How to Switch from Student to Working Professional

How to Switch from Student to Working Professional If you have just graduated university or finished college, then it is time to enter the real world of work. Even if you are still in education  but searching for jobs, you need to be prepared for the change that is ahead. This includes tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews and knowing the skill set that you posses. The world of work is a serious one and you need to be able to transform yourself and  your perception of how things work,  in order to fit into a new environment. This infographic by ACU  explains how to prepare for the jump from student to working professional and what to expect along the way. Reality check As of May 2014, the unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds is 9.1% 15% of millennials are already managers 100% of employers perceive that college prepares students for the workplace Job hunting Begin as soon as possible Tap into your resources Tailor your resume Tailor your cover letters Networking develop genuine connections and offer something in return Utilise social media 35% of employers use social media to conduct background checks 93% of recruiters use LinkedIn Prepare well for your interview and use your soft skills, 98% of employers say communication skills are vital Developing ongoing professionalism Moderate your social life Develop and maintain genuine connections Never stop learning  RELATED: Students: How to Create a Resume and Find Your Perfect College Job Abilene Christian University

You dont need anyones permission University of Manchester Careers Blog

You don’t need anyone’s permission University of Manchester Careers Blog From YouTube to BBC Radio 1 When chasing your dreams, it is important that you are proactive. No-one is going to hand you your dream job straight out of university, especially if you don’t take the first few steps on your own. Firstly, do something. This should be in addition to your studies and related to what career you want to go in to. Fancy being a writer? Start your own blog! Want to work in television? Make your own films. Want to be an entrepreneur? Start your own business. And if you are willing to leave the comfort of your bedroom, volunteering is a great way to get experience and also give back to the community. Charities and other organisations are always looking for willing volunteers to help support their cause. These are really simple ways to gain experience, and you don’t need to go through any application process or work long hours for free. If you want to do something, don’t wait for someone to let you â€" just do it. Secondly, having a strong network is also really important. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “it’s not what you know, but who you know” and unfortunately this is still true. But luckily, it is now easier than ever to get to know the right people. Get a Twitter account and follow people in the industry that you want to get into. You can even find out about opportunities including job vacancies and graduate schemes. Check out our other article on how to make the most of Twitter when looking for jobs. LinkedIn is another great way that you can start to create your own professional network. Not only is it a networking tool, but you can use it as a platform to show off your skills and experience to potential employers. Take a look at our guide for using LinkedIn as a postgrad student. There are several examples of people who didn’t just wait for their dream job, but actively did something about it. Radio 1 presenters, Dan and Phil, began their broadcasting lives on YouTube. After quickly gathering hundreds of thousands of subscribers, Radio 1 saw their potential and gave them a job. Dan and Phil weren’t even looking to present on the radio, but by being proactive, and putting their work online for all to see, their job found them. Sticking with radio, but a little closer to home, DJ and presenter (and Manchester alumna) Hattie Pearson started her radio career on student radio. Her hard work and passion for radio secured her a Student Radio Award and a show on the XFM network. Not bad! You should do the same, do all you can to get where you want to be. Create a portfolio of work in your own time and put it online, in the right places, for the right people to see. And what’s best is that you can do it your own way; you don’t have publishers or investors to please. Make the most of this opportunity, because you won’t get the chance to be so creative when you do have publishers and investors. All Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted

Introverts and the Job Search

Introverts and the Job Search Introverts make up about 25 percent of the general population. If you’re an introvert in a job search, you may feel at times that your job skills are not being valued because your job search skills are holding you back. And you may be right. Introverts tend to dislike the whole concept of networking. The idea of meeting strangers, making small talk and asking for favors is just not what an introvert is wired to do. Introverts often think more and process more before they speak, and this tendency makes them less quick and natural in interviews. Here are some tips for playing to your strengths as an introverted jobseeker. Introverts thrive on getting to know a subject well; they tend to develop deep knowledge instead of the extrovert’s broad, generalist approach. This is an introvert strength that can really help your job search. Use your research skills to learn about your target companies, and use written notes to prepare for interviews. You’ll stand out as a serious candidate who really understands the industry and the company. Although networking with strangers can be daunting for an introvert, here is where you might be able to leverage your relationships with extroverts. Find your most energetic , outgoing and connected friend, and ask for her help in meeting people. Most extroverts love to connect people, and chances are, they’ll be thrilled to be of service. Introverts are generally better listeners than they are talkers, and this can also be an advantage in your job search. During networking meetings and interviews, listen intently for messages about challenges the company or the manager is facing. Use thoughtful reflective language to show that you’re listening â€" and hearing. Respond with questions to deepen your understanding. (“It sounds like your customer base is changing over time â€" getting younger and more digital. What does that mean to your marketing and creative team?”) Ask good questions about the working environment, and don’t be afraid to own your introversion. Be up front with issues about how you work. It’s much better to be considered and passed over for a job than to get a job with working conditions that will make you miserable. Ask about the office (“I’m an introvert, and I find that I’m most productive when I have quiet space to work on projects and concentrate. Can you tell me about the office layout?”) Consider careers and managers that favor introversion. Trust me, there are whole companies made up mostly of introverts, or where their good qualities are essential for the job. Accounting firms, information technology companies, scientific communities â€" all these workplaces are filled with people just like you. On the other hand, if you decide to work in a large public relations firm or in the hospitality industry, or in politics, you’re bound to be surrounded by raving extroverts. You do the math. Jonathan Rauch wrote a great article for the Atlantic Monthly called “Caring for your Introvert.” In it, he write: “We [introverts]tend to think before talking, whereas extroverts tend to think by talking, which is why their meetings never last less than six hours. Introverts, writes a perceptive fellow named Thomas P. Crouser, in an online review of a recent book called Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money? (Im not making that up, either), are driven to distraction by the semi-internal dialogue extroverts tend to conduct.” As an introvert, you may have trouble getting a word in edgewise. But you may be able to use your strengths to make a strong impression without saying too much. Keep Winston Churchill’s quote in mind: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

Why You Should Consider Having Customer Relationship Management for Your Business

Why You Should Consider Having Customer Relationship Management for Your Business A customer is an integral pillar for any company’s success story. It is in light of this that more companies are adopting a client management approach. This strategy is better known as Customer Relationship Management, CRM. It encompasses the guidelines, principles and practices an entity follows when interacting with their clients. Several firms have developed the CRM system with the aim to improve on customer experience. https://www.salesforce.com/crm/what-is-crm/ is one such firm. It has within its system the following functionalities essential to the CRM system. CRM Software   Information is key in dealing with clients. This data includes a customer’s purchase history, contact details, product review, and feedback as to the quality of services offered by the firm. With such information, the business is in a position to track its performance as well as anticipate and address customer needs. This integrated system has proven to be a significant component in improving the company-customer relationship. Management A successful system allows for human interaction. The CRM software comes with a management functionality to address this. The system provides an efficient communication of all levels of control within the company’s administrative structure. Therefore, the decision-making process is aided thanks to this functionality. Quality and real-time decisions can therefore be made for the company’s continued success. Cloud Solutions   Cloud-based computing is a critical component for the realization of a company’s goals. The importance of real-time information for all the departments in a business cannot be wished away. Cloud computing has been significant in improving the effectiveness of the entity’s operations. This ability is credited to the offsite feature in the cloud’s system. It, therefore, means that employees can work anywhere other than the office. All they need is their laptops, smartphones, computers or tablets and an internet connection. The CRM system has been credited with many entities’ continued growth and prosperity. Your company too can be part of the success narrative. Here is a look at how your business stands to benefit from adopting the  CRM system. Improved Company-Client Relationship With access to real-time information, interactions with your clients will be more efficient. You will be able to address particular issues raised by your customers. Moreover, your company’s support team will be in a position to find a solution to a client’s needs based on the information within the system. All this improve the customer’s experience, and as a result, the bond between your firm and its clients is strengthened. Business Continuity One challenge most business entities face emanates from the change of its staff. Customers prefer a company’s representative who is familiar with their needs. The system addresses this via its pool of customer-related information. Therefore, access to such information will be helpful to a company when there is a change of staff. A client may not necessarily be affected by the firm’s change of its personnel as long as their needs are addressed. CRM Long-Run Cost Savings Whereas the initial cost may be significant, the CRM system will save on expenses in the long-run. These costs include product evaluation expenditures, market research expenses, and overheads incurred when addressing issues raised by a customer. Data within the system offers the much-needed information and analysis that eliminates the need for continuous market research and product evaluations. Moreover, there some customer concerns that can be addressed remotely. This removes the need for travelling to solve these issues. Your customer’s satisfaction should be your priority. A CRM system is helpful in achieving this. Author’s Bio ?Judy lees are a super-connector with AYC Web Solutions who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

15 Tips to Boost Your Networking Skills - CareerMetis.com

15 Tips to Boost Your Networking Skills For some people the art of networking is a knack that they seem to be born with, while others can find it very difficult to get the ball rolling and connect with other professionals.However, with the right application and understanding, networking can be something that you breeze through and thoroughly enjoy.It can be especially troublesome for introverted people to be successful at networking and bring in new industry contacts and opportunities for both themselves and their company. Whether it’s finding it difficult opening conversations or not connecting on a personal level, there are many areas a person can work on to become better at networking.evalIf you are looking to learn how to become better at networking then have a read through some of our tips to help you boost your networking skills and become successful in your industry.Being preparedIt always helps to have interesting questions during any event as it can set you apart from those asking the usual questions. Put some t hought into any unique perspectives or approaches you can bring up regarding your industry and watch how refreshing your new take on issues are.Staying positiveDuring most conversations you may find it is far more enjoyable for everyone to be positive and friendly and this is no different when it comes to networking.Even just smiling has been shown to help increase facial recognition recall, so you can quickly make your mark on the industry and build up friends and contacts in no time.Connect before the eventWith the astronomical rise of social media and online platforms in recent years it has become possible to get acquainted with people without ever actually meeting them. When it comes to networking, it is possible to connect online with other individuals attending an event so you have a few acquaintances and opportunities before you have even arrived.It can also be a lot easier for introverted people to connect through social media first before furthering the friendship in person .Be introduced by someoneWhen it comes to introducing yourself and opening up a conversation, you will always have more credibility if you are introduced by someone rather than approaching as a stranger.evalOne study found that 84% of people highlighted word-of-mouth recommendations as the most reliable, so try your best to have a personal introduction from a friend or colleague.Find like-minded peopleStudies have found that people gravitate towards those who express shared values in a phenomenon known as the similarity-attraction effect. When speaking with others, be sure to connect on any shared values so that you can form a stronger bond.Keep in touch after the eventThere’s no point fixing our basic list of contacts and industry acquaintances only to neglect them and have them lead to nothing. This is why it’s very important to follow up your new relationships after the event so that you can maintain ties over the long-term. This can be anything from a quick email about what an excellent time you had to enjoying a lunch or coffee break together.Putting yourself out thereIntroverts may be somewhat apprehensive about the prospects of networking, but this is usually just in the mind. Make that initial push to get yourself out into the world and you’ll soon find yourself relaxing into the situation and making lifelong friends and industry contacts in no time!evalPutting these tips from GetVoIPinto action will be the first step towards crushing your next networking event.Infographic Source : GetVOIP.com

Career Development Through Your Professional Organizations

Career Development Through Your Professional Organizations Professional organizations are a great way for you to keep up with trends and new information in your industry. They can also provide a great opportunity to network with your peers who work in the same industry and are interested in similar topics. What many people do not realize is that professional organizations can be a great avenue for building your skills. Typical Professional Networking Membership If you are new to a professional organization, you will likely join as a member and attend the regularly scheduled events. You may set a goal to meet 2 new people at each meeting and actively work on achieving that goal. At the structured information-sharing events, you may take notes and apply that new information to your own work. You quickly begin to realize the benefits of this organization. Why not take your membership to the next level? Ask yourself, in what ways can you make the most out of being a part of this professional organization? In your answer, consider the following perspectives: tactical skills, social skills, network building, and staying current in the industry. The Next Level of Career Development Making the most out of your professional organization often involves being involved in a specific position within the organization. Here are some steps to follow to identify the right position for you: List out the opportunities available in the organization beyond being a member, such as officer positions, committees to join, and so on. Of the positions available, identify which position can help you build the skills you want to develop or become proficient in. Finally, find out how you can move into one of those positions and what the requirements are. These steps will help provide you with information on which positions would be good for you to consider and which ones may not be the best fit for your goals. In general, professional organizations should be a part of your career management plan. I would argue that you need to look at the professional organizations you are involved with and determine in what ways you can make the most out of being a part of them from the following perspectives: skills development, social opportunities, building your network, and staying current on the latest industry information. The beauty of using professional organizations to help your personal or work performance plan is that you also benefit the organization with your efforts.

What Is A Summary On A Resume?

What Is A Summary On A Resume?What is a summary on a resume? It's usually an introduction for the person seeking employment. For most positions, a summary is adequate enough as it will go a long way in defining the job you are applying for. It shows that you've put in a good deal of effort to gather all of the necessary information for consideration for the job and to submit the resume properly.A summary may be in the form of a thesis statement or a detailed resume. If the resume is detailed, it means that the person was not satisfied with the 'summary' because it didn't cover enough ground to allow him to get a feel for the job they are seeking. When you do a short work on a resume, it will be obvious to the employer that you had some difficulty with writing it. In fact, a poorly written resume is one of the most commonly noticed indications that someone is trying to hide something about their background.A summary on a resume is nothing more than an introduction to the person's qual ifications for the job. The summary should also show the organization why the individual is qualified for the position being sought. This gives the person a chance to explain themselves in the best possible light and will also help to keep the employer from having to do further research to get a clear picture of the qualifications needed for the job.A summary on a resume is not always an introduction to qualifications. It may instead be a part of the resume itself. It can be the only section of the resume that needs to be filled out.For people who find themselves needing to hire new employees, a summary on a resume can be a major selling point. A good summary on a resume will set the stage for the hiring process by providing the employer with an idea of how you can be of service to them. A nice summary can give an employer an idea of how they can get in touch with you.When you are a candidate for a position, a summary on a resume can help to close the sale. When you have put in your best effort to give an employee a summary on a resume, it is important that they read it carefully and understand the information it contains. It is also a good idea that they ask questions after they finish reading it.Summary on a resume formats vary but there are several types of them. They may be printed on letterhead, typed, or even handwritten. The format is often determined by the employer or the position of the person seeking employment.Summary on a resume is something that is easy to use and very effective. If you are a candidate for a position, including one in your resume will help to enhance your chances of being hired. Make sure that you put some effort into making it good and you will be very pleased with the results.