The Art of Networking

You've heard us say -- more than once -- in fact, lots and lots of times -- how important networking is to your job search and your career. Heck, networking is important in all of life. So, here's your chance to learn how. Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 7:00pm, Lauren Brunner-Jenkins, who works in Human Resources with Emprise Bank, will be here to walk you through the technique of networking. As if that wasn't enough, you also get the chance to practice with local employers. Call me today at 978-6834 or email jan.mead@wichita.edu and reserve your place for The Art of Networking, to be held in the Ulrich Museum of Art on Oct. 26.

Get a job!

~jan  

Dress for Interview Success

For Women:  The safest and “almost can’t go wrong” choice is a suit, including either tailored trousers, or a skirt of at least knee length.  Black, charcoal gray, or dark brown are all good.  Along with the suit, wear a simple style shirt in white, gray, light blue, or ecru. Neutral colored hosiery with tailored pumps (closed toe and heel) will complete your outfit. Make sure your heels are not so high to cause you to teeter.  

Jewelry should be minimal and conservative. As in one pair of stud earrings, a simple necklace, watch, and no more than one ring on each hand.  Nothing clunky or clanky – which could be distracting to you and the interviewer.  Piercings need to be removed other than that one pair of earrings and all tattoos need to be covered.  Keep fragrance and makeup minimal. This isn’t the time for that cute beach bag, or any large bag for that matter. Carry a small leather purse or . . .forget  the purse totally and carry a portfolio or brief case. Nails should be well manicured.  

Men? The recommendation of a suit still holds. Charcoal gray or navy with a white shirt are safe choices.

Shine those shoes  and  wear mid-calf length socks the same color as your suit. Add a conservative tie. Your belt needs to have a very basic buckle and be the color of your shoes.

Both Men and Women: Wool, wool blends, or very high quality natural and synthetic fiber blends are acceptable fabrics for suits for either men or women.  Avoid lower quality acetate / rayon blends. Tip from a high end men’s clothing shop:  If your budget forces you to buy a lower price suit, have it professionally altered. You will look like a million bucks.

Everything should be clean and well pressed.  Cut off labels, tacking stitches, and any loose threads.

Follow these guidelines and you should be “lookin’ good”.  Get a job!

~jan

 

Do It Right

I just met with a student doing everything right. We believe in confidentiality so I’ll call her Susan. Susan, who is a sophomore, came in for help with a job search. She said “I am ready to do something in my field of study. I feel not only will it help me with work experience, but it will help me in my classes.”

Susan is definitely right – getting experience in her field, while she is a student, will help her get the job she wants when she graduates. She is taking several positive steps.

1.       Susan registered on Hire a Shocker and completed her profile.

2.       She searched job postings and in a matter of seconds found a job she is interested in.

3.       She left my office planning to go apply with the employer who has the job opening.

4.       She made an appointment to come in next week and work on her resume, cover letter, and reference page.

5.       She is also going to schedule an appointment for a mock interview so she will be prepared  when she gets that call inviting her to come in and talk about that job.

When it comes time for Susan to enter the job market as a new graduate, she will be far more marketable to employers than her classmates who didn’t think ahead.

Why not follow Susan’s example?

Get a job! 

~ jan