Networking vs. Connecting

Do you think "networking" has a negative connotation?

Networking can be perceived as a means to an end -- a selfish act motivated by personal gain.

What about connecting? It's genuine. Connectors are energetic, interested in everything, love meeting new people, and aren't afraid of taking chances or stepping outside their comfort zones. Most importantly, though, they are willing to reach out to and help people they don't know when there is no obvious benefit for them.

Good news! You need not be born a connector. You can become one.

It's natural to be anxious when entering a room full of strangers. So, how do you conquer it? Acknowledge your fear, take a deep breath, and realize that everyone else is scared, too. Also, the phrase "practice makes perfect" applies here. Go talk to people. Connect with them!

Bored of being bored?

Are you bored of being bored? In 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller, Miller suggests some activities to maintain your mental health while facing the challenge of long-term unemployment. I have mentioned some activities I do in previous entries, but I thought I would share this list with you.

Set aside time for vigorous physical exercise.

Miller says, "the feeling will help release tension and stimulate creativity." The job search is stressful. Although the unemployment rate is at a 10-year low, today's job market is still extremely competitive. Exercising can help relieve that stress. 

If you have seen Legally Blonde, then you may recall the line, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." Well, the writers did their research because, having recently taken Human Body at K-State, I can confirm this. 

However, there is something to be said for crying. No matter how much you exercise, you can't always be happy. Humans are actually the only living creatures that can cry tears, and that is the only way our bodies excrete stress hormones -- through our tears. So, ultimately, crying is healthy and nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes it's just what you need. 

Seek out a mentor. 

In 48 Days, Miller refers to the success of Alcoholics Anonymous due to the members having mentors who they can call whenever they need to. I've mentioned before how it is helpful to have someone else to lament over the challenges of the job search with. I think it is also helpful to have a mentor (or a few!) who you can call when you need help, whether to assure you everything will be okay or help brainstorm new avenues to explore. 

From my experience, my mentors are individuals who are also references. So, if you are in need of a mentor, take a look at your list of references. Next time you are in need of help or reassurance, give one of your references a call. Start building your mentor-mentoree relationship. Or, if all you need is an ego-boost, then read one of your reference letters; it always makes me feel better about myself.

Read inspirational material at least 2 hours daily.

I really think this helps keep your mind engaged. Don't sit on the couch all day watching television, allowing your brain to atrophy. I think optimistic, hopeful thinking is critical during your job search. Read inspirational material to keep you motivated and in a positive frame of mind. Pursue life-long learning and read educational material. Stay up-to-date on what is happening in the world by reading news articles. READ. 

Volunteer for a worthy cause.

Miller says, "helping someone else in need is a great way to ease your own personal pain." That sounds so selfish, though. I prefer to think of it as a reality check. Aesop said, "There is always someone worse off than yourself." Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter can give you perspective. You may not have a job, but (hopefully) you are still able to provide food and shelter for yourself. It may feel like rock bottom, but it's not. So, pull your chin up, and enjoy the rewards that may be reaped from helping others -- a feeling of value, the warmth of a smile from someone you have helped

Get a job.

Regardless if its not your dream job or a great career move. Just do it. Check out The Top 10 Benefits of Temporary Work. 

The Top 10 Benefits of Temporary Work

"Why Temporary Work Is Worth It" from Forbes discusses why you should secure a temporary job while you are job hunting. I was taking notes, and came up with ten reasons! Drumroll please...

The Top 10 Benefits of Temporary Work

1. Gets you out of bed in the morning. 

     Don't sleep in. Use the full day to your advantage.

2. Gives you something to do. 

     Avoid boredom. Everyone wants to do that.

3. Keeps your skills sharp.

     I'm sure you've heard of the word, "If you don't use it, you lose it." I can't remember some
     information from a course I took last semester. What makes you think that won't happen to your
     transferrable and technical skills?

4. Keeps your resume alive.

     It's difficult to explain idle periods.

5. Yields new, recent references. 

     These individuals will be able to speak to your job performance recently, rather than six months ago.

6. Expands your professional network. 

     You never know who a contact may be able to refer you to until you know them.

7. It could turn into a permanent position. 

     It could. Don't plan on it, but anything is possible. If you really like the company or organization,
     then make it known that you would be interested in a permanent position. If one doesn't become
     available while you are working there, they may think of you when one does later.

8. Puts money in the bank. 

     Earning money allows you to continue providing for yourself. The end.

9. You can "spin it."

     Maybe you don't enjoy your temporary job, but you can still "spin it" to make it useful in job
     interviews. Use anecdotes to depict the transferrable skills you honed or developed during your
     temporary work.

10. A flexible work schedule will allow you to continue applying for other jobs. 

What is work?

My Grandma J. has a habit of dropping off what my brother and I refer to as "Gameday Goodies" before heading to the Bill Snyder Family Stadium to cheer on the 'Cats at home football games. These typically consisted of home-made cookies and various fruit. During my last semester, she dropped off what will remain the greatest Gameday Goodie ever -- a home-made pumpkin pie. So, I called her that week to thank her and tell her how my roommates and I enjoyed it. That conversation, as all other conversations I have now, became about what I want to do with my life. My grandmother urged me to take the first job I could find. In her mind, a job is like any other job, and that is what I needed. I told my grandma that I didn't want only a job but a career. 


I always had a cram-packed schedule during college -- a demanding course load;  extracurricular activities with multiple weekly meetings, office hours, and more; and research work. While I am thankful for all of the opportunities for learning and growth I had through my extracurricular activities and research work, I felt as though I didn't have time to reflect upon what all of this learning and growth meant. I had lost focus on the long-run. I arrived at college with a solid 12-year plan involving undergraduate school, medical school, and a specialty fellowship. My interests expanded during college, though, and I was no longer certain I wanted to go to medical school. In addition to that life-altering realization, I had so many interests that I couldn't even tell my grandma a specific career path I wanted to follow. 


After two years of studying pre-physical therapy, my grandmother quit college when she married my grandfather. Years later, after raising three children, she returned to K-State to get a degree in Education. Since she hadn't realized what she truly wanted to do with her life until after raising a family, she thinks it is normal and completely acceptable to not realize your calling until you are in your 40s. While I am aware that is the case for many people and it may become the case for me, I don't want to start in that frame of mind because I don't want that for my life. I don't want to get just a job. I want to find a job that will be my first step towards a career. I wanted to take the time reflect upon everything I learned, decide what I enjoyed doing the most, and focus my interests. I didn't have the words to help my grandmother understand why. The conversation ended in a few tears of frustration and, still a teacher after retiring, my grandma saying she knew of a book that she was going to order from Amazon and have sent to my college address. 


The book my grandmother sent me is 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. I am working my way through it, and it is proving itself helpful. It has given me the words I was looking for when trying to explain to my grandmother why I didn't want just a job. The quote below, found in 48 Days, phrases my thoughts quite nicely.


“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both.” –James Michener


This is what work should be. This is what I wish for my life, and what I wish for every person's life. 


Today, I have more focused interests, but not because of 48 Days. Truly believing in life-long learning, I continued to study after graduating college. I have probably bought nearly the same number of books since graduating college as I bought during my four and a half years of college. I am well on my way to securing the first job of my career. 

I am certain I will be writing more about 48 Days. I recommend the book. However, true to my Grandma J., it talks about God's role in our work. So, if you aren't religious, then I would recommend finding a different career-guidance book. There is a pretty comprehensive suggested reading list in the back of 48 Days, so you could find it in a book store or library to take a look at those recommendations.

The 3 Job Interview Questions

I saw this article from Forbes circulating on LinkedIn today.

It claims that there are only three true job interview questions.

1. Can you do the job? 
2. Will you love the job? 
3. Can we tolerate working with you? 

When you consider what the heart of these three questions are, they are focusing on your strengths, motivation, and fit. I whole-heartedly agree with Forbes; these are the three things interview questions focus on. Check out the break down below. 

Can you do the job? - STRENGTHS

Do you have not only the technical skills the position requires but strong communication and leadership skills, as well? 

Will you love the job? - MOTIVATION

You will work harder if you believe in the mission of the organization and enjoy the challenges your responsibilities pose. You will also be more motivated to work hard if you fit in and like your work environment (see next question). 

Can we tolerate working with you? - FIT

I am a pretty strong advocate of being your own individual. That being said, this is one of the few times I will say it is important to fit in. Poor cultural fit is the #1 cited reason for a new leader's failure. It is important for you to consider whether your preferences and the organization's culture are a match or not. If they aren't, then you will likely have difficulties being successful in your position. More importantly, though, if they don't match, then you will be unhappy working there.  

The interviewer may use the B.R.A.V.E. framework below to identify your preferences and determine if they align with the organization's. 

Behave

How do you make decisions? 

What is your leadership style? 

Relate

How do you communicate with others? 

How do engage in intellectual debate? 

How do you manage conflict? 

Attitude

How do you feel about the organization's purpose, mission, and vision?

Values

What are your underlying beliefs? 

How do you approach learning? 

Do you take risks? 

What are your plans for your future? 

Environment

Do you prefer a formal or informal work environment? 

What type of office layout do you prefer? 

How to Give a Great Presentation

Happy TED Tuesday!

This is a great TED talk that can teach you how to give great talks. Grab a paper and pen to take notes with because, believe me, you'll want to use Nancy's lessons in future presentations.

Nancy Duarte: The secret structure of great talks

From the "I have a dream" speech to Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch, all great presentations have a common architecture. At TEDxEast, Nancy Duarte draws lessons on how to make a powerful call-to-action.

Nancy Duarte believes that ideas are the most powerful tools people have. Her passion is to help every person learn to communicate their world-changing idea effectively.

Organize Your Search Resources

In today's technological world, there are endless websites dedicated to searching for a job, writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and even developing a career plan to help you achieve your end goal. Having all of these resources online is helpful, but it can be overwhelming. 

Maybe it's just me, but I find it difficult to keep track of all the job search resources I am using. So, I used a mind-mapping program called SimpleMind to organize the job search sites I need to check daily, the online profiles I need to keep updated, and the people I have contacted (whose names I removed for privacy, obviously). 

This is just an idea. You can, of course, organize your mind map however you choose and just use a pen and paper. Feel free to refer to my mind map as a guide, though!