When I was in law school, we were pretty much told that the “least prestigious” clerkships after graduation were with a state trial court. After clerking with a state trial court judge for fourteen months, I still can’t speak to the level of prestige the position has. On the other hand, I can tell you it’s been an amazing experience. But is a trial court clerkship right for you?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Law Students: Consider a Trial Court Clerkship
When I was in law school, we were pretty much told that the “least prestigious” clerkships after graduation were with a state trial court. After clerking with a state trial court judge for fourteen months, I still can’t speak to the level of prestige the position has. On the other hand, I can tell you it’s been an amazing experience. But is a trial court clerkship right for you?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Common Errors in Exam Study
by Amy Jarmon, Law School Academic Support Blog
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/academic_support/2011/11/some-common-errors-in-exam-study.html
Students often study for exams in ways that are counter-productive. They may adopt old undergraduate methods for exam study because they do not understand how law school exams are different. Well-meaning advice from upper-division law students may lead them into methods that go against memory and learning theory. Here are some common techniques that do not work and why they are not wise:
Re-reading cases is rarely an effective strategy. The professor is not going to ask a student to tell him everything the student knows about a case. Instead the professor is going to ask the student to apply the essentials from all the cases on a topic to a new fact scenario. Time is better spent on pulling together the topics and subtopics with the law for each. The cases become illustrations in that bigger picture.
Reading an entire study aid right before the exam. There is too much information to absorb at the end of the semester when reading an entire study aid. The study aid may not match the specific professor's version of the course which will lead a student to learn the material in a way that actually makes it harder for the professor to find points on the exam. Study aids tend to include multiple topics or subtopics that the professor never touched on in class.
Choosing to complete very few practice questions. Exams in law school are all about applying the law to new fact scenarios. Practice questions allow a student to check understanding of the material and ability to spot issues. Practice also allows one to get really good at organizing answers and writing them out - especially if some questions are done under timed conditions.
Treating all exam courses equally may lead to trouble. It is the rare student who has a truly equal situation in all courses. The amount of time spent for exam study in each course should consider: the amount of material covered in the course, the difficulty of the course for the student, the amount of black letter law to memorize, the number of practice questions to be completed, the format of the exam, and any other variables specific to a course and professor. Time should be divided among the courses to reflect these variables.
Studying X course for a week, then Y course for a week, then Z course for a week, and so forth. By focusing on one course to the exclusion of other courses for exam study, the student merely provides time to forget the material for the courses not studied. By the time the first course is cycled back to, even more material will be forgotten in that course. It is better to complete exam study in each course each week if at all possible.
Not preparing for classes in order to study for exams more. This strategy can be counter-productive because one is limiting deep understanding of the new material that will be on the final exam. By depending just on the highlights covered in class, the student loses the context as to why the law works the way it does.
Taking all of one's remaining absences at the end of the semester in order to study for exams more. Professors often give information about the exam during the last classes. Many professors will pull the course together at the end. Some professors will test heavily on the end material in the course. For all of these reasons, missing class is not a good idea.
Smart exam studying is the key to success. By using time and techniques to be efficient and effective, students can get higher grades on their exams.
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/academic_support/2011/11/some-common-errors-in-exam-study.html
Students often study for exams in ways that are counter-productive. They may adopt old undergraduate methods for exam study because they do not understand how law school exams are different. Well-meaning advice from upper-division law students may lead them into methods that go against memory and learning theory. Here are some common techniques that do not work and why they are not wise:
Re-reading cases is rarely an effective strategy. The professor is not going to ask a student to tell him everything the student knows about a case. Instead the professor is going to ask the student to apply the essentials from all the cases on a topic to a new fact scenario. Time is better spent on pulling together the topics and subtopics with the law for each. The cases become illustrations in that bigger picture.
Reading an entire study aid right before the exam. There is too much information to absorb at the end of the semester when reading an entire study aid. The study aid may not match the specific professor's version of the course which will lead a student to learn the material in a way that actually makes it harder for the professor to find points on the exam. Study aids tend to include multiple topics or subtopics that the professor never touched on in class.
Choosing to complete very few practice questions. Exams in law school are all about applying the law to new fact scenarios. Practice questions allow a student to check understanding of the material and ability to spot issues. Practice also allows one to get really good at organizing answers and writing them out - especially if some questions are done under timed conditions.
Treating all exam courses equally may lead to trouble. It is the rare student who has a truly equal situation in all courses. The amount of time spent for exam study in each course should consider: the amount of material covered in the course, the difficulty of the course for the student, the amount of black letter law to memorize, the number of practice questions to be completed, the format of the exam, and any other variables specific to a course and professor. Time should be divided among the courses to reflect these variables.
Studying X course for a week, then Y course for a week, then Z course for a week, and so forth. By focusing on one course to the exclusion of other courses for exam study, the student merely provides time to forget the material for the courses not studied. By the time the first course is cycled back to, even more material will be forgotten in that course. It is better to complete exam study in each course each week if at all possible.
Not preparing for classes in order to study for exams more. This strategy can be counter-productive because one is limiting deep understanding of the new material that will be on the final exam. By depending just on the highlights covered in class, the student loses the context as to why the law works the way it does.
Taking all of one's remaining absences at the end of the semester in order to study for exams more. Professors often give information about the exam during the last classes. Many professors will pull the course together at the end. Some professors will test heavily on the end material in the course. For all of these reasons, missing class is not a good idea.
Smart exam studying is the key to success. By using time and techniques to be efficient and effective, students can get higher grades on their exams.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tell Me About Yourself…
By:
As a current career advisor and former hiring manager, no question seems to intimidate job seekers more than, “Tell me about yourself.” One would think that this would be an easy question to answer, as you are simply speaking about your personal brand and how you can add value to Company X; however the open-endedness of the question often stumps candidates of all ages. Here are a few things to consider when crafting your answer to this standard interview question:
http://studentbranding.com/tell-me-about-yourself-2/
As a current career advisor and former hiring manager, no question seems to intimidate job seekers more than, “Tell me about yourself.” One would think that this would be an easy question to answer, as you are simply speaking about your personal brand and how you can add value to Company X; however the open-endedness of the question often stumps candidates of all ages. Here are a few things to consider when crafting your answer to this standard interview question:
Don’t…
- …give me your entire life story. Unless your childhood experience is directly related to the position I am hiring for, I do not need to know about it. I once had a candidate start at birth when answering this question in an interview–he did not get the job.
- …provide me answers to any illegal questions that I did/will not be asking you (again, unless it’s directly related the job). I do not need to know about your religion, sexual orientation, political allegiance, etc.
- …read back your resume. I have already reviewed it and most likely have it in front of me. Tell me something I may not know about you. Differentiate yourself from the competition.
Do…
- …keep your response roughly one minute in length. I’m simply looking to get a sense of who you are and how you can add value to my organization. I want to learn about your passions, skills, interest, and personality.
- …practice! This question is almost always asked in an interview and I expect candidates to be prepared and confident speaking about themselves. Use this as an opportunity to sell me on your personal brand. Help me connect the dots as to why I should hire you. Share your story.
- …stand out. Take the time to develop a strong personal brand statement. As a Hiring Manager, I would interview multiple candidates for one position–how will I remember you (in a positive way)?
Author
Heather serves as a Career Advisor for Loyola University Chicago’s Career Development Centerhttp://studentbranding.com/tell-me-about-yourself-2/
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
4 Networking Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2011/09/30/4-networking-mistakes-you-dont-know-youre-making/
Whether you’re looking for a job or not, you’ve probably been encouraged to “network, network, network!” more times than you can count. Are all those conferences and events you’re attending leading to new connections or opportunities?
No? You’re not the only one. Many networking newbies have tendencies that actually inhibit building real relationships with their new contacts.
The good news: it’s not that hard to fix. Here’s what you might not even realize you’re doing wrong—and what to do about it.
You’re talented! Eager! Ambitious! You have lots of ideas to share! And you want to make sure that every person you meet at the event knows who you are and what you do!
We get it. And yes, sharing your story with new contacts is important. But sharing your life story is overkill: Nothing can set a person off more than an aspiring professional who takes no interest in anything beside her own ambitions.
The Fix: Take Some Interest. Stop highlighting your latest accomplishment and start listening instead. Find people with industries or careers of interest to you, and ask them questions: How did they get their start? What do they love about their jobs, and what do they wish they could change? By taking an interest in your contact, you will make her feel valued—and hopefully interested in continuing the relationship. And you’ll likely gain some new insights, too.
You’re looking for a new job, so you hit the circuit of industry events every week, asking every person you meet to help you find your new gig—after all, it’s not what you know, it’s who.
Well, yes. But give people some credit: If you pursue networking opportunities purely for the job prospects, your contacts will figure you out. You will leave them feeling used, and they will be less likely to recommend you for an opportunity.
The Fix: Provide Some Value. If you’re looking for a job, don’t ask for it—work for it. Do some research into what your contact does both in and out of work and find ways that you can contribute your time or support. Perhaps you could volunteer your expertise in social media for the big convention she’s heading up, or offer your accounting knowledge for her non-profit. Provide some opportunity for contacts to see you in a working light, and you’ll be that much closer to a good referral.
You attended a large event last week and grabbed coffee with one of your new professional contacts afterward. And then—the week got busy, and you didn’t get around to saying thank you. She’ll understand, right?
Maybe. But if you don’t show gratitude, even in the smallest (or largest) event, you risk leaving a negative impression—probably not the desired outcome of your meeting.
The Fix: Just Do It. Whether you pack notecards in your purse for post-meeting scribbles, set yourself a reminder on Gmail to send off a quick note, or just insert a quick “thanks for taking time to meet with me!” at the final handshake, you must say thank you. Not only will you solidify your reputation as a courteous individual, but you won’t be leaving your contacts with a bad taste in their mouths. Always say thank you, and your good impression will last until your next meeting.
You meet someone over a networking happy hour and tell her you’ll send her your portfolio. But as the night goes on, she has a few drinks and meets a few dozen more people. You’re sure she’s forgotten all about you, so you decide it’s not even worth emailing her the next day.
Bad idea. Meeting someone is just the first step in networking. In order to forge a lasting relationship (and make sure people don’t forget you), you need to follow up, every single time.
The Fix: Stay Accountable. If you told a networking contact that you would do something, do it. Even if you’re not sure she remembers you, you can bet that she will be grateful that you took the time out of your day to send her what you had discussed. If you’re worried about forgetting, keep a pen near your business card holder to quickly scribble out what follow-up actions you have for that contact, and review your cards after the event.
Above all, keep in mind that networking isn’t about short-term gain, but about learning, growing, and forming connections. Adopt good social habits, and you’ll see your skills and comfort improve, your opportunities increase, and your relationships grow—for the long haul.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Muse.
Whether you’re looking for a job or not, you’ve probably been encouraged to “network, network, network!” more times than you can count. Are all those conferences and events you’re attending leading to new connections or opportunities?
No? You’re not the only one. Many networking newbies have tendencies that actually inhibit building real relationships with their new contacts.
The good news: it’s not that hard to fix. Here’s what you might not even realize you’re doing wrong—and what to do about it.
Mistake #1: Talking about Yourself—All the Time
You’re talented! Eager! Ambitious! You have lots of ideas to share! And you want to make sure that every person you meet at the event knows who you are and what you do!
We get it. And yes, sharing your story with new contacts is important. But sharing your life story is overkill: Nothing can set a person off more than an aspiring professional who takes no interest in anything beside her own ambitions.
The Fix: Take Some Interest. Stop highlighting your latest accomplishment and start listening instead. Find people with industries or careers of interest to you, and ask them questions: How did they get their start? What do they love about their jobs, and what do they wish they could change? By taking an interest in your contact, you will make her feel valued—and hopefully interested in continuing the relationship. And you’ll likely gain some new insights, too.
Mistake #2: Expecting a Job
You’re looking for a new job, so you hit the circuit of industry events every week, asking every person you meet to help you find your new gig—after all, it’s not what you know, it’s who.
Well, yes. But give people some credit: If you pursue networking opportunities purely for the job prospects, your contacts will figure you out. You will leave them feeling used, and they will be less likely to recommend you for an opportunity.
The Fix: Provide Some Value. If you’re looking for a job, don’t ask for it—work for it. Do some research into what your contact does both in and out of work and find ways that you can contribute your time or support. Perhaps you could volunteer your expertise in social media for the big convention she’s heading up, or offer your accounting knowledge for her non-profit. Provide some opportunity for contacts to see you in a working light, and you’ll be that much closer to a good referral.
Mistake #3: Not Saying Thanks
You attended a large event last week and grabbed coffee with one of your new professional contacts afterward. And then—the week got busy, and you didn’t get around to saying thank you. She’ll understand, right?
Maybe. But if you don’t show gratitude, even in the smallest (or largest) event, you risk leaving a negative impression—probably not the desired outcome of your meeting.
The Fix: Just Do It. Whether you pack notecards in your purse for post-meeting scribbles, set yourself a reminder on Gmail to send off a quick note, or just insert a quick “thanks for taking time to meet with me!” at the final handshake, you must say thank you. Not only will you solidify your reputation as a courteous individual, but you won’t be leaving your contacts with a bad taste in their mouths. Always say thank you, and your good impression will last until your next meeting.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Follow Up
You meet someone over a networking happy hour and tell her you’ll send her your portfolio. But as the night goes on, she has a few drinks and meets a few dozen more people. You’re sure she’s forgotten all about you, so you decide it’s not even worth emailing her the next day.
Bad idea. Meeting someone is just the first step in networking. In order to forge a lasting relationship (and make sure people don’t forget you), you need to follow up, every single time.
The Fix: Stay Accountable. If you told a networking contact that you would do something, do it. Even if you’re not sure she remembers you, you can bet that she will be grateful that you took the time out of your day to send her what you had discussed. If you’re worried about forgetting, keep a pen near your business card holder to quickly scribble out what follow-up actions you have for that contact, and review your cards after the event.
Above all, keep in mind that networking isn’t about short-term gain, but about learning, growing, and forming connections. Adopt good social habits, and you’ll see your skills and comfort improve, your opportunities increase, and your relationships grow—for the long haul.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Muse.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Common Social Media Mistakes Job Hunters Make
by Cheryl Palmer
Being unaware of the etiquette expected on different social media sites can be costly. It can certainly cost you job opportunities that you might otherwise have been able to take advantage of.
Here are some common social media errors job hunters make on some of the main networking sites:
LinkedIn
Appearing desperate. Often job seekers appear desperate by spamming other LinkedIn members that they don’t know to ask them for a job. What you should do instead is participate in groups and start to build relationships with group members. It’s best to build relationships with people before asking them for something.
Being self serving. Social networking is a two-way street, and job hunters who only want to take and not give will end up alienating other members on the site. One of the best ways that you can avoid being self serving is by contributing your knowledge to the LinkedIn community. You can do this by answering questions in groups and by answering questions on the Answers section of LinkedIn.
Having an incomplete profile. According to a LinkedIn spokesperson, users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities than those with incomplete profiles. LinkedIn will tell you if your profile is 100% complete or not, and it will let you know what you need to add in order to make it complete (i.e. an additional work experience or photo).
Having a split focus. Job hunters who have several different areas of expertise can fall into the trap of giving mixed messages on their profiles in terms of what their job objective is. You must determine what types of positions you are targeting, and your profile should reflect that focus. If you don’t do this before creating the profile, your profile will not be effective in attracting employers.
Twitter
Amassing a large number of people to follow without contributing tweets. Some Twitter users make a point of following a large number of people, but they don’t contribute to the Twitter community with anything meaningful. No one will want to follow you back if you don’t have anything to say. Job seekers can provide links to articles in their fields to start attracting like-minded people to their profiles.
Not retweeting. Job hunters should not merely tweet about what is of interest to them, but they should also help other Twitter users by retweeting information that would be useful to the rest of the Twitter community. You can find out how effective their profiles are by entering their username in www.twittergrader.com.
Facebook
Posting inappropriate information. This could include photos, negative comments about people and/or companies, and off-color jokes. Many people still do not realize that the information that they post can be seen by potential employers. You should use the appropriate settings to ensure that employers can only view information about you that is appropriate for a professional setting.
http://www.careerealism.com/social-media-errors/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+careerealism+%28CAREEREALISM%29
Cheryl Palmer, M.Ed., CPRW is a career coach and a certified professional resume writer. Ms. Palmer is the founder of Call to Career, a career coaching firm that assists people in finding their niche or calling in life as well as finding new employment in a difficult economy.
Being unaware of the etiquette expected on different social media sites can be costly. It can certainly cost you job opportunities that you might otherwise have been able to take advantage of.
Here are some common social media errors job hunters make on some of the main networking sites:
Appearing desperate. Often job seekers appear desperate by spamming other LinkedIn members that they don’t know to ask them for a job. What you should do instead is participate in groups and start to build relationships with group members. It’s best to build relationships with people before asking them for something.
Being self serving. Social networking is a two-way street, and job hunters who only want to take and not give will end up alienating other members on the site. One of the best ways that you can avoid being self serving is by contributing your knowledge to the LinkedIn community. You can do this by answering questions in groups and by answering questions on the Answers section of LinkedIn.
Having an incomplete profile. According to a LinkedIn spokesperson, users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities than those with incomplete profiles. LinkedIn will tell you if your profile is 100% complete or not, and it will let you know what you need to add in order to make it complete (i.e. an additional work experience or photo).
Having a split focus. Job hunters who have several different areas of expertise can fall into the trap of giving mixed messages on their profiles in terms of what their job objective is. You must determine what types of positions you are targeting, and your profile should reflect that focus. If you don’t do this before creating the profile, your profile will not be effective in attracting employers.
Amassing a large number of people to follow without contributing tweets. Some Twitter users make a point of following a large number of people, but they don’t contribute to the Twitter community with anything meaningful. No one will want to follow you back if you don’t have anything to say. Job seekers can provide links to articles in their fields to start attracting like-minded people to their profiles.
Not retweeting. Job hunters should not merely tweet about what is of interest to them, but they should also help other Twitter users by retweeting information that would be useful to the rest of the Twitter community. You can find out how effective their profiles are by entering their username in www.twittergrader.com.
Posting inappropriate information. This could include photos, negative comments about people and/or companies, and off-color jokes. Many people still do not realize that the information that they post can be seen by potential employers. You should use the appropriate settings to ensure that employers can only view information about you that is appropriate for a professional setting.
http://www.careerealism.com/social-media-errors/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+careerealism+%28CAREEREALISM%29
Cheryl Palmer, M.Ed., CPRW is a career coach and a certified professional resume writer. Ms. Palmer is the founder of Call to Career, a career coaching firm that assists people in finding their niche or calling in life as well as finding new employment in a difficult economy.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Interning In New York City this Summer? Where Are You Going to Live?
With 25 years in student housing, Educational Housing Services (EHS) is a great, safe
and convenient housing option in New York City. EHS is a not-for-profit
organization that provides safe and convenient housing to students and interns
in NYC. The EHS signature lifestyle is available at all residences.
All of the buildings managed by EHS provide the following:
• 24/7 Security staff
• 24/7 Residence staff
• Fully furnished rooms with private bathrooms and heat/AC
• Free high-speed internet access
• Free cable access and LCD TV’s
• All utilities included
***Computer and fitness centers, laundry facilities, kitchens and lounges are also onsite
If you are contemplating living in NYC, but do not want to make a yearlong commitment, this may be an easy solution. To find out more about EHS and the properties that are available this summer, please visit: http://studenthousing.org/and/byu.
You may also call: 1-800-297-4694.
All of the buildings managed by EHS provide the following:
• 24/7 Security staff
• 24/7 Residence staff
• Fully furnished rooms with private bathrooms and heat/AC
• Free high-speed internet access
• Free cable access and LCD TV’s
• All utilities included
***Computer and fitness centers, laundry facilities, kitchens and lounges are also onsite
If you are contemplating living in NYC, but do not want to make a yearlong commitment, this may be an easy solution. To find out more about EHS and the properties that are available this summer, please visit: http://studenthousing.org/and/byu.
You may also call: 1-800-297-4694.
Monday, November 7, 2011
How to Network: Get Out and Do Things. With People.
by
In college, and then law school, career counselors always pronounced Networking just like that—in italics and with capital letters, as if it were a foreign proper noun or something. They made it sound like Networking was a formula: schedule meeting, exchange cards, and Presto!, you’ve got a job. Or a mentor. Or a client. Or something.
Eventually, I figured out what most people who are successful at networking eventually figure out: Whatever Networking may be, real networking is just getting out and doing things with people. It doesn’t necessarily require an appointment or a suit or a stack of business cards. In fact, it is usually better without those things.
The harder you try to Network, the less well you are probably doing it. People generally don’t like it when you try to sell yourself to them. Or beg from them.
Do things without any expectation of referrals or business. That’s not the point, even if it is usually the end result. This isn’t marketing. It’s un-marketing, if you need a buzz word.
Which people should you get out and do things with? Friends, neighbors, family, colleagues. Pretty much anyone.
You can even network online, if you want to. There is no magic to that, either. Make friends. Build relationships. Take them offline.
With people.
In other words: make friends.
It’s hard to come up with a “system” for making friends. You have to make it sound really important on which lapel you to put your name tag, and over-analyze what you should say as you hand over your business card. And none of that will help, because it’s Networking, not networking.
You know who knows, likes, and trusts you? Your friends. And probably a lot of your acquaintances.
So make friends.
I know this scares the heck out of the introverts, who would much rather sit and home and bang out LinkedIn updates. But no matter how effective your social media campaign (and I have my doubts), getting out and doing things with people is the most effective way to generate referrals, find mentors, and discover resources.
Whatever you hope to get out of networking—mentoring, referrals, clients, friends—here is the only real formula: Get out and do things. With people.
http://lawyerist.com/how-to-network-get-out-and-do-things-with-people/
Eventually, I figured out what most people who are successful at networking eventually figure out: Whatever Networking may be, real networking is just getting out and doing things with people. It doesn’t necessarily require an appointment or a suit or a stack of business cards. In fact, it is usually better without those things.
How to fail at networking
The one surefire way to fail at networking is to try Networking while you are networking. Go ahead and whip out your business card and try to talk about how you can “add value” to someone else’s business while volunteering at the homeless shelter or watching Monday Night Football with your college friends. See how well that works.The harder you try to Network, the less well you are probably doing it. People generally don’t like it when you try to sell yourself to them. Or beg from them.
What things to do and which people to do them with
So what kind of things should you get out and do with people? Anything. Eat breakfast. Drink beer. Go to a game. Volunteer (not necessarily doing lawyer things). Play kickball. Have a barbecue. Go to a fundraiser. In other words, do normal things.Do things without any expectation of referrals or business. That’s not the point, even if it is usually the end result. This isn’t marketing. It’s un-marketing, if you need a buzz word.
Which people should you get out and do things with? Friends, neighbors, family, colleagues. Pretty much anyone.
You can even network online, if you want to. There is no magic to that, either. Make friends. Build relationships. Take them offline.
Skip the gurus; learn to make friends
There are a lot of consultants, coaches, and gurus out there who will charge you a lot of money for their 60-day marketing boot camp. I’m sure there are crystals or pyramids or chihauhas involved, or something. If you are tempted to turn to the next marketing guru coach you see for a magic Networking formula, save your money, because I’ve got the secret right here: Get out and do things.With people.
In other words: make friends.
It’s hard to come up with a “system” for making friends. You have to make it sound really important on which lapel you to put your name tag, and over-analyze what you should say as you hand over your business card. And none of that will help, because it’s Networking, not networking.
You know who knows, likes, and trusts you? Your friends. And probably a lot of your acquaintances.
So make friends.
I know this scares the heck out of the introverts, who would much rather sit and home and bang out LinkedIn updates. But no matter how effective your social media campaign (and I have my doubts), getting out and doing things with people is the most effective way to generate referrals, find mentors, and discover resources.
Whatever you hope to get out of networking—mentoring, referrals, clients, friends—here is the only real formula: Get out and do things. With people.
http://lawyerist.com/how-to-network-get-out-and-do-things-with-people/
Friday, November 4, 2011
10 Worst Mistakes of First-Time Job Hunters
by Kelly Eggers
To find out what students can do to better prepare for the current job market, we spoke with career coaches, recruiters and recent graduates.
"I would have started looking for jobs earlier."
Putting off your job hunt isn't a wise move. Among the Adecco survey's respondents, 26% said they would have started looking for potential positions earlier.
"It's easy to fall into 'my weekend starts on Thursday' mode, rather than 'I've got to put my job search into full gear today' mode," said Kane, "but procrastinators will have fewer choices."
Most students don't start thinking about their careers until they have to, said Lindsey Pollak, a career expert who focuses on Generation Y in the workplace. "There's so much you can do that's not a lot of work and not overly time consuming."
"I would have actually networked."
For students and older professionals alike, networking can feel like the most dreaded part of a job hunt. Twenty-nine percent of respondents to the Adecco survey said they would have spent more time building a solid professional network.
"Networking can be scary," said Pollak, "but about 70% of jobs are found through networking." Students who spend their time trolling job boards should instead spend that time making solid connections with people who are respected and involved in the workforce, industry experts and alumni, and spend only 30% of their time looking at job listings.
For the most part, Pollak said, people love to help students. As long as you are gracious and thankful and not trying to hard-sell yourself right off the bat, potential connections are likely to be receptive.
"I would have taken on a job or an internship in addition to my courseload."
Bottom line: There's no substitute for experience.
Having some professional experience under your belt before entering the workforce has become a necessity for many employers.
"I don't know a company that doesn't want people with internship experience," said Pollak. "My advice is to get yourself through the recession any way you can, and come out with whatever experience you can."
Look for internships that provide college credit or are paid. Otherwise, gain work experience in a setting such as waiting tables -- and talk with people at each and every table. "There are CEOs who started networking while they were waiting tables," Pollak said.
If you can't find a full- or part-time position on- or off-campus, try going to the Internet for virtual work. "There are jobs you can get without even leaving your dorm room," Pollak said, including maintaining someone's social media outlets, working as a copyeditor or building a website for a small business. Many of these types of jobs have flexible hours, an added benefit for busy students.
"I would have gotten more involved in career-relevant extracurricular activities."
On-campus groups, clubs, events and activities are a great place to get experience that translates to the working world. Skills are skills. You can show you have gained relevant experience by planning concerts on campus or working as a freshman orientation assistant, for example.
"Everybody wants to hire people who understand how to manage projects, work alongside difficult people, and have built their communication skills," said Kane. If you were on the dance team, and choreographed a group performance, for example, you've developed creative, leadership and training abilities, all of which translate to the workplace.
Experts say it's a matter of framing the extracurricular experience you've had in a professional way. Try thinking of your biggest accomplishments as a member or leader of an extracurricular group, and using them to brainstorm resume bullet points.
"I would have applied to more jobs."
Many recent graduates regret not putting out more feelers. According to the Adecco survey, 26% of recent graduates would have applied to more jobs prior to finishing school.
Putting your hat in the ring is the only way to be considered for most opportunities. The trick is to keep track of the applications you send out. "Sending in your application for hundreds of jobs on Monster.com will work against you," said Dan Schawbel, a personal branding expert and author of Me 2.0. Not only is it difficult to remember what you applied for and when, but you're also likely to send out generic resumes.
Write your resume so it highlights your experience with each position's requirements. Not sure what your relatable skill-set is? Try creating a Venn diagram that illustrates all of the skills and experience you've developed. The overlap can indicate your primary strengths, and the remainder can help you see where you have specific skills related to your prospective industry.
"I would have focused more on becoming 'professional.'"
Save the sweatpants and fratty T-shirts for the weekend. Replace them with clothes that are fitted, pressed and at the very least casual-Friday appropriate even when you're going to class. You may think dressing well every day doesn't matter, but the professors you ask for recommendations will remember your style.
Another way to show your professionalism is to pick up the tab for networking coffees, and send thank-you notes for even a little bit of help. "If someone gives you advice, all you have to do is say thank you after the fact," Pollak said.
And, of course, monitor your online appearance. Clean up and privacy-protect your Facebook accounts, start Tweeting interesting news (instead of which class you're skipping), be careful where you "check-in" on your smartphone, and set up a solid LinkedIn profile, Pollak said. Add a signature line to your e-mail account and set up a professional voicemail message.
"I would have done more to figure out what my career goals were."
Your first job out of college is unlikely to be your dream position, if you even know what that is. Indecision can hold you back, so set up some informational interviews to try to narrow your focus.
"It's a rare gift at any age to know what your passion is," said Bruce Tulgan, CEO of Rainmaker Thinking, a New Haven, Conn.-based management consultancy that focuses on integrating generations in the workplace. "In 99 out of 100 cases, people start to learn about a career path, gain experience in something, and over time they become passionate about it."
Don't be afraid to try something that you're initially lukewarm about, said Pollak. "I don't believe in dead-end jobs when you're early in your career," she said, "because everything is experience."
"I would have gone to the career center."
This is what they call a "no-brainer." You might not think you need your university's services, but there's no reason to find out the hard way you did something wrong that could have been avoided.
"College students have an advantage other job seekers don't -- an on-campus career center staffed with people who have one purpose: to help students find jobs," said Kane of Adecco. "Most career centers aren't taken advantage of to their full extent."
Once you get to know the counselors and they know what you're looking for, they can tell you about new opportunities, Kane said. It's also a good place to practice your elevator pitch, draft introductory e-mails or cover letters, perfect your resume, or any other measures you don't want to run by friends or family members.
"I would have kept better track of my achievements."
Experts say that even on-campus accolades belong on your resume.
"Start creating tangible results with your name on them so you have evidence of your ability to add value," said Tulgan. "Save the tangible results, date them, and be prepared to present them."
Tracking how many donations you collected from calling alumni or that you created a new filing system for the admissions office are achievements that translate to everyday work activities. Don't forget to highlight your academic awards, such as making the dean's list or honor society.
"Any accomplishment matters," said Schawbel. " Track them in a public setting, like your LinkedIn profile." If it's not out there for people to find, those achievements won't be doing anything to help you, he said.
"I would have focused more on developing relevant skills."
Having an awareness of industry-specific skills as well as broad, transferable ones is a way to really stand out.
"Companies aren't investing as much in training, so companies are more likely to look for someone who can hit the ground running," said Kane. That isn't just familiarity with industry terminology, it's also having professional "street smarts."
"Show your understanding of chain-of-command issues, working with older, more experienced colleagues and working with people in parallel roles in other departments, or with vendors and customers," said Tulgan.
You should also have excellent customer service knowledge – not only to use as a professional, but also to use as a job seeker. That includes making yourself available, being fully prepared for interviews,and knowing how to problem-solve, Tulgan said. "Above all, develop self-management skills and the ability to work effectively with a manager," he said.
http://www.fins.com/Finance/Articles/SBB0001424052970204226204576601420036627098/The-10-Worst-Mistakes-of-First-Time-Job-Hunters
To find out what students can do to better prepare for the current job market, we spoke with career coaches, recruiters and recent graduates.
"I would have started looking for jobs earlier."
Putting off your job hunt isn't a wise move. Among the Adecco survey's respondents, 26% said they would have started looking for potential positions earlier.
"It's easy to fall into 'my weekend starts on Thursday' mode, rather than 'I've got to put my job search into full gear today' mode," said Kane, "but procrastinators will have fewer choices."
Most students don't start thinking about their careers until they have to, said Lindsey Pollak, a career expert who focuses on Generation Y in the workplace. "There's so much you can do that's not a lot of work and not overly time consuming."
"I would have actually networked."
For students and older professionals alike, networking can feel like the most dreaded part of a job hunt. Twenty-nine percent of respondents to the Adecco survey said they would have spent more time building a solid professional network.
"Networking can be scary," said Pollak, "but about 70% of jobs are found through networking." Students who spend their time trolling job boards should instead spend that time making solid connections with people who are respected and involved in the workforce, industry experts and alumni, and spend only 30% of their time looking at job listings.
For the most part, Pollak said, people love to help students. As long as you are gracious and thankful and not trying to hard-sell yourself right off the bat, potential connections are likely to be receptive.
"I would have taken on a job or an internship in addition to my courseload."
Bottom line: There's no substitute for experience.
Having some professional experience under your belt before entering the workforce has become a necessity for many employers.
"I don't know a company that doesn't want people with internship experience," said Pollak. "My advice is to get yourself through the recession any way you can, and come out with whatever experience you can."
Look for internships that provide college credit or are paid. Otherwise, gain work experience in a setting such as waiting tables -- and talk with people at each and every table. "There are CEOs who started networking while they were waiting tables," Pollak said.
If you can't find a full- or part-time position on- or off-campus, try going to the Internet for virtual work. "There are jobs you can get without even leaving your dorm room," Pollak said, including maintaining someone's social media outlets, working as a copyeditor or building a website for a small business. Many of these types of jobs have flexible hours, an added benefit for busy students.
"I would have gotten more involved in career-relevant extracurricular activities."
On-campus groups, clubs, events and activities are a great place to get experience that translates to the working world. Skills are skills. You can show you have gained relevant experience by planning concerts on campus or working as a freshman orientation assistant, for example.
"Everybody wants to hire people who understand how to manage projects, work alongside difficult people, and have built their communication skills," said Kane. If you were on the dance team, and choreographed a group performance, for example, you've developed creative, leadership and training abilities, all of which translate to the workplace.
Experts say it's a matter of framing the extracurricular experience you've had in a professional way. Try thinking of your biggest accomplishments as a member or leader of an extracurricular group, and using them to brainstorm resume bullet points.
"I would have applied to more jobs."
Many recent graduates regret not putting out more feelers. According to the Adecco survey, 26% of recent graduates would have applied to more jobs prior to finishing school.
Putting your hat in the ring is the only way to be considered for most opportunities. The trick is to keep track of the applications you send out. "Sending in your application for hundreds of jobs on Monster.com will work against you," said Dan Schawbel, a personal branding expert and author of Me 2.0. Not only is it difficult to remember what you applied for and when, but you're also likely to send out generic resumes.
Write your resume so it highlights your experience with each position's requirements. Not sure what your relatable skill-set is? Try creating a Venn diagram that illustrates all of the skills and experience you've developed. The overlap can indicate your primary strengths, and the remainder can help you see where you have specific skills related to your prospective industry.
"I would have focused more on becoming 'professional.'"
Save the sweatpants and fratty T-shirts for the weekend. Replace them with clothes that are fitted, pressed and at the very least casual-Friday appropriate even when you're going to class. You may think dressing well every day doesn't matter, but the professors you ask for recommendations will remember your style.
Another way to show your professionalism is to pick up the tab for networking coffees, and send thank-you notes for even a little bit of help. "If someone gives you advice, all you have to do is say thank you after the fact," Pollak said.
And, of course, monitor your online appearance. Clean up and privacy-protect your Facebook accounts, start Tweeting interesting news (instead of which class you're skipping), be careful where you "check-in" on your smartphone, and set up a solid LinkedIn profile, Pollak said. Add a signature line to your e-mail account and set up a professional voicemail message.
"I would have done more to figure out what my career goals were."
Your first job out of college is unlikely to be your dream position, if you even know what that is. Indecision can hold you back, so set up some informational interviews to try to narrow your focus.
"It's a rare gift at any age to know what your passion is," said Bruce Tulgan, CEO of Rainmaker Thinking, a New Haven, Conn.-based management consultancy that focuses on integrating generations in the workplace. "In 99 out of 100 cases, people start to learn about a career path, gain experience in something, and over time they become passionate about it."
Don't be afraid to try something that you're initially lukewarm about, said Pollak. "I don't believe in dead-end jobs when you're early in your career," she said, "because everything is experience."
"I would have gone to the career center."
This is what they call a "no-brainer." You might not think you need your university's services, but there's no reason to find out the hard way you did something wrong that could have been avoided.
"College students have an advantage other job seekers don't -- an on-campus career center staffed with people who have one purpose: to help students find jobs," said Kane of Adecco. "Most career centers aren't taken advantage of to their full extent."
Once you get to know the counselors and they know what you're looking for, they can tell you about new opportunities, Kane said. It's also a good place to practice your elevator pitch, draft introductory e-mails or cover letters, perfect your resume, or any other measures you don't want to run by friends or family members.
"I would have kept better track of my achievements."
Experts say that even on-campus accolades belong on your resume.
"Start creating tangible results with your name on them so you have evidence of your ability to add value," said Tulgan. "Save the tangible results, date them, and be prepared to present them."
Tracking how many donations you collected from calling alumni or that you created a new filing system for the admissions office are achievements that translate to everyday work activities. Don't forget to highlight your academic awards, such as making the dean's list or honor society.
"Any accomplishment matters," said Schawbel. " Track them in a public setting, like your LinkedIn profile." If it's not out there for people to find, those achievements won't be doing anything to help you, he said.
"I would have focused more on developing relevant skills."
Having an awareness of industry-specific skills as well as broad, transferable ones is a way to really stand out.
"Companies aren't investing as much in training, so companies are more likely to look for someone who can hit the ground running," said Kane. That isn't just familiarity with industry terminology, it's also having professional "street smarts."
"Show your understanding of chain-of-command issues, working with older, more experienced colleagues and working with people in parallel roles in other departments, or with vendors and customers," said Tulgan.
You should also have excellent customer service knowledge – not only to use as a professional, but also to use as a job seeker. That includes making yourself available, being fully prepared for interviews,and knowing how to problem-solve, Tulgan said. "Above all, develop self-management skills and the ability to work effectively with a manager," he said.
http://www.fins.com/Finance/Articles/SBB0001424052970204226204576601420036627098/The-10-Worst-Mistakes-of-First-Time-Job-Hunters
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