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Your #Career : Use this One-Paragraph #CoverLetter to land your next #JobInterview …Most #Recruiters just Skim Cover Letters, so Here’s How to Craft a Short and Effective One that Can be Read in 60 Seconds or Less.

May 23, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Cover letters are dead, or so we’ve been told. Many recruiters and hiring managers don’t even bother to read them, opting to skim resumes instead. But however their influence might be waning, plenty of people who are faced with making hiring decisions still rely on cover letters in order to size up candidates and determine who might be worth calling in for an interview.

So how can you make your cover letter as effective as possible? Make it short. Emily Liou, career happiness coach at CultiVitae, says you can probably boil your full-page cover letter down to a single paragraph (or two), without rehashing your resume. Here’s how.

WHAT TO CUT

That formulaic opening line. “A big mistake I see candidates make,” Liou says, “is they start off very cookie cutter with the, “It’s with the utmost enthusiasm that I apply for this position. I am a great fit because . . . I bring years of . . .’” Not only do these openers waste precious space (and the hiring manager’s time), they instantly make candidates blend into the pack, when the whole point is to stand out.

All those basic “job skills” that aren’t really skills.“It seems as if everyone is detail-oriented, has strong communication skills, and is a fast learner,” Liou points out. Those descriptors have no place in a short, compelling cover letter. Chances are if it’s a meaningless buzzword on your resume or LinkedIn, it’s just as useless in your cover letter, too.

A chronological recap of your entire work experience. Don’t feel obligated to squeeze in a mention of every job you’ve ever held in the order you held them–it won’t do you or recruiters any favors. “Your resume is going to be reviewed first,” Liou says. “If the recruiter sees potential in your background, then they will read your cover letter.” So write your cover letter based on the premise that the reader is already familiar with the general outlines of your career trajectory.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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WHAT TO INCLUDE

One great thing you’d be able to do the week you start. “When writing a cover letter, it’s really important to get into the mind of your reader,” Liou explains. “The job description’s summary and main responsibilities often highlight what this successful candidate will be doing on a daily basis. Try to picture the role and ask yourself, ‘Why would I be able to immediately contribute to their team?’ In other words, be sure to highlight what specifically about your entire background and experiences sets you apart from other candidates.” Focus on productive, positive actions you’ll be able to take right away based on your current skills.

Tell a story. It can even be about them, not you. “Aim to capture their attention by telling them what about their product, service, or mission really drew you to apply for this role out of all the other similar positions out there,” Liou advises. Otherwise get autobiographical and offer an anecdote, she says. “If you have an interesting story or way you learned about the company, share this! People connect with stories and it will make your application memorable and unique.”

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

Can you fit all this into a single paragraph? Liou says it’s possible. She sketches it out like this, using a hypothetical job opening at Netflix by way of example (in her words):

Sentence 1: Strong opener that captures their attention: “Confession: I recently binged two full seasons of Narcos last weekend.”
Sentence 2: Explain why the company’s mission, product, service, etc. resonate with you so much: “As a film and TV enthusiast with a Netflix membership since 2013, I’m impressed with the user interface and features that are continuously released.”
Sentence 3: Share why you’re so passionate to see the company grow in the role: “I believe Netflix has disrupted the entire entertainment business, and I would appreciate an opportunity to provide bold recommendations backed with data in the data analyst opening.”

The next three to five sentences, Liou continues, “would then immediately dive into background and why you’re a match.” In her example, this is where you’d explain how you’d be able to start contributing to the organization right away–since you’ve already offered an anecdote in your first sentence.

You could hit “return” twice and start a new paragraph before sharing that, but you’ll still be left with a lean, clean cover letter that’s compelling to read. Which, of course, is exactly the point.

FastCompany.com | May 23, 2018 | Rich Bellis

Your #Career : Hit the Ground Running- Your Guide to Surviving the First Months of #Unemployment …It can take on Average Six Weeks to Eight Months to Find a #NewJob . Here’s the Best Way to Spend that #JobHunting Time.

May 18, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

At some point in your career, it’s likely you’ll face unemployment: whether it takes you awhile to find a job after graduation or you are the victim of a round of corporate layoffs. Workplace expert Amy Cooper Hakim says today’s global marketplace makes many positions disposable. “Organizations aren’t as committed to their employees, and employees aren’t as committed to their organizations. As such, long-standing tenure within organizations is much less common,” she says.

Bottom line? The busier you keep yourself during this period–from applying and side-hustling to keeping a go-get-’em mindset–the more likely you’ll pull out of the unemployment bracket and into your new office.

So when you’re out high and dry–and anxiously eyeing your savings account–what’s the best approach to job searching? Career branding expert Wendi Weiner says recent data suggest it takes at least six weeks–and up to eight months–to earn an offer letter, making what you do during this idle time vital. Marrying a sharp focus with tenacious hustling and a picky attitude is the best way to approach your career pursuits as you set a three-month goal for yourself. Here’s your expert-approved guide through the process:

WEEK ONE

Though you could be struggling with nerves, the first seven days also mean mornings sleeping in and catching up on the latest Netflix obsession. Hakim says not to give yourself too much of a hard time over this sluggish session, since it can actually do wonders for your psyche: “Allow yourself the chance to mourn your old job and to make peace with the change. This clarity of mind can help you to determine next steps, career wise, too,” she says.

You shouldn’t be completely unproductive though. “Research companies of interest and create a spreadsheet,” Weiner says. “Begin to research who are the key players at the companies, the positions available, and the target positions you are seeking.”

Don’t have the appetite to start networking in person yet? You can still set yourself up for future elbow-rubbing by updating all of your career documents and profiles, Weiner adds. From your LinkedIn profile to your resume and cover letter template, this will make the application process that much more seamless once you’re ready to put yourself out there. Don’t forget about recommendations, either—now is the time to reconnect with a former boss, a trusted mentor, or a colleague who will happily sing your praises, Hakim reminds.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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ONE MONTH IN

Check yourself: By now you should have at least secured a few in-person interviews, attended networking lunches or functions, and sent out plenty of job applications. If you’re not getting yourself out there, you’re falling behind, according to the experts. Nearly 70% of all jobs are won via networking. This is the time when you should be shouting from the rooftops that you’re competitive, desired, and available for the right opportunity. “Your goal is to be noticed and recognized as a thought leader. Ask connections to introduce you to key players in your field. Ask others if they know of a job or of a person who might be able to help. Without being pushy or presumptuous, we get what we need when we ask for it,” Hakim explains.

Don’t forget to take copious notes about your experiences, whether face-to-face or digitally. This helps you concentrate on progress and pave the way for your next follow-up or interaction. “Have a column for notes/feedback so that you aren’t duplicating your efforts. You don’t want to haphazardly contact the same person or same company twice with that first email communication,” Weiner warns. “You also want to chart when you are receiving/sending responses to companies so that you are being proactive.”

SIX WEEKS IN

If you’ve been following your homework diligently, Weiner predicts you’re in the middle of second and third rounds of interviews, with an offer formulating on the horizon. Even if you think you’re this close to securing a job, it’s important as ever to remain active. You want to ensure your network continues to sprout, just in case you’re passed over for an opportunity you think you have in the bag. “Consider attending networking events, professional conferences, and events in your industry and niche so that you are building a strong network of connectivity with others,” she says.

During this time, you might start to lose your steam–especially if receive a few rejections–so don’t forget to prioritize your health, too. Weiner says job seekers should commit to one healthy habit a day–from healthy meals and exercise to soaking up vitamin D outside and creating a budget–to keep a positive attitude. After all, showing up cranky to an interview won’t bode well for your chances.

TWO MONTHS IN

Are you still showering daily? How much coffee are you drinking? How about booze? When unemployed folk reach the two-month mark, it’s normal–and expected–to feel frustrated with the process. As tough as it is to push through your growing insecurity in your abilities, Weiner says your tenacity will win in the long run.

To help you get through the many rejection levels and ghosters, she suggests setting up a daily schedule to keep your mind occupied–instead of spiraling. “Spend a few hours in the morning researching jobs, and spend the afternoon reaching out to the major contacts at those jobs. Continue being proactive, but also stick to a schedule. If you are staring at your computer all day waiting for the phone to ring, you will find yourself continuing to stress. Head to the gym for a daily workout, or go to the park,” she says.

Another effective way to boost your morale, according to Monster.com career expert Vicki Salemi, is to reach out to trusted colleagues or friends who have also faced unemployment for an extended period. Use their experience to compare notes, find holes you might be missing, and, of course, remind you of how super-talented and stellar you are.

AFTER THREE MONTHS

Sure, months fly by quickly when you’re busy pulling late-nighters for a new client or waking up early to catch a business-class red-eye to London–but when you’re unemployed? Each day feels endless and deafening. Twelve weeks into unemployment and you’re understandably fed up. Instead of accepting defeat, challenge yourself to approach your job search with strategy–and flexibility.

Hakim says many people have too narrow of a pool in the beginning: Are there other geographical areas you’re open to? Roles that might also work for your skill set? A lateral move instead of one that propels you upwards? Have you already forgotten about professionals you connected with in month one? What are they up to now? What advice do they have for you? These questions might not be the easiest to stomach or process, but they could mean the difference between a “yes” and a “no.”

Salemi adds that a critical eye toward your progress could also prove beneficial, since you might have grown a tad lazier as time has passed. And perhaps too rose-colored about the “perfect job” instead of one that could serve its purpose for now. “Have you been landing phone interviews, but not office interviews? Are you thinking broadly enough–maybe there’s a company that has an awesome part-time opportunity that can, in due time, be parlayed into a full-time one? Think outside the box in ways you can earn money, contribute your valuable skill set to an organization, and stay busy,” she says.

Bottom line? The busier you keep yourself during this period–from applying and side-hustling to keeping a go-get-’em mindset–the more likely you’ll pull out of the unemployment bracket and into your new office.

FastCompany.com | May 18, 2018 | BY LINDSAY TIGAR 6 MINUTE READ

Your #Career : How To Elevate Yourself When Your #JobSearch And #Life Are Dragging You Down…When you are #Interviewing , it is Easy to Become Discouraged and Feel Defeated and Dejected. It’s Not just You; Everyone Experiences Rejection in the Process.

May 17, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Here are some motivational thoughts to keep you positive and energized when your job search—and life for that matter—is looking bleak and hopeless.

Treat each day as a new beginning. Don’t get caught up with all the failures from the past. Forget about prior indiscretions, feuds, animosities or something a family member said to you 13 years ago that you forgot what it even was, but you still won’t talk with them. This is history. History is over. You are not that person any longer. You are the person living in the here and now.

There are no “what ifs” only “what’s next.” So, you made the wrong choice over which college to attend and chose the wrong major. You didn’t have a mentor or get the big break. We have to move on and forget about the “what ifs.” It is a new start. There are so many successful people who have made it big later in life. They learned from their mistakes and then catapulted their careers. Some people made all the so-called “right choices,” did well at first and now are just flatlining. Your life and career are long-term marathons and not sprints.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Be the person you always wanted to be. It’s never too late to become that person. Don’t live to solely impress others or live out someone’s dreams. Even if you fail, it will be on your own term—as your own person. You don’t want to look back when you are 90-years-old and say you should have done x, y, or z. Do the hard work now to make the 90-year-old you happy and proud.

Follow the career choice that is right for you. Acquiescing to a job or profession because you think it will make your parents happy and get them off your back or to impress your friends is not a long-term recipe for success. You will end up being miserable. As an executive recruiter, I can’t begin to tell you how many lawyers I have spoken to that made their career decisions for the reasons mentioned and are now terribly miserable. Find a career path that aligns with your values and suits your skills, temperament and abilities. Also, make sure you can make a living.

Complaining is a waste of the short, precious time that we have. Life is unfair; it’s short and brutal. We die at the end of our movie. Usually, it ends quite badly. Since we all know this, why trouble yourself with complaining and whining? It doesn’t help. It actually makes you feel worse and bothers anyone who listens to you. Accept what you can’t change and spend the time you’ve allotted to complaining toward modifying what you can actually change.

Don’t sit around waiting for something to happen. Act. Make something happen. Be assertive and active. You’ll sleep when you’re dead. Make your own breaks in this world. Create your own opportunities. You can’t wait for opportunities to drop into your life. Nobody cares if you fail and nobody will hand you a life; you need build it yourself.

Figure out what you want to do with your life and career. Then, work on how to actually make it happen. Spend at least as much time considering your career as you do watching football or binge-watching stupid television shows.

Stop sleepwalking through life. Appreciate what you have. Work toward what you want.

Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. It could be your spouse, children, friends, a nice spring day or a puppy. Live in the moment. Don’t spend all your time either obsessing over the past or worried about the future. Enjoy, appreciate and savor the here and now.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Mostly everything is small stuff. Save the worrying for when a loved one has terminal cancer or an unfair, irreversible health situation. Only then do you deserve the right to worry and complain.

Hold yourself to the highest standard that you set for yourself and do what you know is the right thing to do—even if no one is watching.
Don’t put your life on hold for anything or anyone.
Set goals that you want to achieve. Every day, work your butt off toward achieving your goals. Just moving the ball a little down the field is helpful. Work toward getting 1 % better every day.

Carefully consider and evaluate what you’re doing on a daily basis. Expend your time and energy wisely on meaningful endeavors. Don’t be afraid to quit things when you realize that you have mistakenly headed in a direction that does not align with your vision for yourself and your principles. Don’t do things for the sake of doing them. Shut off your autopilot and take the steering wheel. Do the things you love because life is too precious to spend it doing anything else. If you don’t enjoy something, then don’t do it.

Discover your passion in work and life. If possible, make your passion a career or business.

Listen when people talk to you. It may surprise you to know that there are some really smart people out there that you can learn from. You already know what you know, maybe you will learn from the janitor, your annoying coworker, the nosy neighbor or the CEO.

Remain open to constructive criticism, but don’t take it personally or let it hinder you. Implement the advice if and when it fits within your goals and objectives.

Stay positive because… why not? It’s just as easy as being negative, but is healthier and makes you and everyone else around you feel better.

Don’t badmouth other people or gossip; it’s a waste of time and energy.

Be honest with people or, at very least, don’t lie to them.

Be empathetic, understanding, caring and compassionate. You never really know what someone else is going through or had to endure.

Believe in yourself and your abilities. If you don’t have faith and confidence in yourself, why should anyone else? Treat yourself as you would your best friend. You wouldn’t excessively criticize, chastise, fault-find your best buddy and expect him or her to remain friends with you. Act kindly toward yourself. Have mercy on yourself when you fail, screw-up, and understanding when you do dumb things. This will help build up confidence and happiness, which ultimately leads to success.

It’s too much work to hold grudges and stay angry at people. Forgive those who may have done you wrong in the past. You are better off with more friends and less enemies.

Let go of material attachments. Don’t measure yourself or fixate on social status, fame, wealth or vapid accumulation of shiny objects. Enjoy your possessions, but don’t allow them to own you or let the pursuit of material things consume you. Someone else will inevitably inherit them all or they will be sold to pay off inheritance taxes when you die.

Save as much money as you can, as early in life as possible. By accumulating a nice nest egg, you can then make career and life choices based on your principles—and not because you have to pay the rent and utility bills.

Extricate yourself from toxic relationships. Walk away from negative, dishonest, disingenuous, phony, disrespectful, hurtful and time-wasting people. Spend time with others who are supportive, loving, caring and enable you to succeed. Find friends and colleagues compatible with your principles, who are also positive, successful, strong achievers and growth-oriented. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Treat the janitor like the CEO. Try to build genuine, authentic connections with people around you including strangers, friends, family and colleagues. Try to make deeper and more meaningful connections with people.

Do a kind deed once a day. Help others in need or people when they least expect it—without reason.

Constantly review and evaluate your life to make sure you are on the correct path. Set aside time for daily or weekly introspection and review sessions to assess how your pursuit of goals is going. Review your purpose and principles. It is okay if they change as you grow personally and professionally and mature in age.

Fight back against procrastination, as it is a time-sucking enemy of your plans.

Keep learning, reading and improving your mind.

Stay away from comparing yourself to others. It will only make you jealous and disappointed. Only compare yourself to the person you were yesterday.

Try new things. Get yourself out there. Stop sticking to routines and comfort zones.

Don’t settle. Reach to become the best at what you do. Stretch yourself. For example, what are you doing right now? Is it improving your life? Is it possible to do something more productive?

Set big, scary goals. Explore your limits and blow right past them. Keep an open mind for new opportunities and embrace different ideas rather than fear them. Don’t box yourself in mentally or emotionally.

Find mentors and life coaches who care about you and can help you with your journey. Ask them for honest feedback and constructive criticism to help you become the person you aspire to be.

Pay it forward by mentoring others and help them live their best lives too.

If I am wrong about any—or all—of this, at least you can tell yourself that you tried and took some effort to improve your life and career.

Forbes.com | May 17, 2018 | Jack Kelly , CONTRIBUTOR

Your #Career : This Common Mind-Set is Killing your #JobSearch …Are you Considering a #CareerChange ? We Feel for You! The Right Attitude can Go a Long Way.

May 16, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

It can be tough to realize that the role or field you’ve dedicated years of your life to isn’t working out. So tough that you start wondering how you’ll ever make a change and maybe even develop the discouraging sense that you can’t make the change yourself–that if you’re going to have any chance at all, it’s up to someone else to give you a lucky break.

If you find yourself feeling insecure about your prospects for a new job and starting to think you need a hiring manager or recruiter to “take a chance on you,” it’s time to check your attitude. Wanting a lucky break might seem like an innocent enough idea, but in reality, it does a great disservice to you, your prospective employer, and your job hunt. Here’s why:

WHERE DOES THIS IDEA COME FROM?

The origin of this idea could be that grandparent’s story we’ve all heard about showing up in the office and being so persistent that, despite a lack of work experience and a naive approach to business, they got the job. Another source might be the despair that comes with a career change–we doubt ourselves, our decisions and our ability to do something new, so we put the pressure on someone else to make it happen.

WHY IS THIS IDEA UNHEALTHY?

First, this attitude dismisses all of your skills and qualifications and removes your power from the situation. Instead of being a smart, talented candidate, you’re acting as if you’re unqualified, desperate, and in need of a favor. Not only is that a damaging way to think about your own career, but–outside of a lot of pressure from mutual connections–no hiring managerin their right mind would consider you a front-runner for the job.

Second, and most important to your case, this attitude kicks off a professional relationship by expecting someone else to put their necks on the line for you. It sets up hiring managers as cruel gatekeepers to your dreams who just need to have mercy on you; and if they don’t, it’s not your fault–they’re just mean.

In reality, hiring managers are honest people trying to do their jobs. When they read your resume, they’re thinking, “Does it make sense for me to hire this person for this job?” and, “Am I reasonably certain they can perform this job with the regular amount of training?” If the answer isn’t an obvious yes, they could get in trouble for hiring you, and it could have serious consequences for them!

Wherever we get the idea that “we just need someone to give us a chance,” it’s important to understand that job-hunting has changed over the past 10 years. It’s no longer difficult for employers to find candidates with bachelor’s degrees and industry intern experience, so they rarely need to resort to hiring an unknown entity or sit poring over a resume trying to figure out how your skills can work for them.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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WHAT SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT INSTEAD?

Remove the idea of getting a lucky break or a once-in-a-lifetime chance from your mind. Turn your attention towards things that you actually have control over: a compelling cover letter that explains the passion and careful thought behind your career change and a resume highlighting the transferable skills that make you a good fit for the job you want. Make it your goal to show hiring managers and recruiters that they aren’t taking a chance on you; they’re making a hiring decision that will bring new insights, skills and talents to the role they’re looking to fill.

When you find yourself standing at the beginning of a career change journey, it’s natural to feel intimidated. But keep in mind that you’re not alone. While this might be your first career change, others have gone before you and made the leap with great success and still more have made significant pivots in their career that add up to big changes, too. Surround yourself with a support network, tap into the resources here on Glassdoor, and take a chance on yourself!

BY SARAH GREESONBACH | GLASSDOOR | May 16, 2018 | 3 MINUTE READ

Your #Career : 18 Companies Looking to #Hire for #EntryLevelJobs …We’ve Made It a Bit Easier for You by Identifying Companies that are Actively #Hiring for Entry-Level or New Grad Roles.

May 10, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

With employers adding another 164,000 new jobs to payrolls in April, the nation’s unemployment rate is down to 3.9 percent. This means that there are growing labor shortages in tech, skilled trades, and health care are putting more workers in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiating for pay. But before negotiating salary, you’ve got to find a job, right?!

Whether you’ve just gotten your AA, BA, MA or PhD, you’re a new grad looking for that first entry-level job that will unlock the door to the rest of your career. You’ve got the skills and the knowledge, now you need the right role.

We’ve made it a bit easier for you by identifying companies that are actively hiring for entry-level or new grad roles. After you’ve checked and triple checked your resume, click submit on one of these open jobs.

Harris Corp
Where Hiring: Chantilly, VA; Melbourne, FL; Clifton, NJ; Colorado Springs, CO; Columbia, MD & more.
What Roles: Finance, Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer, Subcontracts, Material Planning, Systems Administrator, Systems Engineer & more.
What Employees Say: “The greatest part being what we do for the military. Our products have saved lives and I am proud to work at Harris for that reason alone!” —Current Employee

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Northrop Grumman
Where Hiring: El Segundo, CA; Mojave, CA; Melbourne, FL; McLean VA; Baltimore, MD & more
What Roles: Intelligence Analyst, Supply Chain, Information Systems Project Manager, PeopleSoft Developer, Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, RF Microwave Design Engineer & more.
What Employees Say: “The company is forward thinking, diverse, and of course technically advanced. There is a lot of opportunity within the company to grow careers and advance your education.” —Current Solutions Architect

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Browse Open Jobs

Fidelity Investments
Where Hiring: Boston, MA; Westlake, TX; Smithfield, RI; Covington, KY; Albuquerque, NM & more.
What Roles: Financial Analyst, Specialist in Corporate Security, Service Trainee, Market Data Analyst, Investment Sales Associate, Financial Representative, Customer Relationship Advocate & more.
What Employees Say: “Great benefits and work life balance. Employees you work with are great and always happy to be there.” —Current Financial Representative

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Starbucks
Where Hiring: Seattle, WA
What Roles: Distribution Specialist, Barista, Customer Triage Manager, Shift Supervisor, Data Analyst & more.
What Employees Say: “Great Benefits, Flexible Schedule, Education help — Learn many different things.” —Current Employee

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Computer Aided Technology
Where Hiring: Cincinnati, OH, Seattle, WA; Indianapolis, IN; Buffalo Grove, IL & more.
What Roles: Inside Sales Representatives & Account Managers
What Employees Say: “Very engaged management, great benefits, an impressive culture to work in, given the ability to drive my own success.” —Current Account Manager

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KIND Snacks
Where Hiring: Reno, NV; Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY; Omaha, NE; Sacramento, CA Madison, WI & more.
What Roles: Brand Ambassador, University Ambassador, Field Sales Representative, Key Account Manager, Associate Field Marketing Manager & more.
What Employees Say: “Working remotely on a university campus gives you a ton of flexibility with creating your own schedule. I loved being able to collaborate with other organizations on my college campus, and it was great to have my regional manager and other campus ambassadors readily accessible via email, GroupMe, etc. for fresh ideas and advice.” —Former University Ambassador

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TransUnion
Where Hiring: Crum Lynne, PA; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA & more.
What Roles: Relationship Account Executive I, Credentialing Representative, Billing Associate, Customer Service Representative,
Business Analyst – Sales and Business Operations, Marketing Strategy Analyst, Technical Product Analyst & more
What Employees Say: “The environment is very casual and relaxed. The focus on work life balance is very much appreciated. The managers strive to ensure their teams succeeds.” —Current Employee

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CARFAX
Where Hiring: Centreville, VA & more
What Roles: Customer Support Specialist, Inside Sales Consultant, Inside Outside Sales Consultant of Advertising & more.
What Employees Say: “The culture is amazing, some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. Genius developers and great senior team.” —Current SEO Analyst

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Boston Scientific
Where Hiring: Burlington, MA; Maple Grove, MN; Marlborough, MA & more.
What Roles: Customer Service Rep II, Supplier Engineer, Deskside Technician II, Customer Service Rep., Customer Support Specialist & more.
What Employees Say: “Excellent mission. Thoughtful orientation and onboarding process. Always thinking about improving the quality of life and saving lives of patients.” —Current Employee

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UPS
Where Hiring: Cincinnati, OH; San Pablo, CA; Nashville, TN; Windsor, CT; Plainfield, IN & more.
What Roles: Part-time Operations Supervisor, Account Executive, Inside Sales Representative, Aircraft Load Planner, Customs Brokerage Rep, Revenue Recovery Admin & more.
What Employees Say: “The benefits and pay are great. The company’s reputation speaks for itself. Stable environment and professionalism at its best.” —Former Accounting Assistant

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John Hancock
Where Hiring: Boston, MA
What Roles: Sales Process Support Associate, Data Scientist, Consolidation Coordinator & more.
What Employees Say: “Great job for someone starting out who’s interested in financial markets.” —Former Employee

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BambooHR
Where Hiring: Lindon, UT
What Roles: SDR – Sales Development, Marketplace Partner Specialist, Demand Generation Marketing Specialist & more.
What Employees Say: “Culture, culture, culture. The benefits are above average. Annual raises (if you perform well). The company has and continues to be all about its employees.” —Current Employee

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SecureLink
Where Hiring: Austin, TX; San Jose, Costa Rica & more.
What Roles: Sales Development Representative, Account Executive, Market Researcher, Software Developer & more.
What Employees Say: “The people that work here all have great attitudes, are incredibly talented, and genuinely care about what they are doing. The biggest pro about working at SecureLink would without a doubt be the amazing culture. It’s energizing, refreshing, and engaging to work in an environment like this.” —Current Employee

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Proctor and Gamble
Where Hiring: Cincinnati, OH; Saint Louis, MO; Boston, MA & more.
What Roles: Product Supply Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Plant Technician, Sales Account Manager, Junior Assistant Brand Manager, Finance Analyst, Regional Microbiologist & more.
What Employees Say: “Great academy for leadership skills, challenging experiences from day 1 and excellent working environment. There’s a lot of opportunities for growth, they really care on developing their people.” —Current Assistant Brand Manager

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Eli Lilly
Where Hiring: Indianapolis, IN; Branchburg, NJ; Carolina, PR; Clinton, IN & more
What Roles: Associate Consultant-IT Audit, Sales Support Specialist, Sales Representative, Operations Engineer, Associate-Clinical Trial Management, Automation Engineer, Statistician-Computation, Commercial Data Analyst (CDA) & more.
What Employees Say: “Great people and great company. Awesome work environment with brilliant and kind people, who really care. Lots of deep knowledge and expertise.” —Former Employee

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Penske Automotive Group
Where Hiring: Austin, TX; Bedford, OH; Santa Ana, CA; Benton, AR; Duluth, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Vienna, VA & more.
What Roles: Entry-level roles in: Sales, Management, Customer Service, Automotive Repair and Services, Administrative Support, Accounting and Finance & more.
What Employees Say: “Penske is all about ensuring employees are included in the growth of the company, and building strong relationships with our customers. Sales, service, or otherwise, the focus is on making sure customers and employer’s alike are satisfied.“ —Current Employee

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Aflac
Where Hiring: Independence, OH
What Roles: Sales & Aflac Benefits Consultant
What Employees Say: “Unlimited income potential but only if you work hard at it and take full advantage of the training and immerse yourself in gaining knowledge.” —Current Employer

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Henkel
Where Hiring: San Francisco, CA;
What Roles: Field Sales Representative, Business Development Intern, Customer Service Account Specialist, Product Coordinator, Assistant/Associate Brand Manager, Marketing Project Coordinator, Customer Service Representative & more.
What Employees Say: “Large global company with many internal opportunities for career growth. Good work environment, good benefits, easy for strong employees to move between locations, functions.” —Current Employee

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GlassDoor.com | May 10, 2018 | Posted by Amy Elisa Jackson

Your #Career : How To Ask For A #Referral Without Sounding Entitled Or Desperate…Referrals are a Great Way to Get an “In” at a Company. But you Should Always Be Tactful About Asking for It.

May 9, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

The most awkward networking attempt I’ve ever witnessed happened in my senior year of college. A former executive at NBC who had started his own production company came to talk to the film department at my school about entertainment careers, and I went to check it out. The speaker was great–he had plenty of insight, advice, and personal anecdotes, and I stayed after to chat with him a bit (mainly about our mutual love of 30 Rock, if I’m being honest).

Ahead of me in line was another woman who, rather than asking a thoughtful question, hit him with, “Can you help me get aninternship at your company?” Unsurprisingly, he gave her a strange look, said that she should look up the opportunities available on their careers page, and moved on. After all, why in the world would he vouch for her when he didn’t know anything about her?

I understand why you might want to ask someone to help you get a job at their company–referrals are a powerful way to get your foot in the door, and studies have shown that recruiters view referral candidates as higher quality than other sources. But if you don’t ask for one the right way, you may be doing more to hurt your application than help it. An out-of-the-blue request like the one I witnessed can come across as pushy, crass, and just plain self-serving.

To help you navigate that fine line between polite and presumptuous, we reached out to experts to hear how they suggest approaching someone for a referral–here are their tips.

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WHEN ASKING SOMEONE YOU KNOW WELL

If you’re close to somebody connected to the company–be it a friend, family member, or former colleague–you’re in luck. Assuming you have a good relationship, they will probably be happy to help you out.

“Be honest with them. Tell them what it is you’re ultimately looking for, and give them an idea of how they can help you,” recommends career coach Carlota Zimmerman.

Keep in mind, though, that a request for a referral–even when asking a close friend–is not a guarantee that you’ll receive one. If somebody can’t vouch for your work quality, they may not be comfortable putting themselves on the line for you. Because of this, it’s polite to give somebody an out, says Roy Cohen, career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide.

“Build in an exit option for friends, family, and colleagues. Sometimes, and to our great surprise and disappointment, the people closest to us will act weird when these sorts of requests are made,” Cohen says. “Rather than jeopardize the relationship, let the request go if there is any waffling.”

Cohen suggests saying something like: “I wonder if I can impose on you . . . and it’s not an issue if you can’t. I’m trying to get a referral to [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][company name] and I seem to remember that you may know that person or know someone who does. It would really mean a lot to me. Let me explain why.”

If they do end up referring you, don’t take it for granted.

“Afterwards, take them out to dinner, or buy them a small thank you present,” Zimmerman advises.

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE YOU KIND OF KNOW

Asking for a referral from an acquaintance–say, a friend of a friend or former coworker who you only talked to a handful of times–requires a little bit more finesse. One way to build goodwill and improve your odds of a response is reminding them of your connection to each other.

“It is always best if you and the acquaintance share a good mutual friend or colleague in common. That will establish your credibility as someone who is not likely to be a source of embarrassment,” Cohen says. “Send a brief note first to break the ice and to provide context as to why you are reaching out.”

Cohen suggests: “You may remember that you and I share so-and-so in common. I seem to recall that you may also have a connection to [who you want to meet or where you want to go]. I heard that there may be an opportunity there and I wanted to reach out, but I don’t know anyone at the firm. Can I impose on you? Let me tell you about my background so that you know a little bit more about me.”

This last part is key, Cohen says, as “people we barely know or know peripherally on a social basis may have little knowledge as to our backgrounds. It is always a good idea to remind them by sharing information that they may be unaware of and that may even impress them.”

This will also allow them to give hiring managers and recruiters a better idea of what you have to offer, which is key if you want to get their attention.

And just as you would with a friend, it’s nice to express your appreciation for a referral by thanking them with a phone call, note, or small gift.

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW

If you don’t know somebody who works at the company you’re interested in, all hope is not lost. These days, you can easily go online to figure out who works at a company and reach out to them. It’s best to seek out a recruiter, the hiring manager for the role, or someone who is on the team you’re interested in joining. Make sure that you’re not asking for too much too quickly, though, as that will turn people off helping you.

Once you reach out to someone via LinkedIn or email, “Always begin by expressing your gratitude, and repeat that message at the very tail end of your request,” suggests Cohen.

Then, “Use your interest in a position at the company they are working at as a way to get to know this person,” advises J. Kelly Hoey, author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World.

Kelly suggests saying: “I know we’ve recently connected on LinkedIn through XYZ, and I recently saw the X department at your company has an open position. I’m intrigued by it. Any chance I could ask you a few questions about the company and the role?”

“Use your interest as the way to start a conversation, and be open to where it leads to,” she adds.

Ask a few questions about the company culture, responsibilities of the role, what they love about working there, etc. “Then, you can begin a gentle segue into mentioning that you too would like to work for that company,” shares Sara Causey, CEO of SEC Technical, LLC.

“Have a strong pitch ready as to why you want this referral, your goals, what you bring to the table (education, experience, expertise), and crucially, why you believe this person can help you,” Zimmerman suggests. “Remember that you’re essentially asking a stranger to open doors for you, so how you present is how you’ll be perceived.”

Don’t forget to thank the person for their time, and if they do end up providing you with a referral, keep them looped in on next steps.

“In any situation where you ask for a referral and someone grants it, circle back with that person on the outcome! Nothing is worse than [being] left in the dark as to whether or not an introduction or interview came through,” Cohen says. Not to mention, “By following up, you’re also more likely to receive help from that person again in the future.”

Asking for a referral may seem intimidating, but it’s often an effective way to head to the top of the candidate list, so it’s worth the request–as long as you handle it delicately. But if you demonstrate respect for the other person, show thoughtfulness in your approach, and thank them for their time, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

GlassDoor.com | May 9, 2018 | BY EMILY MOORE—GLASSDOOR 6 MINUTE READ

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Your #Career : Ask an #InterviewCoach : How Can I Be More Compelling In Each #Interview Round…Here are Some Tips to Help you Ace each Stage of the #InterviewProcess .

May 9, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

The most competitive opportunities have multiple rounds of interviews, with 3 rounds being commonplace. While the overarching objective throughout the process is to assess the mutual fit between job seeker and employer, each stage places a different emphasis on the traits the employer wants to analyze. The earlier stages focus on ensuring you have the core qualifications, while the latter stages go deeper on your potential fit with the organization culture.

Here are some tips to help you ace each stage of the interview process.

First Round

The first interview will likely be conducted by a recruiter who is focused on ensuring they can present you as a candidate to the hiring manager. They will be listening to hear that you have experience in the core skills outlined in the job description. For example, they may want to hear that you have SQL experience when interviewing for a data analyst role.

Because this round is more about ensuring you fill the right checkboxes, you want to make sure you cover enough ground to connect the dots between the job description and how you describe your experience.

Additionally, you want to ensure you demonstrate interest in the role, as the recruiter wants to ensure they are passing candidates to the hiring manager that have a reasonable chance of accepting an offer, if presented.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Second Round

This is where things get very interesting, as there is typically several interviewers in this round, with multiple varied objectives. Here are some of the people you may interview with, and what they are looking for in your candidacy.

The 3 types of interviewers you may encounter

1. Cross-Functional Stakeholders

Organizations are increasingly employing matrixed collaboration models, where employees have to collaborate with other functional groups, and are held accountable by them, in addition to their direct boss. This requires hiring people with the right collaboration mindset to successfully navigate the inherent complexity of the model

When these stakeholders are interviewing you, their main objective is to understand what it will feel like to collaborate with you. For example, in the Product Management Interview, engineers will ask Product Managers about their approach in aligning on scope and prioritizing what the engineers will work on. They will also assess your capabilities of doing the job (e.g., analyzing requirements), but the emotional gut-feel of how they perceive your working style, will play an outsized role in determining whether they give their approval.

This is why it is important to prepare by thinking through at least 2 examples of how you have successfully collaborated with others in the past, and have clarity on the following:

How did you build a strong working relationship (e.g., trust-based, collaborative)
What were measures of success and how did you ensure all parties were recognized?
How would others describe your working style?

2. Peers

It is common to be interviewed by your future peers, also for the same reason cross-functional stakeholders interview you. But a core difference from other stakeholders is that your peers can go very deep in understanding your discrete skills. For example, it is common for Product Marketers to interview their potential peers and ask them detailed questions on campaign strategy, customer insights, and how they conduct market research.

To effectively prepare for this interview it is helpful to outline some frameworks you can internalize that outline your approach to common activities required of your job. For example, if you are a product marketer, what is your approach to launching a new campaign? You might outline a simple structure as follows:

Identify the campaign objective (e.g., create awareness)
Analyze customer segments
Research competitor campaigns
Test and iterate 10+ copy/creative combinations
Measure <specific KPI’s> and scale

The goal of outlining these frameworks beforehand is to help guide you in impromptu questions so you have a starting point in the answer, which solves a common pain point for job seekers who know how to do their job but are not sure how to frame up a cohesive answer that makes it easy to understand.

3. Hiring Manager

Hiring managers are listed last in this section because it is common for them to place significant weight on the feedback from peers and cross-functional partners, as they know your productivity will heavily rely on your ability to collaborate with these groups.

Hiring managers tend to look at the big picture, and often focus on the weakest areas of your candidacy, some of which may be informed by the other interviewers. The 2 most common areas of weaknesses that are pressure tested are:

Relevant experience: Hiring managers will be accountable for your performance, and this can lead to risk mitigation instead of taking the candidate with the highest potential. As such, it is common for them to ask deep questions about your “hard skills” and whether you have applied them in a similar environment (e.g., industry, company size, operating model). This is why you want to go through the job description, line by line, and ensure you have talking points about your relevant skills, even if you do not have direct experience, for each one.
The “why” behind your job history: The two patterns hiring managers look for is your tenure at each job and the progression of your roles. Given this, it is important to have a 2-3 liner ready to articulate the motivations behind the different moves in your career, and how each transition helped you grow and build further capabilities.

Final Round(s)

If you are invited to the final round, it means you have demonstrated the skill and organizational fit required to succeed, and now the focus shifts to a relative comparison between you and other final round candidates.

Some of the types of interviewers of round 2 will show up again, and the same strategy is applicable, however, there are also 3 nuanced interview types that are more common in final rounds.

1. Panel Interview

The panel interview is a unique opportunity to see how you interact in a group setting, tailor your communication to a varied audience, and manage the stress of simultaneous interviewers.

It is helpful to think of this interview as simulating what it will be like to be in everyday group meetings and approach the interview with that mindset. This means addressing everyone in the room and truly focusing on engaging with the audience as softer skills play a larger role here than in the first round.

2. Group Presentation

These typically consist of 2 components. First, you will be asked to introduce yourself and highlight your core experience. Second, you will be given a specific prompt pertaining to the business and you have to demonstrate a thoughtful strategy and approach to address the “problem.” This often can resemble a case interview, but where you are given more information and time to present a more thorough point of view.

For this interview type, you want to do 3 things:

Practice a synthesized (i.e., under 5 minutes) story that answers the question “Tell Me About Yourself”, with a focus on connecting the dots between your experience and the opportunity.
Budget 2 minutes per slide, and practice your cadence to ensure the presentation is the appropriate length.
Practice presentation delivery ahead of time, but do not memorize it, and do not read word for word from the presentation.

A Framework For Every Round

Before every round and each interview, think through the following to focus your preparation on the most important areas.

Who is interviewing me and what do they care about most?
What might they perceive as a weakness in my candidacy, and how can I address it?
What characteristics do I want to highlight about my candidacy that can help differentiate me from other applicants?

Jeevan is the Founder and CEO of Rocket Interview ( www.rocketinterview.com) where his team helps job seekers ace the most competitive interviews. He was an Associate Partner at McKinsey and Company and a VP of a Tech Startup where he regularly interviewed job candidates. Since then he has helped clients land jobs in roles ranging from product management to marketing. His clients have landed jobs at Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and other competitive companies. Email: jeevan@rocketinterview.com

GlassDoor.com | May 8, 2018 | Posted by Jeevan Balani

Your #Career : #Unemployed – 5 Ways to Make Money in the Middle of a #ResumeGap …A resume gap might seem a Bit Scary to Navigate, But it Doesn’t Have to Be.

May 7, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

A resume gap might seem a bit scary to navigate, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you were already planning time off between jobs or lost your job due to an uncontrollable circumstance, there are ways to take control of the situation — and still earn money and valuable experience while searching for your next career opportunity.

Here are five ways to make a resume gap work for you.

1. Become a Freelancer

There’s a freelance job for virtually every line of work: copywriting, social media management, product design, graphic design — the list goes on. Search for freelance jobs relevant to your career field, and work on your own time.

The good thing about freelance gigs is that, generally, they’re flexible. If you’re busy applying for full-time jobs, freelance work gives you the freedom you need to attend interviews at all times of the day while still earning extra money.

See Open Freelancer Jobs

2. Work as a Consultant

In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to start your own business. You can work as a consultant for another company or create your own consulting gig. This type of work exists in many different fields, and it’s important to pick a niche where you have deep knowledge and experience on a subject.

While that path to becoming a consultant might differ depending on your field, it’s essential that you build your brand and start networking to be successful. Consulting can be a good option if your gap between jobs will be a prolonged period, such as a year or longer. This way, you have the right amount of time to build up a client base and obtain even more skills to list on your resume.

See Open Consultant Jobs

3. Develop Your Own Business

Do you have a hobby or skill people would pay for? Maybe you bake delicious cakes or are good at detailing cars. Armed with those skills, talk to friends and family, and start advertising your services.

If people will pay for something you typically offer for free or do as a favor, hone in on that and market yourself as a legitimate business. Make some cheap business cards and get your name out there!

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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4. Join the Gig Economy

The infinitely growing gig economy is a great way to supplement your income, even if a task won’t necessarily benefit your career. Look into pet sitting, ride sharing, delivering groceries or even renting out a spare room on Airbnb. Don’t feel like leaving the house? No worries; you can still make money from the comfort of your own home through methods like investing in real estate on the web, working as an online bookkeeper or selling old items you don’t use anymore.

If you think earning an income through the gig economy is right for you, keep up your professional life by going to networking events, volunteering or interning part-time. These events can still be listed on your resume while you earn an income with other jobs on the side.

See Open Lyft Driver Jobs

5. Learn a New Skill

This might not make you much money right now, but learning something new you can put on a resume could mean more money in a future job. Maybe you’re only somewhat familiar with CRMs — take a course and master Salesforce, and you’ll quickly become the go-to person in your next office.

Better yet, learn some HTML or CSS coding from a free online resource. Or look into Coursera or Poynter’s News University, where you could earn certifications in fields such as marketing, journalism and online media.

Three Tips for Addressing a Resume Gap

Ready to enter the workforce again? Here are a few helpful tips for mentioning a gap on your resume or in an interview.

Address the gap clearly. Instead of ignoring it or waiting for the interviewer to ask about it, talk about your resume gap and anything relevant to the job you did during that time. If it was parental leave, state you wanted to be home to take care of your child. It’s all about being honest — addressing the gap head-on during the interview will get you further than not being straightforward about your job history.
Prepare what you’ll say ahead of time. Frame your job gap as productive time away from the office. Did you stay home with the kids and manage all the bills? Talk about how you became proficient in Excel and learned how to budget. Did you choose to take a sabbatical and travel the world? Discuss how adaptable you are and how much you learned by immersing yourself in a foreign culture.
Keep it positive. Regardless of whether or not you were let go or left of your own accord, position the circumstance in a positive way. Instead of saying you had problems with your previous manager, talk about what you learned about yourself as a professional, and what you do and don’t want out of a workplace.

You don’t have to be afraid of your resume gap. Leverage this time and use it to your advantage — learn relevant skills, get a certification in your field or explore new career opportunities. Good luck!

Jacquelyn Pica is a writer at The Penny Hoarder. Find her on Twitter @JacquelynTPH.

Glassdoor.com | May 7, 2018 | Jacquelyn Pica

Your #Career : This Is How To Stand Out When #Recruiters Come to Your College…Recruiters from Top Companies Share What Impresses Them.

May 5, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

Graduation season can be nerve-wracking, from final exams and papers to finding a job to start paying off student loans. So when your dream employer sends recruiters to campus, meeting them and convincing them you’re a good fit can feel like a game with sky-high stakes.

Recruiters from top companies say catching their attention requires prepping for and conducting your interview in a smart and savvy way. And while some of the advice might seem basic, most of them said they are surprised how many students don’t do much to differentiate themselves. Here, they share their insights to help you stand out in a good way.

GO BEYOND BASIC HOMEWORK

“Do your homework,” is standard advice when preparing for a recruiter meeting or interview. But, when you meet with one of the team members at Intel, it helps to go beyond the basics, says Barbara Fisher, vice president and chief human resources officer of Intel Talent Management. Knowing the company’s financials is one thing. Knowing where it’s making investments or facing strategic challenges is something else.

“Everyone can use the buzzword, the artificial intelligence, or machine learning, or Internet of Things, but what is it they’re doing in there?” she says. “If it’s Intel, what are some of the challenges in their process, technology, or some of the opportunities that they’re seeing in autonomous driving? If you just dig in a little bit to the company, [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][you’ll] understand it a little bit to have an intelligent conversation.” Good places to look include the company’s investor relations section as well as trade media.

And, while you’re at it, if you know who the recruiter is in advance, do a little digging there, too, says Sjoerd Gehring, VP of talent acquisition and people experience at Johnson & Johnson. Check out their public social media accounts, especially LinkedIn and Twitter, and find out if you have common interests. It’s another way to show that you’re interested in making a connection to the recruiter and the company, Gehring says. If you’re going to a job fair where there are many recruiters, pick your top four or five and spend more time with them, engaging them in conversation and asking questions about the roles, instead of trying to hand out your resume to as many recruiters as possible, he adds. Opt for quality interactions instead of quantity.

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PERFECT YOUR PAPERWORK

No matter how many times it’s repeated, candidates still don’t ensure that their resumes are error-free and up-to-date. Even a simple unclear date can take you out of the running for important opportunities, says Cindy Loggins, eBay’s director of university recruiting and programs. For example, eBay doesn’t hire students who have graduated as interns. If you’re a senior who needs an extra semester to graduate and are going back to school in the fall, failing to update your resume to reflect that could knock you out of the running for an internship, she says. “Make sure your date is accurate when you’re presenting it to people, because that again shows really that you want to be here,” she says.

Job search and information website CareerBuilder conducts an annual survey of outrageous resume mistakes. In the 2016 survey, one respondent reported that an applicant’s last name was auto-corrected from “Flin” to “Flintstone.” His first name was Freddie. Another respondent recounted that an applicant claimed they had “great attention to detail,” but “attention” was misspelled. Given that about 43% of recruiters look at a resume for less than a minute, typos are a quick way to eliminate candidates for sloppiness.

KNOW YOUR STORY

While it may seem like a smart strategy to not share goals or job interests that may limit the opportunities to match you to open positions, being a generalist is actually more of a risk, Gehring says. The job market is thriving and applicants have many choices. “And so, if you play the generic game—”I can work anywhere or in any industry, in any company, or in any kind of role”–that might be true, but you unintentionally almost disqualify yourself from many of those opportunities,” he says. “What companies are looking for is if you have a very well-articulated point of view in terms of why you want to work for that company in that industry, and the impact you want to have in that job.”

Gehring recalls one memorable candidate whose mother had recently been diagnosed with a particular form of cancer. The candidate confessed that she felt helpless She wanted to work Johnson & Johnson as a recruiter to find scientists and doctors on the oncology team to who may be able to find a cure for that cancer. “I thought that was a very powerful articulation of what she ultimately wanted, the small impact of the small role that she wanted to play in that scenario,” he recalls.

Beyond that, it’s a good idea to connect your campus experience to your desired role, says Jacob Spangler, a management consultant with Accenture and the campus recruitment lead for the University of Texas at Austin. When Spangler meets with prospective hires at the university, he is impressed when students take what they’ve done during their university careers and relate it to how they can make a difference for Accenture.

“They don’t really emphasize that they’ve got the skills that we’re looking for already it might not be manifested in the most obvious way but students can do a huge benefit for themselves by kind of amping them up and really trying to find that what they do, piecing the story together of the activities that they do and how that fits into a consulting internship or a marketing internship or whatever it is that they’re applying for,” he says.

He also encourages students to be authentic. Consulting is a people business, and if you’re too concerned about fitting in to show some personality, that could be problematic, he says. A recruiter may see dozens of students in a day, and he’ll tune out canned answers and buzzwords. “I’d much rather have an authentic conversation to figure out what we’re really getting–not just the facade you’ve created up front,” he says. Plus, if you’re faking who you are because your “real” self might not fit in, that’s probably not the right place for you, anyway.

DON’T ASSUME “NO” IS “NEVER”

Even if the recruiter meeting doesn’t turn into a job, don’t give up, Gehring says. Keep in touch with the recruiter, network with people at the company, and keep applying for job openings, he says. The company built a recruitment tool called J&J Shine which lets applicants track their progress, read relevant job-search content, and get feedback and skill development resources to help them improve for next time or to find more relevant jobs for them. “So, a no for a job hardly ever is a no on J&J,” he says.

FastCompany.com | May 5, 2018 | BY GWEN MORAN 5 MINUTE READ

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Your #Career : These Are 5 Beliefs You Need To Ditch When You’re #JobHunting …When the Going gets Tough, it’s Easy to Succumb to Negative Thoughts. But Try your Best to Get over These Mentalities that Can be Detrimental to your Job Hunt.

May 3, 2018/in First Sun Blog/by First Sun Team

We all have different filters through which we see the world that influence our attitudes and behaviors. One filter that is common to many is that of the “victim.” When circumstances become challenging, we sometimes use this “victim filter,” to ease certain ego bruises we experience. This filter leads us to feel victimized by events perceived to be beyond our control.

When going through the interview process, we subject ourselves to all kinds of vulnerabilities that may compel us to play the victim card. This kind of mentality can be especially detrimental when it manifests during a job hunt.

As a candidate, it’s your job to ensure that:

You’re able to articulate yourself professionally and sell your experiences
Your professional documents tell a clear and formatted story
You’re prepared for each interview

If you can’t check these boxes, then there’s work to be done beyond adjusting your attitude. However, if you’re confident that you’ve met the criteria discussed above, and you’re still experiencing interview rejection, it’s important to counter the negative thoughts that may result. Let’s examine some common victim mentalities.

1. “IF A PERSON I REACH OUT TO FORGETS TO FOLLOW UP, THEY MUST NOT WANT TO HELP”

People are usually well-intentioned and willing to help. Before assuming that someone has dropped off the face of the earth to avoid helping you, consider that they may have simply forgotten, or your approach didn’t work! People get inundated with messages all day, so it’s your job to be thoughtful about standing out.

Consider the following strategies before writing a person off:

Take the initiative to follow up and nurture your leads
When reaching out to someone for networking purposes, remember to ask for advice, not a job
Refine and retry your messaging–a/b test your strategies to see what works

Reframe your thoughts to, “This person forgot to get back to me, but it’s my job to follow up and make a great impression.”

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Continue of article:

2. “I DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE, SO I WON’T BOTHER APPLYING”

Job descriptions often set out a wish list of qualities required of candidates that are more aspirational than mandatory. Though you might not have the years of experience, your skill set might nonetheless still fit the bill for a given position. Less experience also means a lower pay grade, which can be an advantage for an organization.

Break the job description down into tasks, and if you feel you could succeed in each area, don’t hesitate to apply.

Reframe your thoughts to, “I can’t change my work experience, but if I get rejected at least I went for it!”

3. “JOB HUNTING IS HARD FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME”

Whether you’ve been laid off, fired, or left a job, it’s tempting to think that you’re the only one struggling. You need to acknowledge that job hunting is hard for everyone; and you can’t pretend that there won’t be rejection involved. “You’ll need to build the confidence to move on from setbacks and get back on the horse,” says Work & Life Coach Minda Miloff. It’s important to fill your life with meaningful hobbies and projects, so when a challenge presents itself in one area, your confidence remains intact!

Reframe your thoughts to, “Job hunting is hard for everyone. I will show empathy and help those in their job search whenever I can.”

4. “I’VE BEEN REJECTED FROM SO MANY JOBS–IT’S NOT FAIR!”

When an organization makes a choice about who gets the job, the decision may not always be based on criteria that is transparent to you. Though the outcome might not be what you hoped, there is always something to learn and a tangible skill to be gained through each interview, says Miloff. Assume that the competition is stiff, and you can’t predict how things will unfold. Focus on what you can learn from each interview, and use that to drive yourself forward.

Reframe your thought to, “I’ve been rejected from so many jobs, but I’ve learned from each rejection, and I know that all it takes is one person to say yes.”

5. “I’M NEVER GOING TO LAND THE JOB I WANT”

While you need to project the confidence that you’ll be successful, it’s important to monitor your expectations and be realistic that there is a chance things won’t work out. Interviews should be viewed as a performance about “delivering the best of who you are on the spot,” says Miloff. At some point, you have to say, “I did my best,” and that’s a helpful countermeasure to feeling knocked down.

Reframe your thoughts to, “I will land the right job eventually. I accept that it might take time, commitment, and grit on my behalf.”

It’s normal to indulge in some necessary pity parties. However, career development requires mental toughness, strength to recover, and self-awareness to recognize your own weaknesses or alternatives for why things didn’t work out. Rejection is an unavoidable part of the process, and so the quicker you learn to bounce back and re-strategize, the more success you’ll find!

FastCompany.com | May 3, 2018 | BY STACY POLLACK—GLASSDOOR 4 MINUTE READ