Have you been working at your job for a while? Do you feel that it’s time you deserve a promotion? Here are a few tips to check if you are qualified and deserving, and also a few times to know when to expect it!

Performance:

While you may think you are deserving of a promotion solely based on the time you have spent with your company, that is not exactly true. In fact, one of the most helpful ways to increase your chance at moving up the ladder is to test your performance within the company. Here are a few ways to do so . . .

• Are you an easy employee? What we mean by this is … do you cause any problems in the workplace? If you are a coworker who gets along with every person around you, and especially your boss, then you are on the way to a promotion! If you are reading this and thinking of a few altercations you have gotten into in the workplace, rethink your relationships with the rest of the people in the office. Every boss is looking for a manager or CEO who can get along well with the rest of the firm.
• Attitude: Do you have a good attitude about all projects, and when you enter the office every morning? If you are someone who brightens the day of those around you, you are doing a fantastic job!
• Are you efficient? One of the greatest qualities of any employee is their ability to complete tasks and take orders with efficiency. In doing so, take notes at meetings, during conversations with your boss, and around the office when given directions. Saving your boss an extra few minutes they would have had to spend on re-directing you may very well set you aside as one of the best employees.
• Be involved! Make sure you attend all office gatherings, outside parties, and especially all meetings. This also includes timeliness, preparedness, and enthusiasm.
• Be a resource! One of the best ways to achieve a promotion is by going above and beyond your work. Whether this entails reaching out to a coworker to see if they need help, a manager, or even a company boss, try to help in any way you can. This will showcase your dedication, effort, and care for the overall company performance.
• Contribute! Don’t be afraid to offer your opinions and critiques, even if it is for an employee higher up than you are. You never know which idea may lead you to become the manager on a future project. Always trust in your intelligence and abilities – remember, the company hired you because they had faith in your talent!

When to Expect:

• Understand Company Policy: Some companies have certain minimal time constraints they must follow before offering any type of promotion. Be familiar with those policies and how long you have worked for the company. Also be aware of when those times are coming up!
• Be Aware: Although you may be deserving of a promotion, be aware of your coworkers. Are you truly the best candidate to move up the ladder? Have you accomplished equivalent work? More? Less? Understanding how you perform in comparison to those around you will help you understand if you are qualified to move up.
• Speak to Your Boss: Don’t be afraid to talk with your boss about the idea of a promotion! Make sure you wait the appropriate amount of time, and they will be happy to discuss this with you (as well as an outline for your future within the firm).
  • Always feel free to ask your boss how you can help around the office, how you are performing, and which areas you could improve on! Not only will this show your boss you are dedicated to becoming the best employee you can be, but it will increase your chances of recognition.
• Recognize Strengths, Improve Weaknesses: Employees who are promoted excel in all areas, and do not just emphasize their strengths. Think about areas in which you may need improvement, and work to ensure you are a well-rounded, eligible contender.

We hope these tips have helped… and we hope you are all able to secure your promotions in the near future!

But if are thinking about looking for a new position … check out our article on leaving your job the proper way!

Once you are ready to do so, let us help! Search through our open jobs list!

We all know how easy it is to feel a little down in the dumps if you are not selected for a position that you applied to and interviewed for. Fortunately, there are many silver linings when it comes to rejection and a lot of lessons to be learned. After all, failing is not the opposite of success, it’s part of it!

Feedback:

Probably the most important part of rejection is criticism. In order to become the best version of yourself in the professional and personal work, you must learn from mistakes and be able to take criticism. The best way to receive feedback from an interviewer is to send them a follow-up email and ask! It may seem daunting, but interviewers are happy to provide feedback and help you secure your next position, even if it’s not with their company.

Another super important source is your recruiter! Not only does your recruiter work with dozens of candidates, but they are also in constant contact with their clients. For that reason, they are nearly guaranteed to be provided with feedback about you and your interview. If you are nervous about contacting your interviewer, email your recruiter and they will be happy to explain where you might’ve gone wrong. Even something as simple as an outfit critique will aid you in your next interview and help you use what you’ve learned!

Self-reflection:

Furthermore, receiving rejection is often the best fuel for self-reflection. Think about what you may have done or not done that could have swayed your interviewer’s opinion on you. Were you prepared enough for the interview? Did you conduct research on the company beforehand? These are great questions to ask yourself and also questions that the interviewer definitely wondered about you. Being prepared for your interview is one of the key components of its success.

• Other Topics to Consider:
  • Is your resume updated?
  • Is your resume in tune with the position and customized for each interview?
  • Was your outfit appropriate?
  • Did you make eye contact?
  • Did you answer all questions thoroughly?
  • Did you shake your interviewer’s hand?
  • Did you thank your interviewer and send a follow-up email?
  • Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Is it updated?
  • Are you well represented on social media? (Remember, most companies will look at your social media, so make sure everything is clean!)

Write Down Questions:

Write down the questions you were asked immediately after the interview is finished! Creating a portfolio of possible interview questions and prepared answers will help you immensely in the future when applying to your next job. This will also help you to practice in the future beforehand. Sit down with a friend or family member and practice with a mock interview!

We hope this helped you see the good in rejection. And remember, everyone has been in your same position! It happens! Get back out there and apply to your next job!

Not sure what to wear to an interview? Read our article on appropriate interview dress!

Searching for your next job? Check out our open jobs list!

A topic that bosses often do not teach their employees is how to leave their current position within their company. Not so surprising. For that reason, we know how nerve-racking it can be to try and quit your position in the pursuit of another job. Follow these steps we are about to teach you and we can nearly ensure that you will be leaving your current firm on good terms!

Effective Communication:

When you are leaving a company for a new job, you must keep your boss “in the know.” By doing so, you should solidify the date in which you submit your two-week notice. It is unacceptable and widely recognized as unprofessional to leave a position abruptly. By informing your boss and whomever else it may concern two weeks in advance of your departure, you are allowing them a large enough sum of time to prepare for your exit. Whether this includes allocating people to cover your work, beginning the search for a new hire to replace you, or communicating which responsibilities you are expected to complete before you leave, your firm deserves time to plan, which will ultimately help you to be able to exit smoothly.

Extra Note: It is super important to also keep your coworkers in the loop! Inform them about your plans to leave in the same way you did so your boss. By doing so, you will maintain an open and honest relationship with each of them.

Communication Continued:

With the digital age upon us, it is easy to rely on “comfortable” communication methods like emailing and texting. However, when you are formally informing your boss that you are preparing to quit your job, you are expected to do so in person. Although speaking face-to-face may be intimidating, we can assure you that a boss appreciates the additional effort, care, and time it takes to set up an in-person meeting. Communicating this way will improve your chance of maintaining a great relationship with the organization.

Lead Up:

In the days leading up to you leaving, we strongly encourage you to maintain the same energy, dedication, and motivation you showcased within the first few weeks of your role. Although you may be departing from the company, you are expected to be a committed employee until your very last moment. Additionally, this is another way to ensure you will leave on good terms with your company. When your boss and coworkers see that you still care about your position until the very end, they will respect and admire you for your effort.

Extra Tip: During the weeks leading up to your departure, make sure to thank each member of the company who has helped you in any way during your time spent there. Whether this includes mentors, coworkers, or bosses, be sure to express your gratitude in-person to each employee. There is no better way to maintain a positive relationship then by conveying your appreciation.

Assistance:

Sometimes, companies are able to replace a position before their employee actually leaves the company. if you are in that situation, offer your assistance to the person taking over your position, and inform your boss that you are willing to do so. For example, if your replacement is able to come in for a day of shadowing you, the transition between you leaving and her arriving will go much more smoothly, and she will be able to become accustomed to the company much more quickly. Teach your replacement the in’s and out’s of the company that you learned over your time spent there, and you will be helping your boss out immensely!

Aftermath:

Furthermore, it is always a great idea to maintain communication with your company once you leave. Doing so can be as easy as a biannual email checking in with the company, your boss, and even giving a quick update about your current work. Even if this seems meaningless, it can truly help if you are ever in need of a reference, and it is always more helpful to have a preserve relationship with your ex-boss over a negative or nonexistent one.

Looking for more? Check out our article about the best time to apply for a new job!

Searching for a new job? Read through our open jobs list!

Believe it or not, there are better times to consider when applying for jobs throughout the year. Follow these steps to ensure you’ll be ahead of the rest and the best applicant for your future position!

The Beginning of the Year:

The best time for you to apply for a new job is at the start of the new year, specifically in January. Not only have most hiring managers returned from their vacations and ready to get back into the swing of things, but people across all companies often wait until the new year to seek a new job. You are almost guaranteed a better chance when applying at this time of year, as new budgets are enacted and managers are ready to expand their companies.

Following Months:

Just like the beginning of the year, February, March, April, and even May are great opportunities to get your resume in the door. The energy recharge from January and the new year will keep its momentum throughout these next few months as summer is on the horizon. As there are often changes in regard to employee hours in summer months, it is vastly helpful to companies if you can commit to a position shortly before. That way, the company will be able to rely on you when some of their workers are on vacation in the chaotic months of June, July, and August. We know this is not the most ideal time to commit to a full-time position, but the reward will come as fall approaches, you are guaranteed a new position, and your hard work has paid off!

Summer:

In the same way that many employees save their vacation days for summer, so do managers, CEO’s, and even company owners. For this reason, the firm’s workload may be on a little bit of a pause or decrease during this time. Due to the fewer projects coming up, companies are less likely to be looking to expand their team at this time. (Another reason to be proactive during the beginning of the year!)

End of the Year:

November and December are typically more of “wrap up” months for firms, not so much of a time where companies are looking to add to their employee base. That being said, use this time to clean up and update your resume so that by the end of December you are ready to enter the pool as one of the first applicants for review come the new year!

Extra Note:

One important fact to take away after reading this: none of these facts mean that you CANNOT get a job at a slower time of year. There are always exceptions, and you are always welcome to submit a resume to an open position! In fact, Esquire Recruiting LLC keeps a running Open Jobs list for you to apply to at any time!

Looking for more? Check out our Open Jobs! 

Enjoy this blog? Read more about How to Follow Up When Applying for a Job!

• More blogs: How to Update Your Current Resume, Finding a Job After College!

It seems now that it is nearly impossible to escape the feeling of stress when trying to manage and balance a healthy lifestyle. The most important thing we can teach you by reading this is the value in taking some well deserved “me time” through a plethora of ways. Even if you choose only a few from this list you are guaranteed to feel a whole lot more relaxed!

What is “Me Time”?

When we refer to “me time”, we are encouraging you to actively disengage from work at some hour of the day. Now, don’t think that means completely ignoring any extra obligations that do not fit into the daily schedule, but it is super vital to set a boundary for yourself that separates your personal time and your professional time. For example, if you work from 9 am – 5 pm, set a boundary for when you will “unplug” from work, whether it is at 5 pm or at 9 pm. By setting a cut off for yourself, you will no longer feel the guilted obligation to continue to check your work email or any notifications past that time, and until your next day at work begins. Remember, you are expected to work 9-5 for a reason; working 24 hours around the clock will pile on the stress and tire you out! Setting a boundary for yourself and being 100 percent present during the time before it hits will help you stay more productive, focused, and motivated.

What to do During “Me Time”?

There is pretty much an unlimited number of things to do to fill your “me time.” This is the most personal, customizable component of your schedule, so make this time all about you! If you need some ideas as to how to fill this time, don’t stress, we have a bunch ready for you!

• Write in a journal – doing so will help you relieve emotional stress, log any thoughts or ideas of the day, and ultimately allow you to keep an active log of your day-to-day life.
• Exercise – Exercising is the ultimate way to relieve stress at a rapid pace. There are countless ways to exercise – whether walking, running, lifting weights, trying out new classes, cycling, practicing yoga, or swimming. Find the option that is most enjoyable for you, and try to incorporate it into your day at least 3 days a week.
• Pursue a hobby – Ever thought of something that sounded fun but you can’t seem to find the time to try? Do it! Some super fun, easy-to-try activities are cooking or art classes.
• Meditation or mindfulness – If you are interested in meditation, practice before bed or when you wake up. There are many meditation applications, websites, or even CD’s that will guide you.
• Listen to music or podcasts.
• Read a book.
• Book a massage or spa day.
• Spend time with friends or family.
• Go see a new movie or play.
• Try a new restaurant.

We hope these ideas have fueled your desire to reward yourself for all of your hard work! Always remember, you deserve it!

Looking for a new job? Check out our open jobs list!

We all know that jittery feeling that comes in the days leading up to an important interview. Your resume was a hit, you’ve passed the first few “tests”, but now it’s time for the real show. Just as you virtually showcased your professional appearance, you must do so in person, too. Your true first impression occurs the moment you walk into the interview office – let’s make sure you create it well!

Clothing: 

When it comes to clothing, always keep the word “conservative” in mind. By erring on the side of caution, you’ll make sure that your outfit will always be appropriate for your position. Wondering how to be conservative? Here are a few tips:

1. Wear clothing that fits! If your pants or skirt are too tight or too loose, chances are they won’t help you look the best you can be. Make sure your clothing fits well, is the appropriate length (skirts below the knee, shirts not cut too low), and is well kept (no creases, ironed if necessary, and absolutely NO stains!).
2. Keep colors low! Always steer clear of bright, neon, or seemingly “loud” colors when planning your outfit. Colors that are too bold are often distracting, and can even come across as immature. Keep colors simple – greys, whites, blacks, and dark blues are perfect colors to appear presentable and professional.
3. Extra note: Stay away from patterns, and especially from logos. Clothing that is covered in prints or words will absolutely take away from your overall appearance. On a similar note, try to avoid any clothing that is too ruffled or frilly. Anything distracting can take away from your appearance.

Accessories and Shoes: 

While your shirt, jacket, pants, or skirt are often the main components of your appearance, think of your accessories and shoes as the cherry on top.

Accessories: Accessories are absolutely acceptable for interviews, but there is definitely a correct way to accessorize your outfit. Keeping accessories to golds and silvers is almost always the best way to add a conservative touch to your appearance without looking too “blingy”. Try to avoid bright colors, heavy jewelry, and definitely keep it to a minimum! That being said, if you do want to accessorize your outfit, focus on either earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace, not a combo of all three!

• For men: Watches are a great, professional looking addition to any outfit. Still, keep in mind that too blingy is too much!
• For hair: If you have long hair, and want to wear it up, use a black or dark-colored ponytail, no scrunchies, colorful clips, or shiny headbands. Also, keep in mind the specific hairstyle you are aiming for. Simple = successful.

Shoes: Keeping shoes subtle is also the best way to add style and customize your outfit while still maintaining an appropriate appearance. Continue to keep in mind that softer colors are more fitting for an interview. Additionally, shoes should cover your whole foot, so open-toed heels, wedges, and sandals are not the best choice.

• Type of shoe: Flats are the safest option! However, if you’re like me, and you are a tad bit vertically disadvantaged, heels are acceptable. Always keep heel hight below 3 inches, and steer clear of stilettos. If your heels would receive compliments at a nightclub, save them for that occasion instead.
• Safest colors: Black, brown, grey, dark blue or other dark shades of colors.

With all of these tips and tricks, you are headed in the perfect direction to rock this interview! Good luck!

Need help getting there? Check out our blog on how to find a job after college!

We are pleased to introduce our summer intern, Hannah McDermott! Hannah will be managing all social media activity, including writing our bi-weekly blogs. Check out our LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages to keep up with her posts! She will also be assisting with administrative tasks.

Since she was born, Hannah has been fascinated by communication. Whether as a “chatty” student or in her role as Marketing Manager for a national charity event, Hannah has always had a knack for connecting with her audiences. With an interest in and strong desire to develop strategies for effective social media and marketing promotions, Hannah applied and was directly admitted to the Wisconsin School of Business. Academically, she is pursuing her passion for Marketing and Risk Management. Hannah combines her tireless desire to reach and attract readers with her creative and relevant content in order to expand Esquire’s professional footprint. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, trendy restaurants, exercising, hanging out with friends, and spending time with family.

You can still expect to read more about these awesome topics all summer:

• Esquire news and staff features.
• New technological advancements in employment practices.
• How to answer tough interview questions.
• How to write your best resume, now and later.
• New takes on old tips.
• How to make the most of unemployment.
• How to re-enter the workforce and how to search for jobs.
• How to look for and land internships.
• Advice on employment in various industries and fields.
• Whatever you want! Leave feedback and requests here on the blog, by email, and on our social media pages!

If you would like to recommend any blog topics or request a specific focus feel free to reach out to [email protected] for any and all inquiries! You are also more than welcome to reach out to Hannah for any information as to what her internship is like, what to expect from a new internship, and the “ins n’ outs” she’s learned about our industry and Esquire Recruiting LLC.

Esquire Social Media Pages:

1. LinkedIn
2. Facebook
3. Twitter
4. Instagram
5. Glassdoor

Looking to learn more about our team? Visit our About Page!

We know how easy it is to get “stuck in your ways” once you create a professional, quality resume. However, we also know that your resume is a vital aspect of landing each job you apply to. For that reason, it requires frequent up-keep, customization, and clean-up. Don’t worry, we’re here to teach you how to do it!

First Impressions:

Above all else, your resume is often your first impression for your future employer. Because each employer scans dozens of applicants’ resumes, yours must help you to immediately stand out and prove that you are the most qualified applicant.

Furthermore, most social media pages like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, often do not show professional appearance. For that reason, LinkedIn is the most important virtual representation of who you are for your next potential employer. Your LinkedIn profile, which showcases each of your professional experiences, must align with your resume. The jobs you include on your resume should paint a picture of who you are to your employer, and your LinkedIn profile should further extend the self-image you wish to promote. However, not all experiences shown on your LinkedIn profile will be able to fit on your resume, so make sure to pick the experiences most pertinent to the job you are applying for on that specific resume.

Content:

One of the most significant aspects of your resume is the content that you include. All content portrayed must be both relevant and recent. So, if your first job as a 15-year-old Summer Day Camp Counselor is still included on your 24-year-old resume, reevaluate if that is the most on-topic piece of information that will help you stand out in an application pool. Additionally, make sure that the information you include on each resume you submit is in tune with what the company is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a Marketing role, make sure to include an experience that illustrates your ability to think creatively and promote a brand. If you are applying for a Financial role, highlight any financial-related experiences you were responsible for in clubs (even if in college), organizations, or other companies.

However, while information should be relevant and recent, do understand that there are times when crucial experience stems from several years ago –  so always be the ultimate judge of what “snapshots” will ultimately guide your employer’s decision to advance your application.

A specific way to keep track of each of your experiences, in order to create various, unique resumes for each employer, is to create a documented log. Whether this includes club memberships in college, initial professional work experience, or even volunteer service, keeping a list of all of your accomplishments will save you immense amounts of time when drafting new resumes, and also in alternating, editing, and adding specific experiences to current ones.

Extra Tip: Set a routine for resume up-keep – make sure to do so every 3 to 6-months! This way, you will constantly be adding and deleting new experiences and successes, and when the time comes to submit your resume to an organization, you will be well-equipped to provide one that is relevant, recent, and ready!

Appearance:

The appearance of your resume is often the key component in whether an employer will choose to take the time to review it. In order to solidify their interest, confirm that yours is clear, organized and proof-read!

It is no challenge to create an excellent resume, in fact, there are several resources available online for free that will help you either create a new resume or update your current one. Here is one example!

Some tips to always keep in mind when considering the physical appearance of your resume:

• It should always be organized in reverse chronological format. That way, your employer will not be searching for your most recent experience, but will instead be able to easily follow your design.
• Your resume should not be covered in bright colors, but should instead be written in black (or dark-colored) font over a white background.
• In addition to color, the font type should be effortlessly readable. Fortunately, there are several fonts available to help you craft a resume that matches your style while still maintaining a professional appearance.
• Keep in mind what kind of role you are applying to:
  • i.e.: An accounting position is generally serious and does not require creative content. Your resume should reflect that with a standard, black font. However, a digital studies job which requires great creativity can be paired with a more unique looking resume, potentially enhanced by colors or spatial format.

Last note… Social Media!

We’ve all heard that most employers now look at potential hires’ social media accounts. But seriously, they do. Keep it clean and professional no matter what platform you belong to. An employee who appears presentable across all social media channels is an employee that all companies are searching for!

Good luck!

Ready to apply? Check out our open jobs!

These days, it seems like every student is searching for an internship! If you fall into this category, keep reading these tips on how to find your own internship. If the search feels daunting, don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Brainstorm Your Goals, Values, and Desires:

Before you dive into your internet search, take time to think about what exactly you are looking for in an internship. What are your goals in terms of experience? Remember, it’s completely okay to be in search of any type of experience you can get your hands on! If that’s your goal, keep an open mind to any opportunities that come your way.

What are your values? Working for an organization whose values align with yours will set a great foundation for a compatible, meaningful experience. Taking a few moments to jot down your top 5 values and goals will go a long way. Quick tip: make your goals specific and attainable! For example, instead of aiming to “grow your computer skills,” write, “take Microsoft Excel proficiency course by June 1st.”

Draft Your Resume and Update Your LinkedIn Profile:

Understanding that your resume should cater to the needs of the company you are applying to is one of the most important concepts you can learn. Each resume you submit should be slightly altered to show the organization that your experience is in tune with exactly what they’re looking for. However, remember that your resume only shows a quick snapshot of who you are, it should leave your employer wanting more. Luckily, you’ll be able to put on your show during the interview.

Additionally, always keep your LinkedIn profile updated to showcase all of your experience. You never know when a potential employer could stumble across your page. Make sure they’ll like what they see (including a professional, clear profile picture)!

Be Proactive:

There are a ton of resources and websites available, and for free, find them! Start your search early in the year, that way you will keep up to date with all available opportunities, as well as get a head start on your competitors. If you wait, positions will fill at a rapid pace, so make sure you’re ready to go come Fall. Not only are there a plethora of online resources available to students to help them connect with internship opportunities, but many of these websites are free for access! That’s right, all you need to do is click a button and voila – a list of opportunity is at your fingertips. Curious for more? Check out this list of internship websites!

Additionally, if you’re a college student, attend your career fairs and keep an eye out for any and all networking opportunities. Reaching out to career advisors, and even academic advisors will help you find out about the endless opportunities your University provides in hopes of connecting their students to remarkable internships.

Reach Out to Your Network:

As a college student, it is immensely important for you to continue expanding your professional network every day. One way to do so is through LinkedIn. Connect with all teachers, friends, family, or alumni of your University! People love to talk about what they do. Asking to conduct an informational interview or learn more about someone else’s profession can likely help you get ahead in an application pool when they potentially put in a good word for you. You should always be proactive in learning about the careers among those you are connected to, potential websites that connect you with alumni from your University, or connections that work in fields you are potentially interested in.

Prepare For Your Interview:

Although this step is a little farther down the road, here are a few tips to help you rock your interview. First, jot down a list of experiences and stories that will help you answer common interview questions. This can be done at any time and will be a huge assistance to you when customizing your persona to each company you interview for.

Always:

1. Arrive early.
2. Shake your interviewer’s hand thoroughly upon arrival.
3. Maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
4. Sit up straight! Shoulders back, chin up.
5. Smile, maintain a happy demeanor and uphold your positive energy.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for a moment to compose yourself. Your interviewer knows that some questions may be tough, and you are much better off allowing yourself a moment to gather your own thoughts instead of rushing to provide a weak answer.
7. Prepare questions for the interviewer, show your interest in the position and that you’ve done your homework.
8. Once the interview is wrapping up, thank them for their time and ask about next steps.
9. Send a “thank you” follow up email within 24 hours of the interview.

Finally, remember, all experience is important experience! Especially as freshman and sophomores, any professional work experience will assist you in future opportunities, as well as help you build your resume. Good luck!

Need help building your LinkedIn profile? Check out this link!

Looking to find a job instead of an internship? Find out how to do so here!

You were accepted into college, achieved your degree, and are walking away with your diploma in hand. Congratulations! Now what? Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of your initial job search can easily develop into a downward spiral of procrastination and fear. However, you are certainly not alone in these emotions. Luckily, there are several ways of combating the pressures and nerves that come with the vulnerability of a job search. Understanding these next few strategies will not only help you boost your self-confidence but will ultimately allow you to find a job that you deserve.

Expand Your Professional Network: 

We are extremely fortunate that, with a few clicks of a button, technology allows us to connect with people all over the world. It is incredibly important to take advantage of the endless opportunities to develop your professional network through far-reaching platforms such as LinkedIn. Not only should your LinkedIn profile maintain an updated summary of your professional successes, but your connection count should continue increasing each day. Invite alumni, high-school peers, or other recent graduates to connect, people love to talk about what they do! Reach out and optimize your exposure to business professions you are interested in by initiating conversations with contacts in your desired fields. Maintain relationships with prior internship and job employers you’ve had in the past, as you never know which connection will help you find a job.

Looking for more first-hand experience? Join professional development or networking groups in your city. LinkedIn provides numerous opportunities for any user looking to connect with others through professional groups.

Boost Your “Cyber” and “Real” Profiles:

Feel like your network is strong? Now it’s time to review your social media profiles. With the uprise and exponential increase in social media use, not only among millennials and Gen-Z but by the majority of all people, there has never been a more important time to clean your virtual footprint. While you might not believe that potential employers will view and strongly value your social media presence, 70% actually do. 

That being said, it is vastly important to make sure your profiles showcase professional, respectable images that a potential employer would seek in a new hire. Above all, your profile picture is your most significant “virtual first impression.” For that reason, keep your headshot clear, tactful, and presentable. For a more detailed description on the “do’s” and “don’ts” of social media, check out this article.

Once your “cyber” self is up to par, focus on how you will present yourself to your employer in person. Whether preparing for a first or final interview, formal or informational, how you choose to portray your “real” self, through makeup, outfit, shoes, hairstyle, or accessories, will make or break your success.

Finally, prep and customize your resume for each opportunity you apply to. There is no reason to submit an identical resume to every position, as each varies in significant aspects. Completing thorough research will allow you to identify the company’s easily overlooked “secrets” that, if highlighted throughout your resume, will differentiate you from the rest of the applicants. For example, if a company emphasizes their integrity in their about page under company values, make sure to emphasize how and why your integrity would make you the best employee for their team. The “snapshots” of experiences on your resume must attract your employer and leave them wanting the full story, that’s where the interview comes in.

Last step … Crush Your Interview!

Your network has emerged into a powerful force, your social media is clean as a whistle, and you’re looking pretty sharp. Now, you’re ready to nail your interview. Engage with your employer and present your most positive, enthusiastic, and dedicated self. Here are a few ways to do it:

1. Practice! Draft a few possible answers to “common interview questions.”
2. Arrive early.
3. Shake your interviewer’s hand thoroughly upon arrival.
4. Maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
5. Sit up straight! Shoulders back, chin up.
6. Smile, maintain a happy demeanor and uphold your positive energy.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for a moment to compose yourself. Your interviewer knows that some questions may be tough, and you are much better off allowing yourself a moment to gather your own thoughts instead of rushing to provide a weak answer.
8. Prepare questions for the interviewer, show your interest and that you’ve done your homework.
9. Once the interview is wrapping up, thank them for their time and ask about next steps.
10. Send a “thank you” follow up email within 24 hours of the interview.

If you’ve read this far into the article, you’re already half way there. Now go out and land that job!

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