Does the New Year have you looking at your life and contemplating changes? Job changes? Or, even bigger, career changes? Although, with the present economy, now may not be the best time to be looking for a new job, it is a great time to be putting some things in place to help you get started in a new direction when the economy improves—or, if you’re lucky, even sooner.
Start now to explore jobs or careers of interest to you. Refer online to the federal government resources, Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*Net, to get a great overview of any job you could probably ever think of. Conduct informational interviews with people actually doing the kind of work you are interested in.
Look at the many skills you have – what ones would be transferrable to the job you are considering. If you need to bump up your skills, is there experience you could get that would be helpful? Start making connections with people working in your desired field. Make connections and get experience by doing volunteer work in the field you are contemplating. Is there training you could/should be taking that would help you break into the line of work? Lucky for you if you can take classes/get training, or reimbursement for training, through your current employer.
This exploration and research will take some time. I encourage you to do it anyway. You and your happiness are worth it!
Happy New Year! Have fun exploring --
~jan
For more information on topics mentioned in above paragraph, read previous blogs.
Informational interviews April, 2010
LinkedIn, April 2010
Volunteering, January, 2010
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, December 6, 2010
Check Out the Little Guys
I just read employment numbers are stable for smaller (defined as 300 or fewer employees) companies in Wichita. There is even some growth! This is great news anytime, but especially when employment numbers for our city’s major aviation manufacturers remain depressed.
“According to information obtained by the Wichita Business Journal . . .18 of the 25 companies with 300 or fewer workers reported the same or higher employment totals than in 2009.”
Bottom line for job seekers: include small employers in your job search. As pointed out above, smaller companies may be hiring even when the bigger guys aren’t. According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses represent more than 99.7 percent of all employers, employ more than half of all private sector employees, pay 44.5 percent of the total U.S. private payroll, and generate about 75 percent of net new jobs annually.
How do you find these companies? Pay attention to who is in the news. Read the Wichita Business Journal and the business section of the Eagle. Listen to the news on local television and radio. Talk to the Wichita Independent Business Association. Network! Talk to people and keep up on LinkedIn. “Walk in” – grab a copy of your resume printed on quality bond resume paper, dress up and drop in at the company. Be courteous to everyone you see and ask if you can leave your resume for the hiring manager. If the company is growing, and you really impress them with your qualifications and potential, they might even create a position for you. Sound impossible? Nope – this very thing happened to one of your WSU classmates.
There are many advantages of working for a small employer. Not the least of which may be working at a smaller company may give you the opportunity to have a variety of job duties – to wear many “hats”. The result -- a broader range of experience to help sell you for your next job.
Get out there. . .get a job!
“According to information obtained by the Wichita Business Journal . . .18 of the 25 companies with 300 or fewer workers reported the same or higher employment totals than in 2009.”
Bottom line for job seekers: include small employers in your job search. As pointed out above, smaller companies may be hiring even when the bigger guys aren’t. According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses represent more than 99.7 percent of all employers, employ more than half of all private sector employees, pay 44.5 percent of the total U.S. private payroll, and generate about 75 percent of net new jobs annually.
How do you find these companies? Pay attention to who is in the news. Read the Wichita Business Journal and the business section of the Eagle. Listen to the news on local television and radio. Talk to the Wichita Independent Business Association. Network! Talk to people and keep up on LinkedIn. “Walk in” – grab a copy of your resume printed on quality bond resume paper, dress up and drop in at the company. Be courteous to everyone you see and ask if you can leave your resume for the hiring manager. If the company is growing, and you really impress them with your qualifications and potential, they might even create a position for you. Sound impossible? Nope – this very thing happened to one of your WSU classmates.
There are many advantages of working for a small employer. Not the least of which may be working at a smaller company may give you the opportunity to have a variety of job duties – to wear many “hats”. The result -- a broader range of experience to help sell you for your next job.
Get out there. . .get a job!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Burning Bridges -- Don't Do It
It is an amazingly small world. People remember more than we may want them to. Things you say or do may come back to hurt you years later. This is true in the job world as well as in your personal life. You’re on your own regarding your personal life. It’s the job world I’ll talk about today.
Receive an invitation on Hire A Shocker to interview with an organization you’re not really interested in? So you just ignore the invitation, not bothering to say “thank you, but I’m not interested at this time.” Or, don’t feel like going to the job interview today, that you agreed to last week? So you just blow it off. Well, guess what. . . the interviewer you ignored or ‘stood up’ today may one day work for a company you really really want to work for. And, guess what else. . .that person may be the one to make the decision whether or not you are considered a candidate for employment.
Have a career panel to learn from in one of your classes? But, you’re tired from staying up late the night before. So, you catch a few winks. Bad idea. Anytime you can get in front of an employer is a potentially valuable experience if you make a good impression. Not valuable if you're sleeping. Sleep while I’m talking to you and I’ll remember your face for a long time, and not in a good way.
Something else to think about --the interview question “Why did you leave your last job?” is not an opportunity to 'bad mouth'a supervisor or company you previously worked for. Use it as such and you may find yourself considered a non-candidate for a job you really want. No manager wants to think that one day you might be talking about him, or his organization, negatively.
Remember your manners. Don’t destroy relationships. They are too hard to build—just like bridges.
~jan
Receive an invitation on Hire A Shocker to interview with an organization you’re not really interested in? So you just ignore the invitation, not bothering to say “thank you, but I’m not interested at this time.” Or, don’t feel like going to the job interview today, that you agreed to last week? So you just blow it off. Well, guess what. . . the interviewer you ignored or ‘stood up’ today may one day work for a company you really really want to work for. And, guess what else. . .that person may be the one to make the decision whether or not you are considered a candidate for employment.
Have a career panel to learn from in one of your classes? But, you’re tired from staying up late the night before. So, you catch a few winks. Bad idea. Anytime you can get in front of an employer is a potentially valuable experience if you make a good impression. Not valuable if you're sleeping. Sleep while I’m talking to you and I’ll remember your face for a long time, and not in a good way.
Something else to think about --the interview question “Why did you leave your last job?” is not an opportunity to 'bad mouth'a supervisor or company you previously worked for. Use it as such and you may find yourself considered a non-candidate for a job you really want. No manager wants to think that one day you might be talking about him, or his organization, negatively.
Remember your manners. Don’t destroy relationships. They are too hard to build—just like bridges.
~jan
Monday, November 8, 2010
Employer Expectations of New Grads
I had opportunity to meet with a group of engineering employers this afternoon. They discussed what they look for, in addition to technical skills, when considering new graduates for employment.
Communication was given as the number one skill--both written and oral. In the words of one of these hiring managers, "Employees must be able to concisely disseminate information." In addition, he spoke of the necessity to write professional emails, memos and. . .even letters! And, get this--he also expects correct spelling and grammar. This poses the question: is it time to give up the convenience of "text" language and go back to the practice of actually spelling words out correctly, less we lose our ability to spell?
Leadership skills came in a close second. Project management was repeated more than once as important. Fortunately, these skills can be developed as a student. Join organizations. Work as a volunteer for organizations you're devoted to. Take on leadership roles.
Interpersonal skills--the ability to work as part of a team and to get along with other people is also an expectation of candidates. Managers want to know they are hiring someone they will want to work with and who will get along well with other employees. Kinda makes all those team projects worth it, doesn't it?
Let me point out that what I heard today doesn't apply only to engineering students. Today this information was coming from the mouths of engineering managers, but it applies to all students. Listen up -- this is great information to know. It can make all the difference in whether or not you land that job you want when you graduate.
~jan
Communication was given as the number one skill--both written and oral. In the words of one of these hiring managers, "Employees must be able to concisely disseminate information." In addition, he spoke of the necessity to write professional emails, memos and. . .even letters! And, get this--he also expects correct spelling and grammar. This poses the question: is it time to give up the convenience of "text" language and go back to the practice of actually spelling words out correctly, less we lose our ability to spell?
Leadership skills came in a close second. Project management was repeated more than once as important. Fortunately, these skills can be developed as a student. Join organizations. Work as a volunteer for organizations you're devoted to. Take on leadership roles.
Interpersonal skills--the ability to work as part of a team and to get along with other people is also an expectation of candidates. Managers want to know they are hiring someone they will want to work with and who will get along well with other employees. Kinda makes all those team projects worth it, doesn't it?
Let me point out that what I heard today doesn't apply only to engineering students. Today this information was coming from the mouths of engineering managers, but it applies to all students. Listen up -- this is great information to know. It can make all the difference in whether or not you land that job you want when you graduate.
~jan
Monday, September 27, 2010
Elevator speech? 30 second commercial? The dreaded interview question "Tell me about yourself". Here are a few guidelines to help you prepare.
Start by asking yourself: 1) What are my key strengths? 2) How do my instructors and supervisors describe me? 3) What do I want to let others know about me? 4) Why am I interested in this person or his/her company or industry?
Next, outline your 30 second commercial. 1) Who am I? What do I have to offer? 2) What are the main contributions I can make? 3) What do I want the listener to do as a result of hearing this?
Now, finalize your 30 second commercial. 1) Take each note you made and write a sentence about it. For example: "I have good leadership skills and people seem to look to me for answers." 2) Take each of your sentences and connect them, adding words and phrases to help them flow. For example: I'm an international business major at Wichita State University and will graduate in December. I have good leadership skills and people seem to look to me for answers. I'm excited about what I've heard about your leadership development program and would like to know more about it." 3) Go back through what you wrote and cut out any long or unnecessary words and any jargon. 4) Finalize your speech making it no longer than 30 to 90 seconds.
Here might be the hardest part. Memorize as much of your speech as you can, but focus on making it sound spontaneous and fresh each time you use it.
There you go. The next time you have the opportunity to do some networking or the next time an interviewer says "So tell me about yourself", you're ready.
So. . .tell me about yourself! Email me at jan.mead@wichita.edu to try out your 30 second commercial on me.
Start by asking yourself: 1) What are my key strengths? 2) How do my instructors and supervisors describe me? 3) What do I want to let others know about me? 4) Why am I interested in this person or his/her company or industry?
Next, outline your 30 second commercial. 1) Who am I? What do I have to offer? 2) What are the main contributions I can make? 3) What do I want the listener to do as a result of hearing this?
Now, finalize your 30 second commercial. 1) Take each note you made and write a sentence about it. For example: "I have good leadership skills and people seem to look to me for answers." 2) Take each of your sentences and connect them, adding words and phrases to help them flow. For example: I'm an international business major at Wichita State University and will graduate in December. I have good leadership skills and people seem to look to me for answers. I'm excited about what I've heard about your leadership development program and would like to know more about it." 3) Go back through what you wrote and cut out any long or unnecessary words and any jargon. 4) Finalize your speech making it no longer than 30 to 90 seconds.
Here might be the hardest part. Memorize as much of your speech as you can, but focus on making it sound spontaneous and fresh each time you use it.
There you go. The next time you have the opportunity to do some networking or the next time an interviewer says "So tell me about yourself", you're ready.
So. . .tell me about yourself! Email me at jan.mead@wichita.edu to try out your 30 second commercial on me.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Follow up!
How to follow up with an employer you met at last week's career fair, or at any networking opportunity, may seem like one of life's great mysteries. The same holds true when you submit a resume. If you follow up are you going to be annoying and destroy forever your chances of being hired by a particular company or recruiter? On the other hand, if you don't follow up do you risk going into that deep dark hole, never to be seen again? What is that so called happy medium?
One thing I learned from an employer is don't call and say "I'm calling to follow up on my resume (or the career fair last week)." As this recruiter put it, "if you're going to take my time, be ready to play" -- in other words be prepared to tell her why it would benefit her to look at you as a viable candidate for employment.
Follow up requires preparation. This is a time when your 30 second introduction will come in handy. Prepare your own script, but here's an example:
“Ms. Smith, I was referred to you by Adam Long, of your recruiting team, who I met at the career fair at Wichita State last week. I will graduate in December with a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. My cumulative gpa is 3.7. I have worked two summer internships with other aircraft manufacturing companies in Wichita. As President of Engineering Council at WSU, I've demonstrated strong leadership skills. I have applied online and I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to you, as Mr. Long recommended. Your organization is at the top of my list of places I'd like to begin my engineering career because of your excellent reputation and innovative products. Thank you for your time today. May I provide you with any additional information?”
It's scary to follow up. It puts you right out there. On the other hand, follow up transforms you from an electronic record or paper resume to a real person. Now, that's a good thing.
One thing I learned from an employer is don't call and say "I'm calling to follow up on my resume (or the career fair last week)." As this recruiter put it, "if you're going to take my time, be ready to play" -- in other words be prepared to tell her why it would benefit her to look at you as a viable candidate for employment.
Follow up requires preparation. This is a time when your 30 second introduction will come in handy. Prepare your own script, but here's an example:
“Ms. Smith, I was referred to you by Adam Long, of your recruiting team, who I met at the career fair at Wichita State last week. I will graduate in December with a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. My cumulative gpa is 3.7. I have worked two summer internships with other aircraft manufacturing companies in Wichita. As President of Engineering Council at WSU, I've demonstrated strong leadership skills. I have applied online and I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to you, as Mr. Long recommended. Your organization is at the top of my list of places I'd like to begin my engineering career because of your excellent reputation and innovative products. Thank you for your time today. May I provide you with any additional information?”
It's scary to follow up. It puts you right out there. On the other hand, follow up transforms you from an electronic record or paper resume to a real person. Now, that's a good thing.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Are you ready for the Fall Career Fair? Come on. . .are you really ready?
Do you have lots (as in 30) copies of your recently critiqued resume printed on bond paper and ready to hand out? Do you also have lots of your business cards to hand out to employers who can't accept resumes? Have you researched the employers of interest to you and are you ready to offer your 30 second commercial to them?
Is your suit pressed and your shoes shined? Don't forget your shirt -- it needs to be pressed also.
Do you remember your manners? Employers paid a chunk of change to come to the Career Fair to meet you. Be sure and say thank you to them for coming and for taking time to talk with you. Remember, although some recruiters may not have immediate openings they will attend the career fair knowing their situation may change and they may have openings tomorrow -- or next week -- sometime in the future.
We'll see you Thursday at the Career Fair. We're looking forward to it. Hope you are too!
~jan
Oh. . .just in case you forgot to get your resume critiqued, we'll be doing walkins tomorrow and Wednesday morning.
Do you have lots (as in 30) copies of your recently critiqued resume printed on bond paper and ready to hand out? Do you also have lots of your business cards to hand out to employers who can't accept resumes? Have you researched the employers of interest to you and are you ready to offer your 30 second commercial to them?
Is your suit pressed and your shoes shined? Don't forget your shirt -- it needs to be pressed also.
Do you remember your manners? Employers paid a chunk of change to come to the Career Fair to meet you. Be sure and say thank you to them for coming and for taking time to talk with you. Remember, although some recruiters may not have immediate openings they will attend the career fair knowing their situation may change and they may have openings tomorrow -- or next week -- sometime in the future.
We'll see you Thursday at the Career Fair. We're looking forward to it. Hope you are too!
~jan
Oh. . .just in case you forgot to get your resume critiqued, we'll be doing walkins tomorrow and Wednesday morning.
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