Taking Control of Your Destiny… Starting One Interview at a Time!

The job is absolutely perfect for you. So, you’ve researched, crammed, and rehearsed for hours prepping for this once-in-a-lifetime interview. You arrive early, but the interviewer shows up late. He appears disorganized. He has misplaced your resume, but forges on – claiming he doesn’t need it for the interview anyway. You, however, begin to wilt. After all, you worked hard on that resume and he should be using it as a springboard for a meaningful conversation about your skills and experience. Things aren’t getting off on the right foot, but what can you do?

Take control of the interview and blow that hiring manager away with your accomplishments, capabilities and enthusiasm. Here are a few tips:

• Be self-assured. Tell the interviewer that you can help him understand your background and accomplishments without your resume. Then, walk him through your experience and encourage him to ask questions along the way.
• Focus on the highlights. Keep your story it short and sweet, while emphasizing your unique skills and experiences. Summarize your accomplishments, highlighting only those things that you want to delve into further. This will allow you to take control of the interview.
• Don’t be a control freak. Interviewers hate long, drawn-out monologues. You have to strike a balance between letting the hiring manager ask questions and you answering them thoroughly. If you’re not being asked many questions, you are probably talking too much. And, if you are being asked a ton of questions, you are probably not talking enough.
  Encourage certain questions. You can help guide what the next question will be with your answer Leave your answer open-ended with a statement that will likely spur another question you want to be asked. For example: “I was also asked by my boss if I’d lead a special project which required a whole different skill-set.” The next logical question would be, “What was the project and what were the skills that you learned?”
• Learn from the masters. Leaders rarely directly answer the questions they are asked. Instead, they provide an answer they want to give. To do this, you must carefully respond with an interesting point that is relevant to the question that was asked. But, make sure you don’t appear as if you didn’t hear the question. In an hour interview, you must make the most of that time – but do so carefully.

When you walk into an interview, expect anything. The hiring manager may be direct with his questions, or totally scattered. But, be careful! Wide-ranging, unrelated topics can eat away at your hour. So take control, stay on message, and leave a good impression. Good luck!

Labels: Interview skills, job interview, job search, resume tips

Posted by Seymour Jobs on 9/23/2009 12:24:00 PM
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The Complete Package

While temping and interning are great ways to boost your resume, many people underestimate the value that volunteer work and extracurricular activities can bring to a lackluster resume. If you are a college undergrad, utilize the resources that your university offers. Most universities have entire websites based around getting students involved on campus-- whether it's joining an organization or getting involved with community outreach programs, chances are there will be something that interests you.

Labels: clubs, community outreach programs, community service, organizations, resume tips, volunteering

Posted by Jen on 8/27/2009 09:39:00 PM
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Knock 'em dead

Once summer has ended and you’ve gone to the ends of the Earth to beef up your resume (or at least pulled off a month of work study), the next step is, naturally, to write up a resume. As an inexperienced resume-writer, you’ll make mistakes that the pros wouldn’t – and then some. You could hire a professional resume consultant if you have the time and the money, but if you’re reading this blog, you probably don’t. Don’t worry – you won’t have to rob a bank to get your resume noticed (though if you successfully pull that off, it’d certainly demonstrate that much-sought ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit essential to landing a job in this market, but still, I have to advise against it). As I mentioned in my last entry, your school’s career services department is always there to help you get your foot in the right doors, and resume drafting and proofreading is one of their specialties. Best of all, these services are free, and usually available to alumni in addition to current students. If you feel your resume is still a little feeble even after the summer workout, it’s time to give it a little personal training courtesy of your school’s career service professionals. Once given that little extra TLC, you and your resume will be rough, buff, and ready to blow knock prospective employers’ lights out. Figuratively, of course.

Labels: career services, resume tips, summer jobs

Posted by Brian on 8/16/2009 04:00:00 AM
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Summertime Body Building… Your Resume, that is!

Ahhh…summer! The sun and sand await you. But, sometimes it takes some serious work to get that surf-side body in shape. While you’re working on your “six-pack” and soaking up the rays, you might also want to start “body-building” your resume while you have the time and the opportunity. After all, your resume probably needs as much work as your thighs. But, how do you “body-build” a resume?” You do it by incorporating valuable leadership and professional experiences into it. Here are five steps to a leaner, meaner resume:

1. Nail that internship! An internship can be very valuable to your career – more so than your typical hourly job. Internships are a great way to develop skills, professional networking contacts, and opportunities for future full-time employment. And, if your bank account can handle it, consider an unpaid internship. There are no doubt many more of them in this economy. Also, unpaid internships can sometimes count for academic credit. Many companies need interns throughout the school year, so if your schedule allows it, consider an internship while you’re still taking classes. Online resources such as Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, CareerBuilder, LinkUp and Craigslist can help.
   
2. Volunteer. Giving back is what it’s all about. Service trips through community, school or church groups not only look good to employers, but they provide leadership opportunities. Volunteer for an animal shelter or hospital, tutor local students, or donate time at a food bank, for a charitable organization or church in your area. One good resource is Idealist , an online global directory of volunteer opportunities.
   
3. Be entrepreneurial. Employers place tremendous value on employees who are entrepreneurial. They typically have a strong business sense and aggressively look for innovative ways to grow businesses. So, be as creative and entrepreneurially-minded as you can – and emphasize those efforts on your resume.
   
4. Get involved in extracurricular activities. Whether you’re still in school or launching your career, actively pursue extracurricular activities that interest you. They can offer leadership experience which, in turn, can help build up your resume. Invest time in these groups, and accept additional responsibility and leadership positions when the opportunities arise.
   
5. Embrace social media. If you’re not already, get acquainted with Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites that interest you – especially from a business angle. Start a blog on career-related issues. It’s a great was to brand yourself as a “subject matter expert” – something to sell about yourself in interviews. To launch your own blog, consider using Google’s Blogger and Wordpress.

Finally, after you’ve body-built your resume, “flex your career muscles” and join LinkedIn. It’s a great way to show off that newly toned resume and make some heavyweight connections. Good luck!

Labels: internship, resume tips, social media, summer, volunteering

Posted by Seymour Jobs on 8/14/2009 03:21:00 PM
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Plan B

When the going gets rough, it's good to have a backup plan. With the economy still in the toilet and massive layoffs still imminent across the board, you can't afford to be unprepared for unemployment. Updating your resume is a great way to assuage the possibility of a layoff -- a strong resume means a strong possibility of getting your foot in the door somewhere else. Click here for some resume tips that will help make you a more appealing potential employee. I know that writing a resume is never a pleasant exercise, but your fiscal security is on the line, here -- just sit down, relax, inhale, boot up Word, and start selling yourself. It'll be over before you know it, and with any luck, your job won't -- but if it is, you'll be a little ahead of the game.

Labels: backup plan, layoffs, resume tips

Posted by Brian on 8/05/2009 09:58:00 AM
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Make or Break Your Chances!

This week, I've been enjoying a lovely week off from school, known as none other than Spring Break! I have not gone the way of many of my peers however, as I have used the time away from textbooks, assignments and deadlines to do some job hunting of my own.

It can be very wise to utilize your free time for productive things that will help you in your future career. Visit local businesses to get a feel for the company, research their policies and see when they are most likely to hire, or contact your local recruiters to get a head start.

Another option is to invest your unscheduled time into classes or activities offered in your community that will round out your resume. See what the community college or YMCA in your area offer and start learning! These things can not only make you a more well-rounded person, but also make you feel more productive as a young person.

What you do with your time off is up to you, so even if you're sailing away on a fabulous cruise, network! There are limitless possibilities when you seek out resources available to you.

Labels: activities, resume tips, spring break

Posted by Amanda on 3/19/2009 10:45:00 PM
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References 101

When selecting references, there are many things to consider in order to wow prospective employers.  One of the most simple, yet often overlooked tips to follow is to provide multiple references.   Remember that one is the loneliest number and you should have a few options listed!  Not only will that make you look like you have plenty of people to say great things about you, but it can also help to cover all aspects of your work experience and personal ethics.

Labels: job hunt, references, resume tips

Posted by Amanda on 3/05/2009 08:58:00 PM
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Why Your Mom Shouldn't Be a Professional Reference

Yes, it’s true… when selecting a job reference; you definitely want someone who will sing your praises to a potential employer! Who better to do the job than your dear old mom… dad… or even your favorite Aunt Sue?

Here’s the catch: you may be every bit as wonderful as your mom claims but let’s face it; she’s your mom and she’s biologically-obligated to feel that way! Same goes for any family member, college roommate or best friend. While they could give you a great reference, employers really don’t want to know that you are a true friend, a reliable designated driver or that you always make your bed!

What you really want in a reference is someone who can account for your work-related qualities. Of course your first choice should be past and present employers since they can account for reliability, initiative, time management and your ability to work with others. Remember that even if your job experience was not career-related, it is still valuable! So, go ahead and ask the director of the camp where you worked last summer, the manager of the restaurant where you worked during college, or the head lifeguard at local pool where you worked in high school—they’re all are great resources!

Ok, so the store you worked at every summer closed down and you didn’t “friend” your old manager on Facebook. Where else can you find a reference? Teachers or college professors can be great references. They have worked closely with you and know about your academic ability, productivity, and timeliness. Others, such as advisors, group leaders and coaches, can also provide information about you, which could be relevant to a potential employer. So, take some time to really think about people who have worked, coached or taught you in the past. Those are the people who are able to offer a good picture of who you are to a potential employer.

Once you have a list of people who you want to represent you, it is important to make sure you ask them if they would be willing to be a reference. Once they have agreed, keep them up-to-date about your job search, provide them with your current resume, the names of the companies you are seeking employment, the types of jobs you are applying for and if possible, even the job descriptions. This type of information will help prepare them to give you the best recommendation possible. And, although they may not know you as well as your mother—they will still be able to give you the glowing reference that you need to get the job. Good luck!

Labels: interview preparation, jobs after college, references, resume tips

Posted by Seymour Jobs on 3/02/2009 09:18:00 AM
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Stand Out From the Crowd!

In today's competitive job market, it is vital to your success as an applicant to stand out in some way from the hundreds, or thousands of other people seeking employment. One lesson I've learned through various job hunts is to tailor your resume and cover letter to the position and company you are applying.

Each job may offer myriad options for the style in which you will work. For example, one may be analytical, the other creative. One could be hands-on, while another is strictly science. As you are writing your cover letter and resume, keep these things in mind. You can highlight your strengths in the areas that they need strong candidates.

The key to success in any job hunt is to keep an open mind and positive attitude. If you don't wow prospective employers on paper, you may not land that elusive interview. So learn from past attempts and really show them that it's your time to shine!

Labels: career prep, resume tips, resume writing tips

Posted by Amanda on 2/26/2009 03:50:00 PM
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Don't Call Me… I'll Call You: Why Recruiters Aren't Calling and How to Fix That!

Labels: job hunt, job search, job search tool, real-world knowledge, recruiter, resume tips, resume writing tips

Posted by Seymour Jobs on 2/20/2009 01:09:00 PM
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Yeah, you completed your degree. Whaddaya want, a gold star?

These days, successfully completing any college degree is in itself no small feat. If you think you're going to do this and find a job immediately after graduation, well, you're just asking for miracles -- and those are in short supply, especially under today's wild economic conditions. Don't think you'll be able to strut into an office of your choosing with nothing but an undeserved sense of entitlement and a quarter-page resume and be able to land a job. Unfortunately for all of us, that's not how the game works. A good resume, a good worth ethic, and good luck are all required in roughly equal measure in order for you to find career success once school's out. Once these three things converge, more and more doors will open for you -- and that sense of entitlement will become a bit more deserved. 

Labels: job search, resume tips, work ethic

Posted by Brian on 1/24/2009 09:34:00 AM
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Blind Firing Resumes: Just a Shot in the Dark?

   Many believe that firing off a volley of unsolicited resumes is a waste of time and effort - and in most cases, it is. However, as a last-ditch strategy, you could do worse. While the success rate of the hit-send-and-pray technique is probably in the single digits, I personally know a few people who've overcome the odds and landed fairly decent positions with nothing more than a strong resume and a heap of good fortune on their sides.

Labels: digital resume, resume tips

Posted by Brian on 11/23/2008 09:46:00 PM
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I’m Going to Graduate… Now What?

Your college days are quickly coming to an end. You are about to face the real world for the first time. In other words, you’re going to need a real job— pretty scary, huh? If you’re wondering what to do next, you’re not alone. Millions of new grads have been faced with this same exact situation. They survived, and I promise, you will too! Nonetheless, there are things that can be done in preparation to help make your transition into the working world a little less jolting.

Like most grads, I’m sure you’re thinking that a great resume is going to take you places. While that’s true for the most part, it’s the substance (not the fluff) that determines the greatness of a resume. These days the job market is intense, so you’ll need to pull out all of the stops in order to land the job of your dreams, or at least one that’s worth bragging about. But, before you even think about writing your resume, make it your ambition to get as much experience as possible. That way, you’ll have something impressive to put on that fresh new resume of yours.

Internships, temp jobs and volunteer work are all great ways to rack up experience. Plus, you’ll gain an insider perspective in the field that you want to work in—something invaluable to finding career happiness. It also gives you the opportunity to network with other professionals in your prospective field. Networking is critical. It means getting your name out there and making connections with people who can assist or influence your job search. The right contact could be your golden ticket to a sought-after career opportunity that may otherwise not exist.

As you gain experience, you’ll find out what you like to do and what you’d rather do without. This is an important part of determining what career path will suit you best. While your degree will set you in a definite direction, don’t overlook jobs that play to your natural talents, interests and abilities. A 40-hour work week is tough enough, so make sure it’s a job you that you don’t mind doing or better yet, that you actually like.

Once you’ve got some experience and a grip on what jobs appeal to you, it’s time to write your resume. Unlike those lengthy research papers you’ve become so familiar with, a good resume should be short, sweet and to the point. It should provide an employer a brief synopsis of your education, work experience, skills and achievements. Since you are new to the workforce, it should not exceed one page in length, unless your experience merits it.

Next, you’ll want to write a smooth cover letter. Your cover letter functions as a prelude to your resume, offering you a platform to pitch yourself to prospective employers. It should include a personal introduction, indicate the position you’re applying for, express interest in the company, and expand upon (not just repeat) the skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the job. Finally, your cover letter should fit nicely on one page with ample margin space.

Once your resume and cover letter are complete, it’s time to make your debut to the job market. There are a number of ways to do that—from uploading your resume to job boards and applying to online job postings, to targeting specific employer Web sites and applying to posted positions or e-mailing your resume to their HR department. While it may be tempting to send out a blanket distribution of your resume, it’s not wise. Instead, research each company and job description. Then, modify your resume and cover letter to appeal to each position.

Now that you are faced with the quickly approaching end to your college career, it’s time to apply what you learned to the workplace. Make it count. Your career is a blank slate. It can be everything you want it to be, it’s all up to you. So, take this information and get experience, network, write your resume, prepare a cover letter, post it to job boards and e-mail it to employers. Go out there and make it happen! Good luck!

Labels: almost done, college, college experience, first job, internship, job search, job search tool, jobs after college, resume tips, the real world, transition

Posted by Seymour Jobs on 11/21/2008 09:53:00 AM
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I Believe That's Eggshell, With Romalian Type

   With the staggering array of options available to today's resume writer, it's natural to become a little intimidated. How should I format it? What color should my paper be? Where should I post it online? Unfortunately, there's no simple answer to any of these questions, but knowing your prospective employer should give you an edge and guide your resume design and distribution decisions. Research your target audience thoroughly to gain an understanding of how best to pull their strings. Do they value technical knowledge and creativity? If so, focus on showcasing your word-processing savvy and ability to think outside the box in your resume. Do they tend to hire people with certain connections? Polish your contacts and references section, then. Are they an old firm that places emphasis on experience and sophistication? Try to nail the formal aspects of your resume, such as typography, paper thickness and color, and the printing method used (yes, some people actually care about these things - watch the movie American Psycho for one extreme example). As Seymour said, posting digital resumes in as many places as possible can never hurt, so long as they're just as well thought-out as your physical one. Here's an old TV rule to consider - know your demographic and give them what they want. If you deliver the goods in your resume, a job will soon follow - be it in graphic design or murders and executions - er, mergers and acquisitions. 

Labels: american psycho, digital resume, resume tips

Posted by Brian on 11/04/2008 03:25:00 AM
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