Ovens baking warm ginger bread
Sugar plum fairies dancing in your head
Fireplaces with chestnuts roasting
But before the New Year's Eve toasting,
Your credit card charges may grow in size,
As unemployment continues to rise
In these rough economic times, so many of my classmates are struggling to find work. And with the holidays coming up, it can be a grueling process especially when your finances are spread thin this time of year. Here are some tips that I have compiled that have always been successful for me.
- Market yourself. Treat yourself like a brand. There are some celebrities that are just famous for being them. They are doing something right; they made themselves into a highly desirable brand name. Ask yourself, "∫What do I really want?" "∫And what skills do I have that can get me there?" "∫How can I differentiate myself?" Remember you are an asset and a highly valuable potential employee.
- Never underestimate the power of a good suit. If you feel good in what you're wearing, it's evident in your tone, demeanor, and posture. Sometimes this can make a difference in your personality. Taking pride in your appearance shows you also take pride in your work.
- Do Your Homework. I know it seems silly to tell an MBA student to do homework, but so many times I hear friends say they have done research about the company online, and feel confident they know the company. But what do you not know? It's always good to ask questions that tell the hiring manager you are interested in learning more about the company.
- Experience isn't just paid work. If you have been out of work for awhile, remember to put down any activities that you have been doing in the mean time like: community service, school leadership positions, lecturing. These all can contribute to your knowledge and experience.
- Show a portfolio of your work. You don't have to be an artist to have a portfolio of your work. Present projects that you have been working on, either in past jobs or in school. Give a brief description of your role and what the outcome was. This can be a distinguishing memorable factor to a potential employer.
- The pen is mightier than the QWERTY. After an interview it is always nice to follow-up with a personal handwritten thank you note. Try to include something that you shared with the employer or a personal thought from the interview. This shows the interviewer that you have taken time and interest in the company. You respect the process.
- Use your Pepperdine resources. Pepperdine has invaluable resources at your disposal. Services at the career center include: resume help, career guidance, and interview workshops. Join Graziadio Talent Online and Graziadio Alumni Network to further your networking capabilities and job opportunities. We have an impressive faculty base. Talk to your teachers; they may know of potential openings. And absolutely always let your fellow classmates know you are looking.
It can seem a little scary and a bit intimidating to get back into interviewing mode again. Remember, looking for a job should be a full-time job in itself. You probably already know many of these tips already, but hopefully you discovered some new ones. Happy hunting!
Career Services: http://bschool.pepperdine.edu/career/resources
Graziadio Talent Online (GTO): http://bschool.pepperdine.edu/gto
Graziadio Alumni Network (GAN): http://bschool.pepperdine.edu/alumni/network
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Great post!
Compelling title, practical and truthful article. I recommend http://www.strengthsfinder.com for help with branding, as a brand is a promise that needs to be understood with a few key words, like the StrengthsFinder produced five top talent themes.
Don’t be afraid to knock on doors to set yourself apart from the millions of electronic resumes.
This is a good post with a pinch of humor.
Absolutely no problem. Thank you!