Tag Archive for: career advice

Does Your Recruiter Actually Care About You?

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Does Your Recruiter Actually Care About You?How often are you inundated with calls, emails, and LinkedIn messages from recruiters telling you all about their latest opportunity? We’re guessing it’s a lot. In fact, you’ve probably gotten pretty good at tuning it all out.

 

You’re not alone.

 

For every staffing firm out there promising they’ll act in your best interests, there are at least a thousand professionals who don’t believe them. Recruiter after recruiter will try to differentiate themselves by saying they’re “all about people,” but it’s a noisy marketplace, and it leaves professionals like you challenged by which ones to actually work with.

 

So, how can you tell if a recruiter actually cares about you and your career?

 

What Are Your Peers Saying?

When’s the last time you made an Amazon purchase without reading the reviews first? In today’s marketplace, reviews and referrals trump almost every other avenue of marketing. Any company can spend their resources making a beautiful website, compelling messaging, and engaging advertising, but the candid word of their users and customers is almost always more compelling.

 

The same is true when you’re looking for a new career. Ask former colleagues and friends about their experiences with different recruiters and don’t hesitate to ask for an introduction. Furthermore, although you may need to take them with a grain of salt, sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn can give you a window into the quality of a staffing firm’s service for consultants as well as how they treat their own employees. If they’re really “all about people,” then you’ll see that reflected in the reviews of the people they work with and employ.

 

Do They Measure Experience?

Glassdoor and LinkedIn can only get you so far. It’s often the case that disgruntled employees are the only ones who take the time to anonymously review a company, and it’s difficult to tell how accurate their reviews are against the big picture. Instead, look for a staffing firm that is transparent about how they measure their candidate experience.

 

Recruiters who actively ask their candidates for feedback, taking the effort to measure their candidate experience, are ones who care about improving that experience. They might do this through a third-party partner like Great Recruiters, a platform that asks every candidate, whether they are placed by the firm or not, to review their experience with their recruiter. If a company is asking for feedback, they’re doing it for a reason: they actually care about the people they work with and want to get better at what they do. Don’t hesitate to ask a recruiter how they or their company solicit, measure and respond to candidate feedback. If they don’t have an answer, find someone else who does.

 

Qualities to Look for in a Recruiter

Outside of peer reviews and formal measurement systems, knowing what to look for in your own experience will be key. The Great Recruiters platform provides a compelling list of qualities that make a great recruiter:’

 

Genuine – When you first get in touch with a recruiter, do they ask the right questions to really understand you, your career goals, and your experience? If they’re not getting deeper than the details of your resume, it’s questionable whether they’re trying to make a genuine match between you and the best-fit opportunity.

Responsive – When you make the decision to reply to a recruiter’s call or email, how responsive are they in return? Does it take days before they get back to you? Do they take the time to thoroughly answer your questions?

Experienced – A recruiter can only match you to the right opportunity when they truly understand the job you’re applying for and the industry you’re in. This requires more than just matching keywords on your resume to the job description their client gave them; it requires experience.

Advisory – When you choose to change your career, you’re putting your life in the hands of a stranger. A recruiter who understands this responsibility and supports you through the process as an objective career advisor is someone you can trust.

Transparent – Is your recruiter keeping you in the loop throughout the hiring process? Or are you in the dark? Again, your career is in their hands, which means their transparency is paramount to your success.

 

Ultimately, you’re looking for a recruiter and a staffing firm that is knowledgeable in your market and skill set, capable of providing value throughout the process, and centers their service around the individual. The staffing market is increasingly transactional, but you’re more than a number. You need a firm that isn’t afraid to share their stories (check out our “Real Stories from Real Recruiters” series here) or give you a sneak peek behind the scenes (check out our employee spotlights here). These are the recruiters who genuinely seek to make a difference in your career and your life.

 

Ready to work with a recruiter that cares? Say hello to your career advisory team and search our open positions today.

 

Related Articles

Which Recruiter Is Really Worth Your Time?

Real Stories from Real Recruiters: Going Above and Beyond

A Better Framework for Reaching Your Career Goals

Real Stories from Real Recruiters: Going Above and Beyond

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Real Stories from Real Recruiters: Going Above and Beyond

This article is Part 6 in a series of “Real Stories from Real Recruiters.” We check in with several Brightwingers to reveal some important lessons for anyone who’s looking either for talent or for opportunities. This story is from Brightwing’s Adriana Michaels, Senior Recruiter.

 

When candidates work with recruiters, they’re essentially putting their career – and their life – in the hands of a stranger. That can be an extremely vulnerable position for these talented individuals, and, as recruiters, we recognize the huge responsibility we have to put them at ease and deliver a great experience.

 

At Brightwing, we have an established BRIGHTview process to streamline recruitment and hiring, but even with this time-tested strategy, there’s always room for things to go awry. That’s when I rely on my intuition and creativity to work everything out, as well as my commitment to go above and beyond to ensure a candidate is as comfortable as possible and equipped for success.

 

A great example of this is a software engineer I recruited for one of our automotive clients. We had worked closely with the client to narrow down their technical requirements and expand their talent pool (read that story here), and we found the perfect candidate four states away in the aerospace industry. It would be a huge transition for this candidate; not only would he be moving his career to a new industry (automotive), he’d be moving his wife and four kids to a new state, one he’d never even visited before. I worked closely with him to support and encourage him through the process. He nailed the phone interview, and the next step was to fly in for a face-to-face interview.

 

From the beginning, I could tell he was enthusiastic about the opportunity, but it was clear there was some hesitation about uprooting his entire family and moving them somewhere brand new. For many recruiters, this hesitation would have been a red flag; was he really serious about leaving his current job and moving his family? But because I had taken the time to understand his goals and motivations, I was confident about continuing to support him through this process.

 

We set up the in-person interview, with the client securing travel and hotel arrangements for my candidate, but at the last minute, an urgent family issue came up. With everything already arranged, it was a predicament that clearly made him anxious. Again, many other recruiters may have taken this opportunity to walk away, but I knew my candidate was genuine. I worked with the client to figure out the scheduling to make the interview happen.

 

The interview was scheduled early on a Monday morning, with the candidate flying in the night before and flying back out immediately after the interview, spending a minimal amount of time away from his family. Incredibly, when he arrived, something went wrong with the hotel reservation. He called me panicking. I knew how important it would be for him to be comfortable and rested before the interview, so I called the hotel myself and worked it out.

 

The interview went well, and our client quickly presented him with a great job offer and a very attractive relocation package (complete with a consultant to help him and his family find the perfect new home). When I sat down to lunch with him two weeks after he started, he was unbelievably appreciative, saying he could not have done this without our help. His family was settling his well, he loves the company, and they have great feedback about him, too. Since he’s been there, he has also sent two referrals my way, proving to me just how much he trusted us with this life-changing career move. Knowing how much my candidates trust me motivates me to continue going above and beyond for them throughout the entire hiring process.

 

Watch out for more stories and blog posts by following us on LinkedIn. We’d love to share more of our insight with you – dig deeper into our process here.

 

Related Articles

What to Look for in a Staffing & Recruiting Firm: A Checklist

5 Strategies for Assessing the Strength of Your Hiring Process

The Power of Company Culture in Your Talent Acquisition Process

Career Success — Staying on the Fast Track

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Career Success - Staying on the Fast Track

 

Now more than ever, employers look beyond a skill set when hiring someone. It only takes a weekend on social media or an insensitive comment to sabotage your own progress. Here are 5 common slip-ups to avoid, so you can stay on the fast-track path to career success.

 

Crossing the line with TMI

One of the most self-sabotaging ways to impact your career success is to offer too much information. This may be a negative remark about yourself or others, in which case shows a lack of emotional intelligence. As a result, it changes the opinion that people have of you, causing your career to suffer.

 

Mismanaging Social Media

Before hiring someone, employers want to get to know who they’re hiring. Social media is a great way to do so, but it might be detrimental to your career success. Even if you already have a job secured, posting pictures from a wild weekend can end up in the wrong hands. Although social media is a great place to share about your life, be mindful of what you post out there. Avoid ranting about your work, or any personal issues that should be kept private.

 

Settling with your skill-set

If you want to ensure career success, it’s important to keep your skills up-to-date. Don’t conform with where you are, and what you’ve achieved. Expanding your education will set you apart from others, and will speak highly of you.

 

Depending on Your Mentor 24/7

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced, relationship with your mentor or boss is extremely important. Avoid taking it to an extreme, or your career will pay the price. To avoid over-alignment, diversify your workplace relationships and avoid becoming attached at the hip with those who mentor you.

 

Declaring Office War

Office conflict is inevitable. The way you handle it, will either hurt your career or help you grow as a person. Regardless of the situation, try to always take the high-road and treat everyone with respect. People will take notice, and it’ll also help you build strong and valuable relationships with your co-workers.

Quitting Your Job? 5 Things to Consider

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Quitting Your Job? 5 Things to Consider

 

Quitting your job is a big move that, if done right, may be beneficial to your career. However, make sure it is the right time and for the right reasons. With such a big change, it’s crucial that you are strategic when quitting your job, to position yourself to move forward in your career rather than being stuck in unemployment. Although frustration creeps up in all of us, you don’t want to find yourself in a place where you’re struggling to get your career back on track. Here are five things to consider before quitting your job:

 

1. Check Your Finances

For most, if not all, money is the greatest motivator that will keep you in a job or push you to a new one. Quitting your job may seem impossible if you’re not financially stable. However, this shouldn’t be the reason you stay at a job you hate. Plan ahead with your finances, and save some money to use as a safety net. This will give you the liberty to take some time in finding your perfect job without feeling pressured to go back.

 

2. Start Your Job Search

Sometimes those who are already employed, make the best candidates. Don’t close yourself off to new opportunities. Begin the job application process before quitting your job, to make the transition from one job to another easier, and less stressful.

 

3. Keep It To Yourself

Although it’s okay to talk to other companies while you are employed, keep it to yourself. You certainly do not want this information to reach management, resulting in burnt bridges. When the time comes, be discreet when you quitting your job.

 

4. Stick With Your Main Reason

When you quit, you will need to provide your boss a reason as to why you’re leaving. Remain professional, respectful and don’t hurt your reputation. Your next employer is likely to call for a reference, and you don’t want to leave them with a bad impression.

 

5. Be Your Best Until The End

Once the end is in sight, it is so easy to slack off– Don’t! Stay focused and continue to work hard to accomplish all the tasks needed. This will leave your employers with a great impression, maintaining relationships that may pay off in the future. Make the transition for your coworkers and boss as smooth as possible.

Turn Your Job Hunting Weaknesses Into Positives

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Turn Your Job Hunting Weaknesses Into Positives

 

“What are your weaknesses?”… after investing some time in demonstrating why you’d be the best person for a job, this question can be quite difficult to answer or discuss. The reality is that everyone has some sort of weaknesses even if they’re the best in their field. Don’t let yours ruin your chances in getting the job you’ve been working hard to get! Just like anything else, it’s the way you say it and how you approach it.

 

 

4 common weaknesses you can spin into positives:

 

I am assertive
To some people, assertiveness might come off as being arrogant, dominating and bossy. However, being assertive can also be a great attribute and it’s your job to show them how! Perhaps being assertive has been a great communication skill in the past or it has allowed you to solve problems and take responsibility. Shine a positive light to this attribute, and make it work for your advantage.

 

Inexperience
This is one of the most common weaknesses in job seekers. After all, we all start as a beginner at one point in our career. List any accomplishments, projects or related coursework on your resume, to show you do have some sort of experience and knowledge in the field. If you are changing careers, takeaway skills from previous jobs that you find relevant. Lastly, in some instances, lack of experience can be an advantage! Demonstrate that you are a fast learner and they’ll find value in being able to teach you from scratch.

 

Disparity in your work experience
We get it, things happen! No matter the reason, be prepared to explain it and be sure to stay active in the meantime. You can do so by volunteering, taking industry related classes, or even working on side projects that you can add to your resume. The important thing is to show that you are committed to your career and passionate about the industry.

 

Job hopping
Companies spend a lot of time and money on new-hires, and they want to be sure that they stay for a long time. Although no one expects you to have the same job for 10 years, if you tend to be a job hopper, be sure to approach it in a positive way. If the constant move wasn’t necessarily your choice, you can explain the reasoning in a cover letter. If you’ve simply moved from job to job to get to where you want to be, spin this by focusing on the prevalent themes of your work. You will then come off as an experienced go-getter instead of the hit-and-run type. To become an even more desirable candidate, be sure to point out your accomplishments and successes along the way.

 

Finding the silver lining in any weaknesses, will help you address them more confidently in any job interview. In the end, confidence will go a long way when it comes to landing a job and being successful at it!

Engineering Career Advice from Top Recruiters

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Engineering Career Advice from Top Recruiters

 

Whether you’re ready to take your engineering career to the next level, or you’re thinking about where you want to be in 5 years, you should always be prepared. At Brightwing, we work with dozens of fantastic organizations, and speak to hundreds of engineering professionals every week. We asked our recruiters to give their top engineering career advice – here’s what they had to say.

 

“If you’re looking to advance your engineering career, be prepared! Make sure your resume is up-to-date and proofread, and be ready to answer questions that recruiters may ask you – like ‘What type of job opportunity are you looking for?’ It seems straight-forward, but it could come down to a specific part of a vehicle you want to work on – be specific.”
—Maren Morris

 

“Don’t be afraid to show your passion if it relates to your job, as well as your personal life. There is a lot of people that want to be in the industry, and you will need to stand out.”
—Mike Gourley

 

 

“Let your friends and trusted networks know if you’re looking for a new engineering job. They could come across someone that has potential opportunities. It happens all the time.”
—Julia Powell

 

 

Have a question for one of our recruiters? Looking for for a new engineering job? Contact us any time at [email protected].

Career Advice: Stay Organized at Work!

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Career Advice--Stay Organized at Work

 

Staying organized is essential to survive in the workplace. Not only does it reduce stress, but it helps you be more efficient– It’s a win, win! Try out these 4 easy tips for staying organized at work.

 

1. Prioritize

Get rid of the clutter and focus on what’s important! Whatever it is you wish to accomplish in a day, week, or month, you need to make these goals a priority or they’ll be left behind. By doing so, you will see progress and you’ll be able to tackle each goal more efficiently – with greater success!

 

2. Clean Your Desk

Tired of wasting time looking for stuff? You’d be surprised what a clean desk can do for your productivity! After all, staying organized at work can help increase your professional image — a messy desk could prevent you from landing a managerial position! Start by dedicating 30 minutes a week to throwing out unnecessary papers and organizing documents. Find a system that works for you and stick with it. In time, you’ll have a stronger sense of control over your work space and tasks.

 

3. Don’t Forget about Your Digital Work Space

Depending on your industry, most of your work and materials may be digital, not physical. So even if your work area is super neat, you may still have a lot of organizing to do with your virtual desktop. Think back to the last time a manager requested a document from you, and you scrambled to find it on your computer desktop or shared drive. Chances are, poor folder organization was the time-sucking culprit. Get a handle on the issue once and for all by carving out some time (perhaps a Friday afternoon) to reorganize and rename folders, and delete or archive any inactive documents – just make sure to communicate your process to anyone who may be impacted to mitigate confusion.

 

4. Make Time For Your Calendar

Organize your calendar! One way to keep your work life organized is by thoughtfully scheduling your tasks each day and week. Be mindful of your energy and creative levels: if you’re someone who is sharp and alert in the morning, plan your toughest tasks in the AM. Think about the natural rhythm of work in your department: if Wednesdays are always crazy, schedule a buffer to help you handle the pandemonium (e.g. a 30 minute block of time in the AM and PM). And always have a list of back-up tasks (in order of priority) on the off-chance that the day is quieter than expected. At all costs, avoid multi-tasking like the plague. Focusing on one task at a time will help you get things done faster, will increase your sense of accomplishment, and will demonstrate to others that you indeed have the laser-like focus and determination that are so characteristic of successful people.

Career Fair Preparation and Tips

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Career Fair Preparation and Tips

 

As the school year begins, career fair season is upon us. Regardless of what academic year you’re in, the first and most important tip is to take advantage of these fairs. In today’s market, employers are eager to find their next candidates and attending a career fair is a great way to get your foot in the door. Follow these guidelines to prepare and get the most out of any career fair you attend to this year!

 

 

Career Fair Preparation

Do your homework- Before attending a career fair, look through the list of companies in attendance and highlight those that you’re interested in the most. Be sure to do some background research on these companies to prepare relevant questions ahead of time. Do NOT ask questions that could easily be answered with a quick google search. The great thing about career fairs, is that you get to have a one-on-one conversation with that company, so make the best out of it!

 

Update your resume– Always, always, always have an updated resume ready. If possible, have others review it and make necessary changes as well. Print enough copies to give to your list of employers and a couple of extras just in case.

 

Elevator Pitch– Although a career fair is more conversational, be sure to know what key points you’d like to talk about. Have a strong introduction and share what skills or expertise makes you different.

 

LinkedIn- If all goes well, an employer may be interested to know a little bit more about you. In this case, they’re likely to look you up on LinkedIn or other social media for that matter. Make sure your profile is updated with the most relevant information similar to your resume.

 

Dress well– If you don’t already have a professional wardrobe, it’s time to go shopping. Although first impressions aren’t everything, they are very powerful and it’s important for you to show the best version of yourself.

 

 

Career Fair Tips

Arrive early- It shows that you are serious and professional– simple as that! Not to mention you’ll get to skip the long lines on the most popular employers.

 

Be open minded- While it’s recommended that you plan ahead to what companies you’re interested in, this is also a perfect time to get to know other companies too. Be flexible and willing to talk to anyone!

 

Listen/Take notes- Although it’s tempting to tell them everything about yourself and why they should hire you, listening is sometimes the best thing to do. You’ll gain much more valuable information, and it’ll surely set you apart from others. Also, don’t be afraid to take notes as they speak. It shows you’re interested in what they have to say, and it’ll help you remember any important details after the career fair.

 

Be concise and clear- Again, sometimes less is more. According to what company it is, build on skills that are relevant to them. Quality is much better than quantity and they’re likely to remember more of your conversation.

 

Be courteous- Simple morals go a long way! Show respect not only to employers but everyone around you.

 

Be confident-Even if you’re nervous, act confident and enthusiastic. Shake off any bad conversation, and remain positive.

 

Keep in touch– One of the most important aspects of attending a career fair, is following up. Ask for their business cards or a way of contact to keep the conversation going. After the career fair, take some time to submit your resume on their websites, send out thank you emails, or follow them on social media. The key to having a successful career fair, is to stay in touch.

 

How to Negotiate a Job Offer

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How to Negotiate a Job Offer

 

Negotiating a job offer begins the moment you start your job search. The key is to be prepared by researching similar positions in the industry. Doing your homework will help you make smarter, more reasonable decisions and establish a negotiation strategy. The most important factor in negotiating a job offer is confidence – confidence in your skills, talents, experience, and education. The way you hold yourself and present your capabilities will help convince the hiring manager that you will be a valuable asset to the organization. Learn the dos and don’ts on how to successfully negotiate a job offer with these three articles:

 

How to Negotiate A Job Offer

Learn great tips and strategies from Forbes on “How To Negotiate A Job Offer“. This article will guide you on every step of the process from the beginning stages of your job search, to the final negotiating stages. Not sure what to actually say during the negotiation? This article also provides a word-for-word example on what to say and what responses to expect from the hiring manager.

 

 

Don’t Make These 8 Mistakes When Negotiating Salary

Preparation is key to negotiate a job offer. Avoid these “8 Mistakes When Negotiating Salary“, as discussed in U.S. News. From lying about your last salary, to playing games, find out what may be causing you to loose the job offer completely. Don’t let these mistakes become experiences you are forced to learn from! They may cost you a great job offer and a great position.

 

 

How To Negotiate Salary: 37 Tips You Need To Know

According to The Muse, most people avoid negotiating their salary out of fear. Overcome this fear, and become a better negotiator with their article “How To Negotiate Salary: 37 Tips You Need To Know“. The article gives tips on every stage of the process including:

 

  • Getting Prepared
  • Starting The Conversation
  • Making the Ask
  • Getting An Answer (and Dealing With the Aftermath)

Are You Too Loyal to Your Employer?

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Are You Too Loyal to Your Employer

 

Employee Loyalty: Value vs. Obligation

What? Is there such a thing as being too loyal to your employer? Yes, there is: when it interferes with your professional development. In general, employee loyalty is a valuable quality; there’s nothing wrong with owning your role and enjoying your job. However, when employee loyalty evolves from a mutual value-add for employer and employee into a feeling of obligation, opportunities are missed and careers become stagnant.

 

Keep Employee Loyalty in Check

Regardless of your degree, chances are there are various opportunities available that you haven’t considered. Of course we all love a stable job where we know the people, the company, and what to expect from day-to-day. However, being too loyal or too comfortable may prevent you from pursuing new opportunities.

 

Forbes published a great article, Five Ways Your Loyalty To Your Job Can Hurt Your Career, that offers advice for keeping your employee loyalty in perspective. For example, the article recommends taking time once or twice a year to ask yourself:

 

  • What do I want from my career?
  • Is this job taking me in the right direction?
  • Have I learned anything important and marketable over the past 12 months?
  • Am I paid what I am worth here? Do I know what my skills are worth?
  • What is the next career step for me? Can I take that step in this company, or do I have to move on?

 

Balance Employee Loyalty and Your Career Path

It’s a fact– A manager’s priority is to maximize profit; Hence, to grow their own business. Likewise, while it’s good to be loyal, your priority should be to grow your career. Even the best of employers cannot offer you endless opportunities to help you reach your highest potential. Even if they wanted to, it’s not realistic. Employee loyalty is overrated and you can’t let it determine your career path. Define where you want to go, what you want to do, and take the steps necessary to get there. After all, your career is your responsibility and you have to be loyal to this first.

How to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

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Mastering your elevator pitch can land you the job you’ve been looking for! Whether you’re at a networking event, hanging-out with friends or actually run into someone in an elevator, your elevator pitch must grab people’s attention.

 

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech used to summarize who you are, your job history, and your career goals. Although 30-seconds may not seem like enough, the point is to leave a great impression, or to spark a conversation. With a short-amount of time, make your speech as rich and clear as possible.

 

Follow these steps to craft your elevator pitch:

1. Define a goal

elevator pitchThe most important step is to identify what you want to accomplish with your elevator pitch. Some examples include to:

Get a job

Make a sale

Promote your business

 

2. Define a target audience

When developing your elevator pitch, consider the various audience types you may encounter. Though the speech is about you, it’s for them. For example, if you are looking for an engineering position, use keywords that would attract other engineers. Use relevant language, attributes, and examples to keep them engaged.

 

4. Call to action

You just had a drop-the-mike moment and presented yourself impeccably. Now what? End your pitch with a question, or a request that will keep the conversation going.

 

5. Practice it

Review your elevator pitch and practice out loud to catch anything that may sound off or irrelevant. Practice with friends or family to get a second opinion on what you could improve. Make sure that over time, your elevator pitch comes naturally and you don’t sound like a robot while delivering it. Once you feel comfortable with it, don’t be afraid to start using it. Even if you mess it up the first time, practice does make perfect.

 

Checkout some examples below on how it all comes together

 

“I’m currently studying education at [college]. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to make the conceptual practical and I’m interested in securing an entry-level role at a nonprofit that allows me to teach and develop curriculum. Because nonprofit programs and fellowships were a key part of my development, it’s important for me to pay it forward and help students develop to their highest potential. ” -Retrieved from Idealist Careers

 

“My name is Josh Paul. I am a graduating senior from [x] University. I am looking for an internship in a law firm this summer. I have had a strong interest in the law since I first enrolled in college and have participated in several seminars of constitutional and corporate law. Although those seminars were ungraded, I have maintained a 3.4 GPA while also participating in several extra curricular activities including the Pre-law society. If your firm offers internships, I would appreciate an introduction to the people in charge of that program. Alternatively, I would appreciate the opportunity to give you a call and/or meet with you in person to discuss your career path and how I might find opportunities within the legal profession.” – Retrieved from Salisbury University

 

“If you are looking for the best accounting firm in the city, look no further. My accounting firm has a solid track record of balancing books in about half the time of our competitors. If you examine our records, you will notice that we are virtually error-free. Furthermore, I have hired the best and the brightest to represent my firm and we have introduced ideas to our clients that have saved them thousands of dollars. We have outstanding references, all of whom would testify that our firm has worked incredible wonders for their company. In six years, we have not lost a single client. I am sure that we can raise the bar for your company.” -Retrieved from YourPersonalBrand

 

“I like to shine from behind the scenes. I am an office support professional with experience managing Marketing Programs and Initiatives for the manufactured consumer products industry. Being the people person that I am, I enjoy being hands-on in getting to know what the customer wants/needs and then working within company guidelines to make it happen. If you have the time, I’d be thrilled to share more about my background.” – Retrieved from YourPersonalBrand

 

 

Professional Networking Tips

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Professional NetworkingWe’ve said it before and we’ll say it again– Professional Networking is essential for your career. From the grocery store to a professional networking event, you should always be prepared. With the right guide, you can strengthen your networking skills and improve on your weaknesses. Follow these tips to make a greater impression while networking:

 

1. Be Prepared

Preparation is key when attending a networking event. Research the companies or specific people you want to speak with and prepare questions ahead of time. This is a great way to ensure a smooth conversation and excellent use of time.

 

2. Elevator Pitch

Have a pitch prepared and rehearsed! An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech that can be used to summarize your personal bio, job history, goals, etc. Preparing– and rehearsing, an elevator pitch is a great way to be ready for every situation and networking opportunity.

 

3. Business Cards

Always be prepared with business cards! Having all your information ready and available is the best way to stay in-touch. Especially if you happen to meet someone outside of a professional networking event, business cards are easy and effective.

 

4. Resume

Follow resume writing best practices and carry hard copies to professional networking events. Be prepared with an electronic version of the resume to share via email.

 

5. Listen

Listening is a powerful tool in networking. After all, networking is about connecting with others– it’s not all about you! Pay attention to what others have to say and the details they mention so you can respond accordingly. Developing good listening skills will help in networking and throughout your career.

 

6. Be confident

If you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t expect others to believe in you. Carry yourself with confidence by emphasizing your strengths while working on your weaknesses. This confidence will translate into a great first impression and help you earn trust and respect throughout your career.

 

7. Follow Up

Follow up a great conversation with a phone call, e-mail, or LinkedIn. The key here: less is more. Don’t call until they answer, just reach out to show you enjoyed the conversation and would like to continue the relationship. After that, the ball is on their court.

 

8. Dress for success

Make your first impression count by dressing professionally! Don’t let your clothing or grooming be the reason why you didn’t get a call back.

 

9. The Firm Handshake

In every situation, a firm  handshake demonstrates confidence and professionalism. A firm handshake makes a great first impression!

 

10. Do not be afraid to network

Take advantage of every networking opportunity! Professional Networking is extremely powerful and beneficial for your career. Don’t let fear stand in your way! Practice, learn from your mistakes, and take advantage of every networking opportunity!

 

Professional Networking: Expanding Connections

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Networking is one of the most beneficial career advancement techniques. Developing and implementing a professional networking strategy is a great way to promote your personal brand, build new business relationships, and discover new opportunities throughout your career.

 

Although it may seem difficult at times, networking can be very simple and enjoyable. Best part? There is always an opportunity to network. Learn a variety of easy ways to integrate networking into your daily activities:

 

networking through volunteering

1. Volunteer at your favorite organization!

Not only are you contributing to a good cause, but you will meet people with similar interests. This is a great time to connect to those in your community as well. Since volunteering usually involves a variety of companies, this is a great place to meet others from various professional fields. Worst comes to worst, you are not able to network. No problem! Volunteering also adds value to your resume.

 

2. Attend a variety of events

Networking is a huge part of every event hosted by any company, school or organization. Luckily, there is always a variety of events! Although it may seem intimidating, it’s essential to put yourself out there. This is the time to freely talk about who you are as a professional, and where you want to go with your career. Be confident and do your research prior to attending these events to make it easier for you to network. You can find these events through University websites, or sites such as Eventbrite and Meetup. Do a quick search in the fields you’re interested in, and you will find many opportunities available around your community. If you know of a specific company you’d like to interact with, visit their website regularly to check for their upcoming events as well.

 

3. Networking with those around you

networking with those around youNetworking can be as easy or as complicated as you make it. Sometimes the people you interact with on a day-to-day basis, are the best to network with. Whether it’s at school or at your current job, make an effort to get to know your peers. Great opportunities and friendships may come from it. Especially as a student, networking is very simple and beneficial during classes. This is the perfect place to get to know a variety of future professionals.

 

4. Get involved

Get involved in clubs or organizations that interest you! Tap into your community resources and see what associations or groups are present. This allows you to make great connections while enjoying a certain activity. Since these memberships are usually long-term, it relieves the pressure from trying to make a connection in a five minute conversation. Instead, it’s about getting to know others who may be able to help you in your career down the road.

 

5. Social Media

Finally, a great way to stay connected to those you met volunteering, at your old job, or at a recent event, is by connecting through social media. Depending on the person, you can find the appropriate network to connect with them. For example, if it’s a professional you’ve only met once, LinkedIn may be your best option. Facebook on the other hand, can allow you to stay connected with your past co-workers or classmates. With the help of social media, you can keep and grow your connections without having to interact with them on a day-to-day basis. Use it to your advantage to expand your network by also strengthening your personal brand.

How to Find Your Dream Job

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“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”

 

Dream Job

Many have heard this quote once or twice before; It’s refreshing, inspirational and it sounds easy enough. Yet, to do what you love seems to be a little more complicated than expected. Why is it that millions of people continue to go to a job they hate year after year? Why don’t we go after what we’re truly passionate about? Regardless of what point in  your career you’re at, life is too short to not go after your dream job (as cheesy as it might sound).

 

You may be satisfied with a job that pays well to build your resume or gain experience. Although it may give you just that, it is also taking you away from going after opportunities that may be more fitting. Unless it’s a stepping stone to where you want to go, avoid it, or it may cost you several months or even years of dreadfulness. Identify your goals, set standards and find a job that you’ll love to go to on Monday morning.

 

Step 1: Re-Evaluate! Finding your dream job means finding yourself

As much as I would love to tell you exactly what your dream job would be and how to get there, nobody knows you better than you know yourself. Once you know what you’re looking for, it’ll be much easier to find it. If you already know what that is, great! You are one of the few, but it means you are half way there. Stick to it, work hard for it and build your career around it. If you are unsure (like most), ask yourself the following questions to get you thinking on what is truly important to you and how to connect your career to your passions.

         What are the things that make you excited to get up in the morning?

         What do you value most?

         What experiences have you enjoyed the most?

         Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

         Who inspires you?

         Why are you in the career that you’re in?

         What do I want to be known for?

         What are your strengths?

         If you could be anything in the world what would it be?

 

After you’ve answered these questions (and more if you need to), take some time to create a vision statement. This will serve as a guide to steer you towards the right path. I have to admit, this may be the hardest and most time-consuming step. Don’t make it a stressful one. Simply ponder on these questions and on what you want to accomplish through your career. It’s not about defining a set career plan. It’s about identifying what factors form your dream job.

 

Step 2: Follow Your Vision

Now that you have a direction, search what other people in those positions have done to get there. It doesn’t mean you have to do exactly as they did, but you can learn from their examples. Stay proactive in your search and constantly evaluate your progress. This is not to discourage you, but to remind you of what your goals are and what areas you can improve on. With a clear vision in mind, you can start to build your career around it:

         Look for jobs that will give you the experience necessary.

         Get involved with companies that hold the same core values as you do.

         Network with people who have similar goals or a similar mindset.

         Ask for help or advice from mentors in the field.

         Acquire additional skills you may need to succeed in the job.

         Think outside the box to reach for beyond your limits.

         Avoid jobs that do not steer you in the right direction.

         Stay positive and be persistent.

 

Step 3: Stay Passionate

By following these steps, you will define and find your dream job. However, the most important thing in your career is to stay passionate. If you can’t find a job that meets your expectations, keep looking. If people tell you to go another (easier) direction, don’t listen. If the process is slower than expected, keep going. Stick to your vision and don’t let situations around you force you into the wrong job. I’m not saying stay at home and watch TV because you haven’t found the right job. I mean that you should filter your job search according to your career goals. Otherwise, you will constantly find yourself in a dead-end job. If you are not happy where you currently are, make a change for yourself! Step out of your comfort zone and reach for the many other opportunities available. When you do find yourself in a good job, continue to work hard to excel in it. Find new ways to learn and overcome any difficulties. Be persistent and don’t lose sight of your career goals until you find your dream job. You can achieve great things when you bet on yourself.

 

Hear how one of our very own bet on herself, and changed her career path to one she loves and excels in everyday.