Good day ladies and gentlemen! It's Danny, and I'm here today to talk to you about marketing yourself.
First off we'll jump straight into cover letters. I'm sure most of you guys know what a cover letter is, but just in case... it is a cover letter. It's you, it's your interest in a position, your qualifications, and a brief glimpse into who you are. I feel like I'm probably preaching to the choir here, so I'll just skip to some helpful tips for you guys and gals that I feel have helped me when writing cover letters. First, show some fire! Action words and pertinent skills are integral if somebody is actually accepting cover letters, they're looking to see if you are the right person for that job. You already know you're that person, so prove it. I applied for a position with an election campaign while I was in DC, just to keep my skills up. It was an assistant regional director position, something I was completely unqualified for in retrospect. But it was with a progressive organization and involved canvassing and directing groups for recruiting in Orlando. I wrote about my years living here, my passion for some pertinent issues, and tried to speak about the network I have developed over my years there, wrapping it up to how I would be an ideal candidate for the position. I had it checked over by some of my mentors and employers, and sent it in, not expecting anything. I got a call back from the campaign a couple weeks later out of the blue asking me for an interview. Unfortunately the interview was in Florida and I was in DC, but they appreciated my interest nonetheless and I remain in contact with the organization, and now it is a possible opportunity after school. So there's an example, what'd I do? I tried to showcase myself in the best way and had it checked over by people that I respected and that had experience in the field, and then I followed up. That's really all you have to do. Put yourself out there. Experiment a little bit. Don't stress out about them too much, and if they want a cover letter they'll ask for it.
Cover letter briefs lead me to my next talking point: resumes. Honestly, you guys have probably had jobs. Some of you are probably more experienced than I am, have better resumes than I do, and are probably more successful than me. But this is important, so I'm talking about it anyways! The average human resources employee or recruiter will probably spend a minute looking at your resume. If it's one of those computers that scans for key words, even less. Probably a couple seconds. Or a nanosecond. I don't know, I'm not in computer science. So your main goal is to pack a punch. As a rule of thumb, never start a sentence with anything but a verb. Preferably a very descriptive verb. The best advice anyone ever gave me concerning a resume was that you don't just say what you've done, you show it. "Wrote reports" No. "Constructed in depth research reports concerning ______ for a high demand client" Yes. Keep it brief and loud. Here's a link for some power words from Boston College, http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/skills/resumes/verbs.html . Tell a story, make an impact. If you've done something interesting, say it. If you led a program, describe it. You're interdiciplinary, show off the range of coursework you've taken in a nice little organized chart. Can't hurt, can probably help. I won't spend too much time on this because there are much better resources than me out there, like your friendly university career resource center. But you get the gist, I hope.
Third, I'm going to go into networking. I think most people have been in a situation where they were in an elevator with somebody, awkwardly standing silently, praying to arrive at your floor. Forget that, it's static and stupid. As soon as those doors close and you're standing in there with some stranger, say, "Hey, how's it going?" It's the simplest way you can train yourself to be open to new people, starting new conversations, acting a bit out going. Soon enough you'll develop some comfortability doing that kind of thing in other scenarios- at the bank, at a restaurant, at a bar, etc. Thomas Benton! You worked in restaurants as a brand rep, I'm sure you know all about this kind of stuff. I can't give any better advice than to sit in your room, tonight, and think about interesting stories or funny one liners that you can use to break the ice with people. Election season, "Have you been following the debates?" Depending on the city, bring up the respective sports team. "God, how 'bout those Redskins..." was how I opened up conversations with half the people I met in DC. This all involves being an active speaker but also an active human being. If you want to network to the fullest, you have to have things to talk about.
Everyone has something that burns in their hearts, something that keeps them focused, mindful of the future, and present today. For me, that is competitive hot dog eating. I just idolize Kobayashi. For you, it might be something else. I noticed a bunch of you are into music and art, some in humanities and english, public affairs, a broad range of stuff. You've all got these passions, things you love, and your love for a topic can infect others. You never know who you might meet, so every day is an opportunity to market ourself. I've heard varying statistics, but only about 1/4 of the jobs out there are actually advertised. The others are hired on reputation, and on recommendation. Don't miss out on the world, it wants you! Give yourself to it! Also, go google "informational interviews". Once you are done with that, know that they are the most important tool at your disposal. That is the greatest way to build your network and get professionals to go to bat for you. Sometimes you'll get shot down, but my motto is if you don't get shot down 2/3 times a week, you're not trying.
So you networked, wrote a bomb cover letter, sharpened and shined your resume, and now you have an interview. Don't screw it up.
Dress up. Dress for the job you want, not the job you're applying for. Dudes, a tie, dress pants and a dress shirt. Don't be wrinkly, and make sure you match. If you don't know how, ask your Mom. Most places you're applying at probably wouldn't be turned off by you wearing a suit. I shouldn't have to say this, but bathe. Groom yourself. Smell good.
Ladies, you are generally more style savvy in the first place, but don't wear a jean skirt and a halter top. Probably tone down the make-up, too. Look natural. Again, groom yourself. Smell good.
Rehearse! Go online and look up possible interview questions and good answers. Be honest, but don't go right out and tell them about that dropped homicide conviction, or your addiction to jelly beans. Make eye contact, shake the hand firmly. Be a winner.
Relax. Seriously, relax. Just breathe. We all love you. It's going to be fine.
After the interview say hey, thanks for the consideration. Maybe more formal. I'll leave that up to you. A couple days later, send a follow up email saying thanks, looking forward to hearing from you, all the best, etc. Also, if you meet someone and exchange business cards in passing you should definitely follow that up with an email saying thanks for taking the time to talk to me, I look forward to keeping in touch!
This has gotten a bit long. But if you guys have questions, feel free to ask them.
What I'm going to have you all do by next Thursday, the 16th, is search around and find a job that you want, your "dream job" that you found within 15-20 minutes of searching. Or an application for grad school. Then write up a cover letter for us and shape up that resume. Tailor it to the job. Post it up over here. We'll review your stuff, give you some constructive criticism.
Then just tell me what your plan is whether it be more school, the Peace Corps, employment, President of the United States. Tell me what it is, but more importantly I want to know what you are planning on doing in order to get to that goal.
Alright guys I'm signing off, I look forward to your responses! By next Thursday!
Hugs.
-Danny
Helpful resources:
http://www.career.ucf.edu/
http://www.coop.ucf.edu/
Hi Danny, Great information. I have a simple yet dumb question for you before I begin my 15-20 minute task of searching the internet....
ReplyDeleteIf I be honest, I don't really have a 'dream job' actually I am doing it now. I own my own businesses. Of course they could be more successful, but it keeps me alive. What would be a way that you recommend for me to attack this assignment? Thanks.
Hey Davyn, that's actually a really good question. In that case, I'd say explain your businesses, your current resume, etc. I think everyone would be really interested in hearing the intricacies of your work. How'd you get to this point? Was it completely intentional or have you kind of chugged along and found yourself in the position you're currently in. What advice or experience can you dole out from your unique position. This goes for anyone who has a similar question. I, for one, am really interested in hearing what your book is about.
ReplyDeleteWell, I currently own two companies. One, Bucket Publishing, Inc. which is a graphic design company. In this company we soley work with profits and non-profit companies in creating a brand and advertising campaign for them. I started this company in July of 2010 after relocating from Orlando to Houston. I moved to volunteer and being that I always wanted to start my own business in design after consulting with a business adviser, they instructed me that it would be wise to open my own business. Ironically, within days of opening my business, I landed a large corporate client in which I was hired to do all their marketing and website design. Since then, I have picked up many clients some smaller than others, but I have also had the opportunity to work with many religious organizations some surpassing the US and going into the Caribbean. One of the things that led me to this point was actually my mother. She had been telling me for years that I am really good in design and that I should start my own business. I wouldn't say by any means that it has been intentional. I can count on one hand how much advertising I have done for this business (a total of U$50)and I have already begun seeing a profit. One of the main elements of advise that I would give to anyone that has a desire to go into entrepreneurship is to make sure that this is what you want and count up the cost before getting involved. There is NO "me time". - Well, not true exactly. There can be, but if you do have it you don't get paid. There has been many days I have wanted to throw in the towel and go get a regular 9-5 with benefits, but now looking back in retrospect from this business I wouldn't throw it away for nothing. Just the freedom of not having to clock on anyone's time clock is enough freedom for me. Last year, I hired on help and that brought in another element of surprise. I am now at the point or getting to the point where I am having to learn to manage people and not have to do all the work. This is awkward, but nice.
ReplyDeleteMy book??! Funny you should ask. My other company that I own is a publishing company and right now I am publishing my 6th book and this company has only been opened for exactly a year last week! With my second company I publish Christian authors and this is a joy!! This company I started later because I was advised to keep the ventures separate and complete the projects all individually. I do love all that I do and I hope that I can continue to do this forever.
Well damn man, sounds like you're on your way. Must be interesting to be your own boss, watching yourself take on managerial roles. I feel like you're Don Draper now, Mr. Mad Men. Try and rub off some of your awesome on me.
DeleteToday I was just going to answer two parts of what you guys are asking for since I have questions of my own.
ReplyDeleteMy "dream job" would have to be something with the preservation of historically important artifacts, documents, artwork, or even architecturally important sites. Last week I mentioned how I was studying to become an archivist, who is someone that stores and is the keeper of books, papers, essays, letters, and documents deemed important. I feel it is important to preserve these things as it helps to keep alive those whom have passed on; they should not be so easily forgotten as we ourselves will one day pass on as well. But while I had it in mind that I wanted to be an archivist, I actually did some more investigating the other night, before I had even seen this blog update. I came across the career of conservator. It seems like this suits me even more than archiving does. A conservator uses modern day techniques, which includes chemical testing, to preserve or restore pieces of art, documentation, and even decaying buildings and structures. I am a hands-on kind of person, and while I would love to be the artist, I don't have the creative capacity to be one, so instead I look to the next best thing, also my passion, which is maintaining the already made masterpieces of the artists. This to me would be my "dream job", to actively take part of restoring and conserving items of historical significance.
Now on to the steps I will take in order to secure my position as a conservator. I need to first look for schools that offer graduate programs for conservation, and I already have. When I researched what I need to do to become one I found that it will be the more competitive of the museum-related jobs. There are few job openings for this career, and the time spent on studying is much more rigorous. Also, I will need a background in chemistry, which I honestly hate. I need to look for the right school and then also take a more active approach to chemistry, and actually try it. After schooling, I was planning on finding a federal job since the benefits are great and they tend to offer the best access to certain institutions like the Smithsonian.
The questions I had about what you guys are asking from us this week was about the cover letter and the resume. Did you want for us to also do a resume as well as the cover letter? Or just the cover letter? I have never done a resume so that's why I ask because I don't know where to start or how long it will take.
Consider some internships man! Seriously, I did this program The Washington Center and met some people who were working in fields very similar to what you're looking to get into. One of my good friends was working at the Trust for the National Mall, dealt with a lot of historical artifacts and interesting subject matter, plus a lot of perks including networking events and free shwag. As far as getting into chemistry goes, no pain no game. The whole point of this interdisciplinary degree is to get all you can from different disciplines, and it sounds like yours would truly epitomize that. I do feel your pain, though. I hated chemistry in high school. Luckily I've been able to stay out of it since then, haha. Work at it baby! I believe in you. If you can, google up some templates and just do the resume, since you've never done one. Mine isn't great, but I know what looks like a good one and what you should do. So kind of just make a feeler post, and copy and paste it here, and I'll give you a few pointers.
DeleteNot to sound dumb or crazy, but have you ever considered having a television show about this. I love American Restorers and Storage Wars - various shows like this, but I think this aspect is surely a different approach. I think this will surely go big for you. Wish you the best!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThere must have been someone or something that truly inspired you?:).
Delete@Davyn
DeleteI have never considered having a show myself, but shows like those definitely have inspired me in what I want to do. I also watch American Pickers and Pawn Stars where antique things are found are re-sold to new homes to be appreciated, and I especially love anything to do with older watches(pocket watches) or clocks. I own a pocket watch rather than a wrist watch and I actually wanted to be a watch maker when I was younger but I don't know how much that pays. =)I need money.
@Giancarlo. Very Funny and Ironic. I love clocks all sizes shapes and styles.
DeleteIf I had to pick a dream job it would be a photojournalist. Since I am studying art and communication and I have a passion for photography and writing, I am combining my two passions. While a certain amount of schooling is necessary, I don’t plan on furthering my schooling by going to grad school. I plan to get real world experience by starting locally with covering event in my neighborhood and trying to partner with a local paper or magazine. Eventually, I plan on branching out to travel photojournalism, bringing news through photography back home. I would love to cover war torn countries because I think it is important to see what is going on in the world even if you can’t be there and I want to do that with photography and writing for a magazine. What I need to do to get this job is to first and foremost get some experience. A lot of this work is freelance but there are jobs on staff at a paper or magazine. My minor is sociology which I think will help me because it helps me understand the subjects of my work better.
ReplyDeleteFunny that you should mention photo journalists travelling the world, documenting war torn countries. One of my best friends wants to do the same thing. It's a very difficult field to break out into, though. Have you thought about some internships you want to do? She has her own blog where she posts her photography, does some photography on the side with marriages and freelance companies, and she was interning with a production company called Ventana in DC, now at her school she is working with the organization that finds study abroad trips for students that want to go to Ghana. Definitely would be an amazing field to get into, look into some of those types of opportunities for yourself! And try and find some photographers or journalists locally and ask them for informational interviews. What I do when I ask is just tell them who I am and why I have an interest in them. Generally they'll be more than willing to talk with you about their careers. Check it out! In your desired field it all really depends on having that "IN" so go and find yours.
DeleteMy dream job would be anything that allowed me to travel. This is why I would love to teach in foreign countries. I could teach English in virtually any Spanish speaking country. I have already had some experience teaching abroad and I absolutely love it. I love children and watching them learn. The steps I am taking to secure this kind of job are; being a part of programs that allow me to teach abroad. I am currently a part of a program that is sponsored by the Spanish government where I will be teaching English. Through, networking I have found these kinds of programs; simply by asking around and telling people what I was interested in. This is why I sincerely believe that it’s important WHO you know not WHAT you know.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how your willing to explore and travel to expand your knowledge on what you love the most.
Delete@Jessica
DeleteI know that with my career choice there may be some little traveling here and there, but not nearly as much as I would really like to. Of course everyone would love to see the world and I am no exception, but where would you start? Or HOW would you start? I would be so lost in trying to find my way, more than I am now I think. You must be excited you get to travel and do what it is you want. =) I actually started considered just today that I may switch gears as far as my career choice to archaeology, where I get a more hands-on experience with history while getting to travel more.
Looks like you've got a good idea of what you're doing Jessica! There are indeed many different ways you could pursue that goal of yours, and as you said it is not about what you know it's about who you know. With a resume that stands out and a contact in the field it would be great to do that exact job with the UN or the Peace Corps. One of the people I met in DC was a recruiter for the Georgetown school of foreign affairs, and she couldn't stress enough the value that something like serving with the Peace Corps can have on anyone's career. Yours correlates directly with that. But your program with the Spanish government seems like a pretty ideal fit for you. I'm interested to see where your life takes you!
DeleteMy dream job is to help people and also incorporate art. I want to feel fulfilled not only career wise, but also personally. I would be able to to help my patients deal with there stress,anxiety, or trauma by using art to help deal and cope with the situation. I was never certain as to what I wanted, and it wasnt until that I realized the best way to be happy is to do something you love. The best way was to combine my two passions and that is helping people and art. That is one my goal and my dream job.
ReplyDeleteYour post is kind of vague, is your dream job to be a trauma ward doctor? Or are you trying to be an artist, or a therapist. Or all of the above. Your pursuit is definitely noble, but I'm interested in what exactly it is that you're pursuing, and how you're planning on getting there.
DeleteWould you have any kind of particular patients? Like people recovering from traumatic accidents or people with mental disabilities?
DeleteMy dream job would be to be a sports journalist. I love watching and talking about sports so sports journalism would pay me to do just that. I like that in todays world with all the social media outlets anybody could start their own blog or other form of media to get their voice out to whoever is willing to listen. Another plus online media makes available is feedback and debate, it's one thing to talk about your own opinion but when people discuss a subject together more usually comes from it. My dream job would be something that incorporates the sports journalism field while maximizing the opportunity to interact with social media outlets.
ReplyDeleteHeard that man. It would definitely be a good fit for you, but you have to remember that a lot of people think it would be a good fit for them too. Make yourself competitive. How are you planning on pursuing that goal?
DeleteDid you have any ideal network or newspaper in particular you would like to work for?
DeleteDear Mr./ Mrs.
ReplyDeleteI am presently working as a corporate trainer for California Pizza Kitchen in the Central Florida area and am seeking a position as an assistant manager with your company. I read about your need for a manager for one for your newly opened restaurants and am very much interested to join your new company. My background includes 15 consecutive years in the restaurant industry which covers all aspects of the business. My roles have ranged from server, to chef, to trainer, to corporate liaison.
Listed here are some of my accomplishments which coincide with the objectives you are seeking:
• Oversaw the successful operation of all areas of the restaurant and made final decisions on matters of importance
• Adhered to and enforced company standards and service levels to increase sales and reduce operational expenses
• Maintained an accurate and up-to-date plan of restaurant staffing needs and prepared schedules accordingly
• Responded to guest concerns and took appropriate actions to eliminate dissatisfied guests
• Guaranteed proper security procedures were in place to protect employees, customers and company assets
• Responsible for the hiring, supervision, and, when necessary, termination of employees
• Developed employees by providing ongoing feedback, establishing performance expectations and by conducting performance reviews
• Responsible for ensuring that all financial (invoices, reporting) and personnel/payroll related administrative duties are completed accurately, on time and in accordance with company policies and procedure
• Enforced sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and dining areas to ensure compliance with operational standards, federal/state/local laws, and ordinances
I have been diligent in the acquisition of the experience necessary and feel that I am perfect for this position. I look forward to discussing my candidacy with you.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Benton
Thomas Anderson Benton 13044 Cog Hill Way
ReplyDeleteOrlando, FL 32828
(352) 455-3192
Abenton0@gmail.com
Experience
2011 – Present - California Pizza Kitchen - 8001 South Orange Blossom # 1302 Orlando, FL
Trainer/ Bartender/ Server
2008 – 2010 Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers – 11680 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL/ 2015 Aloma Ave. Winter Park, FL
Manager
• Oversaw the successful operation of all areas of the restaurant and made final decisions on matters of importance
• Adhered to and enforced company standards and service levels to increase sales and reduce operational expenses
• Maintained an accurate and up-to-date plan of restaurant staffing needs and prepared schedules accordingly
• Responded to guest concerns and took appropriate actions to eliminate dissatisfied guests
• Guaranteed proper security procedures were in place to protect employees, customers and company assets
• Responsible for the hiring, supervision, and, when necessary, termination of employees
• Developed employees by providing ongoing feedback, establishing performance expectations and by conducting performance reviews
• Responsible for ensuring that all financial (invoices, reporting) and personnel/payroll related administrative duties are completed accurately, on time and in accordance with company policies and procedure
• Enforced sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and dining areas to ensure compliance with operational standards, federal/state/local laws, and ordinances
2005 – 2008 Darden /Olive Garden Corporate Offices – 7101 Lake Ellenor Dr. Orlando, FL
Guest/ Restaurant Relations Representative
• Assessed guest situations through email, telephone, and postal mail, collected information concerning the guests experience, and determined effective resolution
• Composed written and oral responses to guests that supported company policy and principles while reuniting guests with the restaurant
• Assisted Operations Management and Directors of Operations with recommendations for guest recovery actions
• Ensured accurate completion of all administrative responsibilities and consistency of documentation in guest response database
• Provided insight to improve the guest experience by monitoring and evaluating contact trends
• Researched and provided data to senior directors to identify guest issues and promotion strategies
• Used all components of Microsoft Office products including: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook.
• Knowledge of Astute Powercenter, Peoplesoft
1998 – 2005 Olive Garden Restaurants – 665 North Orlando Ave. Winter Park, FL
M.I.T., Culinary Assistant, Certified Trainer, Bartender, Server
• Operated POS system, Aloha/ Dash
• Responsible for new hire training in both front and back of house
• Reconciled cash drawers and ran end of shift reports
• Directly assisted managers for assurance of guest satisfaction
• Experienced in the operation and maintenance of bar/ kitchen equipment
• Supervised culinary team and assisted in proper culinary procedures
• Helped to earn quality assurance scores above 96% nine times
• Organized bar/ kitchen inventory and placed orders for receiving in restaurant environment
Education
• Associate of Arts – Valencia Community College, Orlando, FL
• Food Service Manager Certified
• A+/ Computer certification – Lake Technical Center, Eustis, FL
My goal is to be involved in the development and creation of restaurant concepts. In order to do this I must first start off in an entry level position, in this case restaurant management. I will use not only my background in the business but also enlist the help of contacts I have made during my corporate stint at Olive Garden. With the addition of my Bachelor’s degree I will hopefully gain the final piece necessary to secure such a position.
ReplyDeleteMy dream job would in the very best scenario a professorship. I don't have a particular university in mind but teaching political science or history would be ideal. Imparting the knowledge that the past has left humanity would be an extremely gratifying experience for me. Also informing people on the political world of today would have the same effect because I feel like the common man needs to be more informed on the inner workings of politics and with being a professor I could help aid this cause. The job of a university professor would allow me to conduct research in my field while accomplishing the education of the youth. Although I know it would not be a perfect occupation and probably would have a sizable work load I would not mind because I would really be pursuing my passion in life, helping others through teaching them.
ReplyDelete