Useful articles from wetfeet.com

Useful articles from wetfeet
The Hidden Weapon of Job Seeking
The article offers advise on how important is putting together ones portfolio is for attending the interviews . The following checklist is given for this purpose.
Table of contents. An at-a-glance version of what’s in your portfolio.• Cover letter. With a cover letter or mission statement of your career goals you can portray how you will fit into their company.• Resume. A concise chronological summation of your academic and professional work.• Skills and certifications. If you have advanced skill sets that need more explanation explain your knowledge of each one. • References. Interviewers will ask you to submit references at the close of the interview. Compile reference letters from professors, employers or summer internship supervisors and include contact information for all references.• Samples of your work. You could include academic writing samples or a capstone project and any relevant work from a summer internship, part-time job or campus organization. These give you a chance to show off your knowledge and skills. •Public Recognition. If you’re the recipient of any awards or scholarships it shows employers you’ve been recognized as a stand-out student and are most likely a hard worker. A typed out list of your accomplishments and a short explanation of each will suffice.•Extracurricular activities. Volunteer work, organizations and sports teams make up a huge part of students life outside of class and work. Show what you’ve contributed.
http://www.wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Finding-the-job/Articles/Portfolios--the-Hidden-Weapon-of-Job-Seeking.aspx
Defining Your Strengths and Weaknesses
The most common question in the interviews is “ what are your strengths and weaknesses”- a simple question with a complex answer. And most of the applicants confuse strength with skill. This article provides an exercise of answering few questions which can help to list the strengths required depending on the type of job and tips of how to narrate weaknesses.
Advise: By preparing your answers in advance, you’ll have a much easier time articulately responding and not coming across as pompous or inadequate when employers ask the inevitable question. Just remember, employers know you’re human, and by being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll come off more wise and experienced.
http://www.wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Getting-hired/Articles/Defining-Your-Strengths-and-Weaknesses.aspx
Be Able to Introduce Yourself
The most commonly asked question in interviews that appears intimidating is “tell me about yourself”. The article advises that one need to ask the following questions to be able to answer this question:
1. Which of your previous jobs provided you with experience relevant to what you hope to do now?
2. What are your strongest skills and specific examples of projects that you worked on where you solved an important problem?.
3. What makes you memorable and special?
Advise: Remember that primary goal is simply to introduce yourself and tell them what you are good and be clear, creative, and concise. Maintain eye contact and appropriate body language during the conversation.
http://www.wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Finding-the-job/Articles/Be-Able-to-Introduce-Yourself.aspx
Top Ten Things Interviewers Want to See refelected in a resume
10. A well-rounded candidate
9. Something that makes you stand out from all the other Stanford/Harvard/Wharton graduates.
8. A balance of work (or academic)/life experiences—as if we bankers really know what that means!
7. Experience in my current client’s industry and immediate availability.
6. You’re assuming I actually get a chance to read resumes.
5. Someone who went to my alma mater. Not that I’m biased.
4. I’ll know it when I see it.
3. An indication that the person is breathing.
2. Evidence that you’ll be willing to spend every weekend in the office (without complaining).
1. A typo—so I can throw it out.
http://www.wetfeet.com/MBA/Resume---Cover-letter/Articles/Top-Ten-Things-Interviewers-Want-to-See.aspx
Nine Things You Should Never Say in an Interview
1. "What does your company do?"Ask questions that show you’re well informed and eager to work at the company, not those to which you should already know the answers.
2. "My salary requirements are very flexible."Compensation is often the touchiest subject in an interview. You want to know what a company will pay and interviewers want to know what you're willing to take. If a company comes back with a low offer, you can try and negotiate.3. "Don’t use slangUsing slang is a serious turnoff for interviewers. You may be articulate, intelligent and confident but you may not sound that way.4. Don’t LieYou’ll be found out and you’ll regret it. Interviewers know you may exaggerate a little to sell your self but don’t cross the line between exaggeration and out-and-out lying.
5. "In five years, I see myself on a boat in the Caribbean."When interviewers ask you about long-term goals they want an answer that relates to the company. Even if you don't plan to stick around long say something that reflects a commitment to the position and the company.
6. “Sorry, I don’t know how to do that.”Rather than admitting that you don't have a specific skill, stress that you’re a fast learner and are excited about the possibility of acquiring new skills.
7. Even if an interviewer starts getting personal, don’t follow suit.
You may think you’re being open and honest but you’re really just coming across as unprofessional, unfocused and disrespectful. Keep it business like and polite.8. “What can your company do for me?”Interviewers hate arrogance and selfishness. They want to know why they should hire you. Stress the contributions you can make. Don’t start asking about raises, bonuses, and promotions right away.
9. “I left my last job because my boss was a real jerk.”Bad-mouthing your previous employer is possibly the dumbest thing you can do during an interview. say that you left to look for more responsibility, you wanted greater opportunity for advancement or you were just ready for a change.
http://www.wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Getting-hired/Articles/Nine-Things-You-Should-Never-Say-in-an-Interview.aspx
Look on the Bright Side
The article provides six reasons to stay positive while graduating into a recession.
You’re not alone-The idea that most students have jobs by the time they graduate is a myth. Realize it’s not unusual to be unemployed upon graduation. Take comfort in your numbers and keep your head high.
Become an Expert NetworkerNo doubt, in a growing economy it’s easier for students to get a job offer. Identifying and solidifying career contacts early in your career will pay dividends in years to come.
Youth is On Your Side
There are two reasons why experiencing a recession early in life is better than further down the road.
· First, it’s generally easier to survive a recession when you’re young and likely haven’t incurred the financial burdens that come with a family
· Second, entry-level positions are a hot spot for hiring. Although the competition may be older and more experienced companies often favor the attitudes of younger workers.
Plan B, C, and DIf you can’t land your ideal job right out of school, one can chart a new course, take on a part-time gig or accept one more internship-these positions can enhance your resume during a prolonged job search. They might even shed light on career outlets you had never considered.
Fan OutBy doing some research and exploring alternative industries and locations, you’ll ratchet up the odds of finding a job. “It’s healthy for students in any market to review all of their opportunities and do a check-in with what will meet their career satisfaction.
Reality Check
When you do your own job search and experience small positive outcomes like making a network connection or landing an interview it really builds your confidence. Battling uphill now will make your next job search seem like a joyride.
http://www.wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Finding-the-job/Articles/Look-on-the-Bright-Side.aspx
WetFeet Recession Series: Recruiter Recon
This is an extracts of interview with a company in USA which is doing well inspite of recession. Few hints given for MBAs on what is critical in a tough job market.
Advise: Building your network is critical. Try to make as many connections as possible, whether it’s at school or with your parents’ friends, or even with people you meet standing in a line somewhere. Let everybody know you’re looking for opportunities. You should also be proactive early on in your MBA career, and reach out to working professionals, keeping an open mind in regard to location and industry. Finally, it’s really important to brand yourself. Understand and be aware of what you want out of a career and how to position yourself. Research, be prepared, and demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
http://www.wetfeet.com/MBA/Finding-the-job/Articles/A-Recipe-for-Success.aspx
Basic Resume Dos and Don'ts
The article suggests to avoid common mistakes while building a stronger, more refined resume .Some of the Dos and Donts suggested are:
Dos: Stick to a basic, clear format which helps reader gather information quickly and with minimal effort focusing on your accomplishments and skills, relevant strengths, achievement statements, personal Information relating to address, email id, telephone number etc.
Don’t: Use vague qualitative terms, frivolous information, unconventional formats or refer yourself as a subject. Avoid including personal information relating to age, race, marital status or inappropriate email or phone number as contact information.
http://www.wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Resume---Cover-letter/Articles/Basic-Resume-Dos-and-Don-ts.aspx
Common Job Search Misconceptions
This Article lists the general misconceptions among the job seekers about the interviews, their perceptions and explains what the truth is for all these misconceptions.
http://www.wetfeet.com/Undergrad/Finding-the-job/Articles/Common-Job-Search-Misconceptions.aspx
What do you do before you accept a Job offer
The article talks about the guidelines to be followed before accepting a job offer. These include getting a written offer, a clear understanding of the job responsibilities, salary and benefits, career growth prospects , company culture, working environment etc.
Advise: In evaluating job offers, take time to make sure you’re making the decision for reasons you’re comfortable with-and taking the job that you want. The more clarity you have about the situation you’re getting into, the more likely you’ll love what you’re doing and stick to the position you’ve taken
http://www.wetfeet.com/MBA/Salary/Articles/What-to-Do-Before-You-Accept-a-Job-Offer.aspx
Brand Thyself
The article provided tips of how to brand oneself which is increasingly becoming important component of culture and economy. Building one’s brand at workplace is by exploring different ways where one can excel by looking for opportunities outside the department and by pushing beyond expectations. Engaging others is the key in building conversations and thereby sharing ideas will develop the brand popularity. Connecting emotionally with others by talking to them directly with style and intellect will help in brand development.
Advise: One has to continuously innovate to improve our brand image. We must each constantly seek new ways to avoid growing stale.
http://www.wetfeet.com/MBA/Finding-the-job/Articles/Brand-Thyself!.aspx