10
Apr
Winning the Game of Life by Jana Lamb
Most “reality” television has little connection with or resemblance to reality. “The Job,” a new reality show developed by the creator of “Survivor,” tried to change all that by developing employability skills in the contestants and rewarding the season winner with a job. Not a million dollars AND a job, just a job. Since the show was cancelled after only two episodes, the top prize might not have been exciting enough to attract an audience, but the premise of the show itself is indicative of the challenges faced by anyone who is unemployed or looking for a better job. I took a Career Development Mentor course last summer, and that experience taught me so much about helping students develop the skills they need as they pursue employment. I now have a passion and the skills to help my students be the ultimate survivors in today’s job market.
One of the skills students must have today is the ability to create an effective resume. My husband is on the preacher selection committee at our local church, so together we read lots of job resumes. Some easily corrected problems that we see in many resumes and letters of introduction are spelling and grammar errors. It is surprising these mistakes still occur since spelling and grammar checking are so readily available. Job applicants might view these as minor details, but because the solution is so simple, many prospective employers interpret the mistakes as a lack of interest or attention to detail.
Another common problem with resumes is the choice of references. One advertisement for “The Job” shows a job executive asking a candidate, “Did you really write your mother down as a reference?” My friend who works for the KBI said she wasn’t surprised by the question. One time someone applying for a chemist’s job at the KBI had written down Jesus as one of their references. I asked if they had included a written recommendation from Jesus or if they had listed an address and phone number to reach Him? For the record, these are No-No’s. Your references should be respected, objective individuals who have firsthand knowledge of your skills, abilities, character, and work ethic.
Other hints from the first episode of “The Job” involved the interview. Their recommendations included not walking in with your latte (or bottled water) and not wearing your sunglasses on your head. Other tips from my colleagues include not taking in your cell phone, speaking clearly, preferably without slang (think, “yes” not “yeh”), and not crossing your legs. (I found out from experience your shoe can fall off if you do!)
Also, remember it is better to dress up not down. I tell my students to wear a nicer outfit than what they would be wearing at a normal day’s work. My son was preparing for a telephone interview from a New York television station. One friend recommended he do it in the buff; another recommended he wear his dress suit (even though the interviewer would not see what he was wearing.) I am happy to say he opted for the dress suit over the birthday suit! It is true that what you wear affects how you feel.
Some specific recommendations for women include wearing closed-toed shoes and a long-sleeve button-down top (please spare us the cleavage) for your attire. Also, avoid wearing lots of jingling bracelets and strong perfume. Remember your make-up and hairstyle should accentuate your beauty not be why you are remembered! Less is more for that first impression. Sending a simple “thank you” e-mail back to the interviewer(s) is a good habit to have for women and men.
“The Job” episode also gave some tips to remember after you are hired. Be diligent about your work. You were hired to do a job so get after it! Don’t brag about yourself or your performance. Remember that you need your colleagues to help you do your best, and your company will value team players. Don’t get caught up in office politics or water cooler rumors. Put that energy into working hard. Also, remember now is the time to be professional. When you are sending an email to your boss, do not use cutesy language, do not use emoticons, and close with your full name, not just your initial. It’s always better to err on the formal side rather than the casual side.
One last suggestion from “The Job” was about leaving your current position. Don’t be afraid to move laterally or maybe even take a salary cut. It could be a good move in the long run if it puts you in a position for professional growth.
We may never see our students on a reality TV show, but with these helpful hints they will have a better chance to survive and win the game of Life!