Most people will have several jobs before settling into their careers. Whether you’re seeking a small part-time position, an internship, or the job of your dreams, you will need similar professional skills to succeed. As you prepare for your future, work on mastering these abilities.
How to Interview
It’s natural to feel nervous before a job interview, but you can reduce the anxiety by being well prepared. You should be able to clearly state your experiences and qualifications in an “elevator speech” of about one minute. Rehearse this speech until you can say it clearly, and prepare some examples of your accomplishments in case you are asked.
Before the interview, find out everything you can about the company, and prepare a couple of questions to ask. Whether it’s an in-person interview or a video conference interview, you should be conscious of your appearance, body language, and voice.
How to Write a Resume
A resume helps show off your accomplishments to employers. When writing your resume, you should include not only where you worked but also what you achieved. List any special projects you worked on or how you contributed to the company’s success.
You may not have experiences that are relevant to the job you’re seeking. That’s not unusual in the early stages of your working life. In that case, stress job skills that are relevant to any position, such as leadership, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. Remember that volunteer work and school activities are also resume-builders at this point.
How to Work with Others
Almost all jobs today require the ability to work well with others. That requires effective communication, both oral and written. You should also learn to be a good listener, follow instructions, and anticipate the needs of others.
Time management is crucial to working with others. If you don’t show up on time or meet deadlines, you may be delaying or disrupting other people’s jobs. You should learn to set goals, create a daily schedule, prioritize tasks, and avoid distractions. Learn to ignore your phone while you are working.
Getting your dream job may take a few years, but you can begin preparing today by developing the skills you need to succeed. Employers will tell you that professional skills or “soft skills” are every bit as important as the knowledge you receive through vocational training or a college education.
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