|
What Your Experience Says About You
One of the keys to getting the job you want is showing interviewers not what you've done but what you can do for them. This isn't always as easy (or difficult) as it appears. Take for example the fast food business. Many younger people have worked at a fast food operation at one point or the other. If you are one of them, ask yourself, What did you do? And what did you learn?
You probably did a variety of tasks, ranging from cooking to waiting on customers. It was often hard and demanding work but you did it.
What you learned is entirely another story. You learned to work as part of a team. You learned how to work with customers. You learned to work within a deadline and other time constraints. You learned responsibility of being on time for work and what happened if you weren't.
In short, you learned important work skills that are transferable to another job. Ideally, you also learned good work habits and proper work attitude. If you're fortunate, you also learned about the pride that comes with doing a job well. Again, these are things an employer is seeking and the more you can relate what you've learned to the position for which your interviewing, the better your chances of landing the job.
Translating experience to knowledge
Realistically, some people may find it difficult at first to look at what they've done, and translate that into what they've learned. The best way to start the process is to prepare a list of things you've done in previous jobs or at home. Then, under each item, list what you had to learn in order to perform these tasks. You may be surprised and chances are it will be a pleasant surprise.
The list of things you learned, from operating office equipment or cash registers to working with the public or balancing kid's school and activities, forms the basis of the skills index you bring to a potential employer. The more you can clearly identify and relate these in an interview, the better your chances of getting the job!
The Motlow Career Planning
Placement, and Co-op ed Office has NEW reference materials available for you! The following are some new things added to our office library...stop by and check them out!
- The Chronicle Two-Year college data book
- The Chronicle Four year college data book
- Resume Magic
- Best jobs for the 21st century
- Women in career & Life transitions
- Career Change
- Enhanced occupational Outlook
We also have video tapes available to watch in our library:
- No Brainer Resumes & Cover Letters
- Finding a Job
- Interviewing for a job
Please email me with any questions you have: kpreiser@mscc.edu
Career Planning & Placement Links
|
