by Dennis on January 28, 2011
Once upon a time it was OK to kick back and take it easy in college. You did your four years, you sent out a few resumes, and it was almost a cinch that you would get yourself a nice entry level job. However, welcome to 2011 and the reality is that most of are not getting great jobs upon graduation. A recent study has found that a staggering 85% of grads reported that they will be moving back home with their family after they graduate.
Now, unless you are taking a course that has a built in internship, you should be looking for an internship after your freshman year. And guess what…getting a free internship while you are in college is no longer a gimme. In fact getting one relevant to the career path that you want to follow can be really challenging.
The Good News
The good news is there are still opportunities out there. For those who are serious about what they are want in their career, this is an opportunity to differentiate themselves from the pack. Companies love to hire people who are willing to work and eager to learn.
No Room For Complaining
“Is this fair?” I hear you ask. Only a generation ago, grads could walk off into the sunset with their diploma, fairly certain that they would be employed either before they graduated, or pretty soon after. The world has changed- globalization, people living (and working) longer, automation have all moved the goalposts. And the job market is more competitive than it has ever been. For every post there can be upwards of 400 applicants. It seems unfathomable that the position will go to someone without relevant experience. Companies are looking as much for experience as they are qualifications. And of course it is challenging to get experience if you’ve spent the last 17 years in a classroom.
The Solution
The bottom line is that you simply cannot wait until your junior year to look for an internship. You have to grab the bull by the horns and get yourself out there. Network. Research. The media is full of stories of grads who are sending out hundreds of applications and not even getting a single interview. Don’t be that guy. Instead get out and hustle. Pound the pavement (or the keyboard) and present yourself as a difference maker- someone who can make a contribution to a company, even during an internship.
photo credit: antwerpenR
by Dennis on January 18, 2011
photo credit: courtneyrae312
Neediness comes disguised in many forms. People can smell it on you, and it acts as a great repellant. Showing up needy for an interview is the kiss of death.
Instead: try helpfulness.
Instead: try showing up hungry.
Instead: try showing up with readiness to do what it takes.
These three things are much more uncommon, but instantly send the message that you are there for what you can offer, not because you are unable to find anything else.
by Dennis on January 14, 2011
photo credit: Port of San Diego
When you are interviewing for a prospective job, you are selling yourself. You are literally given the chance to make your advertising pitch-it is sink or swim.
Studies show that 93% of the impact you have is non-verbal. It isn’t so much the words you use, but in the non-verbal signals you send. This means that what is important is how you come across. Talk to fast and you will lose their interest. Talk too slowly and you will send your interviewer to sleep.
When I was at college I had a really terrible lecturer. He was dull, didn’t know his subject well, and was generally uninspiring. But, I’m eternally thankful for some advice he gave me. He said:
Remember the 3 Ps: Pitch, Pause and Pace
Great advice, but not as good as his next gem:
If you can’t do the 3 Ps then do the 6 Ps: Prior preparation prevents piss-poor performance.
This is where reaseach and preparation comes to the fore- and what sets you up for success.
But hit that sweet spot, and, wow…. you’ve aced that interview. Is this going to guarantee you the job, but it will help you present yourself in a way that ensures you get taken seriously.
Here are some things that you can do:
- Watch Talk Shows
- Watch The Movie Frost/Nixon
- Vary your pace and pitch
- Have more conversations
If you are uncomfortable speaking in a public arena, than you can join an organization like Toastmasters.
You want to be comfortable talking about your topic before you enter the interview.
How do you do this? The same way that you get to Carnegie Hall: Practice, Practice Practice.
Sign up for my Free 17 Audio Series : From Zero to Hired.
by Dennis on January 13, 2011
photo credit: thomaspetermueller
I saw a tweet yesterday from the incredibly insightful Hugh MacLeod of Gaping Void yesterday:
Society tends to despise artists both for selling out and/or being poor. I find that humorous.
Work hard at your passion and find some way to monetize it. By making money, you support yourself doing the thing you love. By making money, you allow yourself to become the author of your own life, and those in your shpere of influence.
Money is not the root of all evil, as some would have you think. It is a shared stored energy source that we’ve agreed to use as a society. That’s it. Having no money makes you no more spiritual. It makes it hard for you to build a career that you get success and satisfaction from.
Now is following your bliss and making money easy? No, of course not. If it was, most people would choose to do something they liked. But, just because it is difficult and you will meet some challenges, why give up before you even begin?
