In continuing my Work Week theme, I’ve asked some impressive young professionals and friends to share their tips and thoughts about how to make it in the workforce. Whether it’s how to shine in an interview, saying yes to that happy hour or just getting over a bad day, their advice is a great reminder about how to make your mark in the office and beyond.
On Interviewing
Be prepared. At minimum, know what the company does, prepare for typical interview questions and prepare questions for the interviewer. Try not to be nervous. Think about it less like they are judging you to see if you measure up and more like a two-way conversation. You are all trying to determine if it’s the right fit. Being yourself is the best way to know. Act interested. It’s crazy how many people I’ve interviewed seem like they don’t even want to be there. Know that if you seem like you want the job, you already have the advantage over others. Be real. Don’t go to the other end of the spectrum and seem like your answer for everything is what you perceive they want to hear. Employers want to hire the person who is actually right for the job. Don’t feel rejected if you don’t get it. It’s not always a reflection of talent, it’s usually a question of the right place at the right time.
– Anna, 28, Graphic Design
Your GPA won’t matter anywhere near as much as the experience you get through volunteering, internships and actual J-O-B-S. Networking and connections go a long way. At the very least, they will land you the interview and give you a chance to showcase your skills and experience. Know about the company before you walk in the door for an interview, and especially if there are any particular projects or events coming up on their radar. Just check out the organization’s website. Passion and friendliness will get you much farther in an interview process than just experience, and perhaps even get you the job! If the interviewer feels like they connect with you, a likability factor will determine whether or not they see themselves being able to work well with you and if you’ll fit in well with the team at the office.
– Kira, 27, International Development
On Being Social
Be nice. It sounds so simple, but being nice to people you work with goes a very long way. Just saying hello, asking about kids/trips/pets/hobbies every once and a while can get you far. Also, if you’re deciding between going out for happy hour with coworkers and your bffs, go with your coworkers every once and a while (and definitely the first time they ask you). It might not be as fun, but this is the time to invest in your career.
– Allison, 28, Policy Research
It’s important to make an appearance at office social events. Bosses and colleagues take notice at how you interact with those around you. You also spend more time with them than you do with anyone else in your life once you enter the work force, and they are the ones with the power to promote you, ask for you to be on a project team or just generally make the 8+ hours a day you’re at work pleasant. You don’t have to become besties with them, but you should be friendly.
– Amanda, 28, Market Research
On Proving Yourself Daily
Be prepared to do anything and everything at first. Your hard work and willingness to be a team player will pay off in the end. Be a self starter. When you are first starting out it can be intimidating, but those who ask questions and are hungry for more work and responsibility don’t go unnoticed.
– Veronica, 27, Communications
I can’t stress how important email is. Take every email you receive from your boss and coworkers as an example as what to do or what not to do – language choices, length, level of personality, how they ask for favors, etc. Think before you send any email. No matter how small or insignificant: read it three times, double-check the names are spelled right, think through whether the message you intended is reflected in the message you’re sending. Many people (at all levels) don’t do these things and it really reflects poorly.
– Allison
On Surviving a Bad Day
You can’t rely on one thing – be it finding a new job, moving to a new city, getting that one raise, being a part of one project – to make the rest of your life fall into place. No matter how close you get to your “dream job,” there will be days where you want to quit and become a fitness instructor (or whatever your make believe fall back is, you know you have one). Your career – or the job you have right now – is what you make it. Work hard, find your niche and become the go-to person at your company. Power through the bad days, and when the bad days do happen (and they will), just remind yourself, “it’s just a bad day, not a bad life.”
– Amanda
So what about you? Was the above helpful, and did it spark any advice or wisdom you’ve acquired over the years? Feel free to comment below.