Tips for Students and Job Seekers

Tip #1.

Having problems staying on track?

Look ahead and focus on what is not happening right now. With goals ahead of you it is easier to focus and not get distracted on the immediate gratification or short term activity that don't yield long term results.For example when graduation by a specific date is your goal and you can clearly see that the parties don't become a priority. If attaining a 3.5 GPA is your target, putting in the time to make it happen becomes an easier choice.
Choose ahead of time what you want to do and be focused but not inflexible. Go for balance in your life & go for it.

Tip #2.

Want to Ace that class? Try this!
Ask the Professor "What do I have to do to get an A in your class?" They will tell and remember you because hardly anyone ever asks. No professor is going to get upset or downgrade you because you asked them how to get an A. You will stand out, when it's a judgement call they may give you the benefit of the doubt or even opportunities for extra credit.
But, if you ask the question, have a reason to give be prepared to do the work!

Tip #3.

Let's talk money!
Invest in a speech class or join a Toastmasters club! It's worth the investment many times over and in my book should be a required course for every college student. People who make it into management, top positions, head or represent companies, travel, negotiate etc. are the ones who know their craft and communicate best. They get become the experts and are picked to do the talking that results in greater exposure, more responsibility and tons of money. There are very few shy or quiet millionaires and successful CEOs.
From your interviews to your employment communication is key. If speaking before others you don't know frightens you practice until you master it. Use a camcorder and get critiqued by someone who will give you good feedback.

Tip # 4.
Take a job in sales or market research.

All major companies need good sales representatives, it will help you sharpen your skills and to learn to accept the inevitable No's you will hear in life without taking it too personally. Some of the highest paid people communicate well and when they can sell they make millions!

Tip #5.
Is this adding up?

Take math and business classes as electives. Never, ever say, I'm not good at Math." When tempted to do so, substitute the word money for math. Get my point? It's hard to get to a number you can't figure out. Life is a series of math problems, household and personal budgets, managing your time, planning travel. Get good at math and good with money. Do you want to earn your first million faster? Then start with the math.


Tip # 6.
Are you a Leader?
Be active but focused in your involvement. Student organizations and extracurricular activities should enhance not detract from your educational experience. Think about the goal and the role you play. Note what skills you have gained and what you learned as well as contributed to the group or organization. Use it on your resume and in your life's experiences. Interviewers look for key words and phrases such as increased sales by 25%, promoted, consistently exceeded goals, initiated, was responsible for development of, improved efficiency of systems, generated additional income resulting in revenues of, implemented,...when they screen the resumes and make hiring decisions. Companies want people who can follow direction, lead others and contribute to the companies goals and objectives that result in more customers, greater customer retention, improved productivity or efficiency and increased revenues in any economy.

Tip # 7.

Give to get.

If you don't have much job experience volunteer your time. Yes, do it for free to get the experience and/or a foot in the door. During these school years you are paying for the education that will help you in the future, volunteer whether it's a for profit or non profit organization. If it isn't a fit you can always reduce your hours or quit however it may be a place you want to work and they often hire good volunteers when openings arise. Companies don't care if you were a volunteer or paid employee and volunteering shows initiative. Intern and do coops when you can and take the work seriously even if it's low or no pay!

Tip # 8.

Don't play with the resume'!

Resumes are the first step to getting your foot in the door of any company. Therefore they are vitally important. If you are not getting the response you want or worse no calls for interviews at all, it may not be the job market it may be fatal flaws in your resume'. First suggestion would be to find a professional who knows how to bring out the best in you and review your resume' even if you have to pay. If your resume doesn't get you phone calls it costs you lost opportunities or potential income. A top paying job will only come from a resume that stands out from the hundreds or thousands they can review online. Especially if you're looking for an administrative job, don't have misspelled words or grammatical errors, be complete, correct and communicate well or it will be discarded fast. If spelling is a challenge for you work on it and be sure to use spell check every time. When your name has an unusual spelling or pronunciation, try to make it easier for the company by using initials or even a more common name on the application. Sometimes it's advisable to do this anyway to avoid name discrimination. Look at the following names what images of the person come to mind. Stanley Weinberger, Karen Davis, Mar'Quise De'Von Jackson Sr., Jo Anna Ward, Armando Ortiz, She'q'uan T. Blevins, Sally O' Shea, Robert Arrington III, Ahmad Al-Quaddih, La'Tanja Monique Stewart, Sharon Kelsey, David Wolsewski, T.C.Chin, Elson Haas, Danielle LoRito, Key'Shonta'weisha D'Marea Jones. Interviewers who have to go over many applications look for reasons to eliminate applicants, names can bring stereotypes to mind that may work against you. Your goal is to get your name written on a paycheck.

Tip # 9.

Interviewing the Interviewer!

When interviewing for employment you are also interviewing them to see if their company is a fit for you. So, interview the interviewer! Be attentive and take notes and ask good questions about the companies goals, is there anything new that they are working on, if this is a new position or an existing one and others that relate to what you will be doing, not just pay and benefits. Let them know what you have done or plan to do to help them reach their goals. Ask the key question: "What are you looking for from the person you will be hiring in this position?" When they tell ask for clarification, repeat it back to make sure you got it right and didn't misinterpret (use their words). Then let them know how your qualities, skills, personality and experience fits the position and why you feel that you are uniquely qualified. Don't just answer question after question and hope you are saying the right things. Know by asking, listening, repeating when necessary and answering with examples that illustrate your qualities.

Tip # 10.

Ask for what you want....

If you want the job, let them know in no uncertain terms! Once the interview is concluded say "I want you to know that I have appreciated the opportunity to meet with you today and I want to let you know that I want the job." Of course timing is important, don't let it be the first thing you say after the second question or if there is a standard second interview and this is not the person who does the hiring. The interviewer may not know if during the interview you lost interest in the position or have other prospects. Most applicants go through the interview process and hope they will get selected but never ask for the job. So, ask for the job, give follow up calls to see if the position is still open and let them know if something else opens up you are interested in working for their company. With so many people competing for the same positions be sure you are the one who stands out! Ask for the job, stand out and leave no doubt!

Tip # 11.

Make them an offer they can't refuse!

If you really want that job and you're pretty sure they're not going to offer it to you. Offer to work for two weeks or a trial period for free under the condition that if you meet or exceed expectations they will consider hiring you. They have nothing to lose and you're halfway there.
After all a company won't bring a person in and take the time energy to train them on their systems, etc if they are not a viable candidate. It costs a lot to a business to do that. Now when you get in there, be early, stay late or to completion, learn the culture and the rules and study it like it's your only class. Sound a little far fetched? Have you heard of a competitive internship? Check out the movie The Pursuit Of Happyness with Will Smith....if you've seen it see it again! Best case scenario you get the job or you find out you don't like it and you let them know. Either way you get the exposure first hand and a chance to show your best work. In the end you have more experience and perhaps a new job.



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