Readers:
Dr. Randall Hansen, a nationally recognized career expert, is the Career Doctor.
Discover more about Dr. Hansen, read about the purpose of this column,
and find previous issues of this column at the home of The Career Doctor.
If you have any college, career, or job-related questions or comments that Dr. Hansen could
provide valuable assistance with, please
feel free to email him at: careerdr@quintcareers.com.
Dr. Hansen writes this column on a biweekly basis.
Jessica writes:
Hi, I just graduated from college and am one of the lucky ones, I guess, because I
have a job offer. I am supposed to start working in the marketing department next
week and I have no clue what to expect - and more importantly, what they expect
of me. How can I make a good first impression? I really want to succeed in this
company.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
Wanting to make a good first impression with your new employer is very
smart thinking. As with any situation, people often take short-cuts in making
conclusions about people -- and first impressions can make or break your
future in any organization. Now, don’t panic. I’m not necessarily talking
about work expertise first impressions as I am attitude first impressions.
Most employers don’t expect new employees to solve all the company’s
problems the first day; however, the way you handle yourself around the
workplace is of vital importance and does indeed start the first day.
So, what are some ways to make a good first impression? I don’t have
room for all my suggestions, so here are the most important:
Have a positive attitude. Nothing works better -- in all
situations -- than having and expressing a positive attitude. Don’t be
afraid to show your enthusiasm.
Dress professionally. Never underestimate the
importance of dressing professionally in your new job, especially in
those early days.
Show your team spirit. You are now part of a work
team, and teams work together to solve problems and get the job
done -- so become a good teammate.
Learn names quickly. Nothing says disinterest as
quickly as someone who can’t seem bothered to remember anyone’s
name, so if you have trouble learning names you might want to try a
memory aid -- and at least show you’re trying.
Ask questions. You are not expected to know everything,
so don’t be afraid to seek out help and ask questions of your co-workers
and your boss.
Being the newest member of the organization -- the rookie -- is both a
challenging and exciting time. Just relax and remember to make the best
first impression you can.
And check out the new Workplace
Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Q:
Ana writes:
My name is Ana. I am about 14 and a half years old, and I live in a big city.
I am trying to find a summer job, like waitressing, but I am not finding any
luck for a job that I am eligible for at my age. I feel that I would be a very
good waitress because I am very good with people. Please help me find
something, and if you have any information at all, please email me back.
Thank you.
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
In some ways, you may be lucky not to be old enough to work as a
waitress because so many summer jobs that in the past have been
filled by teenagers are being filled by all the displaced workers from
this so-far jobless economic recovery. Rarely have experts seen an
economy that appears to be picking up steam while jobs remain steady --
or even decrease.
So, what can younger teens who want to earn some money over the
summer do if they can’t work because of state labor laws? Well, you
could fall back on something like babysitting, but especially because
you live in a city, I suggest that perhaps you form a club or group with
some of your friends from school and start your own business.
There are lots of business ideas for teens wanting to make money this
summer. You can start a:
House/apartment-cleaning service
Errand service
Pet-sitting service
Catering business
Tutoring service
Car-detailing business
And for those teens outside the city, a lawn-care or house-painting
business are other options.
Remember to consult with an adult before you start any business --
and be prepared for some people who will try and take advantage of your age.
Liz writes:
My name is Liz and I'm twenty-four years old. I've been in between jobs for almost
six years now, and I feel I can't get a break. I don't know what I want to be. What
can I do to find out what I'm supposed to do as a career?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
The most important thing you can do for yourself is to take the time to
really get to know yourself, to assess your likes and dislikes, your
strengths and weaknesses. From that point, you can begin building
a career plan to help move you in a forward direction.
How do you go about with self-assessment? Well, you can take some
tests; there are lots available in print and online. But before you do any
of those tests -- if you even bother to -- first spend some time with yourself,
getting to know yourself better. Make a list of the activities you like to do --
and not just from your previous jobs, but from your hobbies and other interests.
Then make a list of the things you never want to do again. Now, sit down and
think about your strengths and weaknesses.
Once you’ve done some self-assessment, the next step is looking for careers
that utilize your strengths and the activities you enjoy. There are any number
of resources to learn about careers - from utilizing the resources of a career
counselor to any number of print and Web resources. One of my favorites is
the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department
of Labor. The Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working
conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job
prospects in a wide range of occupations.
Once you’ve identified a career path (or paths), the next step is identifying potential
employers. There are any number of ways of doing this, such as completing a job
search on some of the major job boards to see what companies are hiring in your
field. You can also go to your industry’s niche job board(s) and search job listings
there as well. Finally, industry associations are also good sources of potential
employers.
The final step is getting your job-search material in order for the career change.
You’ll need a new resume, new cover letters, and preparation for job interview questions.
James writes:
I was terminated from my last job. On several employment applications
since then, I haven't been able to get employed. I always tell my prospective
employer about my last employer and that I was indeed terminated. Should I
omit my past employer that fired me on my future employment applications?
Can my past employer tell others that I was fired? What is my past employer
allowed to communicate to others?
A:
The Career Doctor responds:
I can’t say this fact often enough: job-hunting is all about marketing and selling.
Get the prospective employer hooked on your mix of skills, abilities, and
accomplishments -- and then let them see any warts or scratches in the polish.
In other words, never broadcast anything negative about yourself to prospective
employers.
Please note. I am not saying you should lie or cover up any negative information.
What I am saying is that you should never volunteer the information. Eventually
you’re going to get a question about why you left your last job -- but hopefully
after you’ve had plenty of time to sell yourself.
Remember also that in this economy, lots of people -- unfortunately -- have
been terminated, downsized, or rightsized, so you are not alone.
Can your past employer slam you if a prospective employer calls them? Sure.
How many actually will do so in this very litigious society? Very few. If contacted,
most will simply offer your dates of employment and some vague reason for
termination -- thus it’s up to you to fill in the details in as positive a way as
possible, including demonstrating what you have learned from the experience.
