[Editors] Fwd: Mannersmith Monthly ~ Ready, Set, Graduate!

[Michelle Gaseau]

Hi all:

I've been to a seminar by Jodi Smith. She's awesome and her recent  
newsletter - below - may provide some tips to new graduates as they  
navigate the job market. Please pass around to students you know if  
you think it is appropriate.

Have a great weekend,
Michelle

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Jodi Smith <info at mannersmith.com>
> Date: May 22, 2008 3:07:10 PM EDT
> To: mgaseau at mit.edu
> Subject: Mannersmith Monthly ~ Ready, Set, Graduate!
> Reply-To: info at mannersmith.com
>
>
>
> Ready, Set, Graduate!
>
> Newsletter #81
> May 2008
>
> Earlier this week, I had great fun speaking with The Frugal Yankee  
> radio show about applying for jobs. The host had posted a job  
> opening on a website and had received outrageously crafted e-mail  
> inquiries in response. The host was horrified that people actually  
> thought there was a chance they could be hired. "Dude, so what is  
> this job about?" did not bode well for one applicant. During our  
> conversation, the host asked for my top ten tidbits of advice for  
> those looking for work. In addition to it being graduation season,  
> there have been rumors of recession, so now is an opportune time to  
> review some of the basics for seeking employment.
> Ready Resume ~ Have your resume ready. If a recruiter calls, you  
> should be able to e-mail him/her your resume while speaking on the  
> phone. Spellchecking and proofreading your resume are not optional.  
> Be sure your resume is error-free.
>
> Mannerly Message ~ The phone number listed on your resume should  
> have a positive, professional outgoing message so that when  
> recruiters call, they remain interested in speaking with you after  
> they have heard your message.
>
> Styling Suit ~ In your closet, ready to go, you must have a full  
> interview outfit that fits you. This means the suit, shirt,  
> hosiery, shoes, watch, portfolio and pen; so when the interviewer  
> calls you can meet that afternoon or tomorrow morning.
>
> Stunning Smile ~ Companies hire people they like. Be likable. Smile  
> nicely at people you meet at networking events, graduation parties,  
> and job fairs. You never know who is part of their network. Even  
> for interviews, smile at the receptionist, secretary, interviewer  
> and anyone else you meet along the way.
>
> Vague Idea ~ Have a basic concept of what you are interested in  
> doing, and what you will not do. This does not mean you necessarily  
> need to know the job title for the position you want. Read the job  
> descriptions. During the interview, ask questions. Finding a job is  
> a mutual selection process. You have say in the matter. Look for a  
> job you really want.
>
> Curious, Willing & Open ~ There are many jobs out there besides  
> doctors, bakers, and firefighters. Take the time to explore your  
> options. Request informational interviews and do some research,  
> because the perfect job for you may be one you know nothing about.  
> (Growing up I had no idea I could be an etiquette expert!)
>
> Walk the Line ~ Yes, you should tell everyone you know that you are  
> looking for a job. But don't beg, seem needy, or exude desperation.  
> Be upbeat and breezy. Don't ask if they have any job openings;  
> instead ask if they know of anyone who may have job openings.  
> Having a positive attitude is critical.
>
> Generate Activity ~ Stay busy. Go to networking meetings, volunteer  
> for local committees, and organize lunches. Check the job listings  
> every day, send out resumes every day, call to follow up on  
> openings you have applied for every day. Activity breeds activity  
> and eventually leads to a job.
>
> Formal First ~ Many of the job application vehicles are seemingly  
> informal methods of communication. E-mails, websites, and on-line  
> listings tend to lend themselves to informality. Do not be fooled.  
> Use "Dear," "Mr.," "Ms.," and "Sincerely" until you see how they  
> are communicating with you. Once you know the organization's level  
> of formality, you can mirror it.
>
> Thankful ~ Get into the habit now of being grateful. For anyone who  
> offers a lead, refers you to a job, takes you to lunch, interviews  
> you, or helps during the interview process; write a thank you note.  
> The note need not be long. But good manners will take you far.
> This weekend, my family will gather to celebrate my cousin Alex's  
> graduation from college. According to the news, he is graduating  
> into an undeclared recession. Along with the thousands of other  
> college graduates, he is going to be looking for a job. This may  
> all seem quite daunting. But I will share a secret with Alex and  
> with you: There Are Always Jobs. For polite people with positive  
> attitudes, there are always jobs.
>
> (Read Ready, Set, Graduate! online at Mannersmith.com.)
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>
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Michelle Gaseau
Director of Communications
MIT Portugal Program
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
617-253-5978
mgaseau at mit.edu




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