Receive a periodic newsletter curated with relevant information for young adults to explore careers that fit their goals.
Tis the season for career planning: festive job search advice for young adults
Make the Most of Winter Break, Jumpstart Your Career, Young Adults! |
While winter breaks are typically time for sleeping late, catching up with friends, and meals with family, this is also a great time to build in a bit of career planning! Instead of New Year’s resolutions and additions to a task list for 2024, tackle a couple of items right now that can advance your career planning. Think about what you enjoy, what you are strong at, what skills you’d like to develop. Keep those things in mind, or better yet, write them down to use in describing yourself. Not sure how to figure out what suits you? Contact me and we can walk through some aptitude and interests assessments. Write and practice your “elevator speech” so you can introduce yourself comfortably. Here’s a guide and examples that you can use in conversation. Network like crazy! Conversations are a rich source for finding jobs and internships. Networking is not a dirty word! Think of networking as introducing yourself and expressing interest in others. A simple, here’s who I am, where I am in school/work/life, and I’m interested in learning something from you can open doors. Mine your network of family and friends for information and suggestions – make lists of people your parents/family/ friends think you should talk to about their jobs or possible connections. Get their names, contact info, note why someone suggested that you contact them and what you hope to learn from them. Need a boost of confidence? Read this. Review your LinkedIn Profile and your Resume. Use a template that is easily revisable to tailor your resume and cover letters for each job application. Use the job description keywords in your application and cover letters. (Yes, some employers still want resumes, and keywords are important!) Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs. Use your volunteer and extracurricular activities to demonstrate the skills and strengths that employers seek. Sign up for career fairs at your college, and set up your college Handshake or Simplicity account to find internships and job openings. Meet with your college or career services advisor to review your resume and practice interview skills. Learn a new skill or master a rusty one with classes offered by LinkedIn, Google, Coursera, Udemy, and the like. Practice using and laying out spreadsheets or templates. Learn to cook a simple meal. Thinking beyond school and work, here are some fun ideas - some practical, others slightly off-the-wall. Are you stuck and want a quick boost to set you on a better path? Prefer an hour of consultation rather than a package of services?Contact me to get some ideas for next steps or find some resources or a bit of direction. A few exampIes of a topic you may want to focus on:
Book an hour with me to deal with an immediate issue or a specific area of concern, bring your agenda, and we will work through as much of it as possible! Wishing you a happy holiday season, good health, and years of peace. Diane P.S. Sign up for a one-off session to get clarity on whatever is holding you back. Start the New Year off right! |
dianegeller@gmail.com |
Navigate Your Future with Confidence & Clarity
Diane Geller, Career Consultant
Receive a periodic newsletter curated with relevant information for young adults to explore careers that fit their goals.
The Secret Art of Networking As my regular readers know, information gathering and networking are big parts of what my clients learn to do and practice during our work together. And, just as I was writing this, a special edition of The Economist arrived in my inbox on this very topic! Here, I share thoughts about the “art of conversation." Networking at social events can be a powerful tool for advancing your career, expanding your professional circle, and cultivating meaningful connections....
Holiday Socializing Made Easy With the winter holidays right around the corner, you may find yourself happily looking forward to parties, cookies, being with family and friends, sleeping late, or spending a few days doing only what you want. But if lurking behind that anticipated joy are thought bubbles of:What if someone asks me what I’m doing after graduation… Or where I am applying… Or do I have a job yet… Or if I overhear someone say, "WHAAT? They have no idea what they’re majoring in?"...
Jump Start the Fall Season Although January is traditionally the time for welcoming a new year, fall can also be a time for new beginnings. Whether you’re trying out a new kayak, getting to know a new roommate, shopping for school supplies, or taking a new history course, this season offers opportunities to try new things! If you’re a list-maker, like I am, consider adding something to your “to-do” list that includes something you’ve never done before. Listen to a new genre of music, try a...