Graduates: Expect a Better Market Than You Thought

I read some great news today: the job market is looking up, graduates! According to the National Associate of Colleges and Employers (NACE), college hiring is up. Heather wrote about this today in her Examiner.com column and so did The CareerBuilder.com blog The Work Buzz. Some highlights from both:

• Although only 44 percent of employers plan to hire recent college graduates (up 1 percent from last year), 21 percent of those hiring recent college graduates said they will hire more than they did last year.
• Sixteen percent said they will offer higher starting salaries than they did in 2009.

As far as salaries go…

• 33 percent will offer less than $30,000
• 30 percent will offer salaries between $30,000 and $40,000
• 19 percent will offer salaries between $40,000 and $50,000

As many experts have been saying, although the market is looking better, it’s still highly competitive. You need to stand out, have experience and be a good fit with the company in order to land a job.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of listening to the CMU Journalism Department Alumna of the Year Lorrie Lynch at a luncheon. Lynch is the former editor of USA Weekend. She spoke of her many jobs she has had over the years — most of which she landed thanks to networking. She offered a few tips of advice for pending graduates that I thought were worth sharing:

1. Don’t be afraid to take risks. She told a story of moving across country with only a promise of a couch to sleep on, and she took it–and ended up landing a great job.
2. Network, network, network. She said each job she has obtained she got through a co-worker or former CMU alum. She told students to look around the room and remember these people — because one day they may be thanking a CMU connection for a job opportunity.
3. Keep up with technology. Many jobs in journalism today are dependent on writers knowing how to use blogging software, twitter, and any new features that come up. She said to land a job, you need to know all of these things and to be able to bring a lot of skills to the job.

The Other Side of the Table

This week, I was able to participate in an interesting opportunity. As I am quickly approaching graduation, my current supervisor for my student publicity position on campus is looking to find someone to take my place. She asked me if I would like to sit in and help conduct the interviews, and I of course jumped at the opportunity. As a current job and past internship seeker, I am used to being on one side of the table. I wanted to gain perspective on what it is like to be the interviewer.

As we interviewed candidates, I did my best to jot down notes while giving the interviewee my full attention. As I watched three very different personalities and work styles come in and out the door, I couldn’t help but think of myself and how I had carried myself in past interviews. After a day of being an interviewer, I have some tips I think will make my next interview experience as positive as possible.

1. Emphasize the RIGHT skills set. Obviously you wouldn’t have been asked to come in for an interview if you did not have the qualifications an employer was seeking. However, if you are interviewing for a position that is very heavy in designing promotional materials and so on, don’t devote the entire time to talking about how you are a fantastic writer. Of course writing is important, but if you are going to be spending the majority of your time with design software at this position, you need emphasize that set of skills.

2. Bring work samples. During your college career, you should be saving and collecting samples of work throughout your courses, organizations, jobs and so on and keeping them in a nice portfolio. This portfolio will come in extremely handy when you are in the interviewee chair and are talking about how you are an InDesign pro. Your portfolio will show your potential employer that you can back up those claims. Even if the interviewer doesn’t ask for samples of work, you should still have your portfolio with you just in case.

3. Keep a conversational tone. That is age appropriate, of course. You want to show your potential employer that while you are respectful and could easily be someone they bring along with them to an important client meeting, you can still carry on a conversation. Being extremely formal or laid-back could be a reason you do not get the job offer, so it’s important to know a good balance between the two and to have thoroughly researched the company beforehand to get an idea of what their office culture is like.

What are your tips for a successful interview experience, either as a hiring manager or a job seeker?

Matching Your Expectations, Post-Graduation

While my viewpoint may be seen as bias, as I am fortunate enough to have some post-graduation plans, I fully believe that if the financial safety net (aka your parents) is in your corner, then you should pursue something following your graduation that will truly benefit you. Let me clarify. Like my fellow colleagues finishing up the remainder of the “best four years” of their lives, I too have many friends who are actively job searching.

I understand the graduate-then-get-a-job mentality and thought process, and rightfully so. However, I do not see the point in taking a job in which you have no interest, no desire in, and is in no way connected to your field you wish to pursue. This is where the post-grad internship equation comes into play. As a graduation present, why not ask your parents to help you sublease a place in a city where you land a solid-forward-progressing summer internship? While many are not able to commit to a plan due to its financial infeasibility, the option for some is there.

If you have been pursuing a career in marketing or education or statistics for eight long semesters of late-night study sessions, and the occasional part-time internship while attempting to maintain your social sanity, why settle for accepting a position at a company in which you have little to zero interest in working for right after graduation? Our society is built upon an instant gratification belief — we expect to get things as soon as possible no matter the true cost sometimes. With this being said, some people might see a post-grad internship as a step back when in reality, if you choose the right opportunity, it could not only be a step but more so a ‘leap’ forward towards your future.

The late great runner Steve Prefontaine said it best, “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Don’t let your gift succumb to desperation rather than desire.

Tips for Summer Employment

One of the top perks of a viral internship is that I not only get to do what I enjoy, but also have time to find a second job. A few weeks ago, I started working at the front desk of a nearby salon. Typical beginning – spent a few days meeting the staff, getting used to the computer software, and memorizing the names of the long term clients.

I managed to secure a place before the usual stampede of like-minded college students return home looking for summer employment, but already students are coming in with their resumes. I’ve never been in this position before – I’m typically the student on the other side of the desk bumping elbows with the rest. I’ve noticed a lot about the summer employment hopefuls, but one thing stands out:

Improper attitude and attire

I figured at this point everyone knows how to dress for a job interview. T-shirts, sandals, mini skirts – I know it’s a salon and not a high-end corporate office, but still. No matter the job, dress as if you are serious about the job. If you take yourself seriously, then the employer will as well.

General tips

• Try to cover tattoos and if possible remove face piercings.
• Dress as if you are walking into an office: skirts at the knees, smart shoes, no shorts or t-shirts, and avoid showing too much skin.
• Yes you may have an impressive internship on your CV, but try to keep the most relevant work experience at the top. Experience means less time spent training and picking up after mistakes.
• Be friendly and polite to everyone you talk to. You don’t know if the general manager happens to be sitting nearby.
• Don’t be afraid to follow-up with a call. Managers and staff alike get caught up in the day to day and a quick ring to inquire about the status of your application can easily bump you to the top of the list.

Lastly, if your previous employer doesn’t need a new employee, they can still be a great resource. When I called my old job, they didn’t need anyone but since many of the salons in my area are owned by the same corporation, my manager knew all the names and numbers of the other store managers. With her help and recommendation, I had a list of names and numbers of other businesses potentially looking for new employees.

Summer is rolling in I wish everyone the best of luck landing that seasonal job!

My Thoughts on Unpaid Internships

There has certainly been a lot of coverage recently regarding the law banning unpaid internships. While I agree that employers who abuse interns with 40+ hour weeks is absolutely insane, I do think some unpaid internships still provide educational, real-life experiences. In addition, many nonprofits and small businesses that have educational internship programs may have to kill their long-standing internship programs due to this government crack-down. Marc Hausman’s blog post pretty much sums up my thoughts on this issue. Please take a read.

In the midst of all the coverage regarding this issue, I have created the following list of valuable skills and qualities that have learned while being on this wonderful, unpaid internship.

• Opportunity to engage with different personalities: The workplace will certainly have all sorts of personalities and internships are a great way to get a sneak peak of them.

• Improving my writing: I have been given writing assignments that range in versatility from creative content to strategic public relations. Basically, each assignment has encouraged me to think and exercise my public relations writing skills, which I will enviably need in the professional world.

• Improving my strategic thinking skills: Interning at Come Recommended has given me vast opportunities to encourage strategic thinking. Heather encourages brainstorming sessions, team meetings and both individual and team projects, which all promote me to think on my feet!

• Exercising creativity: One thing I love about my internship here are the individual and team projects. Heather gives us a lot of independence and room for creative thinking, which is wonderful practice for what employers will expect of me.

• Practicing teamwork: At Come Recommended, I am currently working on a leadership project with my teammate Tyrone Gayle. Through Skype meetings, teleconferences, and e-mail correspondences, both Tyrone and I are exercising teamwork through a virtual internship. Being able to work in a team is a quality every employer seeks in their candidates. I’m glad this internship promotes strengthening ties with team members.

Overall, this is the second semester that I have been interning with Heather. This is not a paid internship and maybe some people will look down upon that. However, I have much respect for the quality of work that is assigned to me, and I take my internship very seriously. I’m sticking around a second semester because this internship provides me with value and not mundane tasks like fetching coffee. I am a passionate believer of working hard and reaping the benefits of that, and I am confident that along with my ambition and hard work, this extraordinary internship program will open many doors for me in the future.

What Happened to Accountability?

These last few weeks, I’ve been frustrated that not everyone seems to take responsibility for their actions. Accountability is something that was instilled in me at an early age. I learned when I was young that it’s important to keep your word and allow people to rely on you.

A specific example of this is a large company I’ve had many issues with these last few weeks. My problems have stemmed from nothing I have control over: their “computer system.” Now, I’m not sure if it’s actually the computer system making these errors (in my eyes, it seems to be mostly human error). However, it has caused me much frustration.

The most frustrating part is that not one employee has taken responsibility for their actions. If they had told me, “Oh, I made a mistake in the computer. Let me fix it,” I would have understood. Or, if it were actually a system error, I would have appreciated even one person taking an interest in my problem and making it their personal agenda to do something about it.

So what has happened to accountability? I feel like this is a trait that any good worker should have. In fact, many managers in today’s workplace expect workers to be all of the following (from officeteam.com):

• A rock— Can your boss count on you 100 percent? Managers increasingly rely on administrative professionals to keep the office running smoothly, especially in their absence. By meeting all of your obligations efficiently and on time, you earn a valuable reputation for dependability.
• The right call— Are you known for making good decisions? Managers need employees who exercise sound judgment. Make sure you gather all relevant information and take a look at issues from your manager’s perspective before you act.
• A fixer— Are you willing to correct a mistake, even if it wasn’t your fault? Rather than pointing fingers when errors occur, focus on solving the problem. Then backtrack to identify what went wrong and how similar situations can be avoided.
• A trusted source— Be up-front when you do make a mistake and come prepared with a solution. Hiding problems only forestalls the inevitable.

According to a post on azcentral.com, “Failing to accept complete personal responsibility, without excuses or addendums, is a practice that’s infected every nook and cranny of our society today, including the workplace, says Linda Galindo, an executive coach and accountability expert.”

Have you encountered a similar situation of accountability? What’s the best way to solve issues such as these?

Public Relations Writing: There’s Always Room for Improvement

If you are a public relations student, then you know how vital it is to make sure your writing skills are in top condition. I have always been encouraged by my favorite public relations professor to further enhance my writing. I took his advice two semesters ago by taking an Advanced Public Relations Writing course. In this course, I was able to improve my writing dramatically by working on an online newsletter for my university’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Even if your university doesn’t offer a class exactly like my Advanced Public Relations Writing class, there are always other writing courses you can take. Any chance you have to work on your writing prowess should be fully taken advantage of. Here are some other tips to help you improve your writing:

1. Start a blog. I have discussed this before in previous posts about personal branding, but not only will a blog help identify you on the web to potential employers and your peers, it will allow you to work on your craft. Again, as I have mentioned before writing about things you are enthusiastic about will make writing for your blog seem fun and less like a chore.

2. Write for a newsletter. Just like I worked with classmates to create an online newsletter for PRSSA, you could look into writing for a newsletter for one of your organizations or another campus publication. In my experience, more often than not they are in need of articles and content and welcome volunteers. Working on a project like this could not only sharpen your skills, but also prove to be a great networking opportunity.

3. Attend writing workshops. It might seem like not the most fun thing to be doing on a weekend, but attending a writing workshop will definitely benefit you in the long run, more so than lying on the couch watching television all day.

What have you done to improve your writing skills? What are your suggestions for those looking to become better writers?

Job Seeker with Poor Credit History? Help May Be on the Way

Oregon recently joined Washington and Hawaii as the only states that have banned the use of credit history for employment purposes. As it stands with most states, employers can choose to make their hiring decisions based upon a candidate’s credit history under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

However, in order to do so prior to running a credit check, they must notify these prospective candidates and receive their consent. Would you say “no” to a potential employer doing so? Probably not. The employer must provide information on the means in which they obtained the report if they do in fact reject an applicant based on their credit history.

Most consider this to be an unfair advantage for employers, since it can be seen as discriminatory. This is because some credit histories could have been tarnished in the past due to an unforseen circumstance, which lead to future financial shortcomings that prevent them from obtaining employment.

If the movement of passing legislation to protect job seekers continues to spread state by state, potential employees may have an easier time getting a job if their state passes a law limiting or even banning employment credit checks.

As of July 1st, 2010, according to Senate Bill1045 passed by the Oregon Legislature, it will be “unlawful for an employment practice for an employer to obtain or use for employment purposes information contained in the credit history of an applicant for employment or an employee, or to refuse to hire, discharge, demote, suspend, retaliate or otherwise discriminate against an applicant or an employee with regard to promotion, compensation or the terms, conditions or privileges of employment based on information in the credit history.”

Other states that have followed suit in submitting laws that bind this practice include California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Is your state on the list?

Stranger to a New City

Last September, I moved to Hong Kong. Like many before me who have moved by themselves, I got a job, found an apartment, and developed a routine. Moving to a new city can be intimidating and over the next months, I had to figure out how to feel comfortable and make the city my home.

No matter where you move to, the question remains the same: after getting a job, an apartment and a routine, how do you make your relocated city your home?

1. Get to know your neighborhood: Make the effort to become familiar with your neighbors and local stores. Granted, you may not be inviting your local baker or older neighbor over for a drink, but when you’re solo in a strange city, knowing that you’re no longer a complete stranger in your neighborhood can do wonders to helping you feel welcome.

2. Contact your alumni office: Chances are, other alumni have also moved to your new city. Check to see if there are any upcoming alumni gatherings – meeting like-minded people when you first move out can help you not only network but also allow you to feel there is a ‘place’ for you in the city.

3. Social networking: Meeting people outside of the university setting is a real change, and something I’m still trying to understand. Social network sites are a terrific way to discover just how many people are in the same situation: recently out of school, moved to a new city for work, and also moved out alone. Through these city-based network sites, I could join book clubs, hiking groups, and even gatherings of people looking to watch a football game after work. Not only did I meet people that later developed into friends, but I also met a lot of different types of interesting people and realized that I was just one of many in the same new situation.

4. Take life at your own pace: I can’t stress enough how easy you can become burned out if you dive headfirst and try to force your new city to become a home. I’ll never forget my first day – I was so intimidated with the list of things that would have to be done, that all I could do was unpack my socks. When you first move in, even the smallest steps can feel like tangible accomplishments. You will make your new city your home, but always be sure to take time for yourself to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

5 Things I’ve Learned About the Job Search Process

1. You better do your research.

With digital technology at our fingertips, there is simply no excuse to not research a company or individual. This means immersing yourself in blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn profiles, and alerts from outlets like Google News to be informed and educated. My professor, Don Neal, always told our class that preparation is the key to success and feeling confident.

2. Ask great questions and listen before you sell.

Everyone appreciates an active listen, especially a prospective employee. Make sure you ask smart and meaningful questions in order to determine and understand the needs of the organization. Only then must you start “selling” the unique skills you can offer to the organization.  Remember, using a “one size fits all” will not work for every employer!

3. Be open to new opportunities.

I have a list of my target agencies where I’d loved to work, but I also keep an open mind for smaller boutique PR firms where I could also contribute my skills and knowledge.  Keep your options open and don’t limit your choices.

4. You must use your time strategically.

Digital technology and social networking tools definitely make it easier to connect with prominent folks in your industry. However, keep in mind that at the end of the day people hire people, and it’s important to spend your time and energy connecting in-person with these individuals. I’m not a fan of simply exchanging business cards, but I am a fan of building relationships with people and learning from key individuals who like you and are willing to help.

5. It’s a proactive process and we are in the driver’s seat.

We are in control of this crazy ride and the harder (and smarter) we work, the closer we will be to our dream jobs. It’s important to understand this concept that we control this search process and that enjoying this journey is a must!

Tags: Don Neal