No matter your qualifications, a resume full of errors is likely to land you in the “no” pile. Your resume must speak for you when you are unavailable to speak for yourself. If the resume is sloppy, lacks attention to detail, and is full of errors, it appears this is how you will perform on the job.
Proofreading your resume before you send it to a potential employer is critical to success. For some employers, if they find just one error they will not even consider interviewing the candidate. Don’t rely on the spell check function; it won’t catch most of these common errors.
Spelling and Word Use Errors
I once sent a cover letter addressed “Dear Hiring Manger.” Since then, I have learned that there is an AutoCorrect function in Microsoft Word that allows you to automatically fix your common errors. Following are some of the most common misspelled words you might use on a resume: Judgment, Commitment, Consensus, Indispensable, Liaison, License, Occurrence, Occasion, Perseverance, Privilege, Separate, Proceed, Acceptable, A While (always two words), Accommodate, Acquire, Acquit, A Lot (always two words), Conscientious, Experience, Guarantee, Immediate, Noticeable, Recommend, and Weird.
Word Use Errors
Most errors on a resume are misuse errors versus misspellings. The spell check functions do not catch these errors. They are spelled correctly; they are just not used properly. Here are some of the most common offenders:
Its versus It’s – This is one of the most common errors. That tiny little apostrophe can make a big difference. To keep it simple, it’s is a contraction of the words “it is” or “it has,” while its is possessive. It’s going to rain. Its tires were flat.
Your versus You’re – You’re is a contraction of “you” and “are,” while your is possessive. You’re my best friend. Your hands are cold.
Their versus There and They’re- Once again, they’re is a contraction of the words “they” and “are,” while their is possessive, and there refers to distance. They’re going to their house over there.
Ensure versus Insure – When you insure something, you are referring to insurance. When you ensure something, you make sure of it. I ensured my family was insured.
Lead versus Led – When referring to leading in the past tense you use led. When talking about a metal, or using the present tense of leading, you use lead. However, they are pronounced different based on the meaning. I led a project team. I want to lead this team. He has lead poisoning.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Internship Intervention: Five Strategies to Get the Most out of Your Internship
If you are considering an internship, about to begin an internship, or are in an internship, consider these five tips to make the most of your internship experience. Many believe that they know what an internship is, but all too often internships are not utilized to their fullest potential. So it’s time for an intervention: a sit around the circle, heart-to-heart exchange to keep you from making terrible mistakes that will negatively impact your professional future. Let the healing begin.
Be appreciative: Many interns do not appreciate the time and expense that goes into their position. According to the US Department of Labor, an internship is essentially for the benefit of intern, not the employer, and internships are to be designed with the expectation that work operations are more than likely to be hindered. If you owned your own business, would you create a position exclusively to lose money and make things slower? I, personally, believe in the altruistic nature of people, so it’s entirely likely that you would. However, I hope this makes you more appreciative of the time and energy that employers put into their internship programs.
Be a sponge: From the minute your internship begins, start absorbing everything you can about your place of work. What is its mission and primary purpose for existing? What do you know about its industry and its place in that industry? Who are its competitors and what does it do to differentiate itself from them? How does the work culture support the values of the organization? What does your department or area do to contribute to the bottom-line? Since an internship is designed to be an educational experience for you, you’ll get more out of it if you treat it like an anthropological study, making keen observations and studying the operations, dynamics, and relationships therein.
Take initiative: After you have begun your internship and are feeling comfortable in your role, ask you supervisor if there is anything else you can do to help, whether it be some kind of outside project, assignment, or something else entirely. The fact that you are asking indicates that you are interested in doing more than what is expected of you and that you are open to new experiences and challenges. Even if there is nothing available at the time, a question like this and being open to future opportunities will make a huge positive impression. Another way to show your initiative is to schedule a performance evaluation yourself. Ask your supervisor for an appointment to discuss your performance to date, going over your position expectations and how well you have fulfilled them. Think this will leave a strong, positive impression on how your supervisor views your professionalism and dedication to your position? I would!
Mine for feedback: But don't just obtain information from your supervisor: ask those that you report to and work with for genuine feedback on your work. Make your questions specific areas that are important to the company, which could include attention to detail, teamwork, timeliness, critical thinking, or others.
Be résumé mindful: Finally, keep track of everything that you are doing, from the day-to-day tasks to the skills you are picking up, for it is all fodder for your résumé.
Your internship can be a box that you check off on a list of undergraduate “to dos” or it can be a transformational opportunity that accelerates your career. It’s all in the approach and the choices that you make.
Be appreciative: Many interns do not appreciate the time and expense that goes into their position. According to the US Department of Labor, an internship is essentially for the benefit of intern, not the employer, and internships are to be designed with the expectation that work operations are more than likely to be hindered. If you owned your own business, would you create a position exclusively to lose money and make things slower? I, personally, believe in the altruistic nature of people, so it’s entirely likely that you would. However, I hope this makes you more appreciative of the time and energy that employers put into their internship programs.
Be a sponge: From the minute your internship begins, start absorbing everything you can about your place of work. What is its mission and primary purpose for existing? What do you know about its industry and its place in that industry? Who are its competitors and what does it do to differentiate itself from them? How does the work culture support the values of the organization? What does your department or area do to contribute to the bottom-line? Since an internship is designed to be an educational experience for you, you’ll get more out of it if you treat it like an anthropological study, making keen observations and studying the operations, dynamics, and relationships therein.
Take initiative: After you have begun your internship and are feeling comfortable in your role, ask you supervisor if there is anything else you can do to help, whether it be some kind of outside project, assignment, or something else entirely. The fact that you are asking indicates that you are interested in doing more than what is expected of you and that you are open to new experiences and challenges. Even if there is nothing available at the time, a question like this and being open to future opportunities will make a huge positive impression. Another way to show your initiative is to schedule a performance evaluation yourself. Ask your supervisor for an appointment to discuss your performance to date, going over your position expectations and how well you have fulfilled them. Think this will leave a strong, positive impression on how your supervisor views your professionalism and dedication to your position? I would!
Mine for feedback: But don't just obtain information from your supervisor: ask those that you report to and work with for genuine feedback on your work. Make your questions specific areas that are important to the company, which could include attention to detail, teamwork, timeliness, critical thinking, or others.
Be résumé mindful: Finally, keep track of everything that you are doing, from the day-to-day tasks to the skills you are picking up, for it is all fodder for your résumé.
Your internship can be a box that you check off on a list of undergraduate “to dos” or it can be a transformational opportunity that accelerates your career. It’s all in the approach and the choices that you make.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Book Review: The Shark and the Goldfish: Positive Ways to Thrive During Waves of Change
I was introduced to The Shark and the Goldfish by my boss. He tacked a post-it to its cover that said “I think this will change your perspective on things” and left it on my desk.
My first impression wasn’t positive. The story is illustrated, so it reminded me of a children’s book. The opening statement--Are you a shark or a goldfish?--made me wonder what the heck my boss was trying to tell me. Was he suggesting that I needed to be more of a man? I didn’t get it. I skimmed the book’s contents within five minutes, decided the story was too hokey for my tastes, and dismissed it as unimportant.
Sometime later, a coworker recognized the book in my cubicle and asked me about it. After explaining why I didn’t really read it, my coworker agreed that although the story was corny, the message is what really mattered. He suggested I try reading it again, saying “Make sure you read the introduction this time.”
After reading The Shark and the Goldfish front to back, I’m happy to report that I get it now. The author Jon Gordon starts off with a confession saying that of course a goldfish, a freshwater fish, cannot survive in the ocean. Gordon goes on to explain that his “Shark or Goldfish?” concept started out as a story he liked using in motivational speeches. The story is intentionally short so he can communicate his point quickly. Consequently, The Shark and the Goldfish is more of a quick-and-dirty tool than a magnum opus:
A goldfish is alone is his bowl, perfectly content with being fed each day. During a trip to the beach he is accidentally swept away into the ocean, where he starts to go hungry. He fears that he is done for, until he meets a friendly shark who challenges his thinking.
The message shines through in this bit of dialogue between the shark and his newfound friend: “You know what your problem is?” “I’m starving and no one will feed me.” “No, you are waiting to be fed.”
The focus of the story revolves around one important truth: You can’t control the events in your life. You can, however, choose how you respond to them.
This truism is the motivation that the shark uses to teach the goldfish how to “be a shark.” In order to be a successful shark, the goldfish will need to work hard for his food. Furthermore, it’s not a “once in a while” type of work -- it’s a mindset that reinforces the need to work hard every day.
It is a lesson that translates well into dealing with adversity. If you’re unemployed, you can’t wait for jobs to come knocking at your door – you must actively search for jobs and beat out the competition to a job offer. If you’re working in a dead-end job, you can’t wait for something better to land in your lap – you must actively seek out new opportunities. If you’re anxious to get a raise or a promotion, you can’t wait for someone to notice you – you must take on extra projects, leverage your contacts, and do other proactive tasks that will help get you get noticed.
Though the main focus of The Shark and the Goldfish is about turning misfortune into fortune by seeing opportunity in the midst of adversity, there are other lessons to be learned from the story. The book highlights these different lessons that the goldfish learns through illustration: Whenever the goldfish learns something, he’ll inscribe a reminder into different rocks or pieces of coral throughout the ocean. The reminder that resonated most with me is the importance of faith over fear.
Faith and fear are similar because both are beliefs of a future that hasn’t happened yet. Fear is the belief in a negative future, while faith is a belief in a positive one. Fear is most common, because of the multiple forms it comes in. There is fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of starving, fear of change, and even fear of fear. Because fear can be so paralyzing, it’s no wonder that so many people will settle for their small goldfish-bowl world. We are content, so long as we’re being fed.
As a result, we forget about our options for a different future. We lose sight of our own potential because our faith in a positive future is drowned out by all of the fears we carry.
In The Shark and the Goldfish, the goldfish successfully overcomes his fears. In the face of adversity, he chooses to be proactive. Despite negativity from naysayers, he proves himself to be a shark capable of finding more food than he’d ever need. He decides to create a school for fish that once thought like himself, and teaches what it takes to be a shark like him.
At about 80 pages, many of which have less than 15 words on them due to illustrations, The Shark and the Goldfish can be read in under an hour. Gordon admits that he’s received criticism regarding the length and simplicity of the book, and I almost dismissed its significance because of just how small it is.
In spite of my poor first impression, I am grateful that The Shark and the Goldfish was recommended to me a second time, because I see now what my boss was getting at. When it comes to success, attitude is everything. With a proactive approach to life, you can handle everything that’s thrown at you, even if it’s as terrifying as the vastness of the ocean to a tiny goldfish. You realize that against all odds, you are still in control over yourself. As a result, you are in control of your life.
As Gordon puts it, the choice is yours. What do you want to be? A shark or a goldfish?
My first impression wasn’t positive. The story is illustrated, so it reminded me of a children’s book. The opening statement--Are you a shark or a goldfish?--made me wonder what the heck my boss was trying to tell me. Was he suggesting that I needed to be more of a man? I didn’t get it. I skimmed the book’s contents within five minutes, decided the story was too hokey for my tastes, and dismissed it as unimportant.
Sometime later, a coworker recognized the book in my cubicle and asked me about it. After explaining why I didn’t really read it, my coworker agreed that although the story was corny, the message is what really mattered. He suggested I try reading it again, saying “Make sure you read the introduction this time.”
After reading The Shark and the Goldfish front to back, I’m happy to report that I get it now. The author Jon Gordon starts off with a confession saying that of course a goldfish, a freshwater fish, cannot survive in the ocean. Gordon goes on to explain that his “Shark or Goldfish?” concept started out as a story he liked using in motivational speeches. The story is intentionally short so he can communicate his point quickly. Consequently, The Shark and the Goldfish is more of a quick-and-dirty tool than a magnum opus:
A goldfish is alone is his bowl, perfectly content with being fed each day. During a trip to the beach he is accidentally swept away into the ocean, where he starts to go hungry. He fears that he is done for, until he meets a friendly shark who challenges his thinking.
The message shines through in this bit of dialogue between the shark and his newfound friend: “You know what your problem is?” “I’m starving and no one will feed me.” “No, you are waiting to be fed.”
The focus of the story revolves around one important truth: You can’t control the events in your life. You can, however, choose how you respond to them.
This truism is the motivation that the shark uses to teach the goldfish how to “be a shark.” In order to be a successful shark, the goldfish will need to work hard for his food. Furthermore, it’s not a “once in a while” type of work -- it’s a mindset that reinforces the need to work hard every day.
It is a lesson that translates well into dealing with adversity. If you’re unemployed, you can’t wait for jobs to come knocking at your door – you must actively search for jobs and beat out the competition to a job offer. If you’re working in a dead-end job, you can’t wait for something better to land in your lap – you must actively seek out new opportunities. If you’re anxious to get a raise or a promotion, you can’t wait for someone to notice you – you must take on extra projects, leverage your contacts, and do other proactive tasks that will help get you get noticed.
Though the main focus of The Shark and the Goldfish is about turning misfortune into fortune by seeing opportunity in the midst of adversity, there are other lessons to be learned from the story. The book highlights these different lessons that the goldfish learns through illustration: Whenever the goldfish learns something, he’ll inscribe a reminder into different rocks or pieces of coral throughout the ocean. The reminder that resonated most with me is the importance of faith over fear.
Faith and fear are similar because both are beliefs of a future that hasn’t happened yet. Fear is the belief in a negative future, while faith is a belief in a positive one. Fear is most common, because of the multiple forms it comes in. There is fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of starving, fear of change, and even fear of fear. Because fear can be so paralyzing, it’s no wonder that so many people will settle for their small goldfish-bowl world. We are content, so long as we’re being fed.
As a result, we forget about our options for a different future. We lose sight of our own potential because our faith in a positive future is drowned out by all of the fears we carry.
In The Shark and the Goldfish, the goldfish successfully overcomes his fears. In the face of adversity, he chooses to be proactive. Despite negativity from naysayers, he proves himself to be a shark capable of finding more food than he’d ever need. He decides to create a school for fish that once thought like himself, and teaches what it takes to be a shark like him.
At about 80 pages, many of which have less than 15 words on them due to illustrations, The Shark and the Goldfish can be read in under an hour. Gordon admits that he’s received criticism regarding the length and simplicity of the book, and I almost dismissed its significance because of just how small it is.
In spite of my poor first impression, I am grateful that The Shark and the Goldfish was recommended to me a second time, because I see now what my boss was getting at. When it comes to success, attitude is everything. With a proactive approach to life, you can handle everything that’s thrown at you, even if it’s as terrifying as the vastness of the ocean to a tiny goldfish. You realize that against all odds, you are still in control over yourself. As a result, you are in control of your life.
As Gordon puts it, the choice is yours. What do you want to be? A shark or a goldfish?
Embracing Change in Your Professional Life
The professional world is always changing. This is particularly true during a recession, with corporate downsizing, reorganizations, mergers, and acquisitions—all of which impact workers. Common reactions to change can include anxiety, shock, denial, confusion, resistance, and anger. However, if you view change as an opportunity and you take responsibility for your career, you can grow both professionally and personally.
Accept and Expect Change
When you accept that change is inevitable, you won’t be surprised or overwhelmed when it happens. Stay informed about what is happening in your organization and look for signs of change. Be as prepared and as open as possible to the opportunities that accompany organizational change.
Keep Current
Keeping your skills sharp and your knowledge current is always a good idea. This is especially true if a change at work requires you to take on more responsibility, assume a different role, or even begin a new job search. Be sure to regularly update your resume and any online professional profiles with your most current skills and experience.
Stay Focused and Productive
When change is happening all around you, it is easy to become distracted; however, your best response is to stay focused and keep up with the tasks at hand. Not only does this keep your mind from wandering and minimize worry, it could also cause management to take note of and appreciate your efforts.
Take on New Challenges
Frequently, with change comes opportunity to learn or try something new, like taking on a new project or working with new co-workers. Typically during times of change—especially reorganizations or layoffs—extra works becomes plentiful. Help facilitate the change by extending assistance to your manager, wherever possible.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Military Transition Salary Negotiation Tips
In the military, pay rates are consistent among all members of your branch of the military who are at your rank. Salary and benefits are determined by Congress and there is no negotiating.
In the civilian workforce, it is a whole new world of opportunity. Keep in mind your negotiation and subsequent salary will set the tone for the rest of your civilian career. Therefore, you must be prepared. Following are some salary negotiation tips that apply to your military transition.
Do your research.
The first step to success is research. When you are asked the salary question, you not only want to have an answer, but you should have proof in-hand. The rule of thumb in salary negotiation is the first person who names a number loses. When you are asked to name the salary you are seeking, it is best to offer a range and cite a source. Use websites such as http://www.salary.com/ and http://www.payscale.com/ to prepare for salary negotiations.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
You should always negotiate salary. If you don’t, there is a good chance you are leaving money on the table. Make it a rule to never accept the first number an employer offers. You never know what you can get unless you ask – they are not going to spontaneously offer to pay you more. Define the benefits you bring the employer and demonstrate your value throughout the interview.
Don’t sell yourself short.
Transitioning out of the military can be a very daunting challenge. I meet former service members who take the first job they are offered, without attempting to negotiate salary. This is usually done out of fear or desperation. Be proud of your military experience, determine what you have to offer an employer, and market these benefits accordingly.
Don’t broadcast retirement.
If you are retiring from the military, consider keeping this fact quiet. Employers may offer a retiree less in salary because they know you receive a military pension. My goal for all military members is that you be able to bank your retirement funds – that you earned serving our country – and replace or exceed your military salary.
Take other factors into consideration.
Your annual salary is just one part of your compensation package. If you and your potential employer are not able to agree on a salary, there are other options to consider. If you are retiring, you don’t need your new employer to pay for health care benefits. Negotiate additional compensation based on these savings. Other considerations are 90-day salary reviews, car allowances, or signing bonuses. No matter what you agree to with your new employer, always get everything in writing.
In the civilian workforce, it is a whole new world of opportunity. Keep in mind your negotiation and subsequent salary will set the tone for the rest of your civilian career. Therefore, you must be prepared. Following are some salary negotiation tips that apply to your military transition.
Do your research.
The first step to success is research. When you are asked the salary question, you not only want to have an answer, but you should have proof in-hand. The rule of thumb in salary negotiation is the first person who names a number loses. When you are asked to name the salary you are seeking, it is best to offer a range and cite a source. Use websites such as http://www.salary.com/ and http://www.payscale.com/ to prepare for salary negotiations.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
You should always negotiate salary. If you don’t, there is a good chance you are leaving money on the table. Make it a rule to never accept the first number an employer offers. You never know what you can get unless you ask – they are not going to spontaneously offer to pay you more. Define the benefits you bring the employer and demonstrate your value throughout the interview.
Don’t sell yourself short.
Transitioning out of the military can be a very daunting challenge. I meet former service members who take the first job they are offered, without attempting to negotiate salary. This is usually done out of fear or desperation. Be proud of your military experience, determine what you have to offer an employer, and market these benefits accordingly.
Don’t broadcast retirement.
If you are retiring from the military, consider keeping this fact quiet. Employers may offer a retiree less in salary because they know you receive a military pension. My goal for all military members is that you be able to bank your retirement funds – that you earned serving our country – and replace or exceed your military salary.
Take other factors into consideration.
Your annual salary is just one part of your compensation package. If you and your potential employer are not able to agree on a salary, there are other options to consider. If you are retiring, you don’t need your new employer to pay for health care benefits. Negotiate additional compensation based on these savings. Other considerations are 90-day salary reviews, car allowances, or signing bonuses. No matter what you agree to with your new employer, always get everything in writing.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Building Rapport When Networking
Rapport refers to a relationship—whether personal or professional—based on a mutual liking, trusting, and understanding of each other. When networking, your overall goal should be to build rapport with others. People will sense whether you have a genuine desire to get to know them versus strictly being task focused, such as obtaining a business referral. Networking should be a two-way conversation that is pleasant and beneficial for both parties.
Basic Introduction Tips
When networking, present yourself professionally. Make eye contact, smile, and introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Pay attention, and attempt to mirror the other person’s tone of voice and speech. These tips may seem basic, but they’re often overlooked. Remember, a negative first impression may abruptly cut your conversation short.
Find Common Ground
When meeting for the first time, try to identify common ground or interests. If you’re meeting a new contact at an event, inquire about how the other person heard of the event and ask if he/she is familiar with the speaker(s). If you are from the same profession, industry, or location, bring up something newsworthy to facilitate discussion—preferably something positive and commonly known.
Ask Open-ended Questions and Listen
The best way to spark conversation beyond a one- or two-word response is to ask open-ended questions. If the first question fizzles, follow up with a second and a third. Actively listen to the other person’s responses. This should lead to relevant follow-up questions and a full-blown conversation.
Extend Your Appreciation
As the conversation closes, thank your new contact for his/her time and ask for a business card. If appropriate, suggest keeping in contact through a professional channel, like LinkedIn. By staying connected, you can continue to foster a relationship based on good rapport.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Having a Job vs. Building a Career
College students: have you ever had someone tell you that he decided that he will never work a day in his life? You may ask yourself “how is that possible? EVERYONE has to work!” The operative words in the sentence are “work” and “decided.” Work is generally associated with an obligation, something that you have to do to survive. However, the decision you can make is to see work for what it can be: a stepping-stone in your career, a path to personal and professional fulfillment. If you feel that you’re going to work every day, follow these steps to start building your career:
To paraphrase author James Allen, circumstances do not make you: they reveal you. By putting thought into and assessing your employment needs, you can create a foundation that will bolster your chances of success no matter what career field you choose. Choose career success today.
- Understand your reasons: If you are employed during college you most likely will not be at that job for the rest of your life. Engage in some self-assessment: why are you working there? Perhaps it’s the only work study job that you could find close to your residence hall, or maybe the pay was greater than the alternatives. The idea here is to get clear with your reasons why you took that job, to think about this decision critically. Once you are clear about your reasons you can make some new decisions. What are your most important needs right now? Is it to pay loans? Maintain a lifestyle? Work close to your residence hall room? Or maybe you now want to find something that fits more with your academic interests?
- Make the decision: When you have achieved clarity regarding why you are working where you are and your needs, you can make the decision to stay or go. No job is meant to last forever and your needs not being met could be a sign that you are not feeling fulfilled. But if you decide that this position truly is meeting your needs, there’s only one thing left to do…
- Excel: Blow away your boss, your boss’s boss, and your coworkers with your ability to perform, your upbeat demeanor, and your willingness to take feedback and criticism. Show initiative and put thought into your job, looking for ways to improve it and improve yourself. The skills that you are accumulating and the attitude you are displaying are now part of your career and will carry you for years to come.
To paraphrase author James Allen, circumstances do not make you: they reveal you. By putting thought into and assessing your employment needs, you can create a foundation that will bolster your chances of success no matter what career field you choose. Choose career success today.
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