Story of a Job Search by Rachel Gibson

Thought it might be both helpful and interesting for you to read of someone else's job search. Helpful in terms of ideas that might be useful to you. And, interesting in terms of a "misery loves company" sort of perspective.

What follows is an introduction to part one of a series of notes I will share with you from the recent job search conducted by Rachel Gibson, our newest Career Counselor.

"I’m a planner. I attempt to anticipate and organize everything. From the minute to minute details of a vacation schedule to the color coded hangers in my closet, I like to coordinate every detail. Naturally, the thought of embarking on my very first long, confusing, overwhelming job search in which I had no control, terrified me. Although, now sitting a little more comfortably from the other side with a job, I realized I gained a lot more than just a job through the ups and downs of the process. 

As I quickly learned from talking to my classmates, every person’s experience is very different and no matter how many people are going through the same thing, there are those times where it feels like you are the only one in the world struggling. People find jobs in different ways, usually in ways that relate to their personality. Some people find jobs through connections, some through relentless determination, some through impeccable organization and planning, but all with a little bit of luck. The most important advice I could give would be to set up yourself up so that when you do find yourself in a lucky situation, you can take advantage of it. This was my experience. It is definitely by no means the “right” way to do things but I hope it gives you some ideas. At the very least I hope it gives you some comfort to know someone’ else’s process, complete with its ups and downs."

Check back in tomorrow for Phase 1 of Rachel's job search.

~jan

Time Management

Every morning, I engage in a ritual that I have evolved over the years. This adds immeasurably to the quality of my day, and to my productivity, as well. 

Would you like to experience your own expansion of possibilities? Here are some of my favorite ideas and tips. 

A morning ritual is a special promise you make to yourself – and keep. You commit to open your day using your best energies. What you do can create a bridge between your essential self and whatever demands you will confront as your day unfolds. 

So it's most valuable to create a morning ritual that infuses you with well-being and helps guide you when things get rocky.

Of course, your ritual will be unique to you.  

The following sentence completion exercise will help you identify your individual needs and preferences. Then, you can create a ritual that enriches you in any number of ways: 

1. "The hardest thing about getting up is ________."  

    Morning rituals help you journey from fast asleep to wide awake.  Transition rituals might include selecting the ideal music to rouse you, gentle yoga stretches, a sizzling dance video, or simply a quiet moment with a fragrant cup of tea or coffee.     

2. "My day always goes better when I start it by ________." 

    Morning rituals help you correct your course if you "get up on the wrong side of bed."  Try time-honored favorites like allowing unedited thoughts to take shape as you journal, flowing with T'ai Chi, connecting with your animal companion, or reading something uplifting.  

3. "If I had 10 more minutes in the morning, I'd use it to _____________."  

    Morning rituals send you prepared into your day. Pastimes like writing your intentions for the day, updating your To-Do list, assembling your evening meal in a crock-pot, or firming up tentative plans can each help ground and center you.  

Can you find those ten minutes somewhere? Anywhere? Good! Try incorporating just one activity and see how it adds to your day. 

Do you wonder what the difference is between a ritual and a routine? 

Sometimes, it's simply the level of mindfulness you bring to the moment. Routines can often feel rushed or monotonous – they get you through one part of the day on your way to the next chapter. Rituals, on the other hand, send down roots this instant. And your inner wellsprings nourish you.  

Honoring what you do honors who you are. So you imbue your activities with meaning. When you engage in rituals mindfully, you fully occupy the moment. And time expands.  

This is no small achievement! You genuinely appreciate more moments by focusing your attention and intention upon your movements, moment by moment. Why not maximize this potential when you first greet the day?

Finally, morning rituals can prepare you to respond to upcoming challenges with proactive presence. Experiment and note the results. You may very well enjoy enhanced health, focus and gratitude!

TIP: Keep your morning ritual fresh and appealing to ensure its success. 

Ritual does not mean rote. Ensure that your new ritual meets your changing needs. Energize your activities with variations that engage you and stimulate you. Remember that rituals can do much more than anchor your upcoming day with a meaningful new morning tradition. A morning ritual can deepen your receptivity to the unexpected, as well.    

ACTION STEP: 

Before bedtime, consider how well your ritual served you.  

Did it help orient you, balance your energies, inspire you or focus you?  Are there portions of your ritual you rush through or skip altogether? Throw away any "shoulds" and rework your ritual until it regenerates your enthusiasm and commitment. Keep in mind which challenges stretch you and which ones generate strain. Go for the stretch! 

EXPLORATION: 

Your day may challenge you to flex where you wanted to stay focused, and to focus where you'd hoped to relax.

When your morning ritual includes pastimes like memorizing favorite quotations, you plant in your imagination special phrases that may serve as mantras. And when you move your energy with pleasurable activity during your morning ceremony, you may feel more sure-footed in any number of ways when new challenges come knocking.  

See how far-sighted you can be, even when you look within!

"Used with permission from Paula Eder, Ph.D., The Time Finder Expert.  Paula is an internationally-known coach and published author who mentors spirit-driven entrepreneurs and small business owners, from the inside out, to align their core values and energy with their time choices and behaviors so that they make more money, create more freedom, and find more time. 

More on Networking

Just two more days until The Art of Networking.  So here come a few ideas you might use as objectives  for the evening – and for other events that offer the opportunity to connect with people.

Set a goal to talk with two or three people. This works! As an introvert, going to meetings with the objective to meet three people makes all the difference in whether I actually walk up to people and start a conversation – or run for the door as soon as the meeting is over.  I have met some incredible people I would never have met if I hadn’t pushed myself a little (or a lot) to take the initiative to meet them.

Turn off your cell phone. Yes, completely off.  If your phone were to ring it would be embarrassing—and that funny little sound it makes when it vibrates is louder than you think.

Do not head immediately for the hors d'oeu·vres-no matter how hungry you are. The people you meet are more important than the snacks.  

Smile. Sounds so simple but sometimes hard to remember.

Since we’re on the subject of mouths, remember your breath mints. Note: I didn’t say gum which is way too easy to start chompin’ and poppin’ when you are nervous.

Keep a distance of 18 inches or so between you and the individual you are talking with. Any closer and you might find that person backing away.

Look everybody you talk with in the eye and genuinely listen as they speak with you. You just might be surprised what you learn.

Ask for business cards. If you have business cards of your own, put a few in your pocket but don’t offer one unless the person you are talking to asks.  Important note: put the business cards you collect in a different pocket than your own business cards. 

Don’t dominate any one person’s conversation. Talk with a person and learn a little about them. Give your 30 second commercial. Tell them it was nice to have met them. Ask for their business card. Move on to another person.

Send each person you meet a note the following day telling them it was a pleasure to meet them and thanking them for the opportunity to talk with them. 

Networking. . .that's what it's all about. 

Get a job!

~jan

“The way of the world is meeting people through other people. “  ~ Robert Kerrigan

30 Second Commercial

Congratulations! You are going to attend The Art of Networking next week. You want to develop your "elevator speech" aka 30 second commercial.

As yourself:
1. What are my key strengths?
2. What are some adjectives to describe me?
3. What am I trying to let others know about me?
4. Why am I interested in this person or their company or industry?

Outline your elevator speech.
1. Who am I?
2. What do I have to offer?
3. What problem can I help solve?
4. What do I want the listener to do as a result of hearing this.

Finalize your elevator speech.
1. Write a sentence about each note you wrote to answer the questions above.
2. Connect all these sentences, adding words and phrases to help them flow.
3. Review what you wrote and cut out long or unnecessary words or jargon.
4. Finalize your speech making it no longer than 30 to 90 seconds.

Familiarize yourself with your speech. You want to sound spontaneous and fresh each time you use it--not memorized.

Networking

If you’ve been anywhere close to our office, or website, you’ve heard the term networking. In fact, you’ve probably heard it more than once. So, what is the big deal about networking?  

Networking is crucial to your job search. So much so that it is how 65% of people find jobs.

Networking is about connecting with people. And, reconnecting.  And, building relationships.  And, maintaining those relationships.

We heard a great networking success story last week. One of our WSU Alum landed the job he wanted out of state. How? He contacted a connection at WSU to say he was job hunting. That person told her staff. One of her staff had a connection . . .who  had a connection at the company our Alum wanted to join.  Bottom line: our alum has been in his new job a couple of months now.  

Anywhere people are gathered is a place to network. Another of our former students got a job through a lead he heard about from someone he met in line at the grocery store.  Another through a connection he learned about from his barber. A few years ago, I found a great job through a tip I received in an elevator.  So, really "What's not to like about networking?"

We believe in networking so much we’ve organized a special event. The Art of Networking will be from 5:30 – 7:00pm Oct. 26 in the Ulrich Museum of Art. Take advantage of this chance to have fun as you enjoy horde ours and learn more about networking in a relaxed setting. 

Don’t wait. RSVP now to jan.mead@wichita.edu or 978-3435.  

Get a job! 

~jan

Jan Mead, Assistant Director, Wichita State University

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