Networking

It happened again! I have talked to three students this week who just landed jobs. Not by going to any (or even a lot) of the many job posting sites. Not by applying on company websites. But, rather through someone they knew. One person got a job with a company that two of his friends worked for – they knew there was an opening so they encouraged him to apply. Another was referred to his organization by a former classmate here at WSU. And, the other got a job lead from a friend of a friend.

I had to tell you this news. Because I keep telling you to network. Now you know why.

Improve Your Performance

Free range

Ways to improve your performance:

• Compete for a prize
• Earn points
• Please a demanding boss
• Make someone else's imminent deadline
• Face sudden death elimination in the playoffs
• Wear a heart monitor and track performance publicly
• Go head-to-head against a determined foe

The thing is, all of these external stimuli are there to raise your game and push you ever harder. They are fences to be leaped, opponents to be defeated.

The alternative is to compete against nothing but yourself. To excel merely because the act of excelling without boundaries or incentives thrills you.

And the good news is that once you find that, you'll always have it.

on behalf of; Seth Godin <sethsblogreply@gmail.com>

Seasonal Jobs

Why would I suggest you work a seasonal-- or any temporary  job? 

Number one on my list of reasons is a temporary job just might lead to a long term opportunity. Work hard, prove yourself and the employer may want to hang on to you longer – maybe much longer – than originally planned.

Working a job for even a short time is a great way to try out companies and jobs.  Working in any number of jobs, or for XYZ Company, may sound appealing. . .until you actually try it. If you take a job, knowing it is only temporary, it doesn’t hurt your resume when “it is only temporary”.  

You know how you hear me say “network” over and over again? Working a temporary job is a great way to make contacts and add people to your professional network.  Do a good job and you’ve also got yourself a reference.

You stand a good shot at learning new skills.

You make money!

I have worked a number of temporary jobs.  All taught me new skills and three turned into jobs I worked at for at least five years.  Another was with an organization I determined I didn’t want to stay with.  Because I took the job as a temporary position, it didn’t hurt my resume, or reference information, that I only stayed there a few months – until, in fact, I found another temporary job -one that I worked at five years.  Those are my experiences.  

So. . .why would I suggest you work a seasonal-- or any temporary  job?  Why wouldn’t I?

True Colors

Want to understand the other people in your class, group, or office better? Want to know why they do the things they do and don’t do the things you do? Wonder why they cause you so much stress? If so, True Colors might be just the thing for you!

 

True Colors identifies four different personality styles, characterizing each style by a color. Although we are all a blend of a variety of traits, we will each probably find the characteristics of one color dominant over the others.

 

In brief:

Blues care about other people and relationships.

Golds appreciate tradition and are hard working.

Greens are complex, competent and independent and want to know “why”.

Oranges need freedom, flexibility and change and like to play.  

Mix all these colors together and you can understand why you have frustrations and even conflict.

True Colors is a great way to gain insight into, and appreciation for, your own behavior and that of the people you interact or have relationships with. For a True Colors presentation to your class or group, call our office at 978-3435.

Seth Godin's Blog "Coming From a Loud Place"

I love the way this man thinks. Just wanted to share this with you!

Coming from a loud place

Despite your instincts, almost all big change, almost all important organizations, almost all the stuff that matters doesn't get launched big, from the loud place, on the front page of the paper or on the Super Bowl or on a popular blog.

No, the stuff that changes everything starts on the fringe, captures the imagination of a dozen, who bring along colleagues or friends, and then it's a hundred and then...

Make whatever list you want: Twitter, Kiva, 500px, Pure Food and Wine, Jiro...  They all became hits without being anointed by the loud folks first.

Instead of cajoling your way into the spotlight, consider investing in the experience first.

The Job Fair

Our Fall Job Fair was last week. Employers saw many people and behaviors. Some great, but some had no place at a job fair. Listed below are some of the “no place at a job fair” items, followed in bold italics by what probably went through employers’ minds in response. 

Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, short skirts, revealing blouses, clothes that were too tight, wrinkled clothes, tattoos, body piercings (other than one pair of earrings), running shoes, flip flops. Limp handshakes. Meek little voices.  Develop some confidence, dress professionally and then come talk to me. 

No resumes and/or business cards. How am I going to know how to get in touch with you?  

Knew nothing about my company. You don’t care enough to do some research.

Babies. . .toddlers. . .kids younger than college age! If you bring your kids to the job fair, what will you do with them if I hire you? 

Bottom line: I expect you to be the best you can be when you come to a job fair. The impression you make is an indication of the quality of work you will do. Take this opportunity seriously.

Companies receive countless resumes each week. The opportunity to talk with an employer is invaluable. Take it seriously and take advantage of it. Get a job!  

Job Fair Preparation

It is Job Fair time again. What do you need to do to prepare? Here’s a list to guide you.

Remember this is a great opportunity to get in front of employers. Take it seriously and make the very best impression you can.

Make sure your resume is perfect. If you haven’t had it reviewed by someone in Career Services, you still have a few days left. When you are happy with your resume, print several copies on high quality bond resume paper and stash them in your portfolio to keep them neat.

Make up business cards to offer to employers who are not able to accept resumes. Definitely keep in mind it is no reflection on you when employers do not accept your resume and ask you to apply online. It is a procedure they are required to follow.

Launder and press your suit and shirt or blouse—or have them dry cleaned. Polish your shoes. Get a haircut if needed. Take a look at our guidelines to make sure your planned attire is suitable.

Review the list of employers who are registered. Research those of interest to you. Prepare your introduction so you will feel confident when you approach the recruiters.

If you have questions, stop by or give us a call.