Finding YOUR career

In the past 10 years or so, I have had the pleasure of helping others follow their dreams. Did some make it to their dream job? Yes. Are there several more still searching? Yes! I thought I would share some tips and tricks to help you on your job hunt. Start the conversation in the comments.

Preparation:

(1) Resume

Each job will require a new resume. Imagine you are molding yourself into that position. If the job requires teamwork and excellent communication skills - add that to your resume. Your experience and skills from your previous positions can be highlighted. You want the employer to find YOU a perfect fit.

(2) Job description

Read the job advertisement a few times before you try to match your skills with the requirements. Get to know the company mission and culture and make sure it aligns with your lifestyle, morals, and ethics. Understanding the role and the company will set you apart from many other candidates.

(3) Letters of recommendation/LinkedIn updated

LinkedIn is an effective tool to find jobs, research companies, allow recruiters to find you, and of course, network with other professionals. Find your niche and create posts that interest you about your professional career. We can make connections digitally by being our authentic selves. LORs can be a great tool to add to application packets. (Different for each company)

In the hunt:

(1) Network

Talk to people and be cheerful. First impressions can make or break your networking opportunities. This can be utilized at gyms, grocery stores, department stores, gas stations, hospitals, or any location! You never know who you will run into when you're out and about. Being likable is imperative. Comment on others' LinkedIn posts and professionally express yourself. Healthy debates can set you apart from other applicants. A social media presence is very important while you are job searching.

(2) First impressions

Let's dig a little deeper than this. A smile can go a long way. Confidence while you are walking into the company and as you maneuver through the interview. How can you stand out amongst other candidates is your main goal. What can be memorable? What sets you apart? Example: (Tell me about yourself: I am a community navigator who excels in fast-paced environments, team projects, and out-of-the-box thinking for several programs within Goodwill of Colorado. I can even connect with others after one conversation for long-lasting partnerships/relationships. It's my superpower) Now that you have read this section. What do you remember from my description? Can you think of one that is fitting for you?

(3) Clothing/Confidence

I believe in a "signature color" Mine is electric blue! I feel confident and confident when I wear it. Wear clothes that FIT and you will feel great about yourself, and that will be reciprocated by your employer. Ladies, go easy on the makeup. If you can look into the mirror and say "I look professional" then you are good to go. If you look in the mirror and say, "I look HOT!" that is the wrong outfit. Appropriate clothing is part of your first impression. Make it a good one.

?(4) Elevator Speech

You have about 30-45 seconds to describe your life's work. How can you create this? Figure out what you want to highlight to grab their interest:

(a) Introduction Example: "Hi, my name is Debra Johnson. I am a Program Coordinator, Veteran, mom, and spouse. I am known for my positivity, out-of-the-box thinking, and creativity. For the past 5 years, I created a 501(c)3 to help Veterans with their mental health, successfully managed a brand-new program with Goodwill of Colorado, and now I am looking forward to bringing my excellence to a new organization where I can provide 20+ years of customer service excellence and 20+ years of leadership and management. I have a BA in Organizational Leadership, an MBA in Entrepreneurship, and an ability to see the positive in any situation. I am ready to take the next step in my career. I know our connection will be mutually beneficial.

(5) Answer the question

When the interviewer asks a question, answer that question. Don’t overshare and go off on a tangent. There is a method to use when responding to questions:

??????????? STAR: (S-situation) First discuss the situation (set the stage)

Example:

Interviewer: Tell me about a time when you were challenged by a customer.

S-situation: I was working a night shift at McDonald’s; we were short-staffed, and we had 2 buses pull into the parking lot with hungry student-athletes from a local school. (We remained open in the drive-thru and additional customers in the lobby.) We were overwhelmed. A guest came inside while we were slammed with hungry teenagers. She complained about the wait time and made some very rude remarks to me about my competence level.

T-task: We had to serve over 50 guests, and we needed hot and fresh food with excellent customer service for each one.

A-action: I had a quick huddle with the team members from the drive-thru, kitchen, and front counter service. I discussed the steps and support I would give to each. I empowered them to handle customer issues with support from me as a backup. I returned her money, made all the food fresh, and apologized for the business in the restaurant. I was able to connect with her about our military experience, which seemed to de-escalate the situation while handling a very busy restaurant.

R-result: I was able to provide that customer with kindness and empathy which allowed her to leave as a happy customer.

Comment STAR if you use this!

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Afterwards:

(1) Written thank you-this goes a long way. Do not contact the employer, trust the process.

(2) Continue to apply elsewhere-don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

(3) Network-meet people anywhere you go. You never know who you might meet.

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