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© 2010 by Come Recommended, LLC Copyright holder is licensing this under the Creative Commons License, Attribution 3.0. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/ > Please feel free to post this on your blog or e-mail it to whomever you believe would benefit from reading it. Thank you.

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GENERATION Y: STARTING YOUR CAREER AT YOUR TIME Originally Posted on Sep. 08, 2010 by Martha G. Chavez

A few weeks ago, the New York Times Magazine ran an article by Robin Marantz Hening that made me feel like it was written to me. It was about Gen Y and the new life phases and development we’re going through. It describes how more and more young adults are taking their time transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. There was a letter to the editor written by Lindsey Pollock. She came to the defense of 20-somethings, and further cemented the fact that times are a changin’. In her letter, Pollock says, “I consider it progress that every young person doesn’t feel the need to complete school, leave home, marry and have a child by a certain deadline. There is no ‘one size fits all’ adulthood.” This hit me at my core. I read this and was affirmed that things happen at their own due time. And when I mean things, I mean my career. I’m a late bloomer in life. I’m in my mid 20’s and have yet to experience a lot of career and life firsts. It took me longer to graduate from college. Not because I wanted to, but because for many reasons, I didn’t have a choice. I graduated later, older, and with limited experience. When most of the people I went to high school with already working their way up the career ladder, getting

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married, and even owning homes, I sometimes feel like I’ve missed the boat. I know many people feel the same way. That’s when I realized; I’m not like everyone else. So many of us aren’t. We live in a different time. Things don’t always have to happen at x times. Life always hits us with curveballs, and we have to learn to take them. I’ve learned that age has nothing to do with the ability to learn, grow, and be a great employee. Us Gen Y’ers are optimistic, ambitious, and extremely hard working. We are revolutionizing the workplace. I may not be 22-years-old, or have a minimum of three years work experience, yet. But I have motivation and drive. That will take me as far as I’m willing it to take me, and will make me and my fellow Gen Y’ers better professionals in the end.

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3 CREATIVE WAYS TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR Originally Posted on Dec. 01, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

While the holiday season is in full swing, job seekers are finding ways to heighten their job search to end the year on a good note. While some job seekers are attending final networking events of the year and giving their resume and cover letters one more look over, other job seekers are looking for “outside of the box” ways to get a call back for an interview or a job offer. Job seekers are using creative tools to help them get noticed by employers, like The Google Job Experiment. Here are ways to incorporation creativity into your job search. 30/60/90 Create a 30/60/90 plan. In one to three pages, write how you will be an asset to the company in the first three months. Creating this plan will show employers your preparation, that you have done your research on the company and showcases your transferable skills, i.e. writing. This article explains in detail how to create your own 30/60/90 plan. Differentiate yourself Find ways to that will make you stand out amongst the other applicants. Create your own website, such as twittershouldhireme.com that targets the company you are

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interested in and show why you will be a great candidate for their company. Some candidates have gone the route of creating a video resume, a good way to showcase your communication skills. This job seeker created a musical video resume, showing his creativity and outside talents. Be visible There are subtle ways to be creative during your job search. Being visible consistently will show employers your dedication and enthusiasm to your chosen profession. Be vocal during open discussions at professional meetings, e.g. ask questions and provide your own opinions to key concepts. Volunteer with committee groups and showcase the skills you have learned at internships or in classes. Those who are visible and doing outstanding work are memorable by key professionals.

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JOB VS. GRADUATE SCHOOL: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Originally Posted on Aug. 29, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

As seniors around the nation begin their final year (or semester) in college, the stress of classes and grades are almost over. However, the stress of post-graduate plans begins to form. Should you take your chances in the job market? Should you further your education and go to graduate, professional or medical school? Ultimately the choice is yours, but each choice needs time and thought to be executed. Here are tips that can help you begin the thinking and planning process. Is my college degree enough? Depending on the industry you are interested in pursuing, you may or may not need an advance degree. By doing research and talking to other professionals, you can determine if it would be beneficial for you to go to grad school first or if you can wait a few years to further your education. Motivation Finding your first professional job and going to grad school takes motivation and heart. You have to determine where your heart and mindset are at currently. It would be a waste of time and finances if you feel forced or unmotivated to pursue something you know you do not want to do.

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Map it out List your goals; both short-term and long-term, and determined how work and school will fit each other. Talk to family, friends, fellow students and professors about their choice of going straight to work or going to graduate school. Think about your finances and other resources that you may need for your choices. Remember that ultimately it is your choice. Do not feel that you are being forced to make one decision over the other because of your support system’s opinions. To read more about grad school vs. work debate, check out this article here.

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WHAT HIRING MANAGERS LOOK FOR DURING INTERVIEWS Originally Posted on Mar. 03, 2010 by Heather R. Huhman

Preparing for interviews to the best of your ability is time consuming but extremely important. You must know and understand the interviewer(s), organization, clients/products/services and the industry itself—plus how you fit into that big picture. So, what exactly is the hiring manager looking for? No matter what field you are in or what position you’re applying for, there are some similarities across the board that all hiring managers seek in ideal candidates. 1. Likeability. Do you get along with the hiring manager? Does the hiring manager feel you will get along with his or her team? This is a big factor. I know when I see myself in candidates, I find myself leaning toward them more than individuals who remind me nothing of me. (That sounds self-centered, but hiring managers want a cohesive team!) 2. Strategic thinking. Are you thinking ahead about the future of the organization? Do you have a suggestion already in mind you’d like to brainstorm with the hiring manager? In this economy—or any, for that matter—organizations want (and need) results. If you can show you’re a results person—or at a minimum thinking about results—you will prove a strong candidate.

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3. Clear communication. Is your tone and word choice professional? Do you get your message across effectively the first time? Chances are, you’re going to have to communicate with others in some fashion in order to do your job. Throwing in any type of slang word, giggling or other methods of unprofessional communication will make the hiring manager forget what you’re actually trying to say. Also, be aware of any strong accent you might have. For example, if you’re from Boston or New York and you’re speaking to someone from Chicago, your accent might be a little off putting. If you think it might be costing you jobs, there are professional speech therapists who can help you lose the accent. 4. Professional appearance. If you’re interviewing at an organization where you know the hiring manager will be wearing ripped jeans and a T-shirt, you can probably get away with far less than a suit and tie. However, at most organizations, you want to not only dress the part for which you are interviewing, but one step above. Again, it’s these little things that stack up in a hiring manager’s mind about whether or not to hire you. 5. Enthusiasm. Be happy you are there! And not just because this is the first interview you’ve had in weeks (or months), but because you are genuinely looking forward to the possibility of working at the organization.

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6. Good eye contact and “engaged behavior.” Don’t stare and not blink throughout the whole interview, but make sure you have decent eye contact. Also, lean forward slightly when the hiring manager is speaking—this is what I call “engaged behavior.” Both tactics show the hiring manager you are listening and interested in what he or she has to say.

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5 STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP Originally Posted on May. 05, 2010 by Annie Kohanek

As the days get longer and warmer, school is wrapping up and summer internships are underway. Whether this is a first internship or you are a veteran, here are some tips to make the transition to your new job go more smoothly. 1. Mistakes are inevitable – what matters is your reaction. The company didn’t hire you for your expertise. Say you mess up on an assignment or upset a client; instead of getting defensive, show your boss you both regret what happened and learned from the experience. It won’t only save your job, but keep communication between you and your boss open. 2. Don’t be afraid to ask the seemingly simple questions. Your co-workers are going to throw a lot of information at you that after a few years of working there seem basic. Don’t be afraid to ask them to slow down or repeat themselves later. By learning how to get tasks done during the ‘honeymoon’ part of your internship, your job will progress a lot more smoothly in the long run. 3. Be proactive! Couldn’t stress this enough: during down time at your job, stay proactive and ask co-workers what you can do to help them. It not only keeps you busy and learning, but you teach yourself how to be helpful around the office later without asking your boss what to do.

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4. Be eager to learn. Similar to keeping proactive – if you take care to show your coworkers you are eager to learn, the more likely they will let you sit in and help with their more interesting projects. 5. Take notes and sit in meetings. With the loads of information that will be dumped into your head, take notes of what’s happening to jog your memory later. Also, don’t be afraid to sit in meetings (of course ask first)! Chances are your boss will forget to mention some things, and sitting in on meetings can help you learn the office dynamic and pieces of information your boss may have forgotten to share. The success of your internships is entirely up to you. By staying proactive, interested, and flexible to the difficult moments of transition, you’re experience and role in the company will quickly grow and prosper.

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ARE MILLENNIALS THE ‘VERUCA SALT GENERATION’? Originally Posted on Oct. 15, 2010 by Katie Farrell

Earlier this week, Paul Carr at TechCrunch wrote a piece about why he’s relieved not to be a Millennial (if you haven’t read it, check it out here). He starts the article with a quote from Veruca Salt, the spoiled little girl featured in both versions of Willy Wonka/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (in one, she wants a golden egg; the other, a squirrel). Further along in the article, he says this about Millennials:

There was a time when society would react with horror at the prospect of an entire generation of such whiny, spoilt little brats. For some unfathomable reason, though, instead of condemning this army of latter-day Veruca Salts, we’ve decided to pander to them.

Unfortunately, there may be a few Millennials who fall into this category. But it’s unfair to categorize an entire generation because of what a few are doing. Take our founder and president, Heather Huhman, for example (if you didn’t know, yes, she’s a Millennial!), Even while working a full-time job in public relations, she was still dedicated to building Come Recommended and spent much of her time helping students and recent graduates find jobs. Being a Millennial myself, I don’t feel I fall into this generalization, either. From the time I was 16, I worked a part-time job after school — often paying for my own

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clothing, entertainment, car insurance and gas. During college, I worked diligently during the summer and school year in order to afford being away from home, and paid for half of my schooling on top of that. I was part of several volunteer groups at my university, dedicating much of my time to promoting events and participating on an executive board of my peers. I’m sure there are plenty of other examples of Millennials defying this broad generalization of our generation. And I wouldn’t call any of them whiny, spoiled brats. In fact, I’d say that many of these Millennials are:

• High achievers • Well-educated • Successful entrepreneurs • Dedicated • Innovative • Passionate • Hard workers

In fact, Tom Miesen wrote a whole post in defense of Generation Y that definitely deserves a read. For statistics about Generation Y in the workplace, click here to download our infographic.

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5 TIPS TO SEARCH FOR A JOB ABROAD Originally Posted on Sep. 28, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

One of my goals in life is to live and work abroad in my dream country. While I am still researching companies here in the United States, I have thought of expanding my long-distance job hunt further — across the ocean. Here are some tips I have run across on how to pursue a job hunt for positions outside of the U.S. Study abroad If you are still in school and know that you would like to move abroad after graduation, participate in a study abroad program. Studying overseas can help you establish connections with professors or employers that you meet throughout the duration of your program. There are also programs that are specifically for internships. Check out your study abroad office to see if there are programs for your major in your choice of country or an internship program in that country. Travel there Plan a trip to your dream country. If you have the resources to travel to your dream country, plan to stay an extended time. Gain an understanding of the city, housing, language, cost of living, currency exchange and the culture. Visit companies you

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have researched and find out their job application process for international applicants. Build your experience Gain experience first by working a few years or interning. Like the U.S., some companies in foreign countries will hire those who have work experience before those who just graduated without experience. Relocating program While you may choose to stay and work for a company in the U.S., some companies have a job exchange program for employees who have worked at the company for a certain amount of years. Also, ask about openings or advancement opportunities in an office in another country. Tailor yourself to the country Some companies in foreign countries may have different criteria when it comes to the job materials you submit for a position. Learn how to format your resume and cover letters to their standards. Also, learn the interviewing process. If you know the language, use it in your job materials and during your interview. It will help make you stand out and makes an excellent impression on prospective employers.

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Research all the possibilities of relocating overseas. Know if you can withstand being homesick and moving without having someone within distance for support. Keep in mind of programs like the Peace Corps or teaching English to students can be your ticket to working in another country.

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HOW TO TACKLE TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Originally Posted on Oct. 05, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

You’re in the middle of your interview, when the interviewer throws you a curveball and asks, “Tell me about yourself.” There is a long pause, staring at the interviewer while you think deeply on how to tell them about yourself. For some, answering interview questions can be a difficult task. However, it is possible to answer these difficult questions. Here are the a few of the common tough questions that are asked during interviews (in no particular order): Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer short and focused on why you are qualified for this position. Your answer should be one to three minutes long. Do not fall into the habit of disclosing personal information, like where you are from, marital status, age, etc. Answer with your targeted job skills that meet the requirement of the job posting, your transferable skills that make you a great candidate, and explain why you are exactly what the company is looking for in an employee.

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What are your strengths and weaknesses? Talking about your strengths is easier than picking out your weaknesses. Both parts of this question should relay back to the characteristics and requirements for the position. When you are talking about your weaknesses, be honest and turn it from a negative into a positive. For example, I have trouble with time management due to wanting my work to be correct and superb, but I have received advice from professionals and created a time management system for myself. Why should I hire you? In order to fully answer this question, you will have to do comprehensive research on the company. Use the information to help you put together your answer. Explain how your skills and experience will benefit the company. Do you know a way to save or make the company money, how to get them more clients or a new way to build the company’s brand? Explain it to the interviewer. Show the interviewer you are passionate and will be a dedicated employee. What are your salary requirements? Research what the company pays current employees using websites like Glassdoor.com. If nothing on the company is listed, check what their competitors may pay their employees in a similar position. This will help you develop a range. During your interview, never mention a salary value. Ask the

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interviewer what the salary range is for someone with similar experience as you. The rule with this question is whoever answers first loses. Remember to be honest and brief with your answers. Relate them back to the criteria for the position. If you still feel nervous answering these questions or want to know how to answer the other tough interview questions, read WiseBread’s How to answer 23 of the most common interview questions and george’s employment blawg’s Job Interview Advice: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” and Other Tough Job Interview Questions.

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3 WAYS TO HANDLE ILLEGAL JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Originally Posted on Sep. 22, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

Last week, I read “When Job-Interview Questions Become Too Personal“ in The Wall Street Journal. After reading the article and comments, I got to thinking about what I would do or say if I were in that situation. Before this article, I have never heard of this topic (or have heard of it once and stored it somewhere in my mental file). Like myself, some Gen Y job seekers may not know of these illegal questions, the rights they have as job seekers and how to answer such questions. What makes an interview question illegal? Questions that are about your age, religion, race, nationality, sexual preference, marital and family status, health, or political affiliation are illegal for an interviewer to ask you during an interview. If you filled out a formal application form or were offered a job, you will have to provide information for a few of these questions. However, during an interview, questions should be about the job, company and what you can offer to them as a potential employee. What to do if asked First thing is to stay calm and professional. You can answer the question a few ways:

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1. Refuse to answer the question. Ask the interviewer how the question is about the job opening or let them know that you are uncomfortable answering the question and that it was inappropriate. However, do not use the word “illegal” in your statement.

2. Answer a question with a question. Turn the question into a way to show the interviewer that it not an appropriate question to ask and getting the company’s concerns at the same time. For example, if they ask about your family status, ask the interviewer if they are concerned you will not be able to work overtime.

3. Answer the question — in the way it should have been asked. For example, if they asked if you are a U.S. citizen, answer that you are authorized to work in the United States. It is ok to provide truthful information to these questions. However, know that your answers could either hinder or help your chances of getting the position.

Remember you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Be watchful of the professionalism displayed during your interview. Prepare for all questions that could be asked during your next interview, including the illegal questions. For a list of these questions, read JobWeb’s article on interviews and WiseBread’s “How to recognize and answer illegal interview questions.”

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5 WAYS TO JUMP START YOUR JOB SEARCH IN 2011 Originally Posted on Dec. 15, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

For many, the New Year is a sign of new beginnings. For some, it may be the beginning to their job search; while for others, it may be another year on the job hunt. With 2011 around the corner, it is a great time to sit down and write down your vision of your job hunt. Here are some ways to help you establish your job search vision. Be an expert Show your skills in and knowledge of the industry in which you are looking for employment or internship. Attend local and national seminars and conferences. Take classes and work toward getting a certification. Share your insight through a personal blog or writing articles. Comment on other influential blogs that have an impact on your industry. Stay active Being active will not only help you continue to build your skills and network with professionals, but also it will keep you from sitting at home majority of the time and keep your mind clear. Get involved with your community, volunteer your time with a committee for a local organization, or become a mentor. That way you have plenty

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to talk about when asked what you have been doing while you were searching for a job and a way to add experience to your resume. Short-term goals Your ultimate goal is to find a full-time job or an internship. By creating short-term goals, whether they are monthly or weekly, will help you stay on track of your search and help you evaluate your progress. Accomplishing these goals will motivate you to continue to reach higher milestones and learning new tips. Stay one step ahead You want to find a way to stand out among other applicants. Create a website showcasing your work and market yourself as a great candidate, similar to how this candidate markets themselves. Follow companies’ social media accounts to get up-to-date information, giving you something to talk about in your cover letter or interview. Change things around Evaluate what may or may not be working for your job search. Try working with a recruiter to help you evaluate and pinpoint aspect of your job search that needs improvement. Work on building your online brand if you have not done some during this year.

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2011 is a whole new slate to work on moving your job search to a new level and eventually getting your dream job.

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4 THINGS TO CHECK ON YOUR RESUME Originally Posted on Dec. 08, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

As we approach the holidays, one of the things to do during the break is work on your resume. While you do so, remember some key tips that will help make your resume stronger and stand out amongst the other applicants. Me, myself & I It is already implied that the resume is about you, your experience and accomplishments. Remove personal pronouns from your resume. Re-work your bulleted points to show what you did, without saying the word “I.” Challenges, actions & results Employers want to see a beginning, middle and end to the tasks that you list on your resume. Use CAR to show employers how your accomplishments can benefit the company. What challenges did you have to face? What actions did you take? What was the result of the challenge?

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Quantify your accomplishments Whenever it is possible, quantify your accomplishments. It shows employers your results with facts and figures. Here are examples of how to quantify your accomplishments from Miriam Salpeter’s article, “Quantify Accomplishments on Your Resume to Stand Out in a Crowd.” Up-to-date & relevant Is your resume current? If you finished an internship or job, double-check to make sure the dates are correct and your resume does not still indicate you are currently at the position. Include any other tasks you have completed at each position. Make sure that the information listed on your resume is relevant to the job description and company.

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3 EASY WAYS TO HANDLE JOB REJECTION Originally Posted on Sep. 21, 2010 by Martha G. Chavez

Rejection never feels good. We’ve all had those moments when we go to an interview, feel we did a great job, and come to find out later, we didn’t get the job. I know this feeling all too well. It’s depressing. Job searching is probably one of the hardest and most frustrating experiences you’ll ever go through. Being rejected does a number on one’s self-confidence and motivation, but I’m slowly realizing that how you deal with rejection can make you come out on the other side stronger and more prepared. Don’t take it personally Everyone wants to be liked; it’s human nature. When you’re going on interviews you obviously want to be liked and nab the job. When I didn’t get the job, the first thing I thought was, “They didn’t like me. Why? What did I do? Did I say something wrong?” I took it really personally. You shouldn’t. You shouldn’t place your worth on the fact that you didn’t get the job. There are so many people looking for a job right now. Some are looking for the very same one you are. Unfortunately, only one person can get it. This doesn’t mean you’re not a good professional, it just means you may not have been the right fit for that particular job.

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Knowing is learning If you didn’t get the job, ask why. Send the person who interviewed you a thank you and ask for some feedback. Most employers are very willing to get back to you. Ask how you could’ve been a better candidate. Maybe there are small things you’re doing that you’re not noticing or meaning to do. This should all being taken as a means to make you more aware of things when you’re interviewing. It’s a learning experience that will only make you better. Don’t give up After several rejections you may feel like just throwing your hands in the air, giving up, and just having a pity party for yourself. Trust me, I’ve felt that way many times. There are so many of us in the same position. I know it’s rough, and it’s easy to get discouraged, but there is a job out there for everyone. You may just have to go through several trials before you get to it. Work on the areas you may need some improvement on and be ready for next time. Keep your chin up and keep searching. Soon enough, the right job will come.

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3 SIMPLE WAYS TO BUILD YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS Originally Posted on Dec. 08, 2010 by Claudia Hualde

Employers are not only looking for a candidate with experience and good grades. In a competitive market, you must also have activities on your resume that showcase your leadership skills. In today’s workforce, you have to be able to lead and take charge. With busy lives and schedules, this may be hard to do. But it may also be the factor that will give you a competitive advantage. Take a look at these three simple ways to build your leadership skills: Take leadership in the classroom A good place where you’ll find ways to start building your qualities as a leader is in the classroom. Throughout college, we are given group projects in which there was a designated group leader. From now on, that’s going to be you. With these projects, you can start practicing your time management skills, relationship building skills, and delegating practices. I have learned to work with many different personalities, schedules and the art of prioritizing through group projects. Being responsible for a team says a lot about your determination and ability to lead a project to success. This looks great on your resume and it will give you something to talk about in your next interview.

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Join on-campus organizations Find an organization that shares the same values and goals as you. You need an organization that will help you gain the tools you need to be successful. Once you find it, seek ways to become a leader. Look for opportunities with the professional chapters where you can showcase your initiative and determination to be a better leader. These organizations, depending on which one you join, will host luncheons, workshops and other activities where professionals may be invited. These professionals are potentially your future boss. You want them to know you are involved, and you want them to remember that you are taking initiative to further yourself. These are all steps that will help you be a better leader. Participate in local & national competitions If you have some extra time and imagination, this is a great opportunity to build upon your leadership skills and work with people from different places. Various organizations are often times affiliated with corporations that are willing to give students a shot at working with their projects. Now nobody likes to lose, but this isn’t just about winning, this is about you taking an opportunity to lead a group through a competition. Leaders must be relatable, have good decision making abilities and good time management skills. This is what employers are looking for. Those qualities translate from the resume into the workplace.

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Not only should you be a leader, but also you have to strive to a be a good leader. Not everyone can lead a country to independence or take sales to an all-time high. But leaders never give up. And by taking into consideration these three tips, you are taking the opportunity to be a good leader and learn from some mistakes. Let’s face it, nobody wants to make mistakes in their first real life job right after college. Take the time you have now to make mistakes and learn from them so, for the rest of your career, you’ll only become that much better.

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HOW TO CLOSE A JOB INTERVIEW SUCCESSFULLY Originally Posted on Oct. 21, 2010 by Lisa Atufunwa

Your interview is drawing to a close. You feel you did a wonderful job answering the interviewer’s questions and portraying yourself as a great candidate. While how you begin your interview is the first impression interviewers make outside of your resume, how you end your interview leaves a permanent impact and could be the last memory an interviewer has of you as a potential employee. How you end your interview can allow you to figure out if you are interested in working at the company and make final statements of why you should be hired. Do you have any questions? At the end of an interview, most employers will give you the opportunity to ask questions. Not having any questions prepared to ask for your interview comes across that you were not prepared or not an independent thinker. There isn’t a maximum number of questions to an employer, however a good range of questions to prepare is 5-8 questions. Final statement Express your enthusiasm about the company and the position. Make a final statement of your strengths and what value you can bring to the company. Your

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closing statement should be 2-4 sentences long. Restate some of the strong points expressed during the interview and patch up any concerns the interviewer may have about you. What’s next? Find out what’s the next step in the application process. Ask if there is any final information that you need to provide to the interviewer (i.e. writing samples, references or transcripts). If you are asked to provide additional information, follow-up with the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Establish a timeframe for the hiring process, if possible. A gracious candidate is a good candidate Thank the interviewer for their time at the end of the interview with a firm handshake. Ask them for their business card to follow-up with them. Write a thank you note, express your interest in the company again, and one thing you and the interviewer talked about during the interview. Remember to be confident and enthusiastic. End your interview on a positive lasting impression. How do you want the interviewer to remember you once you leave their office?

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3 WAYS TO DITCH THE ANXIETY & ACE YOUR INTERVIEW Originally Posted on Sep. 02, 2010 by Martha G. Chavez

Congratulations! Your resume impressed, and now you scored an interview. You have only one chance to impress prospective employers. Successful interviewing is essential in grabbing that dream job you’ve always wanted. People freeze up and tense with the mention of the impending “I” word, but with preparation and research you can have the confidence and handle to go in there and impress your future employer. Here are just a few tips to help you have a seamlessly smooth interview. Research The first thing you need to do is research the company you’re interviewing with. Find out as much as you can about the company and the person interviewing you. Researching keeps you up to speed about the company and their history. A lot of questions during the interview deal with your knowledge of the company. Employers expect you to know about them and why you want to work there. If you don’t know what you’re talking about it will show.

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Practice makes perfect Go over the typical questions asked during an interview. Most interviewers ask the same set of “getting to know you” questions. Two common questions are, “What’s your biggest strength?” and “What’s your biggest weakness?” Pick something you really do well and state it simply. You don’t want to seem cocky or overconfident by listing out how perfect you are. Some career books tell you to pick another strength and present it as a weakness. Please don’t do this. Using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving, and just makes it seem like you’re dodging the question. Talk about a real weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it. Put them in the hot seat Remember, they need you just about as much as you need them. Don’t be afraid to ask why this position is open. Toward the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions, take the opportunity to find out what the future of the position is, if there is room to grow with the company, how the person interviewing you got where they are. Being vocal shows interest and ambition. Employers are not only looking for someone who can do the job, but also someone who’s genuinely excited and interested in the job. There are no repeats or second chances when you interview. Being prepared will help you feel calm and give you the confidence to win over any employer.

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HOW TO CREATE A PERSONAL BRAND WITHOUT BEING A JERK Originally Posted on Aug. 10, 2010 by Joshua Waldman

There are those talking about personal branding who are nothing more than ego-maniacs used to leading their high-school click. Personal branding is NOT the same as being the center of attention or creating a cult of your own personality. In fact, a good brand is quite the opposite. Let me explain what I mean. Your personal brand, their emotions Think about Steve Jobs. What emotions come to your head….I think: “innovative,” “polished” and “underdog power.” On the other hand, think about Paris Hilton. What emotions come to your head…I think: “conceited,” “spoiled” and “lost at sea.” Now, think about yourself and how you want others to remember you. What three emotions come to your head? Demanding popularity will typically get you enemies. However, being authentic, honest and real gets you respect.

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But I don’t want to put myself out there There isn’t much of a choice. People who deny they have a personal brand simply end up with a very bad one. But people who proactively manage it are ahead of the game. I was at a project managers networking event the other night. Project managers remind me of engineers…technical, to-the-point and not necessarily comfortable networking. And that’s exactly why they are so good. They get their jobs done, don’t let emotions get in the way of delivery and don’t waste time. During one conversation, a man told me that even just coming to this event was a huge challenge for him. And that running his job search around building a personal brand was WAY outside his comfort zone. So I explained that a personal brand doesn’t mean you have to jump around the room pretending to be something you are not. Think about Spock from Star Trek. He certainly has a brand: “meticulous,” “professional” and “straight to the point.” What qualities do you have that can help you do your job well? How do you want to be remembered by potential employers?

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How to start creating a personal brand By reading and following the suggestions in Personal Branding for Job Search Success: How to Uncover, Align & Pitch Your Brand So You End Up in the ‘Yes’ Box, you have already differentiated yourself from the other 299 people applying to your dream job. Click here for a preview.

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WHY WEAK TIES ARE ACTUALLY BETTER THAN STRONG ONES Originally Posted on Jun. 16, 2010 by Annie Kohanek

Who have you turned to during your job search? Your family? Your best friend’s parents? Your teachers? That’s all well and good – all these people are strong resources when looking for a job, but you may be missing out on a lot more opportunities than you realized. Consider the power of your weak social ties (i.e., those who you aren’t related to or very close with). Old high school classmates, friends of your previous employer, even old volunteer colleagues. All of those who fall under the category of distant acquaintances – these people are the ones who may very well be offering you your next job. Family members and friends are great support, but not necessarily great job sources. Sure they are easy to approach for help, but the numbers are small and your opportunities are limited to their immediate resources. Especially if you’re interested in a different career, these strong social ties are pretty limited. Searching for jobs without any networking is plausible, but daunting. Thanks to the Internet, it’s possible for job seekers to hit the Google button and search for posted jobs without any network ties. However, with hundreds of other people doing the

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exact same thing, the likelihood of actually landing the job borders on near-mythical standards. What’s so special about weak social ties? While initially more difficult to maneuver, your weak social connections provide both a real person to contact about jobs, while at the same time, allows you to branch out of your immediate social circle to find greater employment opportunities. Thanks to social networking groups like Come Recommended, linking up with these weak social ties has never been easier. Keep in touch with infrequent, brief, e-mails. There are so many different jobs out that that you may not have even heard of, and sending out brief letters with your qualifications and job goals is a way to send a line out there to check if anything bites. Networking doesn’t end when your friends or family don’t produce job leads, get out and create a greater job search network with any and everyone you can.

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3 LITTLE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR

Originally Posted on Nov. 16, 2010 by Martha G. Chavez We’ve been through this before. We know how important it is to be prepared for interviews. When you go into an interview, you want to not only be prepared for the questions they throw at you, but also you should stop for a second and think about the bigger picture. Yes, you obviously want to stand out from the sea of other candidates and sell yourself with the oodles of experience you have, but don’t forget that employers also want to make sure you’re someone who will fit in their work environment. Are you friendly? How well do you work with others? How do you handle office situations? These are all vital questions. Here are a few more things employers are looking for. Communicate effectively Make sure you have a clear tone and be loud (not too loud). I know you’re going to be nervous, but it’s not very appropriate to crack jokes or be a chatty Cathy. You don’t want to carry on and on. Just keep it simple. This shows how well you’ll be able to communicate, which you more than likely will in some sort of manner, with others.

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Show some interest You applied for the position because you want to work there, right? I hope so. Employers are looking for someone who knows their company, so make sure you know who they are, some important or relevant facts about the company, even any big names. You want to let them know you’re genuinely excited about being there and a part of their team. Confidence, confidence, and more confidence The more confidence you show, the better for you. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to be arrogant and cocky, but you should let whoever is interviewing you know you are confident in yourself and your abilities. This doesn’t have to be all verbal, either. Eye-contact, a good, firm handshake and bright smile go very far in the confidence department.

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3 LITTLE THINGS TO REMEMBER POST-INTERVIEW Originally Posted on Dec. 14, 2010 by Martha G. Chavez

You’ve done your research, gussied yourself up, aced those tough questions, and are now exhaling a huge sigh of relief. You made it through the interview. Yay! But wait, you’re not done, my friend. The interview process is not completely over once you leave. There are still things to be done. Remember, nothing is set in stone until you get the official offer. Until then, here are some things to do after your interview. Say thank you This is the most important thing you need to do after your interview. A simple thank you for your time goes very far. Make sure to send it that evening after you interview or the next day at the latest. A thank you projects an image of a grateful, well-mannered applicant who is serious about getting the job. Mention that you enjoyed learning more about the position and why you’re the right candidate for the job.

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Follow-up There is nothing wrong with wanting to know your status after your interview, just be tactful about it. If your interviewer does not tell you what the turnaround time is for the decision to be made, ask. Wait until then to call. Some employers like these follow-up calls as you are showing your determination. But don’t turn determination to annoyance. One call, or even e-mail, is good. Keep the search rolling It’s not over till it’s over. An interview does not guarantee you the job. When I first started interviewing, I thought I would automatically get the job. Well, several interviews later, here I am still without a job. How silly of me! You weren’t the only one interviewing for the position and there may be other equally qualified candidates. So until you receive that phone call congratulating you for being chosen to work for the company, continue sending those resumes. Keep looking out for job vacancies and submit applications ASAP. It’s always better to have multiple offers than to wait to see if you just get that one.

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3 LITTLE TIPS TO HELP GET YOUR RESUME NOTICED Originally Posted on Nov. 23, 2010 by Martha G. Chavez

When it comes to finding a job, everything starts with your resume. You have one chance to sell yourself on one page. Now, your resume is always going to change, as it should, as you gain more experience, but don’t forget to change it as your career search marches on. We’re all not finding jobs super fast these days. It’s essential that as you volunteer, intern, blog, etc., you keep your resume updated. Making an impact with a single sheet of paper may sound terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be. I remember when I graduated from college and started to re-vamp my resume. I just stared at it for minutes (felt like hours) not knowing what to do. Here are a few little tips that’ll help your resume get you noticed. It’s about results, not tasks This was a major opportunity on my resume. When employers look at your resume, they don’t really want to know what you did at your previous job or internship. They want to know what you achieved there. Make sure to use quantities and statistics if available.

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To objective or not to objective? Putting an objective has always been a touchy subject in resume writing. I don’t find it necessary. If you’re applying for a position, then that is your objective. You want to get the job. Instead, write a list short summary of your qualifications. Again, employers want to know what you can do for them. Visual appeal Be aware of what your resume looks like at first glance. Is it neat and streamlined? Is it cluttered? If there is too much on there, chances are it’s going to be tossed right out. Clean up the design and be sure to use relevant information. Essentially, you want to keep your resume one page. You don’t want to overwhelm whoever reads it. Keep it to the point, and you’ll see it’ll make a difference.

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