Why You Need to Start Networking for Jobs in College

Why You Need to Start Networking for Jobs in College When launching a career, many students hear the phrase: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” It doesn’t mean that you will build your career through the connections only. However, a strong network is fundamental for the successful beginning of your employment journey. There are several reasons for that. Why Students Should Network? First of all, networking raises chances to win job competition. Usually, graduates do not have much job experience, and ‘rich’ resumes to attract employers. Meanwhile, the competition is huge, and there are a lot of applicants with practically same skills and education diplomas. Then how can you stand out among other employees? The connections with people who can give you positive recommendations as well as advise you on job application. Secondly, lots of employers today rely on their networks to fill the vacant position. Having wide network of the right connections you have a chance to learn first about attractive job opportunity, be informed on company requirements and be ahead of other applicants. So, the right network can open the doors to the dream company. The research shows that today networking results in 60%-80% of all job offers. Thus, students who spend years in college focusing solely on studies are losing the vast opportunities of building strong connections. Fortunately, networking can be learnt as any other skill and is available for everyone. Let’s take a look at the most helpful networking tips. How to Network via Social Media: Though there are a lot of job resources today, college students should not ignore social media as a job search tool. Social media has opened up new networking doors. Now, you can reach people anywhere, not just at career fairs and industry events. To network via social media successfully, follow several simple rules. Use different social media channels. Though LinkedIn is aimed to establish professional connections, you should use other social profiles like Facebook and Twitter to network successfully. The thing is people have different social media preferences, so using different social media you raise your chances to reach the people you want. If you want to add someone to your friends network, standard ‘please add me’ message or ‘add friend’ button is not enough. Write personal messages introducing yourself and explaining why you want to connect with a person. Remember to be professional. Up until now, social media may have been a tool to stay in touch with friends and family, but now it should be considered as a powerful job search tool. According to a recent survey, nearly 95% of hiring professionals check social media during recruitment. Use social media to research your prospective employer. You’ll gain a lot more valuable information than the official website provides. This will come in handy during an interview. Social Media Don’ts: Don’t label yourself as a “jobseeker” or “unemployed.” You are a professionalâ€"no matter what your current employment status is. Once you’ve graduated, try something like “finance graduate with an interest in international banking.” Don’t just chat with people you already know. Though connections have to be supported, you should extend your network and build new relationships. Establish new connections without inflicting pressure. Don’t expect immediate reply, and do not bother your potential connections with daily follow up messages How to Network via Email: Sending emails is a great way to find new acquaintances, discuss opportunities or follow up with connections made on social media. Again, there are things you should keep in mind. Use an eye-catching subject line. Getting potential contacts to open your message will be the biggest hurdle of the networking process. According to email experts, a subject line that combines a personal touch with the implication of quick action yields a 93% open rate. Try something like, “Following up from Thursday’s career fair,” or, “John Doe from Iowa State University seeking a job shadow.” Be short and sweet. Briefly describe yourself and state your request. Make your message easy to skim. Include a ‘call to action’ so that your relations could develop. Specific request or suggestion will be more productive than just an introductory letter. Suggest to arrange a phone interview or a meeting to discuss certain questions. Email Networking Don’ts: Don’t forget to introduce yourself. It seem efficient to get right to the point, but take a few lines to tell who you are. Don’t forget to bolster the addressee’s ego a bit. Mention why you decided to contact a person, which accomplishments you admire, or highlight something that impressed you. Don’t start your email with, “To Whom it May Concern.” Networking requires personal approach and may not refer to whoever is willing to reply to your generic inquiry. Where to Find Contacts: Knowing who to talk to is just as important as knowing what to say. Here are some tips and tricks for locating the ideal networking contacts. Look for non-conventional ways to network. Volunteer at events, join student societies, attend lectures, or check out local entrepreneur clubs. Use your existing contacts. Ask people you know for introductions. Establish connections with college staff. There are ways to make connections with professors without breaking the hierarchy. Professors authoritative meaning can be definitely helpful when it comes to job or internship recommendations. Final Networking Don’ts: Don’t assume all networks are built the same way. Everyone has a preferred method of communication. Figure out the best way to reach out. Don’t be afraid of in-person meet-ups. Networking isn’t bound to the internet despite what our digital world has lead you to believe. Don’t turn social events into a business meeting. Not every introduction is the prime time for extensive networking. Get the introduction and then connect on a deeper level later. Author: Haley Osborne is a freelance writer, providing materials for various online resources. She is currently a blogger and writing expert at EssayTigers.com, a company providing custom writing services.

How to Go From Summer Intern to Full-Time Employee

How to Go From Summer Intern to Full-Time Employee Internships are an essential part of the college experience, providing you the opportunity to test-drive a career field, make contacts, build marketable skills and figure out your likes and dislikes  within specific industries. Graduates without work experience will stand little chance of securing  a job after graduation research suggests. Work experience is now just as important as a college  degree. You already know this. What you need to know is how to turn your internship between  your junior and senior year into a job offer before you graduate. An internship is a job. If you did your research, you landed an internship where you are required  to do substantial and valuable work. Plan for success: When you are serious about turning your internship into a full-time position, start with a plan on day one. Bring your full self to work every day. It’s a simple concept but not always easy to do.  The subway was hot and crowded; you had a disagreement with a friend; whatever is  going on in your life you leave it at the front door. Be clear about what is expected of you. There’s a job description, and then there is  what your manager and co-workers expect from you and your work. When you know  how to help them, your job becomes much easier. Prioritize the most important things for you to learn. From understanding office  hours to what systems and software you’ll need to access and how to download itâ€"you  probably have a lot of questions and little idea where to start. Identify what you need to  learn and consider whether any are time-sensitive. If you don’t know or can’t figure it out,  ask. Find someone whom you can ask stupid questions. Some companies with internship  programs have someone assigned to the interns. If you don’t have a go-to person, find  the friendliest person in the room and start there. Even if they’re not the right resource,  they can likely point you in the right direction. Learn the business. Don’t limit yourself to the tasks you are given. Take time to learn  how the business runs as a whole so you understand how your work fits in to the  company mission and goals, and can identify additional ways you can help. Identify opportunities for quick wins. As an intern, you have seven to nine weeks to  demonstrate your value to the company. Ask yourself: What are areas of opportunity  where you can quickly make an impact? How can you make that impact visible? Are  these areas in line with the company’s priorities? Get feedback. During the internship, schedule meetings with your supervisor to receive  feedback on your work. (Read more) Meet decision-makers. It’s important you meet people outside of the department and  learn what they are doing. Make yourself known to decision-makers and the HR  department. Get to know the company culture. Culture is about people, and having an environment  where they can grow, contribute and be rewarded. Its hard to determine if you are a  good fit for an organization. Fit means that you have the skills to perform a job, and the  drive to use those skills effectively. It also means you are suited to the organization and  its culture. How does work get gone? How do people communicate with each other?  How do people act in meetings? These are just some of things that will help you  succeed in the company. Act like a full-time employee: Be confident in your abilities. Be sure to participate in all internship and company activities. Let  people get to know you and your work. Be curious. Soak up everything you can. When you are new, you will be overwhelmed  at first. Information is coming at you fast and from all directions. Dont be afraid to say, I  dont know. Ask questions. Learn from everyone. Dont expect a lot of hand-holding. You will need to be proactive in developing  relationships and seeking out help from peers and colleagues. Show initiative. Ask colleagues and your boss what you can do. Don’t wait for them to  come to you. Instead, go to them and show you are willing to do whatever it takes. Pay attention to office etiquette. Internships are summer-long interviews. Everything  you do and say is evaluated by others in the organization. One of the biggest mistakes  you can make is not understanding there are certain codes and rules to abide by in the  workplace. If youre not careful, you may even lose opportunities because others are put  off by your lack of professionalism. Keep track. Keep a record of your milestones and tasks you completed. This will serve  as both proof of the value you’ve added to the company, and all this data and the  success stories will help your resumé. Be a team player. Form collaborative partnerships with the department members and  the other interns. Be a giver not a taker.  Plan your exit strategy: You want to leave a good impression at the end of your internship. Even if you didn’t like  working there, it’s important to leave on good terms. Let your employer know you are interested in a full-time position. Assuming you  liked the work, people and culture, you want to let your immediate supervisor/boss know  your interest. Ask for his/her advice on the best way to pursue an opportunity.  Periodically check-in to remind your supervisor of your interest in a full time position after  graduation. Give a final presentation. Find time to give a department-wide presentation of the work  youve been doing. If there are other interns in the office, be sure to include them. Smoothly transition off all your projects. If projects you’ve worked on are not  complete, make sure you document what you did and debrief a full-time member of the  team. Send a proper goodbye email. On your last day, its a best practice to send an email to  the people you worked with during the internship. Let them know why youre leaving  (e.g. youre going back to school) and how to reach you. Thank specific individuals you  worked closely with or those who offered you mentorship. Exit interview. As you near the end of your internship, schedule a meeting with your  supervisor to talk about your performance and possibilities of continuing your  employment at the company. Bring your list of accomplishments, and show them exactly  how you’ve proven yourself valuable. Stay in touch. Connect with everyone you’ve worked through LinkedIn, and make sure  to send them a quick email from time-to-time to keep yourself top of mind. Update your resumé and LinkedIn Profile. There’s no better time than when what  you’ve done and accomplished are fresh. Read more about resumes and LinkedIn. Use your internship to your advantage by being able to share what you’ve done, maintaining  strong relationships, and growing your professional network.   Author: Jane Horowitz is a career-launch coach and founder of More Than A Resumé. Jane has  championed college students in their job searches from colleges and universities across the  country, and with majors from engineering to fine arts, from computer design to banking. Jane  has made a measurable and lasting difference in college students’ lives.

How to Communicate at Work Effectively and Authentically

How to Communicate at Work Effectively and Authentically What do you do when you are really mad and need to communicate something to an employee, boss or co-worker? Its tough right. Im excited to introduce you to our guest today, shes amazing and you are going to get so many valuable insights about effective and authentic communication. Marilyn Healer and Instructor www.marilynalauria.com How To Communicate at Work Today I am excited to introduce you to a friend and someone who is such a genuine and authentic person and so much wisdom to share. After a successful, Emmy Award-winning career in the entertainment industry, where she served on the MTV Networks Special Production Management Team and acted as the Senior Profiles Manager at the NBC Olympics, Marilyn turned her focus toward honing her innate gifts. A dedicated healer and instructor, Marilyn teaches people across the globe to develop their talents, allowing access to the answers that sit in the seat of their souls. Integrity is the cornerstone of her work, and Marilyn’s priority is to see her clients embrace the happiness they are genuinely entitled to experience. As a psychic medium, healer, teacher, author, and speaker, she is devoted to using her abilities to bring awareness and enlightenment to every life she touches. Subscribe  on  your favorite platform below: iTunes Google Play Music Stitcher Radio TuneIn iHeartRadio Sound Cloud Some questions I asked: How did you learn to communicate what you need to your employees without upsetting them? Where did you first learn to do this (couples therapy)? Why is communication so important? What do you do when you are really mad and need to communicate something to an employee, boss or co-worker? How did you learn to negotiate salary in Television production and how has this translated into your own business now? How do you know what to ask for in regards to pricing? How do you work on deserving that price? Episode Resources Website: www.marilynalauria.com Marilyns course: membershipforyoursoul.com You may also like these episodes: How to Say No To Your Boss and Clients How to Stay Motivated When You Hate Your Job

How to Create an Employer Brand Video that Stands Out

How to Create an Employer Brand Video that Stands Out With video representing 74% of all online traffic, video content really does rule the internet waves. So it’s no wonder more and more companies are tapping in with employer branding videos to enhance their profile and attract top talent. Employer brand videos are a great way to engage prospecting applicants and communicate your company’s story, brand, culture, and mission in a way that words and images simply cannot. Is there a special formula to getting it right? How about getting it more than right, and standing out? Read our tips on creating an awesome employer brand video, and learn from other company videos who have smashed it. Be concise There is no one-size-fits-all length. Depending on what you want to say and how you say it, varying lengths will work better. But as a rule of thumb, people have a short attention span, so keep it concise and short. It should be long enough to communicate your message, but short enough to maintain engagement throughout the entire video. The best way to do this is to define your message and set out your objectives. Ask what you want people to know/believe/feel about your company after watching the video. By defining the purpose of your video, you can tell your message more succinctly. Show your employees People connect best with other people, so keep it human. Your employees are your biggest asset, they are the DNA of your company, and they will communicate your culture best. Candidates want to know if they are a good match with their potential colleagues, and your video can give a candidate an idea of what your workforce is like. Moreover showing your employees will humanize your company. So how should you direct your employees? You don’t. Be authentic. We all can get nervous in front of a camera so prepare your employees, but avoid being overly scripted, and let your them be themselves. This very simple yet effective video by HM strips it down to just its people, focusing the limelight on the diverse personalities and individual stories of the company. If you want to create a video of employee testimonials, then show workers of all levels and departments this will enlighten candidates of your full workforce. Ask simple questions (no more than 5), and let them do the rest. Here are some questions you could ask: Who are you, what country do you come from and what is your job title? How has your job changed since you started working here? What does your job involve? Do you have any advice for people thinking of applying to work for the company? What’s are the challenges in your job? What motivates you? How has your work been recognized in the company? What is a typical working day for you? What is one of the most interesting tasks you have worked with? What do you like most about your job? What is special about working here? How has the company helped you grow? What was your first month on the job like? This video by Pinterest takes candidates behind the scenes of the company, giving a glimpse of office life through employee testimonials.  Through the individual stories of their employees, we gain insight into the company’s culture, career growth, products, work environment, core values, and company mission All under 3 minutes! Culture With job seekers placing an increasing importance on company culture, it’s important to communicate your culture right. Your company culture is made up of your goals, vision, and values so tell it, show it, express it, and film it. You can do this in a number of ways, perhaps you simply let your people do the talking, or maybe you show your values in what you do, maybe it’s the fun you have around the office, the diversity, or perhaps it’s the change you make in the world. Company culture is unique to each organization, so the best way to communicate it will be unique to you. Just look how Foundation Medicine showed their values in transforming cancer care in this creative yet simply made video.  Their belief is that each patient, story, and employee is unique, and through this simple but clever idea they celebrate individual uniqueness, that together, can collectively “transform cancer care”. Additionally, they engaged their employee by involving their diverse team and tapping into the power of social video with #uniquelyFMI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC6HMMS_RVA Think outside the box We’ve laid out the minimal rules: be concise, show your employees, show your culture. But from here you can run free with how you want to communicate to your audience. Provided that you stay true to your brand and what you represent, you don’t have to be limited to traditional ideas of employer brand videos. Whether your company preaches commitment, people, innovation, fun, or change don’t just say it show it. GE Take GE. Now we don’t expect you to possess anywhere near the budget or means of their scale, but we can all learn from their boldness to bring employer branding video to new heights.  Through a single story, they unite what it is they do and represent. Yes, the blockbuster production is on a scale thats unattainable to most, but your company can find the same emotional appeal with your own inspiring narrative that goes beyond corporate avenues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co0qkWRqTdM Medallia Or how about Medallia’s “We Are Medallia” video, a spoof of the Broadway play A Book of Mormon. The video features Medallia employees singing the benefits of working for the company.  A pretty simple concept that brings together their workers to showcase the fun spirited office culture, whilst addressing their benefits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpAvkvuVOFYt=1s Twitter This parody Twitter video about making an employer brand video showcases a cool company that’s not scared to have a laugh at themselves.  The meta, tongue in cheek video also shows you how NOT to make a recruitment video, but beneath the well-executed satire, they still manage to address their missions, values and highlight their roles, benefits, career growth, and international achievements, whilst making us laugh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vccZkELgEsU We can all learn from the masters, but no one knows your brand, culture or story as well as you do, so you need to communicate it best to you. Be authentic, think different, and dont be afraid to stand out.

The Three Fs of Resume Writing

The Three Fs of Resume WritingIf you want to learn the three F's of resume writing, then you must know how to write a resume properly. Writing a great resume is one of the most important parts of your job search, and it is best that you get to know these important components before you even begin thinking about getting a job.The first component of this F-Dedicate is to know what you want to be when you grow up. You have to know what it is that you would like to accomplish in your life when you grow up, and what you are going to do when you reach the stage where you start thinking about it.The second component of the F-Dedicate is to be able to bring out all of your strengths and talents, and showcase all of your talents that you might have when you are sitting at the interview table. In other words, you can't just focus on what you lack; you have to focus on what you have that is really good. The same thing applies for the third component of the F-Dedication.Your strengths and your t alents have to be seen. And, you have to be able to show those to the employer when you are sitting at the interview table.While there are many resume writing tips that can help you when you are writing your resume, these three components are the most important elements that you need to remember. Other things that you can do are to practice the three components to see how well you know them, but the three Fs have to be learned by heart, before you move forward.You need to make sure that your strengths and your talents are in focus when you are writing your resume. Not only should you be able to see your strengths and your talents, but you also have to make sure that you show those. You need to show the employer what it is that you can do, and you also need to show what it is that you offer.Finally, you need to make sure that you are thinking about all of the things that you have done that will help the employer see what they need to see in you. Your strengths and your talents need t o be seen, and you also need to make sure that you know how to bring out those talents and those strengths when you are at the interview table.The three Fs of resume writing are the backbone of every resume, and without them, you won't be able to be effective in writing a great resume. Do everything that you can to be effective in creating a resume that shows the employer what they need to see.

10 Ways to Ooze Interesting

10 Ways to Ooze Interesting Ooze Interesting Infographic Small talk happens at a conference, coffee shop, graduation party or wedding.   Heck, it could even happen during an interview. But does the thought of having to talk with someone new  make you want to run fast in the other direction? You arent alone. Many people, especially introverts, feel this way. But there are things you can do  so you dont dread small talk. The truth is, you desperately want someone to like you but you are afraid they wont be and you tend to avoid the situation altogether.  Overcome your fears and anxiety and ooze interesting instead. Here are 10 ways to come across as interesting: 1.   Smile Simply smiling makes you appear friendly and approachable. Think about it. Would you rather talk to someone who is smiling or someone who looks like they are not having a good time? 2.   Ask questions to discover a common interest Instead of worrying about what youll say, have a list of easy conversation starters (you can check this list out to help give you ideas). Once you find something you share in common, the conversation will flow! And dont think you have to focus on work. Often, it is finding things outside of work that warms up a conversation! 3.  Follow current events so you have something to talk about If you are armed with knowledge about local, regional and global current events, it makes it easier to get a conversation going. 4.   Wear a conversation piece Maybe you have a unique tie, scarf, or piece of jewelry. Wear it. Not only will it make you feel confident, people may ask you about it and it gives you something easy to talk about. 5.  Make an introduction to someone new Maybe you have an opportunity to introduce innocent bystanders to one another! If you are standing in a small group, make sure everyone knows each other. 6.   Listen more than you speak The best way to show your interest in someone is to ask thoughtful follow-up questions and you can only do this if you are truly listening. Nod your head and whatever you do, dont interrupt the person you are speaking with. Listening is difficult for many, but introverts do this very well! 7.   Uncross your arms, make eye contact and project energy Your body language sets the tone. Look people in the eyes when you are speaking and listening. And speak loudly enough so people can hear what you are saying. 8.   Be genuine, disclose some personal information Dont be afraid to interject personal information. Often, this warms the conversation AND can lead to the discovery of mutual interests.  If your childs team just won a match or you are planning a vacation or trip somewhere, who knows what doors may open. 9.   Tell a joke, (tested) funny story, or personal mishap A funny thing happened on the way to this event or  did you hear the one about Not everyone is great at telling jokes, but sometimes, telling a story helps people relate to you better. Just make sure your joke or story is appropriate for the person you are speaking with. 10. Discover their passion Nothing gets a person more excited than talking about something they are interested in. Their eyes twinkle and they cant stop talking! They will also be more likely to remember their conversation with you. DO NOT PLAY WITH YOUR SMART PHONE! Its tempting to stand in the corner looking at your smart phone. It feels safe. But thats not why you are at the event. You are there to meet people. Youre going to need to step out of your comfort zone. Try on this new persona.  It is sort of like being in a play.   Get into character.   It just might stick! Ooze Interesting Infographic

New Years Eve Party Outfit

New Year's Eve Party Outfit New Year’s Eve Party Outfit || Eliza J Fit Flare Dress Holiday Party, Lifestyle, Outfits December 25, 2017 11 CommentsI hope you’re all having a wonderful Christmas Day! I don’t want to keep you long on this day when you should be giving your family and loved ones your undivided attention… if you want, save this post (bookmark, or if you’re on Bloglovin, you have the option to save it too!) and browse it later! I wanted to share a few outfit options today with you for any upcoming New Year’s Eve Party. Scroll down to see where I got this cute little number from!Holiday ColorsI love to wear white, red, gold, and other variations of these colors during the holiday time and into the New Year. Maybe it’s my Chinese heritage or maybe they just fully embody the holiday spirit for me… I think white and red is the perfect color combination for a New Year’s Eve party!My Fail-safe Outfit Choice for All OccasionOne of these days, I’m going to run out of things to say about Eliza J dresses because there is always a perfect Eliza J dress for any occasion.   I wore one for my husband’s company holiday party earlier this month,   I wore it during our wedding rehearsal dinner back in March, and another one for another company holiday party 2 years ago. Need I say more?   Eliza J $ 158 Get Sale Alert Eliza J $ 118 Get Sale Alert Eliza J $ 158 Get Sale Alert Eliza J $ 168 Get Sale Alert Eliza J $ 178 Get Sale Alert Eliza J $ 178 Get Sale Alert Product Details: Marc Bale Watch c/o   The Peach BoxOutfit Details: Marc Bale Watch c/o The Peach Box      Audrey Swing Pearl Crystal Earrings â€" Rose Gold  Outfit details: c/o The Peach Box Audrey Swing Pearl Crystal Earrings â€" Rose GoldOutfit details: c/o The Peach Box Audrey Swing Pearl Crystal Earrings â€" Rose GoldWhatever you wear, make sure to put away your phone when you’re ringing the New Year in, have great conversations, really TALK to your loved ones and not just having superficial conversations. To me, that’s what the holiday season is really about. See you in 2018!!All photography by Natalie Alvarado @ Stylenfuse