From College to Career, Lindsey Pollak

Getting Started 
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1. Start today, no matter who you are.

2. Know the numbers; you're not alone. Average hiring time for fresh-grad, number of jobs in career, initial salary, years spent in first job etc. 

3. Worst mistake you can do is do nothing. //Tip: MOVE, do at least 1 career-related thing a day. 

4. Embrace the "has-nothing-figured-out" stereotype, and when seniors tell you about it (+ve or -ve -ly), make this an opportunity and ask imploring questions that you can use for your career planning. 
//ToDo: Ask 3 people what they wish they knew at your age. 

5. Overcome your stereotype. Most people have negative connotations attached to Millenials. 
Turn this into your strength: research and avoid the common pitfalls. 

6. Get (Hyper-)Organized. Notebook(Physical), File System, Calendar, Spreadsheets/Log(every interaction notes, little things), Contact Database System (GREAT future asset)
//Advice: Keep the contact info of everyone you ever met, with notes!

7. Maximize use of Career Service Office 

8. Read quality news everyday!
//Todo: Subscribe to a news source and reduce barriers. 

9. Be prepared: equipment, emergencies, reliable meeting spots

10. Take help from your parents/really close people (BEWARE: Not always apt; ask career counsellor when in doubt)
	- Can:
		-- Assessment Review 
		-- Interview Rehearsals
		-- ProofRead
		-- Networking
		-- Accountability 
		-- Bookending (sandwich difficult conversations with mom's for support)
	- Don't: 
		-- Make them be visible. Questions your self-sufficiency. 

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Start Being a Professional
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11. Make your communication channels professional. 
	NEVER Text unless the recruiter texts first. 
	//ToDo: Professional Voice mail for phone
	//Done: Email Signature with Phone, Class, Uni, Name, Email (for forwarded mails)

12. Email etiquettes: 
	-- Better formal than Spam Blocked. No emojis, textLingo, IM or !!!
	-- Hi Dr/Mr/Ms 
	-- The email address should be the last thing you type, in case you accidentally hit send 

13. Create a clean Business card
	-- Etiquette is to ask for one before offering. 
	-- Look at it closely before stowing it away. 

14. Cleanup online image - remove embarrasing content, tight security/viewing and ask friends to remove unprofessional content. Companies increasingly look you up!

15. Shine online 
	-- LinkedIn
	-- Whenever you contribute properly online, use your original name 
	-- always monitor online image/SEO

16. Become an industry expert by reading the news about your industry every day 
	//ToDo: Sign up for related e-newsletters

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Figure out what you want, and what you don't
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17. Make a REALLY Big list of things that interest you + you wanna work on

18. Find out if your "should"s are true; i.e check your assumptions 
	//ToDo: Bust your own myths

19. Take comperehensive career assessment tests to avoid "hitchhiking"
	//ToDo: careerdriversassessment.com/CtoC

20. Explore a passion. Now is the time to experiment, this is the only way you'll be happy.
	This doesn't have to be related to your degree
	//ToDo: This is a CAREER STRATEGY. 

21. Money should be "a" factor, not "the" factor

22. Job Shadow 
	-- entry-level betetr for you
	-- See company culture
	-- Research ahead of time
	-- dress to impress
	-- Learn all you can 
	-- Take him/her out to lunch/coffee as thanks and you also get to interview them
	-- Be very specific as to what you wanna see, it's easier for everyone that way

23. Get twitter in your arsenal 
	//Opinion: Meh 

24. Consider a career coach 
	//Opinion: $$$

25. List down your Heroes, research all you can about their career paths and contact them!

26. Mentoring (and co-mentoring!)
	-- Don't ask someone to be a "mentor". Ask insightful questions and let it grow into a years long relationaship organically
	-- Meet, but don't be a pest

27. Chill, a job is not a soul mate. 
	If you're really paralyzed, search for one/more of these for your first job: 
		1. Find a job with a GREAT boss. 
		2. Find a job with a GREAT brand name, this is career capital
		3. Find a job where you love your work

	//Tips: If you find a combination of all 3, TAKE IT 

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Network - it's about who knows you!
Single most important career capital.
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28. Talk. Listen. Repeat. 
	-- Network ALL THE TIME, not only when you need a job. 
	-- It's how you keep moving forward
	-- DO make sure all networking is mutually beneficial. 
		Ask: What can I do to help? It might be as simple as giving their daughter a tour of the uni. 
	//ToDo: Have one conversation a day with a stranger. Get in the habit of talking to people everywhere you go!

29. Perfect your elevator pitch. 
	-- 3 stages, can be injected in conversation instead of a monologue
		1. Who you are
		2. What you're good at 
		3. Provide a call to action
		4. Practice in several ways 

30. Network with your neighbours (figuratively)
	-- entry-level networks may be better than VIPs in some cases
	//ToDo: Call or email at least one person in your primary career to ask them for an intro 

31. Setting up an informational interview 
	- Research well 
	- Make an email request 
		-- Subject: John Doe suggested I meet you!
		-- Ms. X,
		-- Intro, Explanation, Request
		-- closing = "Please let me know a good time to call you"
		-- Do not attach a resume, this is presumptuous 

32. Aceing the Informational Interview 
	1. Confirm 24 hours in advance 
	2. Get ready
	3. Arrive early to find a nice, quiet spot
	4. Start strong with standing up, smile, handshake and taking order (always go alone, go only when queue is short)
	5. Ask inquisitive questions, ALWAYS ask for recommended actions 
		//PROTIP: Ask for a "warm" lead to someone else 
	6. Close, ask for business card and LinkedIn
	7. Email thank you
	8. Keep them in the loop 

33. Become an Active Alum, even before graduation
	- They've been in your shoes, they want to help
	- Attend reunions, sign up for alumni magazines (bonus cookie if you write in)

34. Find an association worth joining 

35. Embrace Diversity 

36. Attend Professional Conferences 
	- Find them 
	- Register without going bankrupt (ask for young-person scholarship OR volunteer)
	- Research days ahead 
	- Dress the part

37. Make the Event count
	- Suggested goals: 
		-- Gain industry knowledge 
		-- Make greate 1-on-1 connections
		-- Learn how to network (observe people trying to do so)
		//Tip: Be by the food for some easy converstaions

38. NoNos
	- Don't be needy
	- Don't be negative 

39. Follow up 
	- Within 24 hours of contact, send an email saying "It was nice meeting you, and let's get coffee"

40. Stay Connected, and it doesn't have to be more than 2/3 times a year
	- This article reminded me of you emails
	- Thank you notes 
	- Social media status updates

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Gain Real-World Experience
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41. Be a leader
	- Leaders make things happen, and that's what businesses need

42. Be a Joiner: On the importance of ECAs

43. Intern Early, Intern Often

44. Essentials of Internships: 
	- Learn how work is different from school 
	- Step outside your comfort zone
	- Be proactive 
	- Set-up informational interviews
	- Network with peers
	- Collect references 
	- Keep in touch (or help out, so you're on their mind when full-time opportunities come up)

45. Temp

46. Volunteer 

47. Don't waste spring break

48. Be superStrategic about Part-Time Work 

49. Consider SidePreneurship, but know what you're getting into 

50. N.A

51. Go Global 
	- When you go: journal, make the most out of it, make it an asset
	- When you're back: mentor someone going to the same place
	- If you've graduated: looked at AIESEC,Rotary scholarship and Fullbright 

52. Fail
	- This experience is important. It is painful, but hopefully you'll get over it (talk to your loved ones!) and learn from it for the better 
	- Fail Often, Fail Fast, Fail Better


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Giving you The Edge
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53. Minor in something practical

54. LifeLong Learning 

55. Be aware of Globalization 
	- Read international news
	//Done: Take a class on globalization
	- Build Cross-Cultural Skills by talking to new people from all over the world 
	//ProTip: The highest form of flattery is respecting their culture

56. People love winners: Win awards (there's lots to be won out there)

57. Take on a Physical Challenge 
	- Apart from that, always be in good shape, like a smart person.

58. Present 
	- Be a public speaker 
	- //Bonus (59): Try Standup comedy 

60. Have a hobby 
	//ProTip: Only helps the "Interest" section is it is highly unusual or you're reached a high level of achievement 

61. Blog
	//ProTip: Blog consistently, treat it as a professional forum and post about things that you want to do when you enter the industry 

62. Have a Stress management technique that works for you 
	//ProTip: Meditate by concentrating on your breathing, this works even in cubicles!
	//Done: For me it is taking a walk outdoors, not setting a deadline for myself and reading the quran!
	//Protip: 
		1. Fold your knees and sit on them (like karate)
		2. Close your eye lids, head high, but lenses focusing on the horizon
		3. Breathe in through nose 5 secs, breathe out 5 secs. 
		4. Repeat for 3 to 10 mins, and if mind slips to stress, bring it back to breathing/body


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Market yourself 
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63. Make Over your Resume 
	- Resume is VERY important, no matter how whiz-bang of a person you are in real life, you gotta show it. It will make/break your application. 
	//Tips: 
		1. Have a one-sentence, focused, objective statement that makes sure people don't have to read through the whole page for knowing whether you are a good candidate
		Do this even if you have a cover letter
			-- not vague
			-- not "to learn". It's a job, not school 
			-- relate to a job function, industry, and what you bring to the table 

		2. Tweak resumes for different jobs
			-- //WARNING: One version per company, even if different departments

		3. Include GPA iff > 3.0/4.0

		4. Include Key Words
			-- Skills, Experience, Brand Names
			-- Research from JDs and Indsutry people on LinkedIn

		5. Quantify Things, always 

		6. Diversify your Competency words 

		7. Prioritize your list, does not have to be chronological 

		8. Don't write anything you despised doing (?)

		9. Don't lie, exaggerate or stretch the truth 

		10. KEEP IT ONE PAGE

		11. Don't get creative with design/scents/fonts/paper

		//Bonus: QR Code 

64. Put Your Resume through the Wringer 
	- 60 second reviews by people 
	- Get reviews from the indsutry
	- No typos
	//ToDo: Reviews

65. Craft Impressive Cover Letters
	First Para: Address by specific name, If recommended by someone then refer back to say what they said, NOT generic and crafted for individual applications 

	Second Para: What do you want, 2 sentences max

	Third Para: Why should I give you the job 

	Fourth Para: Next steps, be humble, non presumptious and not entitled. 

66. Brag Book (X)
	- Personally, like the idea for keeping it for your own reference
	- Personally, don't like the idea about taking it with you to the interviews

67. Become Professional Friends on Facebook. 
	(Contradicting #14)


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Find Opportunities 
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68. Chase every rainbow
	- There are a thousand different, trivial and non-trivial, lucky and smart ways to get hired. Don't limit yourself to searching in only one of the avenues

69. Navigate Job Fairs
	- Know your prospects beforehand, do all your research about the companies and the jobs you want to do BEFORE coming. 
	- Picth in with the introduction, and ask specific questions that show you did your homework 
	- Be professional, they're always watching what you're doing. Show you're focused, polished and targetted
	- Arrive early (Morning good vibes)
	- Bring resumes customized to the roles you'll be applying for 
	- Ask about next steps, ask for a card and collow up exactly as asked 
	//Bonus: Don't seem too happy about freebies 
	//Bonus: Show up at the same company's booth in different events, if you're adamant 

70.  Consider SMEs and Startups
	- Gold mine of "hidden" opportunities
	- Easiest way to get in is through recommendations from their primary network
	- Don't let your game off though
	- It's not for everybody, the challenge, stress, low pay etc

71. Look up the Best in a particular _____

72. Consider Government jobs (X)

73. Consider a volunteer year if you're lost

74. Project Work for free (X)  

75. Look online, but don't limit/dump all your time there

76. Think "And" not "Or"
	-- More options you have open the merrier
	-- Don't rule out anything until you have to 


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Overprepare for your interviews
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77. Conduct Company Research (L2Google)
	- General Googling
	- Recent press release/news
	- Research the Management 
	- Competitors
	- Your Job function

78. Know your Value (on negotiating salaries)
	- There is some leeway, even for entry-level positions
	- Justify your asking range (never a fixed number, and will always get the lowest)
		-- Know what's non-negotiable
		-- Be confident
		-- Don't forget about non-salary compensation

79. Figure out work-life fit 
	- See if the company really cares about it, and how you feel about it 
	- Don't be entitled, and know that even though you should discuss/observe before going in, some perks are only unlocked after a few months. 
	- Understand the compromises, but be realisitic. Make a decision based on current realities. 

80. Clothing 
	- Dark suit, ironed white shirt never goes wrong
	- As less skin possible (long socks to avoid any)
	- if too formal, drop the coat. Or you could always call in anonymously and ask
	- Shave on the morning
	- No bag, no sneakers
	- Phone OFF, even vibration can be distracting

81. Proper dining etiquette (it's increasingly tested over lunch interviews)
	- small bites, elbows off table, thank you and pleases, never answer with food in mouth 
	- treat waitstaff well (like a decent human being)
	- Eat only after everyone has been served. Okay to eat first if insisted, but slow. 
	- Used utensil should never touch the table again. 
		-- use from the oustide in. The outermost fork is for the appetizer and innermost (sometimes horizontally placed) is for dessert
	- Make sure you're having the right one. BMW - Bread on the left, meal in the middle and water on the right.
	- Help yourself later, pass items around first. Whenever asked for pepper, give both salt and pepper and make sure the handle is towards the other person so they can hold onto it
	- Utensils diagonal on plate once done, napkin on the left. If you need to get up at any point in between, place your napkin ON YOUR CHAIR
	- NO PHONES ON SIGHT, even if host is using their device 
	- Handle any snafus without making a scene and quickly but politely. 
	- Perfect etiquette is not needed. You just have to look polite, mature and respoonsible. 
	//ToDo: Go practice, or dine in a fancy restaurant 

82. Mock Interview 
	- Be a better listener. Research shows it directly correlates to getting hired
	- Be ready to explain why you made certain choices
	- Don't be wishy-washy. When you're in the interview, make sure you make them feel like it's the only job you want. 
	- Think answers in terms of Problem-Action-Result
	- Be prepared for dreaded, obvious questions you don't feel like answering. Have a strong, convincing reply for them. 
	- Talk about your weaknesses analytically
		-- Two schools of thought: Genuine and how I overcame VS strength disguised as a weakness. 
	- Prepare more questions than you could be ever asked
		-- no "Why" questions because they make people defensive
		-- Ask people about themselves. People love that. 
		-- Ask about culture 
		-- Don't ask about anything you found online 
		-- Ask for the Job!
	- Inquire about next steps
	//ToDo: Make a list of questions and think hard about how you'd answer them. 
	//ToDo: Do a mock interview every month.   

83. NEVER be late. 
	- "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unforgivable." - unknown.
	- Don't arrive at the office more than 15 mins early though. Kill time elsewhere. 

84. Be nice to the receptionist. 
	- You're interviewing as soon as you enter the building. All eyes are on you. Be nice and engaging to EVERYBODY. 

85. Interviews can turn unexpected, go with the flow
	- Be prepared for the unpreparable. 
	- Be open, and take your time to answer unpredicted questions and curve balls. 
	- Pay close attention to the interview yourself, to get a feeling of what it's like in the company

86. Be available, return calls and emails

87. Persist without being a pest
	- Smart persistence, when done right, will get your work done 
	- Value add in persistence. Make it about THEM, not YOU
		-- Thank you note, and reiterate that you'd love to get the job and work for the team immediately
		-- Wait at least a week to 10 days before further contact
		-- Email with another interesting fact/observation 
		-- Don't act desperate
		-- Give up after 3 followup tries 


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Before you Head into the Real World 
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88. Ask for help when you need it 
	- Nobody has it figures out
	- ask for feedback/reassurance/advice from trusted people whenever you need em 

89. You will have a few more "Who am I?" moments in life 
	- enjoy the exploration process

90. Don't curb your enthusiasm
	- Ever.
	- You have nothing to be afraid of.