Harvard Education expert Tony Wagner<\/i> says that the world no longer cares<\/i><\/b> about what you know; it\u2019s all about what you can do with what you know… Essentially, they (employers, interviewers etc.) want to know one thing: Can You Add Value<\/b>? What does that mean for you, as an undergraduate or graduate student? Ever wonder why you were rejected? Read on my friend \u2013 people get rejected for primarily two reasons: 1) they were not showing the employer how they could help add value to the company\u2019s forward movement and 2) they didn\u2019t know what they wanted \u2013 believe it or not, this type of thing shines through for employers because the candidate has clearly not done the research and or learned the necessary skills for the position that they are interviewing for.<\/p>\n
So what?? Here I am, telling you that the working world no longer cares<\/i><\/b> \u00a0about those many qualifications you may possess \u2013 which isn\u2019t entirely true \u2013 but the point is that they care about how you present yourself, what you can do with what you know<\/i>, and how you can better their company in both the short and long term. Simply presenting your bachelor degree or certificate of qualification is not<\/i><\/b> enough.<\/p>\n
Coming back to the title of this blog \u2013 \u201cHow to Get That Job\u201d \u2013 I\u2019m going to let you guys in on a few little tidbits I\u2019ve retained from my personal experience and research.<\/p>\n
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1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>STOP LOOKING FOR A JOB<\/b><\/p>\n
Surprised? Believe it or not, a common fad for unemployed people is to equate looking for a job with sending out a resume (or a mass of resumes) or simply answering a few ad\u2019s on a job board.. WRONG. The only time you should be sending out a resume (or resumes) is when you\u2019ve established that there is a real job at a company for which you\u2019re being considered, or if a headhunter is trying to fill an open position and requests a resume.<\/p>\n
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Key idea here<\/i> \u00e0 Instead of presenting yourself as an out-of-work job seeker, (sending out mass resumes, seemingly desperate, and or lazy) come across as a resource; let people (employers) know that you can solve their problems.\u00a0 **Note: not personal problems, I\u2019m emphasizing on problem solving skills that you (hopefully) possess and can then transfer into your work for the potential company \u2013 thus \u2018solving\u2019 their (the company\u2019s) problems.<\/p>\n
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2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>STOP focusing all of your energy on your Resume\u2026.<\/b><\/p>\n
WHAT??<\/i> I know, coming from a Career Assistant \u2013 but focus on what I\u2019m really saying here\u2026 Obviously a clean, clear, concise and updated resume is mandatory, but that\u2019s not all that\u2019s helping you get \u2018that job\u2019. More and more companies\/employers are relying on LinkedIn (or other various professional social media types) to get to know a candidate better \u2013 professionally. A lot of students ask me what happens if they don\u2019t have a LinkedIn profile, and another candidate does\u2026 My answer:<\/b> they automatically have the upper hand (in most cases). That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that they\u2019ll get the job over you, but it does mean that going into the interview, that interviewer will have a better concept of that other candidate. Then, of course, I\u2019m asked if that is a good or bad thing. Answer:<\/b> Eh, debatable \u2013 but I always highly recommend and encourage students and new (or experienced) professionals to not only obtain, but also maintain a LinkedIn profile. At least consider the possibility by listing out the Pro\u2019s and Con\u2019s \u2013 do some of your own research regarding the benefits\u2026 Figure out if the company that you are applying with and or interviewing with has a LinkedIn Group etc. If so \u2013 common sense suggests you invest in a profile<\/i>.<\/p>\n
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**Note:<\/b> An \u2018adequate\u2019 profile on LinkedIn is worse than none at all \u2013 simply put, if you don\u2019t have the motivation to create and maintain a stellar<\/b> LinkedIn profile, don\u2019t bother<\/b>.<\/p>\n
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3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>Hold the Speech Pal\u2026.<\/b><\/p>\n
Once 15-20 seconds goes by of spouting off numbers, facts, and stereotypical accomplishments \u2013 no one really remembers what you\u2019re saying. Tell a story instead. No, not a personal life story, employers don\u2019t care, not to mention that type of conversation is inappropriate for an interview; but rather translate that 20 second elevator pitch of qualifications and figures into a memorable story. Make it entertaining, humorous etc. Example:<\/i> if you\u2019re considered to be a connector, talk about how that strength has helped you to find successes within your previous (and, if applicable, current) job(s).<\/p>\n
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4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>DO NOT talk about YOURSELF<\/b><\/p>\n
Don\u2019t lead your conversation off with the latest news about your personal life \u2013 keep it professional. There\u2019s a fine line people tend to walk and cross when it comes to talking about them self during an interview. You\u2019ll want to really focus your energy and conversation on how you can better serve them \u2013 them being the overall company and perhaps your division (depending on how the company is set up). However, with that being said, remember to focus on them<\/i>, the interviewers<\/b>; be inquisitive \u2013 show an interest in their accomplishments and needs. Networking, believe it or not, (sarcasm) is not all about listing off your accomplishments \u2013 it can and typically is much more than that<\/b>.<\/p>\n
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5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>Take Breaks<\/b><\/p>\n
The job search process can make us pretty crazy and emotional at times \u2013 especially when you go into that 5th<\/sup> interview and then are told that the firm has decided to go with someone else for the position\u2026 booo<\/b>\u2026 Whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE YOUR FRUSTRATION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD<\/b>. If\u00a0 you\u2019re having a bad day, distract yourself \u2013 check emails, do research, OR, if you\u2019ve read my other blog post \u2013 go work out!! PUMP YOURSELF UP<\/b>! The hiring and decision making process is, essentially, out of your hands<\/i> \u2013 learn to let go, and keep moving forward. Easier said than done? That\u2019s your opinion, how you react, how you feel and how you grow is all in your control. Decide who you want to be, define it, and then proceed<\/i>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n **Remember: it\u2019s easy to get into a repetitive cycle where you go on a couple of interviews and then stop\u2026 YOU CAN\u2019T STOP. Until you have an offer, you have absolutely nothing** <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n posted by Sydney Veenker, Career Assistant<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Harvard Education expert Tony Wagner says that the world no longer cares about what you know; it\u2019s all about what you can do with what you know… Essentially, they (employers, interviewers etc.) want to know one thing: Can You Add Value? What does that mean for you, as an undergraduate or graduate student? Ever wonder… Continue reading