In a job interview, a recent college graduate was asked what she thought of the opportunity.
Her answer: "It wouldn't be my first choice."
The result: No job offer
Author Barbara Pachter says that many millennials limit their job options by making poor choices in etiquette (http://barbarapachter.blogspot.com/2009/05/mistakes-to-avoid-when-looking-for-work.html)
The graduate above was essentially insulting the interviewer by demeaning the job, in telling the "truth".
It's not necessary to lower your career goals, but it is important to show that you spent your time well right after graduation. You need a job as soon as possible to provide proof of your ambition.
If you're going to accept an interview, make sure that you prepare, demonstrate openness and a positive attitude and followup in a way that keeps everything going in your favor. Don't assume anything about the position you're interviewing for, or the person doing the interview. He or she may even have other "unadvertised" opportunities.
True,
Your first job may not align with your college major.
It may be a hourly rate and not a salary.
It may be part-time.
It may not pay what you think you're worth.
But, in today's job market, you're competing with experienced professionals. They know something that you don't know.
1. Any seemingly great job offer can turn out to be disappointing, once you get there. And..
2. A position that seems inadequate at first can produce unforeseen opportunities, once you get there.
When your expectations about your first job are too lofty, you won't take interviews seriously, you won't get a job offer, and -- worst of all -- you will undermine your own confidence. Handle the interview well, and you're sure to get a boost in your self-image.
In an interview, it's best to focus on evaluating the job positively, thinking of ways it can help you, instead of assuming that it's not what you're looking for. Keep your options open. You don't have to make a decision until you get an offer!
Once you get a job, learn as much as you can while there, build professional friendships that will help you build your future; and create a reputation for reliability and expertise. You'll soon be in a position to control your own destiny.
My mission is to empower youth with: - The knowledge about career possibilities, and the education and training needed to attain them - The creative-thinking and emotional skills that make for good career decisions and which employers prefer; - And the resilience needed to flourish in life.
