Student Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel

Those who Read, Lead

Sejal Patel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:43:07 +0000

True or false? I say true. People who read tend to know more, are more articulate and have stronger interpretative skills than those who do not. Reading is a way for you to learn and grow and challenge ideas and notions. It exposes you to different perspectives, it teaches you about different subjects, and it’s a channel for your imagination to soar. I was listening to an audiobook on manifesting your destiny the other day (I’m not sure if listening to audiobooks counts as reading–what do you think?) and the speaker made a bold statement: all of the world’s best leaders are voracious readers. I thought about it for a while before I had to agree–but what’s the correlation?

Content is key

Find content that really interests you and sucks you in, and you’ll find that reading is fun. Some of my friends really enjoy non-fiction or motivational books, while I prefer fiction and stories where I can relate to the characters–to the point where I actually wish they were my friends. Reading is fun. For me, it really is. It’s a source of entertainment. My current favorite book is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I can’t recall the particulars about the story but what I do remember is that I would stay up until 3am reading–giving up when my eyes begged for some sleep. (This was during college and I remember telling friends, “I’m not going out tonight because I want to read.” Yup, I really thought it was that good.)

It’s a social springboard

Sports, movies and news aren’t the only things being discussed over the watercooler, books can be a way in as well. Expand your reading horizons by connecting with colleagues and discussing recent books they’ve finished. (Hint: also a great way to share books without spending a bundle). If there’s enough interest, you might even be able to start a book club out of it which turns into an informal way to network across the company. I recently got into a deep conversation with the director of my group as we discussed Stieg Larsson’s Millenium trilogy.

Expand your vocabulary

Not the best writer? Does grammar make you nervous? Reading can help you improve in both of those areas. By exposing yourself to more written works or expanding your vocabulary, reading can actually make you improve your writing skills. And it’s a gradual learning curve: you can set your own pace and level of challenge. Or maybe you make a bet with yourself: every time you come across an unfamiliar word or concept, look it up and try to incorporate it into your day-to-day vocabulary. (This is a reason why I would think about buying a tablet: so I can instantly look up an unfamiliar word or reference and learn about it.)

Read with your ears

You’re busy, it puts you to sleep, your eyes are tired enough by looking at a screen all day–all excuses, but all can be valid. Try something new and listen to books on tape. (The jury voted: audiobooks count as reading.) Suddenly, you may find yourself wishing for a longer commute home so you finish ‘reading’ more books. If you’re the type of person who absorbs information by listening or talking, this could be a better way for you to learn from books as well. Let’s face it–the radio just plays the same song over and over again. I just got back an hour a day that I would waste driving and turned it into an educational opportunity.

Why do you read?

Author

Sejal is a Recruitment Marketing Project Manager at Intel. She is part of the team that is responsible for Intel’s global employment brand. This team helps connect candidates with Intel and Intel with candidates using channels such as the Jobs at Intel web site, the Life at Intel microsite and other Web 2.0 channels. Sejal specifically manages theJobs at Intel Blog and Intel’s recruitment Facebook strategy. Originally from Toronto, Ontario (yes—a real, breathing Canadian!), Sejal graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with her Bachelor’s in Communications before starting at Intel in 2008. When she’s not working, you’ll find Sejal working at crossing things off of her Bucket List (which includes skydiving, reading 1000 books and traveling the world), eating cupcakes or spending time with family and friends. To learn more about opportunities with Intel, visit intel.com/jobs, follow Intel on Twitter @JobsatIntel or check out the Jobs@Intel blog!

One Resume Does Not Fit All

Heather Trulock — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:43 +0000

Fit. It’s funny how much effort we put into fit in our everyday life–if our clothes are too big, we bring them to a tailor so that they fit; if we’re thrown into a new environment, we may change our approach so we fit in with the crowd.

Why then, when it comes to the job search, do people continue to send out the same resume for different types of positions, companies, and industries?

For first-time job seekers, this is a mistake I encounter far too often. I wanted to share some advice I’ve learned about resume tailoring throughout the years as a job seeker, hiring manager, and career services professional.

Know your brand.

Understand not only who you are, but also how others view you. Identify and assess your VIPS (values, interests, personality, and skills). If you do not know what “fabric” you have to work with, you will not be able to tailor the content of your resume.

Know your audience.

Once you understand who you are and what you bring to the table as a professional, highlight (in your bullet points) your VIPS that make you an asset to both the company and position. Your resume should not only show that you have the ability to do the job; it should tell the employer that your skills are good fit specifically for their organization.

Know the industry.

Keywords. Buzzwords. Not only do these help get your resume past the initial HR scan, but they also demonstrate that you have knowledge of industry language and trends. For each position you apply for/for each resume you submit, make sure the appropriate industry jargon is included in your bullet points. Also understand that different industries have different standards when it comes to the preferred format of resumes (and some prefer reels over resumes); do your research.

I often compare tailoring ones resume to selecting an outfit. If I had a pair of dark denim and a t-shirt, I would pair it with a blazer and pumps for the office; at night, I would simply change up the shoes and loose the jacket…maybe throw on some flashy jewelry for flare. Did I change the base of my outfit; no, but I did make sure it was appropriate as I moved between different environments. Think of your resume as your standard jeans and t-shirt. While your education and experiences stay the same, it’s the phrasing/formatting/keywords that will change as you apply for different types of positions across various industries.

Author

Heather serves as a Career Advisor for Loyola University Chicago’s Career Development Center. In her role, she assists students and alumni with their overall career development through individual counseling, group workshops, and in the classroom via her Career and Life Planning Lab. Heather’s areas of expertise within the career space include networking, social media engagement, ePortfolios, resumes, and personal branding. Prior to working in Career Services, Heather worked for Sony Music in the areas of Marketing, Sales, and Promotion.She received her BA in Communication & Culture from Indiana University and her MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs from The Ohio State University – GO BUCKS! You can connect with Heather on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Conquering the Phone Interview

Ronisha Goodwin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:26:43 +0000

Not everyone is a fan of the phone interview. I’ve been on both sides, as a recruiter and a candidate, and even for me, they’re my least favorite type of interview. I believe I connect better and present myself more effectively in person than on the phone. Recognizing that the phone interview will most likely never be obsolete and others may share my indifference for them, here’s my advice for getting through one successfully.

Consider Your Setting

Start by carefully selecting the setting where you’ll conduct your interview. You want to eliminate any distractions and ensure you’re able to focus solely on your conversation with the recruiter. Although a recruiter can’t see you, they can definitely tell if you’re distracted. Therefore you want to select an area that is both roommate and pet free. I recommend that you are sitting up, not lounging across the couch or bed; you also want to have ensured that you have privacy and are able speak freely without being overheard by others.

Also consider conducting the interview on a land line instead of a cellular phone. There is nothing quite as nerve wracking as a dropped call during a phone interview. I’m feeling a bit anxious just thinking about the mad scramble to reconnect once the call is lost.

Dress the Part

You may find this bit of advice a little silly, but I encourage you to dress for the interview. Do you have to go for full business attire including shoes and a tie? Ummm, maybe not, but you definitely don’t want to interview in your pajamas. Professional conversations call for professional attire and although it may be mental, I promise you’ll interview better if you take the time to shower and change into clothing that makes you feel confident.

Smile

When you’re on the phone with the recruiter, remember to smile. If you’re smiling while speaking with the recruiter it is more likely that the tone and inflection of your voice will be much more positive. Yes, again, I know they can’t see you, but I can assure you that a smile translates right through the phone.

There are so many factors out of your control during the selection process. The elements that are within your control…..your confidence, level of preparation, and environment are the keys to successfully conquering the phone interview.

Author

Ronisha is one of Hyatt’s College Recruiting Managers. Hyatt’s College Recruiters visit more than 30 college campuses each year recruiting top talent at hospitality programs across the country. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Ronisha begin her Hyatt career as a Human Resources Corporate Management Trainee. During her ten years with Hyatt, she has worked at Hyatt Hotels in Orlando, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey. To learn more about opportunities with Hyatt please visit hyatt.jobs, follow Hyatt on twitter @hyattcareers, become a Hyatt Facebook fan at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Careers and follow the Campus Recruiter blog at blog.hyatt.jobs.

Resume Writing for Entertainment Careers

Heather Trulock — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:35:43 +0000

So you are interested in working in the entertainment industry, but don’t know where to start. In addition to having experience in the field and access to a strong professional network, you will need to create a resume. Although many standard resume writing rules apply, your resume will have a slightly different look and feel. Here are my top five resume writing tips for those interested in starting a career within the entertainment industry:

1) Although this is a creative industry, you are still applying for a professional position; your resume must reflect this. Employers hiring interns or full-time employees still need to see a clear picture of your background and skills. As such, don’t throw all traditional resume writing rules out the window. Include proper headings and develop strong content for your bullet points.

2) Be creative…but not too creative. Think outside of the box: use colors, create a personal logo for your header, and submit a portfolio and/or reel when applicable.

3) Validation is important. List any industry-wide awards or praise.

4) Name drop. Working with people at the top of their game tells the hiring manager that you are also on top of yours.

5) Experience is king. If you have solid internship and/or work experience in the entertainment industry, make sure it is listed first on your resume. This is one of the few industries where, as a college student, education can fall to the bottom of the page.

As a former professional and hiring manager in the entertainment industry, I personally would look for three things on a resume when hiring a new staff member: experience, passion, and personality. If you are interested in having a career within the entertainment industry make sure your resume gives a snapshot of who you are both as an individual and rising professional. This business is not only about having the necessary skills to do the work, but having the passion and drive to succeed.

Author

The Essential Interview Check List: 9 Steps To Ensure You’re Prepared

Lesley Mitler — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:16:27 +0000

You have an interview tomorrow–what should you do to ensure you’re prepared? Other than the obvious interview preparation (researching the company etc.), here are some organizational tips that will make “interview day” go smoothly:

Select your attire.
Decide what you are going to wear at least one day before the interview. If you have not worn something in a while, it may not look, or fit the way you remember. Maybe you bought the clothes while you were sporting the Freshman 15? You should actually try everything on, confirm that your clothes are cleaned and pressed, and make sure you feel confident about your appearance. Guys–make sure you have the right color socks (no lime green, please). And don’t forget to have the shoes shined! Remember, the first impression you make is your appearance. Even if everyone who works there is in casual attire, you are still in the interview process and you should look like a candidate, not an employee.
Organize your resume and other materials you’ll take to the interview.
Even though you’ve submitted your resume to the company before, it is always good to have hard copies when you go to an interview.
Have a plan for getting there.
Make sure you have directions, phone numbers, and email information. If you are driving, you should find out where to park and if you will need a permit for your car. If you are taking public transportation, determine your route in advance. No matter how you are getting to your meeting, make sure you know how long it will take to get there. And don’t forget to bring a photo ID if required by the Security Desk.
Arrive EARLY at your meeting.
One thing is almost certain in this whole process: If you are late for an interview, you are probably not going to get the job. Get there early. Find a place to have a coffee or beverage. Be relaxed and calm before you arrive.
Show manners and respect to the person who greets you when you arrive.
I have seen or heard this often. Someone arrives at a company and they ASSUME that the person at the front desk is unimportant. BIG MISTAKE! Often, the people you meet will ask the person at the front desk how you treated them and what you did while you were waiting for the interview to start. If the feedback is negative, it’s over.
Read while you’re waiting to be interviewed. I know the natural instinct is to pull out your phone and get busy reading your mail or sending messages. But you should resist the urge to do that. Turn off your phone when you arrive so that it won’t interrupt you during the interview. Most companies will have some materials displayed about the organization or other reading materials–reach for that.
Focus on answering questions during the interview–NEVER take notes.
I know I am repeating myself because I sneak this into any relevant blog post, but an interview is not the time to take notes. Listen, make eye contact, and respond.
Ask each person you meet for their business card.
You will need this for your “thank you” notes. You can also use this information to Google the people you have met and to see if you are connected to any of them through LinkedIn.
Send a “Thank You” note within 24 hours. Make sure to personalize each note and reiterate your interest in the job, the organization and your relevant skills that qualify you for the position.

So this is your interview checklist. Use this before each interview to organize yourself so that nothing distracts you from making your strongest presentation.

Author

Lesley is president and founder of Priority Candidates, which prepares college students and recent graduates nationwide to get hired for their first jobs. Previously, Lesley spent more than 25 years in executive search, working with candidates from entry level to C-Suite executives in organizations ranging in size from small, family owned businesses to large international organizations. Her fundamental knowledge of what hiring manager’s look for is the core of what Priority Candidates does to prepare college students/recent grads to get hired now. An alumnus of Duke University who is based in New York City, Lesley has been featured in USA Today, ABC’s New York Viewpoint with Ken Rosato, ABC News with Art McFarland, The New York Times, NY Nightly News with NBC4’s Chuck Scarborough, eCampus News and John Tucker’s Small Business Report on Bloomberg Radio. Lesley always welcomes connections via LinkedIn, on Twitter or by email or phone, available on her website.

How Do You Say Thank You?

Sejal Patel — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:15:42 +0000

In a recent conversation with a friend, we started talking about how the notion of sending a thank you card is almost extinct or only a small subset of people send thank yous nowadays (excusing wedding thank yous, though those are starting to feel a little impersonal too.) So why am I telling you this? Because even though we live in a fast-paced technologically-connected world, the thought and gesture of a thank you is still strong.

“I drew you a cupcake.” That’s the message I got from my co-worker’s 8-year-old daughter last winter. My co-worker had provided some coverage for me at work while I went on the trip of a lifetime and witnessed the Canadian Mens’ Hockey Team win a gold medal in the 2010Winter Olympics so I brought back some treats for her kids while I was away. As a thank you, her daughter mailed me a drawing she made of a cupcake. She drew me a cupcake, big deal, right? It was a big deal. This little girl had paid enough attention to her mom’s work stories to know that I liked (okay fine, maybe more than like) cupcakes and drew me a picture of one as a thank you for the presents from the Olympics. I was touched.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the couch when I got a phone call from a Philadelphia phone number. Being the curious person I am, I picked up and “met” my friend’s fiance over the phone. (My college friend, Prem, had proposed to his girlfriend, Manisha, the weekend before in an elaborate Bollywood-style Flash Mob with their friends and family at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. The weekend before the proposal he was visiting me and told me about his idea. While I thought his idea was great, I was a little skeptical. You see, Prem and I were on several dance teams together through college, and while he was a great dancer and often the male lead, he didn’t really choreograph. I, on the other hand, helped choreograph a few times and seeing as this was going to be one of the biggest dances of his life, I offered to help him with the flash mob proposal and choreographed a few moves for him by the end of the weekend. But back to the phone call…) I sat there slightly bewildered and wondering why she, someone who I knew of only by name but had never met, was calling me as she started explaining herself. She got my number from my friend and was so touched that I had helped out with the proposal by choreographing part of the dance that she wanted to call me and thank me herself. I was floored: it’s not every day you ask for a “stranger’s” phone number and call them, yet she did to show her genuine appreciation.

Last year I met with someone who was wanted to get our business for a product they had launched. She asked me to lunch to chat and share the opportunity. While the conversation and lunch was great, the product wasn’t a good fit for us at that moment, so I took the information she had in case our needs changed and it would be a good fit. She sent me a quick note after the meeting just to say it was nice to meet you and so I had her contact information in my email. Pretty standard so far right? She went the extra mile though by bringing up something we talked about over lunch, my new found hobby of running, and recommended a few trails and races to try. This showed that even though we wouldn’t be partnering at the moment, she was listening and interested in maintaining a connection. Well done.

Some say that sending a “Thank You” note is old-fashioned and unnecessary. I say, think again. While a thank you note is not expected, the impact of giving thanks, regardless of how you do it, lasts a long time. Long after the interaction, conversation or interview, a thank you is a way of leaving a lasting impression and going the extra mile. How do you say thank you?

Author

Is Your Personal Brand… Personal?

Mark Babbitt — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:52:47 +0000

Personal branding should be unique. Personal branding should be remarkable. Personal branding should be… personal.

Instead, it seems the goal of most building an online personal brand is working toward neutral, non-confrontational–boring, even. We scrub our Facebook pages, sanitize and corporatize our Linkedin summaries, and make our resumes read like clones of everyone else’s resume.

If we were responsible for marketing pizza, wouldn’t we find something amazing to say about the pizza? Of course! We would find unique value propositions around myriad factors involved in the buying decision: overall quality, the ingredients and/or the experience that goes into every slice. We could market the size, shape, thickness, taste or price. Whatever we came up with… we would find a distinctive way to make the consumer buy what we’re selling.

Yet our personal brands seemingly go out of their way NOT to sell.

While in New York recently I attended a networking event where almost every male in the room wore black; or, at least “dark”: dark pants, shirts, ties, jackets, shoes… everything dark. It was clear no one was willing to stand out and be different. Their brands–at least at this networking event–screamed “I’m just like everyone else here…” Maybe it was ego, or maybe fashion trends just wouldn’t allow anything different. Maybe it was the need to feel “safe” among peers. Regardless, their personal brands were numbingly analogous.

Then there was this one guy… Joey Price.

Joey (@jumpstartHR) showed up in green pants, a bright yellow shirt, a green, white and yellow sweater vest and a bow tie that matched exactly. His smile was the second thing about him I noticed, followed by his firm handshake as he introduced himself warmly. He worked the room full of start-up CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, bloggers and C-level executives with class and confidence.

Joey Price demonstrated a charismatic, unique, remarkable brand that night; just as he does–I and many others have now learned–every time he posts on LinkedIn, joins a Twitter chat or enters a room. Most important: Joey is an example of what personal branding should be: personal.

Take a look at your personal branding efforts:

Are you too comfortable being “safe”?
What is your distinct value proposition?
Online or off… what makes you memorable?

Find sincere answers to these questions… and then choose to be uniquely, remarkably… personal.

Author

Mark Babbitt, the CEO and Founder of YouTern, is a serial entrepreneur and mentor and a passionate supporter of Gen Y talent. Mark contributes to 12Most.com, Glassdoor and Business Insider. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Mashable, Forbes and Under30CEO regarding internships, higher education’s role in preparing emerging talent for the workforce and career development. Recently, Mark was honored to be named to GenJuice’s list of “Top 100 Most Desirable Mentors”. You can contact Mark via email or on Twitter:@YouTernMark.

Hiring Process: Is Follow Up the Key to Your Success?

Michele Posehn — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:27:38 +0000

College graduates who are new to the hiring process often ask about how long they should wait to follow up during the hiring process. After all, there is a fine line between making a friendly inquiry while demonstrating continued interest in the job and running the risk of being perceived as overly aggressive.

While each organization and recruiter might have a different perspective on the timing and frequency of candidate follow-up , here are some examples for when you should follow up:

After applying for a job

How long should you wait after submitting your resume?

For candidates, the hiring process can seem long. After researching some great companies and applying for those “perfect” jobs, it’s natural to be excited and want immediate feedback on your application/resume. You may wonder what happens after you hit that “apply” button, hoping that your profile doesn’t get sucked into this black hole of job seekers, never to have your resume again see the light of day.

So, if you have not been contacted after a week or two, you may consider sending a note via e-mail, making a phone call or connecting with a recruiter via LinkedIn. Your contact should be brief, but polite. Here is a sample message you might send:

Hi! My name is ______ and I applied for job [insert job number if you know it or the job title]. I would like to know if you can tell me what the next steps are in the hiring process. Also, will all candidates be contacted? I am excited to learn more about this opportunity and look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you!

If you have plans to visit the company or, if relocating and plan to visit the city where the company is located, add that information to your note so that you can facilitate the scheduling of interviews during your trip.

After a phone screen or interview

One of your first steps after an interview should be to send a thank you note to the recruiter/hiring manager with whom you met. Showing your enthusiasm for the job and your appreciation for their time to discuss the job with you goes a long way.

Phone screens are often done to learn more about a candidate and determine if the candidate is a possible fit for the job. During this call, ask the recruiter about the next steps in the hiring process and the anticipated timing. If you do not hear back from the recruiter by the specified date, you may want to follow up.

During an interview, much like a phone screen, it’s important to ask the hiring manager about his/her anticipated timeframe for alerting candidates about their progress. If you do not hear back from the company by the anticipated date, you may want to follow up with the person who interviewed you.

Here is a sample e-mail you might send after either interview:

Hi! I enjoyed speaking with you on [insert date of phone screen/interview] about the [insert job title] position. Learning more about the organization/role has made me very excited about the opportunity. I just wanted to touch base to see if there is an update on the status of the position. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you!

Once hired/rejected

If you get the job–congratulations! You’ll receive specific instructions for following up with a number of people, likely including the hiring manager and representatives from the Human Resources department. If you didn’t get the job, don’t despair. Perhaps you were not the best qualified candidate for that specific job. But you still might have a future with that company. So, be sure to send a thank you note to the recruiter and express your interest in other opportunities. For example:

Dear [Recruiter]: I enjoyed meeting with you and learning more about [insert company name] during the hiring process for [insert job number or job title]. [Insert company name] seems like a really great place to work. While this particular job didn’t work out, please keep me in mind for other opportunities that might be a better fit. Thanks again for your time!

Following up with people involved in the hiring process can help show your enthusiasm and interest in a particular job. It can also give you peace of mind when schedules get delayed. It’s okay to send notes, make phone calls and even connect on the company’s Facebook page or LinkedIn group . One aspect of the hiring process is to build a relationship between you and the company. Just remember to stay positive in your communications and be patient. Your future is out there and worth every bit of patience and hard work you put into your job search.

Author

Michele is a Senior Recruiter for Sodexo, a world leader in quality of daily life solutions that contribute to the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. As a former assistant director at the University of Maryland University College’s Career and Cooperative Education Center, she’s no stranger to students trying to plan their careers. During that time, she worked with non-traditional college students to gain school credit for on the job work experience. Michele also taught seminars on job searching, resume writing and interview techniques, and partnered with local employers to help students gain employment. At Sodexo, she has continued her interest in shaping student careers by serving as a mentor to an intern in the company’s Future Leaders Program. Michele began her recruitment career in 1999, joining Sodexo in 2008 where she recruits for a range of food, facilities and environmental services positions. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park (go Terps), is a charter member of a Baltimore area Toastmasters chapter, and a Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) and Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). When not giggling with her two girls, Michele enjoys writing … and watching the Yankees win, much to the dismay of her husband. Join her on LinkedIn or just Network with Us at Sodexo.

Ready, Set, Go: Maximizing Your Spring Semester

Heather Trulock — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:13:44 +0000

Today marks the beginning of Spring semester for my students @LoyolaChicago. Some are returning to campus with internship or job offers in-hand, while others are still on the hunt for their dream career. Regardless of where you may be in your career journey, here are a few tips to maximize the upcoming semester.

If you have already secured a job or internship…

While tempting, you should not forget about your career development now that you have a job or internship. Yes, you have a signed contract in hand; however you still need to develop your personal brand. Some of the ways you can do this include:

Continue to network. Share the good news of your new job or internship with your network (and thank those who may have assisted you in securing this opportunity). Stay connected with your current network while growing new contacts.
Continue to learn. The most successful professionals are always learning. Stay current with industry trends; this can be as easy as reading The Wall Street Journal or by continuing to learn from current professionals via informational interviews, job shadows, company visits, and/or alumni networking events.
Continue to build your personal brand. Having a job or internship does not warrant pushing your personal branding efforts aside. In addition to updating your brand with this new opportunity, begin the shift of positing yourself from job seeker to rising professional.

If you are still seeking a job or internship…

Make sure you hit the ground running. Check out your college’s career services website: Are there any upcoming career fairs; is there programming available to assist with your professional development; are they hosting any company information sessions and/or on-site interviews; does their online employment board show any new opportunities; are they hosting any job shadow opportunities or company visits? Once you have a handle on what is happening on-campus for spring, make an appointment with a Career Advisor to gain assistance with your job or internship search.

In addition to your college’s resources, it is of utmost importance to activate your network. This is the time to promote your personal brand across various channels, both on and offline. Your network is not composed of mind readers. Make sure people know who you are, what you can offer, and what types of jobs (and companies) you are seeking opportunities with. We live in a competitive job market; if you do not promote and position your brand for career success, someone else will (for themselves) and land that job or internship.

Enjoy your Spring Semester–make every day count, and take advantage of every opportunity before you!

Author

Building Career Confidence

Harrison Kratz — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:52:22 +0000

I realize that some of my previous posts for this blog have been saturated with a “go get ‘em” message where I express my ideals that the world is your oyster and you can do whatever you want. That being said, I realize this is not always the case, especially for students. Although rare, I still get a slight case of the jitters in some situations

Nervousness is almost always due to over analyzing the situation and pressuring yourself into a perfectionist mentality or the worry about conforming to going by the book. Nerves are natural, but can be overcome.

Here are some tips on how to build your confidence as you begin your career:

Dress in what makes you comfortable

I put this first because I think it’s the easiest to achieve but the most overlooked. While you should always be presentable in the workplace, make sure you are comfortable in your clothing and in your environment. If you’re not comfortable wearing a shirt and tie every day, don’t join a company that has that culture. Its not to say that they’re a bad company, its just not a fit for you.

Being comfortable is essential to being confident. If you’re confident and comfortable with the way you look everyday, then that will spill over into your performance.

Make mistakes

You are a student and guess what… you are expected to make mistakes! That is the only way to learn. Keep that in mind because maintaining a “Nothing to Lose” attitude can be a game-changer for any intern or junior level employee. Anyone can be cautious, but understanding that mistakes are a part of growth allows you to move forward and leave an impression.

Mistakes do not come in waves for those who are confident in their abilities–they serve as infrequent stepping-stones in a much bigger picture.

You are the commodity

In the internship process, there are two stages in your association with companies that you are interested in. You are either a prospect for a position they NEED filled or you have already gotten the job. (I don’t count anything else, because if you are rejected, your association in that capacity is no longer present.)

In the first case, you are a candidate for the position that they currently have open. This means that you are someone they need. Never think that you need them because – 1. Your confidence is probably shot 2. You’ve already dug yourself into a big hole. They need to fill the position and I can tell you right now, they want to end their interview process as soon as possible. They want you to be the one. This puts you in a great position–you can be an asset to their needs and goals. Present yourself like it.

In the second case, you have already gotten the job. This means they believe in your abilities to help them as a company. From your first day, there is no reason you should not see yourself as an asset to them. Remember, you have been selected for that position to benefit them as much as they will benefit you.

Author

Harrison is the Community Manager at MBA@UNC, the new Online MBA program at the University of North Carolina and sticks to his entrepreneurial roots as the founder of the global social good campaign, Tweet Drive. As evidenced through his previous projects, Harrison has a passion for all things social media, philanthropy, and finding new ways for students to understand the power of a brand. Before moving to New York and while still a student at Temple University, Harrison founded the PR/Social Media consulting firm, Kratz PR as well as Engage TV and the #PRStudCast podcast. Feel free to connect with him to discuss community, social good, branding, or the Philadelphia Phillies on Twitter, @KratzPR or Linkedin