Student Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel

Your Resume Has 6 Seconds to Shine

Sejal Patel — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:05:13 +0000

There was a recent article, “What Recruiters Look At During the 6 Seconds They Spend On Your Resume“, that put together a heat map that tracked the eye movements of 30 recruiters. Pretty interesting article — but what I’m here to share with you today is the 6 basic things you should absolutely, positively, without a doubt include on your resume, to make the most of those ’6 seconds’.

1. Your name

Seems simple, but if I can’t find your name, how do you expect me to identify you or know who you are if you don’t have your name CLEARLY stated on your resume? And if your name is Michael but you go by Tony (I’m not going to ask why, though I’m sure there’s a great story), either answer to both names or make it clear what your preference is.

2. Email

In today’s world, most companies have an online application process you go through to submit your resume and profile. More often than not, your email address is your unique identifier and the best way to get in touch with you. (Not your name, your email. Do you know how many Sejal Patels there are out there? A lot.) But also use an appropriate email address — crazigal143@email.com might work for your friends, but you may want to reconsider for a job application.

3. Phone number

Even though we live in a high-tech world, phone calls are still widely used in recruiting to contact candidates about a job opening that sounds perfect, to conduct a phone screen, or just to confirm that the resume is up-to-date. Make sure you list the best phone number where a recruiter can reach you, and if you don’t have voicemail set up yet, now would be a good time.

4. GPA

It’s pretty amazing how many people leave their GPA off their resume, especially good ones! Brag a little! While GPAs aren’t the only indication of learning, when you’re getting an incredibly high number of resumes, it’s often used as a filter. Many companies have a minimum GPA they use to screen resumes as well. If you think by leaving your GPA off your resume, you’ll be able to sneak in, think again. It’s one of the first questions my company asks, and it would save both of us some time if it’s on your resume from the get-go.

5. Degree and graduation date

Tell us what you’re studying and when you’re expected to finish. This will help us figure out if you’re looking for a full-time position or an internship. It’ll also help us gauge where you might fit, based on your academic background. Not sure if you’ll be graduating in the summer or the fall? Just put what you think is most likely at the time you submit your resume, and update it later. When you do update your resume, be sure to update your resume in all of your online profiles so that the most up-to-date version is available.

6. Work status

We want to know if you have the permanent unrestricted right to work in the United States or if you’ll need sponsorship. Depending on the company and its hiring needs, it may or may not be able to sponsor employees but this is information that is best to share up front.

Bonus Tip:

Watch for white space

Recruiters go through tons of resumes every day. While I’m sure you’re quite an impressive candidate, use your resume wisely and be sure to include some white space. A clear, concise and nicely formatted resume will be easier on a recruiter’s eyes, and will garner more attention, than a poorly formatted and spaced resume with no white space, but lots of accomplishments.

Does your resume include these 6 basics? Do you have a 7th bonus that should be included?

Author

Sejal is a Recruitment Marketing Project Manager at Intel. She is part of the team that is responsible for Intel’s global employment brand. This team helps connect candidates with Intel and Intel with candidates using channels such as the Jobs at Intel web site, the Life at Intel microsite and other Web 2.0 channels. Sejal specifically manages theJobs at Intel Blog and Intel’s recruitment Facebook strategy. Originally from Toronto, Ontario (yes—a real, breathing Canadian!), Sejal graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with her Bachelor’s in Communications before starting at Intel in 2008. When she’s not working, you’ll find Sejal working at crossing things off of her Bucket List (which includes skydiving, reading 1000 books and traveling the world), eating cupcakes or spending time with family and friends. To learn more about opportunities with Intel, visit intel.com/jobs, follow Intel on Twitter @JobsatIntel or check out the Jobs@Intel blog!

Oh the Places We’ve Been: College Graduation

Michele Posehn — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:35:12 +0000

I think of Dr. Seuss around this time of year and his book, Oh the Places You’ll Go. Many receive it as a graduation gift, a sort of inspirational read to remind you of the infinite possibilities that await as you’re handed your degree. What Dr. Seuss fails to reflect on is how the places you have been directly influence where you’re headed.

In the time that you have been reading my contributions to the blog, I hope you have taken away some very valuable information, information that you will be able to build upon as you head out onto life’s next journey. We have examined the value of networking, the art of interviewing over the phone, and building your own personal brand. You have seen how technology can allow you to apply to a job while on the go and how to prepare for a relocation. And whether you have been a long time reader or just started, what you may not have realized is that you have actually been participating in these blog lessons for the entire duration of your college experience. We bloggers are merely here to show you how to pull all of that together and focus it towards your job search.

I am not an old sage by any stretch of the imagination–I have been removed from my college days for 15 years now. Nevertheless, I remember when my transition from college to the workforce at times felt awkward and left me with some self doubt and uncertainty. It took me a while to realize that these were the same feelings I faced when entering college. Any choice you make or path you choose to take will inevitably give you a moment of Am I doing the right thing? What’s important to remember is that you already have established a well-stocked toolbox of knowledge which will enable you to be prepared as you face the unknown.

You will have a universe of choices ahead of you. Some will be very clear and others will need a little more consideration. Utilize your network of mentors and valued confidantes as soundboards and tap into their expertise and wisdom. Whatever decisions you make and whatever outcomes they produce, every choice will be a life lesson and my philosophy is that positive experience can come out of both good AND bad choices (so really, are they really bad in the first place?)
Speaking of change and transition, this will be my last blog contribution, as I hand the baton off to Trish Freshwater. You are going to get some great insight from Trish as she helps you navigate the job market and your career decisions. Whether you are just graduating or starting your college career, Trish’s knowledge will be yet another way to bulk up your personal toolbox.As you make the transition from student to job seeker, remember that this is one of only many transitions you will face so pay attention and learn from this experience. The old expression “Change is good” actually should be “Change is a good teacher.”

As for me, it has been a pleasure to write for the blog and hopefully, help some of you out there. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and, as Dr. Seuss said, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!”

Author

Michele is a Senior Recruiter for Sodexo, a world leader in quality of daily life solutions that contribute to the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. As a former assistant director at the University of Maryland University College’s Career and Cooperative Education Center, she’s no stranger to students trying to plan their careers. During that time, she worked with non-traditional college students to gain school credit for on the job work experience. Michele also taught seminars on job searching, resume writing and interview techniques, and partnered with local employers to help students gain employment. At Sodexo, she has continued her interest in shaping student careers by serving as a mentor to an intern in the company’s Future Leaders Program. Michele began her recruitment career in 1999, joining Sodexo in 2008 where she recruits for a range of food, facilities and environmental services positions. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park (go Terps), is a charter member of a Baltimore area Toastmasters chapter, and a Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) and Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). When not giggling with her two girls, Michele enjoys writing … and watching the Yankees win, much to the dismay of her husband. Join her on LinkedIn or just Network with Us at Sodexo.

Conquering Your Jabberwocky – Part II

Lisa Simmons — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:10:47 +0000

Recently we followed Alice down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. This week, we are going to apply some lessons learned from Alice, particularly how to move past our fears.

The Jabberwocky is an appropriate analogy for our fears. It has “jaws that bite,” which could be construed as words that pierce our psyche and wound our self-confidence. It has “claws that catch” which could be analogous to being paralyzed with fear.

In other words, the fear not only makes us question ourselves but also stops our forward motion.

So, how can we combat our own Jabberwocky?

Make a list of your accomplishments & check it twice (or more).

Always keep a list of your accomplishments, regardless of how small they may seem to you at the time. Not only is this a good way to combat the “jaws that bite,” but it will also come in handy when performance reports are due. Don’t fall into the trap of not tooting your own horn. Chances are that, if you don’t, very few others will. Absalom would say “I can’t help you if you don’t even know who you are.” This is true. Know yourself, and make certain that others know you and are aware of your accomplishments too.

Remember that fears often seem bigger than they are.

Think about the accomplishments of humanity. Now ask yourself what life would be like right now if all these wonderful inventors, writers, scientists, and others were too fearful to step out of their comfort zone. When Alice first saw the Jabberwocky, she responded in fear. “This is impossible!” The Mad Hatter responded, “Only if you believe it is.”

Too often we see fear as insurmountable. It looks very much like Alice’s Jabberwocky–big, mean, and really ugly. It is often so intimidating that retreat feels like the only safe alternative. This brings us to feelings.

Remember that feelings don’t dictate reality.

Feelings begin in our thoughts and become quite tangible in our gut, but they are not reality. Sometime we forget that we can and should exercise control over them. We also overlook the fact that feelings do not dictate right or wrong. They do not predict success or failure either.

Combat bad feelings by grabbing your list of accomplishments and start to “believe in six impossible things before breakfast.” Note even the smallest of successes because they often lead to even larger “wins.” Most importantly, believe in yourself.

Embrace the madness.

When the Mad Hatter was having a particularly bad day, Alice said: “You’re entirely bonkers. But, I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” Although every fiber of our being tends to want to fit in, the most interesting people are those who are different. Don’t be afraid to explore different avenues and ideas. Great works of art, scientific discoveries, and amazing inventions are rarely comparable to anything before. Color outside the lines! You might just be the next great contributor to humanity.

Your vorpal sword

Alice dispatched the Jabberwocky with the vorpal sword, which the White Queen described as hope. You can do the same. Along with your accomplishments, list your hopes. What is it that you want to eventually accomplish? Nothing is as big a threat to your dreams as fear. Hope is the antidote.

Return from Wonderland.

Alice was strengthened on her return from wonderland. She had discovered who she was and had an appropriate assessment of her abilities. She pitched her ideas to a family friend and businessman. We last see her on the deck of a boat heading to pursue trade with China.

Once you have some successes in your very own wonderland, you will have a better idea of your capabilities. You will learn when to heed fear and when to shove it aside and move forward. Fear will become a tool rather than your master.

Break free.

Did you know that the word “fear” has a fitting acronym? It is FEAR – False Evidence Appearing Real. Isn’t that truly what fear is? Can you see how it can “bind and catch?” Now it is time to break free and conquer your Jabberwocky!

Author

As Associate Director of Employer Experience for Wake Forest University, Lisa’s passion is connecting employers with student talent and creating a positive experience for both. She leads a university-wide Employer Experience team which is responsible for all aspects of recruiting, retention, and systems for the graduate business school. Her strengths include relationship management, networking, social media engagement, information aggregation, process facilitation and communication. Lisa has been employed at Wake Forest since the fall of 2002. She has over 20 years of work experience in various roles. Prior to arriving at Wake Forest, she was an entrepreneur, venturing into web-based international sales and marketing of salvage automotive parts and accessories. Before that, she was a trust officer in the Employee Benefit Trust area of Wachovia Bank. Lisa is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Lisa earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Rollins College and a Masters in Liberal Arts from Wake Forest. Visit Lisa’s blog, follow her on Twitter, or connect via LinkedIn.

Job Rejection…..Until We Meet Again

Ronisha Goodwin — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:49:18 +0000

In the world of campus recruiting, it’s likely that a recruiter will see a student multiple times. Between interviews, professional functions, and on-campus recruiting efforts, a student could have several interactions with the same recruiter.

Depending upon the outcome of these interactions, seeing a recruiter again may or may not be an experience a student views as pleasant, particularly if the recruiter did not select the student for an internship or employment opportunity.

Don’t take it personally.

Rejection is hard and as a student, coming face to face with a recruiter who rejected you can be awkward. Recognizing that this is a common situation for many students, my best advice is to take the emotion out of the experience. You may not have been selected for the opportunity, but once you’re in the room with the recruiter, your focus should be on demonstrating to them that there are no hard feelings. This is definitely an exercise in professionalism! Smile, shake their hand, be cordial, make small talk. Your recruiter will be impressed with your ability to navigate what could be a tough situation and may see you in a different light as a result.

Sometimes, it’s just not the right time.

As a recruiter, I’m open to keeping in touch with candidates I didn’t select, because although they were not the right candidate for one role, another opportunity may arise that the fits the candidate perfectly. Although it’s difficult, consider that sometimes rejection isn’t actually a “no”–sometimes it’s a “not right now”.

I meet many students who love the Hyatt brand and see themselves working within one of our hotels. If enthusiasm was the sole criteria for selection, they would be the perfect candidate! But our college programs are very competitive and a student may need more time to develop or mature professionally in order to ensure they’ll be successful within our organization. Therefore the opportunity to see and network with the student again is definitely one that I’m open to. If we didn’t meet again, how would I ever have the opportunity to see their growth and hear about the experiences that have shaped them since the last time we met?

Stay connected.

Embrace the opportunity to stay connected. Although you were rejected, you may still want to work for the specific organization; therefore, seeing the recruiter again may help to maintain a relationship. You could also be in a place where the company no longer interests you, but recognizing that industry is small, it is very likely that you and your recruiter will run into each other again. Take advantage of an opportunity to say hello. If a situation changes, it will make it easier for you to reach out to them.

Rejection is difficult. Moving past the emotion connected with rejection is even harder. Facing the recruiter who rejected you is a test in professionalism, but one you can definitely pass.

Author

Ronisha is one of Hyatt’s College Recruiting Managers. Hyatt’s College Recruiters visit more than 30 college campuses each year recruiting top talent at hospitality programs across the country. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Ronisha begin her Hyatt career as a Human Resources Corporate Management Trainee. During her ten years with Hyatt, she has worked at Hyatt Hotels in Orlando, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey. To learn more about opportunities with Hyatt please visit hyatt.jobs, follow Hyatt on twitter @hyattcareers, become a Hyatt Facebook fan at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Careers and follow the Campus Recruiter blog at blog.hyatt.jobs.

Build Relationships to Build a Career

Jonathan Petrino — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:25:28 +0000

If you’re coming up on graduation, and you’re looking to start your career–this post is for you. If you are a year or more away from graduation, then this post is really for you!

Starting and building a career can be a daunting task…that is, unless you invest time and effort upfront to build meaningful relationships. I think if you do this early, and often, you’ll find that your career will develop over time. This will help you avoid a ‘start-from-scratch’ approach every time you want to make a change.

You might be saying: “Meaningful relationships? I just need a job!” And, that’s a fair statement–but I think it’s one that won’t serve you well in the long-run.

The days of blasting out resumes online are dead. Instead of waiting until a few weeks before graduation and digging through job postings– start making a point to build relationships with people that you can learn from. Online tools for networking (websites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Blogs) are great–and they can be used to reinforce your relationships made offline.

Where to get started?

Your personal network: Friends and family are your closest existing relationships. Everyone knows someone. Make sure you tell your family and friends what you want to do or learn about. (I actually landed an internship through a family member’s connections).
Professors: A few things make your professors and faculty valuable to your job search.
It’s likely that they know many people in the industry around the subject they teach. They also know other professors–who know other professionals! The best way to approach this? Ask your professors if they know anyone you can set up an informational interview with.
Professional organizations: A few minutes spent researching online can turn up a list of organizations that you may be interested in joining. Most of these groups have special rates (if not free) for students.

Getting started is the only hard part here. Once you have built a small number of meaningful relationships, I think you’ll find the value you receive is enormous over time. Graduating and starting a career can be intimidating, but building relationships and connections will really help you navigate through your future.

Author

Jonathan has broad ranging experience and currently works as a Customer Success Manager at Responsys, Inc. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he majored in Marketing. He previously worked for Thomson Reuters, where he also had an internship during college, and he worked for Expedia in an account management role for their North American lodging business. Jonathan is an avid enthusiast of all things marketing, economics, and travel. And, he is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Connect with Jonathan on Twitter (@jonathanpetrino), LinkedIn, and his website.

Tips for Introductions and Networking Offline

Michele Posehn — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:14:49 +0000

In your everyday world, the casual encounters of your daily routine can open up a network of connections with limitless possibilities. Consider some of the common–and not so common–places where people are networking offline in my last post, “Advance Your Career with Community Contacts.”

So, now that you know where to look for contacts, how can you maximize your opportunity?

Start off slow.

Remember to be friendly and ask questions during the conversation that let you learn more about the person. If there are mutual areas of interest, offer a business card or ask if the person can share his or her business card with you. Ask if it is ok to contact him or her in the future.

Remember that social settings require social tact.

While the person you just met has great potential as a business contact, remember your environment and keep the conversation light. You don’t want to come on too strong or pushy at, say, a July 4th celebration at a park. Save the tough questions for a later time.

Change the topic if the person seems uncomfortable or not willing to talk about work in a social setting.

Look for cues like looking away, over or around you; or physically edging away from you and/or towards others. Or, maybe they provide you with very short answers and try to change the subject back to something related to the social outing. If this happens, ask if it would be better to speak with them back at the office and offer your contact card.

It’s okay to talk about your interests, your career goals and plans. But try to stay within points of mutual interest. If the person doesn’t feel too pressured, he or she will be open to future contact or even provide you with a referral to someone they know is hiring.

With all of these opportunities to meet people, you might feel pressured to have your resume in your back pocket at all times.

An easier approach may be to have a personal business card that includes your LinkedIn profile URL or even a QR code that takes users to any of your online profiles. QR codes can be scanned by a smartphone to take users directly to a specified web page. Sites like Qurify.com can generate the codes for you. Even better, a new, fun contact card is called a Meme Profile Trading card . These cards provide a snapshot of your skills and a link to your online profiles and often have a QR code included on their design.

Seizing opportunities to network in person is essential to a successful career and job search. Take the time now to mentally prepare for these exchanges and you’re sure to leave an impression.

Author

Do You Have Room to Negotiate Salary?

Ronisha Goodwin — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:24:34 +0000

Although I’ve had students ask my opinion about negotiating starting salaries, I was somewhat caught off guard when a student I offered a position to actually called me back to negotiate. I’m a big believer that “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed”, so I definitely respected the student for initiating the conversation.

Similar to many Management Training programs, the starting salaries for our programs are set and nonnegotiable. Recognizing that many recent college graduates may be in a similar situation, wondering if there is room to negotiate, I’d like to offer the following:

Consider the entire offer.

When evaluating an offer, it’s easy to focus solely on the starting salary. However, it’s essential that you consider the entire offer. For example, in addition to health insurance benefits, our company provides paid sick days, vacation days, holidays, tuition reimbursement, as well as a company match in the retirement savings plan. We also give 12 free hotel room nights per year and free meals in the Associate Dining Room. These are benefits that if converted to monetary value, they would easily be worth more than $10,000.

In my opinion, there is limited room to negotiate when you’re a recent college graduate. Especially if you are applying for a Management Training program, it is very likely that the salary will be firm. But there could be the opportunity for you to receive other benefits. For example, companies offer relocation assistance or perhaps a “signing bonus.” If these benefits weren’t included in your offer, you could inquire about them and their availability.

Consider quality of life.

I encourage you to also consider what your life would be like if you accepted the offer. Assuming the salary offered is not as high as you desire, will you be living within your desired geographic location? Does the work schedule allow you to continue participating in activities that are important to you? Your happiness outside of work is priceless and may justify accepting an offer, because you’ll be able to ensure a richer quality of life.

Consider raises and promotional opportunities.

Looking beyond the salary and benefits, you should also consider opportunities for growth and future raises. Does your potential company evaluate their employees regularly? Are salary increases given annually? What are the opportunities for growth if you wanted to move up within the company? These are all questions you should ask your recruiter and carefully consider when you’re evaluating an offer. The potential to move up within the organization, may outweigh a salary that you feel is on the lower end of the spectrum.

You may not be able to negotiate the salary of your first professional opportunity, but remember sometimes all you need is an opportunity. You can then allow that one opportunity to catapult you into even greater roles and higher salaries.

Author

How to Navigate the Online Job Search

Desiree Hack — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:14:40 +0000

It seems like every company is telling you to visit their website and apply online. Can you personally hand them your resume? Sure, but it’s best for you to see what opportunities are available and apply online. The truth is an electronic application and resume goes much farther than a paper one. In some cases your paper resume may be sitting in a pile on a recruiter’s/hiring manager’s desk for much longer than it needs to. An electronic application and resume is able to be sent to multiple recruiters/hiring manager in different locations.

Let’s try to get beyond the “black hole” idea. Here are a few tips for your next application.

1. Complete your profile.

Sounds simple right? You’d be surprised how many people don’t complete the full application process. At times you don’t know how long the position has been posted. You’re thinking oh I’ll come back and finish my application tomorrow. Well if the position has been up for 60 days, the company may be getting ready to take it down and review the applications received thus far. An incomplete application will almost automatically be declined. Make sure to follow all instructions when applying including: attach a resume, transcript, and recommendation letters; and answer screening questions.

2. Apply to a position(s).

Again, very simple! Now that your profile is complete, be sure to search for interesting positions and apply to them. Completing a profile does not mean you’ve applied directly to a position. With the overwhelming amounts of candidates in these systems, recruiters don’t have the bandwidth to select your sole profile and choose it for their positions.

3. Find a contact.

After you’ve gone to the website and applied for a position. There are many avenues to let company contacts know you’re interested. Social media can be a great way to find a contact person. Most companies have Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. Your school’s career services center may also be a good resource. They usually have the contact names and email addresses of recruiters they’ve worked with in the past. When contacting a recruiter, let them know you’ve already been to the website and have applied directly to a position. You can even let them know which position and job number you’re interested in.
Hope this helps! Happy Applying!

Author

Desiree is a University Recruiter at T-Mobile USA. She is currently responsible for developing and implementing effective recruiting and branding strategies related to short and long term needs. She does this by partnering with business line leaders to build relationships and establishing realistic expectations. A big part of being a recruiter at T-Mobile is striving to position T-Mobile as an “employer of choice” and facilitate a world class recruiting experience for candidates. Desiree is also responsible for training managers and recruiters on the University and Internship Program. Desiree spends her free time spending time with family and friends, traveling, and volunteering with various groups. She also loves to read and trying anything that is new and fun.

Conquering Your Jabberwocky

Lisa Simmons — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:39:32 +0000

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!” ~ Lewis Carroll (Through the Looking Glass)

____________________________________

Each of us struggles, in some way, with our journey to grow up and find our place in the world. We may not want to admit it, but we have various insecurities, pressures, problems, and challenges.

Unfortunately, when we are young, we tend to pay more heed to what others say than what we may know about ourselves, our abilities and our desires. We want to be liked, accepted and part of a group almost as much as we want to realize our dreams. Belonging is integral to our well-being.

Although we should always listen to sound advice, it is important to remember that not everyone around us is supportive or even encouraging. In fact, there are those who create roadblocks in our sub consciousness, intentional or not. They are the naysayers who tell us what we can/not or should/not do.

Too often, we listen because these naysayers may be our closest friends and relatives–we trust them. So, their opinions begin to rent space in our heads, and we end up taking their message to heart. Doubt creeps in. We may become insecure about our abilities. We may even become self-conscious and feel foolish stepping beyond a certain point. We become afraid to reach for our goals. We fear ridicule, failure, embarrassment. We back away from our fondest dreams and possibly never reach our fullest potential.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We can learn how to pursue our goals and handle the cynics if we are secure in ourselves. Those voices and our resultant feelings do not have to dictate our decisions. Like Alice in Wonderland, we can fight our Jabberwocky, conquer it and celebrate our very own Frabjous Day!

Part I – Alice’s Story

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is a not only a visual feast for the moviegoer, but it also touches on some very interesting aspects of human behavior, primarily fear and doubt. For Alice, Wonderland was far removed from the civilized and comfortable familiar world in which she lived. It was a mind-blowing, almost ridiculous, land that challenged all aspects of normality.

Alice was challenged from the start. She was alternatively too tall and then too short. She was questioned repeatedly about her identity. Every creature seemed to have an opinion about what she should do, who she was and her place in the grander scheme of things. At first blush, Alice appears to be quite out of place, a human girl in a land of weird creatures and characters. Then the curtain is pulled back and we begin to see that Alice is rather unconventional herself.

In fact, Wonderland was to be revealed as a familiar, yet forgotten, part of herself–a part that had been safely relegated to a land of dreams. After all, the stuff of dreams was not welcome back home. There were certain obligations and expectations to meet.

As Alice ventures through Wonderland, she slowly dispenses with doubt about who she is and begins to accept her unique destiny. She develops self confidence and takes back the reins of her destiny from those around her. Most importantly, Alice gets back what the Mad Hatter describes as her “muchness” and slays the Jabberwocky.

Alice enters Wonderland as a normal girl but exits as the conqueror and heroine. More importantly, she manages to not only survive in this strange foreign land, but overcome her fears, thrive and reenter her own world, not as merely as dreamer, but a bold doer. In the end, we find that Wonderland is not a problem to be solved. It is a place that can be embraced for its possibilities. It is the abode of dreamers like scientists, writers, artists and entrepreneurs. It is merely the jabberwocky (the fear) that needs to be slain. You can do the same in the here and now.

Author

Advance Your Career with Community Contacts

Michele Posehn — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:33:19 +0000

You tweet. You’re on LinkedIn. You’ve got the online networking thing down. But what about offline? Are there some local networking opportunities to consider?

Consider your everyday life. You shop, you vacation, and you dine out; in all of those situations, you are encountering people. Life is the original social platform–minus the 140 characters. I have found myself in many situations that have led to great contacts–dinner parties, sporting events, even striking up a conversation with a stranger while waiting in the grocery checkout line. In your everyday world, the casual encounters of your daily routine can open up a network of connections with limitless possibilities. Consider some of these common–and not so common–places where people are networking offline:

Community Events

Do you participate in local charity events or other community events that businesses might sponsor or participate in? Not only can you meet potential employers or talk to employees of companies you are interested in, you will likely meet many people with years of experience in your industry who can turn into good mentors or someone who can help you get a foot in the door. Tradeshows also offer a wealth of business contacts, especially since companies pay handsomely in sponsorships and usually have a strong onsite presence. Also, check out career fairs at local colleges–your campus Career Services office should have a listing of upcoming events.

Chamber Memberships

In your local community, you may want to consider joining the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber exists solely to promote local business interests, so meetings are usually well attended by business leaders. Chambers meet regularly–often including monthly breakfasts with speakers and business after-hours networking–and are a great way to make an impression on those in your area.

Golf, Sports and More

It’s no secret that many business leaders enjoy a little networking on the golf course. So, if you golf, there is a great chance you could bump into a new contact on the course. But what about local sporting events where companies buy box seats or sponsor a night for their employees to attend? Sometimes being in the right place at the right time can make a casual conversation into something more about a specific company.

Now, consider this. There is a gym in New York City that recently began offering an exercise class for “sweat workers.” The idea is that some business leaders would like to opt out of lunch meetings at restaurants that pack a punch in calories, and get down to business while working out. While this option may not be for everyone, it’s an interesting trend to watch.

While being on social media is important, don’t discount everyday opportunities that present themselves. It’s a great feeling when you look at a crowd of people and realize that any one of them could add value to your job search and build your network.