Beyond Work is our line of resources for people and community leaders looking for something new and innovative, be it a new job, career change, or personal development outside of work. Read this category specifically for Career Development.
When you look for a new job , whether it’s out of necessity or because you’re ready for the next thing, it’s usually a stressful time. When stressed, many people fall back on what they’re used to. And if you’re used to exaggerating on social media, you may not realize the extent to which this language bleeds onto your application, which can make you unlikable—or worse.
Read more about this subject here:
Social Media Is Ruining Your Chances On Getting a Job, But Not In the Way You think!
We’re continuing our series of highlighting other authors and articles that speak to authenticity. This week, I’m sharing thoughts by Nicole Matos:
The best advice I can give you as a job candidate is to be genuine, honest, even vulnerable. In a world of hucksters and blowhards, believe it or not, authenticity sells. – Authenticity and the Job Interview by Nicole Matos
Here is a great read on Authenticity and the Job Interview.
While we are contemplating authenticity, how does this relate to the job seeker, and in particular, his or her resume? This week I’ve spent some time reviewing resume assignments for our facilitating career development course. It’s amazing how many formats and takes there are on the traditional resume. As a job seeker, your resume is the key to getting your foot in the door. So, how do you present the best possible version of yourself in two pages or less, and how can you ensure it is authentic?
Resumes are tricky. I always recommend having a master resume that you can adjust based on the position for which you are seeking. I encourage clients and participants of our course to seek out the employers’ point of view when applying for a job and crafting a resume. What sets you apart from other candidates is your authenticity. So, how can you accomplish this?
Is your resume authentic? Check out the Point Blog for more resume tips and ideas.
Interviews are tough – both for the interviewer and the interviewee. I’ve had the pleasure of facilitating both in-person and phone interviews and frequently coach clients to prepare them for interviews.
Thinking back to my personal experiences in interviewing for jobs, two in particular stand out. One was with a large organization that was quite intimidating. In the waiting room, I sat along with several other candidates interviewing for the same position. When called into the conference room, I sat on one side of the table while 5 individuals in suits sat on the other. I was in my early twenties and recall how overwhelmed I felt fielding questions from all directions.
Thinking ahead a few years, I recall interviewing with one person, the person who would become my boss and mentor. He made me feel at home. He noted my achievements and qualifications and quickly made me feel like a could easily become a beneficial team member for the organization. I listened more than I talked. It was a great interview experience. And, I received an information packet about the organization before I left the interview.
By the way, I got both of those jobs and learned so much from each. I will say the interview experience was closely connected with my mindset going into each job and leaving each job.
So, what does your interview experience say about your organization. Here are three questions to think about:
1. Is your organization welcoming? (offer a drink; in team interviews, allow for a circle setting as opposed to the first example I provided)
2. Do you allow the individual the opportunity to listen and ask questions? (share the company mission and why you love to work there; allow for back and forth dialogue)
3. Do you provide the candidate with a takeaway? (company brochure, pen, etc.)
Regardless of whether or not you hire the candidate, you certainly want them to be able to say, “that’s a great company, even if I didn’t get the job. I want to do business there and will share my experience with family and friends.”
Introducing new coursework available,
Getting Off the Ground: 7 Steps to Developing a Successful Business
Entrepreneurship is one of our passions.
First taught at Professional Development Institute (PDI)
at the NCDA Conference Summer 2017.
Customized for Career Development Facilitators.
If you missed it at PDI, you can now benefit from the course at your own convenience at an even lower cost. The course is set-up on Udemy.com for easy processing, payment, and participation.
Get here: 7 Steps to Developing a Successful Business
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