As the country struggles to recover from eight years of Bushenomics, it is not just college graduates and established professionals who are having a tough time landing employment. Young job seekers are finding it difficult to navigate through these muddy waters as well. A tight economy means that all employers are consolidating resources, while some are in a flat out hiring freeze.
Here are some of the ways we feel you can overcome the odds, and still achieve success on the job front.
NETWORKING
It's like the old saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know." No matter what career you eventually choose to pursue, this is a universal law that will stay true throughout your professional career. Shaking hands and leaving your mark on as many people as possible will always lead to greater success in life. Don't be afraid to ask questions either, talk to your school counselor, the local store owner, the security guard at the mall, anyone who you think may know a thing or two about finding a job.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
"Yah mean," "the bull," "yam sayin," although all these sayings might be good when you're kicking back with your friends, at a job interview, they will usually get you out the door. There is a time and a place for everything, I must admit. Just like anybody, I like to talk smack with the best of them, but when it's time to get serious, I put away the slang. Speak clearly when you're at a job interview. Don't let a bunch of slang words get in the way of you landing your first job, thus beginning your long road to success.
BECOME INTERESTING
Nobody wants to listen to a boring story. Let a potential employer hear something interesting about you and watch how smoother the interview goes. Who knows, you may even be hired on the spot. But the question is, if you're not interesting, how can you tell an interesting story? Well, this is why it is your responsibility to put the joystick down for a second, and get involved in the community, take a trip with friends, learn something new, do anything that may distinguish you from the rest of the pack.
These are just a few tips to help you in your journey at landing your first job. Of course there is so much more to job searching than just these three tips, enough to even fill a book. But hopefully you can use these as a starting point to get you moving in the right direction.
Lormont "L.A." Sharp is a native of Philadelphia, born and raised. He is a graduate from Clarion University with a degree in Communications. While at Clarion, Lormont had an exceptional basketball career. During his senior year, he was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference "Athlete of the Year," and was selected an "All-American" by Basketball Times. After graduation, L.A. went on to play professional basketball in several different countries throughout Europe and also South America. With his great athletic ability and deadly 3-point shot, Lormont has amazed basketball fans all over the world!
Just recently in 2007, the "Sharp Shooter" stepped away from the game of basketball and began his career in sports journalism. Over the past year, he has done free-lance work for several publications in the Philadelphia and New York area. He's covered such prestigious events as the Jordan Classic held at Madison Square Garden, and the Elite 24 at Rucker Park.
Along with his pursuit of sports writing, L.A. is a Youth Advocate in his hometown of Philly. Since graduating from Clarion, during the off-season of each year, he has returned back to Philly to work with at-risk youths. His new novel entitled Broad Street Bully, is a motivational tale geared towards the youth, and is based on his own experiences. The book is written in a voice and a language in which the young reader, or the educator can relate to. And although it is a fictional tale, it is rooted in reality.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar