At Last, I Got a Job!

Yes, for real. I am employed! a tax-paying citizen with an actual pay check.

I’ve been on the job hunt for months and had been on many interviews until I came to the point when I almost gave up.  When I started searching for a job, I knew an opportunity would not present itself in an instant but I could not help but feeling down about the situation. I couldn’t help thinking…why does searching for a job feel like it’s going to be never-ending? Will I ever get a job and what happens if I don’t? During the time when I just wanted to stop searching and nearly lost hope I am proud that I persevered.  I knew I had unique skills and ideas to offer an employer and besides, a wise former supervisor said that I might be faced with a lot  of rejections before I heard those golden words, “you're hired!” I set aside time every day to focus on searching and applying for jobs. In order  to constantly  "reinvent myself" and not give up, I read many career-related articles on topics about job hunting, interviewing, and personal branding.  Then the opportunity for an interview for a position I really wanted came. I was really excited and nervous, but I a recruiter I knew kept reminding me to  “smile” and “be yourself.” This is what I wanted to share with you. Be open to everyone’s feedback and recognize who you are as a professional and what you can offer that makes you stand out. There are no concrete rules for the job hunt process and it can change at any time. Remember to focus, be consistent, and don’t give up because the opportunity will present itself.

Sincerely,
Sabrina
(Former grad student / current employee!)
 

Vacationing while Job Hunting? Use Skype!

That vacation was exactly what I needed.  A little R & R and some time with family but it did get me thinking, “What happens if an employer calls me right now?”  I definitely would not want to miss an opportunity (and a paycheck!) but there is absolutely no way I can get back home in time for an interview.  Luckily for me, the answer was right here on my laptop … Skype!  Using Skype for initial job interviews is becoming more common than ever before. So I went online and found a bunch of tips just in case I feel the travel bug itching once again this summer.

·         Always do a test run with somebody at least a day or two before hand.

·         Allow a lot of extra time before the interview to handle any unexpected technical errors.

·         Keep your room background in mind … is it professional? (You don't want employers looking at posters of some rock group you liked when you were 16.)

·         Dress like this is an in-person interview … (well, at least from the waist up!)

·         Smile during the interview. Your warmth and personality still needs to come across to the interviewer.

·         Have a cell phone or land line available just in case you get disconnected.

·         Use a cheat sheet with shorts bullet points or information that might come in handy during the interview.