Dress for the position you want, not the one you have,' a million times," Kahn says. "Find out from the hiring manager what the office environment is like, and take it from there." It is better to be known as the best dressed intern, than to be known as the one who is too casual. "In general, dressing and acting professionally not only gives a good impression and makes it clear that you're willing to make an effort, it can be psychologically beneficial," Schofield explains. Research has shown that the way people dress affects not only the way others see them, but also how they see themselves, including how they think and feel about their own abilities and the work they're doing. "'Dressing for success' really does work."
3. Treat the internship like a real job.
If you want the employer to take you seriously, you need to take the job seriously. "To get the most of an internship, regardless of the pay, interns should treat their internship like they would any job," Schofield says.
You need to remember that your work will have an impact on the organization. "You're learning in an active, real-world environment, so your contributions (and your mistakes) affect other people."
4. Have a "just in case" outfit in your desk drawer.
Always have a tie or pair of heels at your desk because you never know when you need to make a last minute outfit change for a meeting or work event, says Morris Rishty, CEO of REAL Underwear. "This will also show your employer that you're well prepared for future situations."
5. Practice good time management.
Interns have a lot on their plates, so it's important to be organized, be careful not to take on too much, and to let someone know if you can't complete a project by the deadline, Schofield says.
6. Socialize (with a filter).
Since you're treating this position like a permanent job, you'll want to take the time to get to know your new colleagues. "It's great for interns to get to know one another — and their superiors — but be careful of the amount of personal information you share and how you behave while socializing," Rishty explains. "Your new colleagues and fellow interns may act like your friends, but it's always best to socialize with a filter just in case."
7. Ask questions.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and step outside your comfort zone, Schofield says. This shows that you're willing to learn and have a genuine interest in the job and company.
8. Be flexible.
People, and organizations, have different thinking and communication styles and various ways of doing things. "If you can learn to be adaptive, you'll broaden your opportunities considerably," Schofield says.
9. Network.
Aside from socializing, you'll want to network with your new colleagues. "Take the opportunity to build as many quality relationships in your internship as possible," Kahn suggests. "The more colleagues know you and what your capable of, the more support you will have once it's time to turn your internship into a full-time job."
10. Find a mentor.
While it may seem intimidating, interns should ask their boss or someone they admire in the company out to lunch to learn about their experience at the company and ask for any words of wisdom. "This shows the intern isn't afraid to ask questions and is willing to learn from a senior person," Rishty says. Then, if you click with this person, ask if they'd be willing to take you on as their mentee.
11. Take initiative, but accept guidance.
"Volunteer, within reason," Schofield says. Employers will be impressed if you're eager to help — but don't simply sign up for everything. "A few jobs done well is better than twice as many done badly, or not finished."
But also keep in mind that while enthusiasm and confidence are great, as an intern, you are ultimately there to learn from more experienced individuals. "Keep in close touch with supervisors and colleagues to be sure what you're doing each day is in line with the organization's priorities," Schofield adds.
12. Be respectful, but assertive.
"Interns should expect to both be taken out of their comfort zone and to do boring but necessary tasks with good grace," Schofield says. However, if you feel you're being taken advantage of, you must speak up.
13. Challenge yourself.
Try to challenge yourself by doing something you have never done before, Kahn says. "Utilize your coworkers and bosses to learn and develop your industry skills. These skills will enrich your professional portfolio making you more appealing to future employers."
14. Keep tabs on your accomplishments.
For the benefit of future job applications, immediately begin keeping track of specific facts and figures about your performance. "This will impress potential employers," Schofield says.
15. Ask for feedback.
As an intern, you may not have a formal review until the end of the summer — so it's important to ask for feedback on a regular basis, Rishty says. "This shows the employer you're taking initiative and willing to make the changes necessary in order to succeed."
This feedback will also start uncovering your strengths and what you need to improve on, Kahn adds.
Keep in mind these tips as you start your internship and you are sure to make a positive impression on those you work with. Do not forget them when you start your real job either as these are essentials for career advancement!
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/15-things-interns-do-to-stand-out-2014-5#ixzz359U7BlRw
An internship position, in addition to being something to put on your resume, is also a valuable opportunity to gain work experience and learn the essentials of building up a career. While engaging in your duties as an intern, you will meet experienced workers with industry tips and experience as well as contacts for networking.
Taking a pro-active approach is the best way for an intern to make the best out of a position and stand-out to management.
"This internship may be the start of a long-standing career in the industry," says Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of The Hired Group, and author of "Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad." "So you'll want to use this opportunity as a way to start developing yourself as a professional who delivers quality work with a great attitude. In turn this could lead to recommendations, lasting business relationships, and a full-time job."
Kahn provides the following tips:
1. Do your homework before your first day.
You most likely researched the company while preparing for the interview. Even so, the night before your start date you should refresh your memory and do some additional research on the organization's history and culture, says Kerry Schofield, a psychologist and chief psychometrics officer at Good.Co, a professional assessment and self-improvement platform. "By being prepared, you will feel more confident going into the internship," Kahn adds. "Start your first day with a general understanding of the industry, its buzzwords, the company, and your boss. This will make you sound more knowledgeable and confident." You can also setup a Google alert for the company to track any recent press, he says.
2. Dress for success.
"You've heard, 'Dress for the position you want, not the one you have,' a million times," Kahn says. "Find out from the hiring manager what the office environment is like, and take it from there." It is better to be known as the best dressed intern, than to be known as the one who is too casual. "In general, dressing and acting professionally not only gives a good impression and makes it clear that you're willing to make an effort, it can be psychologically beneficial," Schofield explains. Research has shown that the way people dress affects not only the way others see them, but also how they see themselves, including how they think and feel about their own abilities and the work they're doing. "'Dressing for success' really does work."
3. Treat the internship like a real job.
If you want the employer to take you seriously, you need to take the job seriously. "To get the most of an internship, regardless of the pay, interns should treat their internship like they would any job," Schofield says.
You need to remember that your work will have an impact on the organization. "You're learning in an active, real-world environment, so your contributions (and your mistakes) affect other people."
4. Have a "just in case" outfit in your desk drawer.
Always have a tie or pair of heels at your desk because you never know when you need to make a last minute outfit change for a meeting or work event, says Morris Rishty, CEO of REAL Underwear. "This will also show your employer that you're well prepared for future situations."
5. Practice good time management.
Interns have a lot on their plates, so it's important to be organized, be careful not to take on too much, and to let someone know if you can't complete a project by the deadline, Schofield says.
6. Socialize (with a filter).
Since you're treating this position like a permanent job, you'll want to take the time to get to know your new colleagues. "It's great for interns to get to know one another — and their superiors — but be careful of the amount of personal information you share and how you behave while socializing," Rishty explains. "Your new colleagues and fellow interns may act like your friends, but it's always best to socialize with a filter just in case."
7. Ask questions.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and step outside your comfort zone, Schofield says. This shows that you're willing to learn and have a genuine interest in the job and company.
8. Be flexible.
People, and organizations, have different thinking and communication styles and various ways of doing things. "If you can learn to be adaptive, you'll broaden your opportunities considerably," Schofield says.
9. Network.
Aside from socializing, you'll want to network with your new colleagues. "Take the opportunity to build as many quality relationships in your internship as possible," Kahn suggests. "The more colleagues know you and what your capable of, the more support you will have once it's time to turn your internship into a full-time job."
10. Find a mentor.
While it may seem intimidating, interns should ask their boss or someone they admire in the company out to lunch to learn about their experience at the company and ask for any words of wisdom. "This shows the intern isn't afraid to ask questions and is willing to learn from a senior person," Rishty says. Then, if you click with this person, ask if they'd be willing to take you on as their mentee.
11. Take initiative, but accept guidance.
"Volunteer, within reason," Schofield says. Employers will be impressed if you're eager to help — but don't simply sign up for everything. "A few jobs done well is better than twice as many done badly, or not finished."
But also keep in mind that while enthusiasm and confidence are great, as an intern, you are ultimately there to learn from more experienced individuals. "Keep in close touch with supervisors and colleagues to be sure what you're doing each day is in line with the organization's priorities," Schofield adds.
12. Be respectful, but assertive.
"Interns should expect to both be taken out of their comfort zone and to do boring but necessary tasks with good grace," Schofield says. However, if you feel you're being taken advantage of, you must speak up.
13. Challenge yourself.
Try to challenge yourself by doing something you have never done before, Kahn says. "Utilize your coworkers and bosses to learn and develop your industry skills. These skills will enrich your professional portfolio making you more appealing to future employers."
14. Keep tabs on your accomplishments.
For the benefit of future job applications, immediately begin keeping track of specific facts and figures about your performance. "This will impress potential employers," Schofield says.
15. Ask for feedback.
As an intern, you may not have a formal review until the end of the summer — so it's important to ask for feedback on a regular basis, Rishty says. "This shows the employer you're taking initiative and willing to make the changes necessary in order to succeed."
This feedback will also start uncovering your strengths and what you need to improve on, Kahn adds.
Keep in mind these tips as you start your internship and you are sure to make a positive impression on those you work with. Do not forget them when you start your real job either as these are essentials for career advancement!
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/15-things-interns-do-to-stand-out-2014-5#ixzz359U7BlRw
Monday, June 16, 2014
Don't get down. Follow up!
Carla Certeza
Looking for a job can
be difficult, but there is always something that you can do to help the process
along. Many people make the mistake of thinking that their work is done after
mass-distributing their resume. They become discouraged after not receiving any
replies, thinking that the company wasn't interested in hiring them. But don't
give up! While this may be true on some occasions, it is not always the case.
With so many people on the job hunt, many companies are bombarded with
applications every day. There is a possibility that your resume was lost,
forgotten about, or still on the waiting list to be looked at.
Applying for jobs is a
process that you need to play an active part in. If the company you applied to
has not replied within a week, send a follow up. In your follow up, state who
you are and when you first contacted them. If they still don’t respond within
the next week, send another follow up. This time, you can include a preview of
your work, or elaborate on your skills and why you would be a good fit for the
company. While a sending second follow up may seem a bit excessive, in my
experience, there has been an instance where my emails were not being received
for some reason. After sending a follow up, I was contacted by the company to
come in for an interview. At the same time, don't be so persistent to the point
where you are contacting the company every other day. Keep in mind that
while finding a job may be your top priority, companies are busy with their own
agenda.
Follow ups don’t just
have to be in the form of emails. You can send a letter in the mail, or even
make a visit in person. Letters can add a personalized touch, and going to the
company in person can demonstrate your drive and motivation. In my opinion,
these options can leave a lasting impression, but would be better utilized later
on or in certain circumstances. It also depends on what company you are
contacting and how many times you have previously contacted them. We live in a very
web-based society, and email is the most efficient and convenient form of
contact for both parties. Following up keeps you in the loop on what stage of
the hiring process the company you are applying for is in, so don’t forget
about this important step of the application process.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Getting A Job With A "Useless" Liberal Arts Degree
Fresh liberal arts graduates are facing an increasingly difficult time in the job-market.
A survey from Millennial Branding, a Gen Y research firm, and Beyond.com, a career resource, found only 2% of companies actively recruit students with liberal arts majors. Contrast that measly figure with engineering/computer systems (27%) and business (18%).
However all is not lost according to Danny Rubin, a history graduate and founder of the News To Live By. Rubin says that the skills learned whilst acquiring such a "useless" degree can be successfully applied to the job seeking process. To Rubin, liberal arts students possess an edge in the job market as they are imbued with critical skills such as writing, researching and analyzing. These skills can be applied to the job seeking process as demonstrated through the following examples:
- For the application and job interview, research the company inside and out like you're cracking the books on a history thesis.
- Understand how current events impact the company's bottom line as though you're back in Government 101 and have to read the news every day.
- Channel your Philosophy 253 professor and, during an interview, ask thoughtful questions about the company's challenges and opportunities.
- Like a sociology major, explain how you enjoy team projects and working with people; computer systems experience is valuable, sure, but so are "soft" skills — and you have them.
- Pen a unique and memorable resume/cover letter combo. You spent four years in a creative writing program: isn't that your specialty?
- The mark of a communications major: respond to employer emails right away, arrive for the interview 20 minutes early and send a thank-you note (handwritten preferred) within 24 hours.
- Remember the economics final that decided your entire grade? The do-or-die situation? Prepare for your next job interview the same way and see how you do.
- Art history, psychology, anthropology ... whatever the degree, you know how to step back, see the big picture and put a situation in context. The job market always needs people like you.
By simply channeling the skills and techniques acquired during class into real-life, the liberal arts student can make him/herself stand out during a job application and this will provide an advantage over other candidates.
Read the full article at: http://www.newstoliveby.net/2014/05/29/how-to-land-a-job-liberals-arts-degree/#ixzz34UAeZMs3
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Defining Experience
Carla Certeza
Experience. It’s
the bulk of your resume, (at least it’s supposed to be), and it’s what employers
take time looking at in the ten seconds that they spend on your resume. No matter how good you are, without experience,
it’s going to be hard to land that dream job or internship. With any job or internship, experience plays
an important role. Many people have seen
a paradox when trying to get hired; they think that in order to get a job, they
need experience, but to get experience, they need a job. Don’t think this way. If that was the case, everyone would be
unemployed. It all goes back to how you
define experience.
‘Experience’ doesn’t necessarily mean work
experience. Maybe you took the lead in a
group project for class, or you gave a speech at a local event in your town. Volunteer work can be beneficial to include
in this section as well. Just make sure
you choose experiences that showcase your skills and that have occurred
relatively recently.
Sometimes, people who have had work experience don’t
include it in their resume because it doesn’t directly pertain to the kind of
job that they are looking for. Don’t
make this mistake! While it would be
great if you found a job that directly pertained to what you want to have as a
career, this isn’t a common occurrence for people who are just starting out. Having any type of employee experience shows
that you know how a professional work environment functions. Furthermore, employers aren’t just looking at
the experience itself, but at the resulting skills you acquired. Make sure you have bullet points in the
experience section of your resume with power verbs to show off your skills.
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