Author: Alexandra

Networking Strategies

Think of your network as a web of people that is ever-growing who can help you find a job.


You’ve heard it before… “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” A more correct way to say this might actually be, “It’s not what you know, it’s who knows what you know and who knows someone who knows someone to help you.” It’s important to realize that not only do you need to get out and meet people, but you need to tell people who you are and what you are looking for. Develop and practice your 30 second commercial. This can be used in job interviews as well as simply a way to ask for help in being introduced to new people who could give you information about a job, career, company or organization.

The more contacts you have, the better your chances are of hearing about a job or internship opening. Making those contacts can take several forms – from introductions through friends and colleagues and joining professional associations in your field, to conducting informational interviews or joining a professional networking site like LinkedIn. Your goal is to establish a network of people who will network for you.

Steps for success:

  1. Set up a LinkedIn Account.
  2. Join a professional association related to your field of interest.
  3. Arrange informational interviews with people in the fields you are interested in pursuing.
  4. Set up additional interviews as you are connected to more people through your informational interviews – be sure to send thank you notes!
  5. Narrow down your contacts and let them know you are interested in the field and would appreciate knowing about any current or upcoming opportunities. Make sure they have your resume!
  6. Stay connected. Be persistent, but not obnoxious!
Tell the world!

Be sure to tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a job – and what field you’re interested in. The more people who know what you are looking for, the greater your chances of connecting with a potential job opening. Be sure your friends, family, and classmates have a copy of your resume; you never know who they might meet the next day. Don’t be shy – people who like you will be more willing to help you in any way they can. If you’re an introvert and can’t think of anything worse than networking, here are some tips to overcome that.

 

 

What NOT to Say in an Interview

What you should not say in an interview is just as important as what you should say. Sometimes people who have excellent skills and work history blow their interview by saying the wrong thing. Let’s make sure you’re not that person.

Here’s a list to start us off. Please feel free to add your own suggestions as well as your own experience in a job interview in which you think you said the wrong thing.

  1. Negativity about a previous employer or job
  2. “I don’t know.”
  3. Discussions about benefits, vacation and pay
  4. “It’s on my resume.”
  5. Unprofessional language
  6. “I don’t have any questions.”
  7. Asking what the company does
  8. Overly prepared answers or cliches
  9. Discussions about your lack of experience
  10. Personal information not relevant to the job or your qualifications

How to Talk About Hard Stuff

Often employers will ask you questions that may seem hard to answer and make you squirm. Here are some great ways to answer some of those questions in an interview. Tough Interview Questions

But let’s say you are pretty sure you’re going to have to address questions about your past that you would rather not. For example, if you have an arrest or prison record, or gaps in employment, or you’ve never worked because of a number of reasons – you were a homemaker, you’ve only had volunteer or temporary jobs you will likely feel anxious about how to answer those questions.

Your main intent in responding should be to focus on what you’ve learned as a result of your situation. You can also speak of the projects or organizations that you were involved in and the skills you gained from them.

Primarily, you must always be honest. Never, ever lie in an interview. There are many ways today an employer can check your answers and a lie most often ends badly for you.

Finding Passion in Your Work

Your chances of finding a long-lasting, satisfying career are better if you take the time to first learn how your skills, personality, values and interests would best match up with particular occupations. There are career assessments available to you online and without cost. If you’re willing to pay, there are more in-depth assessments you may also take. Assessments include:

Need some ideas for careers you might like?

Whether you are just starting out, or wondering if another career would suit you better, self-assessments can help you consider different options and confirm types of careers that might be right for you.