Yesterday's Presidential Inauguration and subsequent parade got me thinking. An newly officiated President is slightly like a newly minted intern. Both have a brand spankin' new job and (presumably) large shoes to fill. While it goes without saying that the job of Commander-in-Chief/President of the Free World/First Dad/First Husband and President of the United States of America are much more challenging than say a public relations intern, the gumption and guts required to be successful are very similar. In an intern's world some assignments will seem like Mount Everest - while the President may find himself trying to save Mount Everest - perhaps from Global Warming?
The President surrounds himself with individuals and staffers to help him in each decision and turn his presidency will take. An intern is also surrounded by co-workers and bosses to help shape his or her internship. As an intern, you should take the knowledge and know how of each individual in that office and use it to your advantage. If you are going to be there to learn, why not learn as much as you can. You're surrounded by intelligent, hard working people - take note of their background, how many newspapers they read, what their past lives were like - how did they get to the spot that you would like to be? And how can their knowledge help you in your new found spot at the company. Much like the President will lean on his staffers and Cabinet officials to help him navigate the White House waters, make sure to use and learn from the workers in your own office. No one should be offended to be asked how they do what they do - or how they got there - everyone has to start somewhere. I've noticed too, that people love to talk about themselves - even to interns. So no matter what, remember that the President has a staff to support him, and you have a staff to support you. Speak up, get to know the people in your office and remember - the more you make yourself invaluable, the better your recommendations, references, and chances that you have to gain a solid foothold on the path to your future.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Time Management
One of the first lessons I learned when I started in the "real world" was time management. In college, time management meant making sure assignments and projects were completed within the given time frame - usually a week or two. At a job, that turn around time is usually 1 to 2 days or even a few hours.
I'm famous for always asking "when do you need this by" or "Is this an emergency?" While 9 times out of 10 you can tell when it's an emergency, it never hurts to ask. If for no other reason than to cover your tail if something goes wrong.
I've had interns who have done tasks lickty split, no questions asked, and the project was perfect. I've also had interns who, at the end of their employment, still hadn't completed all their tasks. In full disclosure, I probably had a few in my day that weren't completed, but I digress!
Another thing - if someone gives you an assignment that your superior (boss) doesn't know about make sure to keep them informed. It will reflect much better on you if your boss realizes that you can multi-task and juggle multiple projects than if he or she thinks you can't handle any more than a single assignment at a time. In which case, you might want to rethink your work ethic. Rarely is there a "real world" day when you will be focused on one task and one task only.
I'm famous for always asking "when do you need this by" or "Is this an emergency?" While 9 times out of 10 you can tell when it's an emergency, it never hurts to ask. If for no other reason than to cover your tail if something goes wrong.
I've had interns who have done tasks lickty split, no questions asked, and the project was perfect. I've also had interns who, at the end of their employment, still hadn't completed all their tasks. In full disclosure, I probably had a few in my day that weren't completed, but I digress!
Another thing - if someone gives you an assignment that your superior (boss) doesn't know about make sure to keep them informed. It will reflect much better on you if your boss realizes that you can multi-task and juggle multiple projects than if he or she thinks you can't handle any more than a single assignment at a time. In which case, you might want to rethink your work ethic. Rarely is there a "real world" day when you will be focused on one task and one task only.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Professional Advice
I know, I know, it's been forever since I've updated this! While I don't tend to make NY's resolutions (I hate the holiday) I will make a more concerted effort to update this puppy!
A few weeks back I came across an article that listed some professional advice I thought was priceless yet obvious. Apparently however, since someone else thought to post it, it isn't obvious to everyone. In honor of the aforementioned poster, I have modified it a tiny bit, and am posting it here. I wish I could remember where I found it so I could link back to it, but alas, I cannot.
So here goes!
(1) Every contact with a prospective employer is a mini-interview. Present yourself appropriately. I have received many inappropriate e-mails. Example: "Hey, when would this gig start?" Please remember to use a salutation and communicate politely and clearly.
(2) Many companies post a great deal of information about job openings on their Web sites. Read the site carefully before calling so I won't waste time answering questions you could have answered on your own.
(3) Shortcuts may be cute when text-messaging your friends, but in business they are annoying and unprofessional. Avoid messages such as "Thnx 4 ur help. Talk 2 u later!"
(4) Because I must read your resume and application, please proofread it for spelling, grammar and typos.
(5) Many Internet sites now offer free e-mail. Set up an account using your name or initial so I don't have to e-mail "hotchick99" with an offer to teach young children.
(6) If you have a phone interview, please find a quiet place from which to place the call. It is difficult to understand you above your roommate who is cursing over a video game.
(7) Never, ever tell a prospective employer you are waiting to hear about a job you want more, that pays more or gives you more "fun" time. Simply say you are "exploring all your options," and I will understand.
While many of these seem self-explanatory, I can completely agree with the author on all points. Follow these little tidbits, and you should have a strong, if not enjoyable (is it ever?!) job search.
A few weeks back I came across an article that listed some professional advice I thought was priceless yet obvious. Apparently however, since someone else thought to post it, it isn't obvious to everyone. In honor of the aforementioned poster, I have modified it a tiny bit, and am posting it here. I wish I could remember where I found it so I could link back to it, but alas, I cannot.
So here goes!
(1) Every contact with a prospective employer is a mini-interview. Present yourself appropriately. I have received many inappropriate e-mails. Example: "Hey, when would this gig start?" Please remember to use a salutation and communicate politely and clearly.
(2) Many companies post a great deal of information about job openings on their Web sites. Read the site carefully before calling so I won't waste time answering questions you could have answered on your own.
(3) Shortcuts may be cute when text-messaging your friends, but in business they are annoying and unprofessional. Avoid messages such as "Thnx 4 ur help. Talk 2 u later!"
(4) Because I must read your resume and application, please proofread it for spelling, grammar and typos.
(5) Many Internet sites now offer free e-mail. Set up an account using your name or initial so I don't have to e-mail "hotchick99" with an offer to teach young children.
(6) If you have a phone interview, please find a quiet place from which to place the call. It is difficult to understand you above your roommate who is cursing over a video game.
(7) Never, ever tell a prospective employer you are waiting to hear about a job you want more, that pays more or gives you more "fun" time. Simply say you are "exploring all your options," and I will understand.
While many of these seem self-explanatory, I can completely agree with the author on all points. Follow these little tidbits, and you should have a strong, if not enjoyable (is it ever?!) job search.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Clever Answer, but I Wouldn't Recommend It
So, I asked one of my favorite interview questions - mainly to hear what an interviewee has to say and how they say it. I'm not so concerned with the answer as I am with the implications behind it.
"Tell me a strength" followed by "Tell me a weakness." I'm not so much interested in the strength questions as I am the weakness question, however, this interviewee answered the strength question with such a straight face I actually started to laugh. Here's how it went down.
Me -"Tell me a strength."
Interviewee - "My intelligence. I'm really smart so it helps me adapt quickly."
Me - ha ha ha giggle ha ha giggle stifle giggle
I almost died laughing in front of this poor kid. He was totally serious and it was all I could do not to sit there with a shit eating grin on my face thinking - did he seriously just give that answer.
It was a very clever answer, I'll give him points for that, but honestly, I don't think blabbing about your intelligence as a strength is the best answer. Obviously you're smart or you wouldn't be sitting in front of me.
"Tell me a strength" followed by "Tell me a weakness." I'm not so much interested in the strength questions as I am the weakness question, however, this interviewee answered the strength question with such a straight face I actually started to laugh. Here's how it went down.
Me -"Tell me a strength."
Interviewee - "My intelligence. I'm really smart so it helps me adapt quickly."
Me - ha ha ha giggle ha ha giggle stifle giggle
I almost died laughing in front of this poor kid. He was totally serious and it was all I could do not to sit there with a shit eating grin on my face thinking - did he seriously just give that answer.
It was a very clever answer, I'll give him points for that, but honestly, I don't think blabbing about your intelligence as a strength is the best answer. Obviously you're smart or you wouldn't be sitting in front of me.
Clammy Hands and a Fishy Shake
My apologies for not updating this blog in a few weeks. Yikes!
Anyways...I interviewed a candidate last week that had the absolute worst handshake ever! Not only did he give me a limp fish to shake his hands were soaking wet! Initially I thought he was trying to be gentle with his shake on account of my gender, but he shook my counterpart's hand the same way. I was afraid to shake his hand firmly because I might break his fingers off!
Now, I don't know about you, but I'm usually sweating bullets when I go in for an interview, but no matter how nervous I am, I always remember to wipe my palms off before shaking hands. The only thing worse than a fishy handshake is a clammy fishy handshake!
Moral of the story - always make sure your hands are dry and shake is firm.
Anyways...I interviewed a candidate last week that had the absolute worst handshake ever! Not only did he give me a limp fish to shake his hands were soaking wet! Initially I thought he was trying to be gentle with his shake on account of my gender, but he shook my counterpart's hand the same way. I was afraid to shake his hand firmly because I might break his fingers off!
Now, I don't know about you, but I'm usually sweating bullets when I go in for an interview, but no matter how nervous I am, I always remember to wipe my palms off before shaking hands. The only thing worse than a fishy handshake is a clammy fishy handshake!
Moral of the story - always make sure your hands are dry and shake is firm.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Keep in Touch
Out of any interns I've had over the past few years, the ones this summer were absolutely the best. I tried to keep them on through the fall, but alas college was calling. However, I still think of them fondly, and often, as do my colleagues.
In fact, one of them sent an email today that made me smile. He had seen some of the company's work and wondered how we were doing. That simple email does a few different things.
1. It makes me smile on a dreary Friday afternoon.
2. It keeps him in my mind as a great intern.
3. It reminds me what a great intern he was.
These three thoughts work on both our behalfs. It shows me that he cares about us even after he's left, and more importantly for him, it reassures him that we won't forget him even though he's no longer interning here. And that, is a great basis for a fabulous letter of recommendation when the time comes. Even if I will be trying to persuade him to come back as I'm writing the letter!
In fact, one of them sent an email today that made me smile. He had seen some of the company's work and wondered how we were doing. That simple email does a few different things.
1. It makes me smile on a dreary Friday afternoon.
2. It keeps him in my mind as a great intern.
3. It reminds me what a great intern he was.
These three thoughts work on both our behalfs. It shows me that he cares about us even after he's left, and more importantly for him, it reassures him that we won't forget him even though he's no longer interning here. And that, is a great basis for a fabulous letter of recommendation when the time comes. Even if I will be trying to persuade him to come back as I'm writing the letter!
Thank You Letters
I'm not sure what has become of today's society, but it seems younger generations aren't as polite as older generations. Or perhaps they haven't been given the proper tools. I met with a very nice and very talented young man yesterday who showed an incredible talent for graphic design. He ran late, but I thought well, he probably got caught somewhere and didn't have cell service. I didn't believe it, but did want to give the kid the benefit of the doubt since his work was so good. Sitting at home last my night, my cell phone went off saying I had a message. Even more earth shattering (because aren't all phone calls!) was that it was said interviewee saying he was caught in traffic and was running late! Stupid technology. The kid almost had a strike against him because of a technological glitch. That being said, I am still disappointed I haven't received (nor has my Art Director who also interviewed him) a thank you letter.
I realize thank you letters are not as "cool" as they once were, but with the aforementioned technology, it is so simple. A few sentences 'thanking the person for interviewing with you, you think you would be great at the job, and look forward to hearing from them' goes a long way. Not only will you be awarded brownie points for nice manners, but a company will realize that you are serious about them, and not just after a practice interview (although, on a separate note, any interview is good practice). So if you really want to stand out among the crowd of applicants - send a thank you letter. Your prospective employer will be impressed and you might just find your self with a document of your own - an offer letter.
I realize thank you letters are not as "cool" as they once were, but with the aforementioned technology, it is so simple. A few sentences 'thanking the person for interviewing with you, you think you would be great at the job, and look forward to hearing from them' goes a long way. Not only will you be awarded brownie points for nice manners, but a company will realize that you are serious about them, and not just after a practice interview (although, on a separate note, any interview is good practice). So if you really want to stand out among the crowd of applicants - send a thank you letter. Your prospective employer will be impressed and you might just find your self with a document of your own - an offer letter.
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