MEJO 490 Midterm

The key element of good thinking

"when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change" -Wayne Dyer -good thinking will help you change how you interpret a situation. Wouldn't you want to hire someone who is not just smart and hardworking but also a good thinker?

Cover letter (according to FH)

-1st example of your writing style (give max effort) -consider including info about current company news- talk about the company values -show ability to write clearly -focus on what you can bring and do for them

Making sense of the chaos

-Dr. Herbert SImon (nobel prize winner and father of AI) - used the phrase "network of possible wanderings" to describe the value of multidisciplinary perspectives -"The more you know about different disciplines and are able to see the connections between those disciplines, the more you are able to create innovative solutions to problems" -What does this mean? The problem that you're solving is what you want to do and you don't have to be a genius or a chess-master to figure it out. You probably already know what you want to do. You just have to make a strategic effort to unlock it or have something to provide the spark to show it

Good writing

-Good writers easily stand out from the competition -basic writing skills can be developed and learned by anyone

To whom am I writing and why will they care?

-It is crucial to put yourself in the mindset of your potential employer and focus on what they're seeking. Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Use keywords that are relevant to your field-this is one of the best ways to demonstrate how your experience and education match the requirements of the position -make it easy for employers to find the information they're seeking - in 7 secs or less -don't include information that isn't relevant and be careful with politics, religion, and unusual hobbies -avoid including vague proclamations that can't be quantified -use numbers, percentages, dollar amounts, and other specifics to support your statements, particularly if they are impressive -don't just say "sold merchandise." Say "increased weekly store sales by 20% in first month of employment

The History of "Know Thyself"

-Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi -Only 2 words writtten anywhere in the temple at the Oracle of Delphi -"you must know who you are before you can imagine what you can become and who you want to become"

If i use opposite words, does it sound dumb?

-Some recommend that you use phrases designed to impress employers, such as "team player," "hard worker," or "strong communicator" because that's what employers are seeking but on a resume they sound boastful and empty -after all, who's going to put their resume "loner who can't get work with others," "lazy worker," and "poor writing and speaking skills." That's how you know you're writing fluff. -Use action words to start your phrases and follow with a description that can be pictured.

Explain how classes helped build your skills

-Stress to future employers how your major/minor classes built upon each other and that you understand the importance of growth -all employers want to know that you are capable of growth

Ancient Greeks - careers /chaos

-The ancient greeks had a word (metos) for your career path -in her book, learning to think strategically, Julia Sloan defines metos as "the ability to oscillate or steer a course between the world of order (cosmos), of forms and laws, and to deal with the world of chaos, which includes the multiple, the unstable, and the unlimited nature of affairs.

Traditional thinking about careers

-The peace corps example: The peace corps helps people, I want to help people, I should work for the Peace Corps -If you speak with Peace Corps recruiters, they will tell you that the peace corps volunteer position is extremely tough, demanding, and often frustrating -they dont just want people to help. They need practical people with their heads on their shoulders who see the big picture of providing service but aren't there to save the world

Cover letters: opinions

-There is no perfect cover letter (reviews based on opinions, not hard facts) -get other people's opinions

Mind maps

-These are incredibly helpful/necessary for some but not appealing to everyone. Why? Because they can help you perfect your materials and ace your interviews. -They will always be a work in progress. There are no rules, so don't sabotage yourself by creating arbitrary rules such as: -I must figure out the answers to all my questions -i must know by our next class what I plan to do when i graduate -I must make the perfect map that includes everything that's important -I should include this because my parents think it's important

How to wander wisely

-Try out new ideas, actively wander, and take advantage of unknown opportunities, but you will be doing so in a directed, mindful manner You will: -use your knowledge of chaos theory to create a resilient career strategy -adapt to change and be open to possibilities -have direction, even though you're not arrogant enough to "think that life will be served up in one neat linear package" -embrace the chaos of your life and take it as a source of pride.

The pressure of the linear path

-What are you going to do with your major? Business majors go into business; engineering majors become engineers; accounting majors become accountants, etc. It assumes a linear path between your major and your career. -The old ways of thinking about careers and educational limits are over. Now, anyone can get an education regardless of gender, race, etc. And, students are choosing education/majors based on interesting subject they can study, not because of a specific career plan.

The chaos theory and butterfly effect

-a chaos-based career system allows for change and the unexpected. It takes into account your diverse interests and broad scope of knowledge, and takes advantage of how the job search really works today -weather prediction models: we generally can't predict a tornado's path too well. We know it's coming but we can't tell where it's going. Chaos theory helps us understand that too many variables in a complex system make it hard to predict the outcome -we also know from chaos theory that the greater the distance between now and the future, the weaker out prediction will be

Crucial components of your marketing campaign

-a good marketing campaign sells a product. You are selling yourself to an employers who likely has many candidates to choose from, and is sometimes just as overwhelmed as you are. -Should be designed to connect you to your future employer by establishing a relationship that will lead to a personal interview and a job offer

Resumes are evaluated based on opinions

-be careful who's advice you take, and be sure to do your homework on the experience behind the one who's giving it.

Get out

-be honest: always manage expectations and don't over commit when connecting with someone -don't overcommit: be realistic and manage expectations -always have an exit strategy: 10-15 min chat, be ready to exchange contact info. Suggest future meetings .

Get info

-be present (undivided attention) -listen: more than you talk and get key info go help you form a bond -take action: do something right then instead of waiting to do it later

Behavioral event interview

-behavioral questions and short case-study/hypothetical problems that are open ended to see if you can set a goal, define metrics, and achieve that goal

Some resume rules you shouldn't break

-convey the most relevant information on one page -the content of the resume will make it stand out

Cover letter: midsection/body

-describing what you have to offer employer -make strong connections between qualifications and position requirements -mention how your skills and experience match the job -describe how your experience with that skill is unique -use shorter paragraphs or bulleted lists of qualifications rather than one large block of text -don't forget that you're selling yourself so be persuasive

Informational interviews: research

-do your homework (know key facts about the person) -search for similarities

You plan - Your GPS

-don't be discouraged by missing an exit -these are thing things that make you YOU - they are also the things that will interest employers, grad schools, etc.

Knowledge and Thinking skills are your powers

-employers are begging for intelligent workers who possess and use the right mindsets: specific ways of thinking. The way you choose to think about your classes, your experiences, and your job search is the key to your success in the hiring process and beyond.

Talk to as many people as possible

-especially recent grads -talk about what you think you want to do and take advantage of their perspectives to gain more worldly wisdom. "Who you know will get you there and what you know will keep you there."

Why Network

-establish/nurture long-term relationships -70% of jobs aren't even listed and are filled through networking

Basics of networking

-every interaction is a networking opportunity (this is why having a personal branding statement is so important) -realize what you have to offer, then offer it -find your style: no one size fits all. They key is to try out a number of different networking strategies to discover what best suits you

Informational interviews: interview

-flow naturally -don't be late -don't ask for info you already have -don't allow yourself to be interrupted -don't talk too much -not therapy -spell out requirements of the assignment -don't gossip -don't put them on the defensive -No yes or no questions

The value of thinking

-from books to TV shows to movie - we're usually putting down our thinking power instead of promoting it. -college is supposed to be the ultimate time for thinking and developing/understanding your various mindsets -you've been acquiring a ton of knowledge but haven't taken the time to think about its value

Get in: You have to give info to get info

-go in: Branding statements for different situations -Temet Nosce (know thyself from the matrix): know who you are eabd what you have to offer -what are you giving: what you have to offer that person you're networking with.

Ten mindsets that will lead you to success

-systems -creative -analytic -strategic -positive -global -collaborative -reflective -flexible/adaptive -problem solving

Informational interviews: following up

-thank you note is crucial -2nd follow up: after you've followed their advice

Resumes take time and lots of re-writing

-in tight job markets, employers are looking for easy reasons to reject candidates and the resume is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do that -while the resume wont get your the job, it will help you get the interview that will get you the job, so your goal is to create a document that is interesting and compelling enough to convince an employer you're worth meeting.

Resume Spelling

-information needs to be easily accessible and readable and spelled correctly. Keep entries short and to the point. Lead with verbs and nouns and don't use the word I -Proofread -use bullet points -use reverse chronological order and be consistent

Chaos theory

-it starts with the butterfly effect, which states that a small incident at the beginning of a process (such as a butterfly flapping its wings or a graduate speaking at a career event) can product a large variation in the long-term outcome (ultimately causing a tornado or new career) -it conjures up thoughts of craziness and being out of control: the notion that there is no rhyme or reason to one's career path -despite its name, its anything but chaotic. It's just complex- as you and your career can be

Behavioral event interview: Helpful hints and tips

-keep answers concise. This will highlight your organization, prioritization, and show you can clearly convey your answer and quickly summarize the main points -be specific (data, examples, and don't make the interviewer dig for you data or results) -prepare experience examples (4-5 succinct examples from your past experiences) -Be confident

Informational interviews: don't be afraid

-keep time on your side (respect their time but make it work for you). Everyone has 15-20 min (give 2/3 options of times and days) -Honey: compliment the person's accomplishments and provide them with info about you (resume, LinkedIn, portfolio) so they can give advice.

Cover letter: hook

-keeps you reading (use your favorite author or movies as inspiration) -1st paragraph: grand opening. Make it attention grabbing and connect yourself with the reader by explaining what you're applying for, how you heard about the job opening, and some sort of identification as to how/why you are qualified for the position.

Work experience

-list companies, positions, dates, and responsibilities. It is important to leave out the fluff. Use numbers to quantify your responsibilities when possible. Employers want to see that you have had leadership roles and responsibilities. Leave out irrelevant job experiences unless you held a managerial level position. -your title: be careful with these and tailor them to the position you're applying for -objective statement: they're becoming less desirable -extracurricular activities: depends on how limited your experience is -Hobbies: don't list -abroad trips through church go under your volunteer section

As you plan to write your cover letter...

-look at a lot of samples. Certain characteristics are common to all letters. -writers have to write in their style, but as long as you the basic guidelines, you'll produce a document that represents you in the best possible light

Informational interviews: opportunities

-mentors -learn about new technology -first steps to make to get the job you want

Resumes at a glance

-most employers can eliminate over 75% of their candidates by a brief glance at their resumes.

Linear Thinking thoughts

-my major equals my career -if i can just combine the right skills and the right values, i'll know what I want to do -i cant's do much with a liberal arts degree -I guess I should go to grad school -I guess i should go to law school -Careers tests will tell me what to do -I should wait until i know what i want to do before starting my job search -I should wait until i graduate to start my job search

Charles Munger's "Mental Latticework"

-only by understanding key elements of important fields and then pulling them together into a cohesive latticework can one develop what he calls "worldly wisdom," an invaluable means of making intelligent decisions

Seeking the butterfly

-planning system for non-planners that use intentions instead of goals -view yourself as undecided and consider yourself open-minded. And you do have a plan: to find something that interests you. You're doing a lot fo work: focusing, noticing and evaluating opportunities and moving forward with your ideas and interests. Use thread or theme from your "where are you" section to map out an intention that will help you map out your direction. Keep your intentions in mind and be ready to action when opportunities appear.

Attractors

-point: attractors move towards or away from something (parties) -pendulum: attractors are two or more points that we swing between (grad school or working) -strange: attractors are unpredictable or random events that don't repeat Torus: attractors represents cycles of behavior that we repeat

Resumes and mindsets

-remember the mindsets that you identify with and use them as guiding principles to show what you have to offer an employer. -use your education and experiences to convey how you've developed your mindsets and make sure they "apply" to the position that you're "applying" for

Self Assessment

-self-knowledge is the highest form of knowledge. It is all-encompassing and timeless

Try to avoid the following in your opening

-simply stating the position for which you are applying. -providing general work experience without specifics or results -relying solely on your enthusiasm for the position or company -focusing on what's in it for you, rather than what you can deliver the company

Cover letter: midsection/body- include things that set you apart

-special projects: explain course work/job that gives you a type of professional experience. Talk about study abroad. -awards: show that others have recognized the high quality of your work -accomplishments: demonstrate how you improved efficiency/productivity at work or school. Include what you did at work/school that proves your skills. Explain how you set a goal and reached it.

Where to network?

-start where you're motivated to meet new people with common professional or personal interests. Think about what you are passionate about and the types of people with whom you are most comfortable. Only go to things that excite you -Have a game plan -or, go with the on-on-one approach- the informational interview -one of your biggest assets is the family you belong to (alum)

Probability planning

-traditional goal-setting with a chaos theory twist. Chaos theory tells you that even though your goals may seem ethched in stone, as you move toward it you will learn new information and it may change -you focus on the one option , but as you move toward that option, you broaden your search to include other related options

Well written correspondence: cover letters

-well-written correspondence can be a decisive factor in you employment -cover letters are your first chance to make a good impression, demonstrate your writing skills, and convey your enthusiasm for the position or company. -if you fail to represent yourself well in writing (even when it's "just an e-mail"), you have given the employer a reason to choose someone else.

Possibility planning

-will help you organize your dreams and give you a more flexible and creative approach than probability planning. Instead of having to choose between appealing futures (pendulum attractors), you get to plan as many as you want while you learn more about one -The book suggests that you use 2 things: poster-board and post-its. Write possible lives you're considering on post-its and put them at the top of the board (write down your strengths and themes on each notes next to each life). Then, write down steps you need to take to pursue each life on notes below them

Five-step process for writing cover letters

1. Planning: establish your audience and reason for writing. Recognize what your audience is expecting from you and get their attention from the first line on. Establish your reason for writing in the 1st paragraph and motive to keep reading. 2. SWOT map it:strengths refer to the features and benefits you bring, opportunities refer to learning opps and other benefits presented by the job, weaknesses refer to what you may be lacking from the view of the organization, and threats refers to the outside factors that could influence your situation. There's only one rule: you must start with one mindset-that of the employer. What does the employer need to know or want to hear? 3. Create sample sentences and paragraphs: use SWOT to identify key points and try to develop sentences around them. Refer to the position description. Keep the tone positive and natural. You want the letter to be specific and persuasive. Convince them you're the right fir and why you want the position/to work for them 4. Fast writing: it heightens you focus. See if you can write in less than 10 minutes. Don't try to make it perfect (it's not supposed to be) 5. Edit and proofread: see what works and change what doesn't. All good writing is rewriting and make sure to read it out loud. Most people find that their first draft starts falling apart after the 5th word. Draft to better draft to final copy.

Three vital keys to an IR

1. To whom am I writing and why will they care. 2. Can I picture what I've written and can my claims be substantiated? 3. Is every word spelled correctly and is the resume professional and attractive

Seek lots of resume advice from:

1. UNC career services 2. hussman help 3. industry professionals 4. hussman alums 5. your professors 6. unc alums 7. current fellow students 8. your parents, older siblings, and family members 9. your mentors 10. program managers

3 biggest reasons for multiple careers

1. you want to pursue multiple passions 2. you have a strong desire to make a difference with your work 3. you want control over the what, when, and how you work

Chaos theory and your career

1. assess what we currently know, what we cannot know, and what we can learn 2. we can't base decisions on single factors or traits (it's okay to change your mind or "phase shift"). Keep an open mind 3. assume that change occurs constantly and that the unexpected and unpredicted will occur 4. don't worry, systems will ultimately reveal an order. what looks like chaos isn't always chaotic 5. Lots of attractors grab our attention and effect or behavior

Key wisdom builders

1. design each day: arrange your life to fit your dreams one day at a time. Remember, the butterfly effect requires almost no time to do her work: one day in your life can be life changing 2. manage your environment: set up your living space so that it's to make achieving your goals easier. Make your goals and intentions easier. 3. stay motivated: it's the key to the job search process. You will accomplish more if you set up a reward system for each of your goals and objectives.

5 fatal errors that can ruin your chances of getting a job

1. lack of focus in writing 2. poor sentence structure or bad grammar 3. misspelled words or typographical errors 4. innapropirate style 5. failure to focus on the reader's interests and needs

Resume Must-Haves

1. name and contact info: phone and email, use discretion regarding your address 2. skills-be specific and justify them 3. education: should go before work experience (for us). List only college level. Name of schools, graduation date, major/minor, GPA (only if 3.5 or higher), honors/scholarships/awards/clubs/greek organizations/study abroad. Consider breaking down into subsections 4. work experience 5. volunteer/community service

Where do you want to go - 3 wandering strategies

1. probability planning: you have a clear and reasonably certain goal 2. possibility planning: you've got 2 or more goals that may or may not be related 3. seeking the butterfly: you have general or nonspecific goals

Purpose behind planning possible lives

1. see how clear your vision is of your possible lives 2. see what you know and don't know about each possible life 3. confirm your genuine interest in possible life 4. help you determine which possible lives to focus on first

3 ways to sell a product

1. tout its/your features (hard facts/volunteer experiences) 2. tout its/your benefits (soft skills)-appeal to emotion and logic 3. ask questions about the customer/employers so you can tailor your sales pitch to their needs. This is the most powerful element of selling because it can help you establish a relationship with the reader

Mapping your possible lives

1. write your current status in the center 2. write down 2-10 possible lives all over the paper in no particular order -include one blank circle for the yet undiscovered career -don't censor your ideas -no limitations -don't consider education or talent -don't consider the salary -jot them down, even if you know they're unrealistic This is very important in helping you make sense of the chaos theory and how it relates to your life

Cover letter: closing

3 things: sum up strengths and how they make you a good fit, action item that moves the process forward, and thank the hiring manager 1. sum up strengths: don't simply repeat phrases. use fresh language. 2. be polite and confident (not pushy) 3. offer thanks for their time and consideration. Avoid overly familiar phrases -the most essential part of your closing is the call to action statement (because the purpose is to land and interview)

Become a citizen of the world

Chuck Stone was a legendary journalist and professor at UNC. He spent decades covering the white hours, police brutality, and criminal justice as a print reporter. People would turn themselves into him so that they wouldn't get hurt by the police in Philadelphia. He was also a Tuskegee Airman and founf in WW2

What is fluff and how to spot it?

Can I picture it?

Can't decide on a career because you want to have multiple?

According to the Business insider, by 2020 it estimated that 40% of the US workforce will be considered Freelancers

How do most college students actually decide on which careers to pursue?

Chaos theory

Having the right mindset

Creates a positive chain of success in whatever you pursue even when you're in a less than desirable situation. It doesn't mean you ignore challenges or pretend that something bad is really good. Instead you take what is challenging and find a way to mentally approach the challenge so that the ultimately you succeed in the situation

"For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn"

Ernest Hemingway "supposedly" wrote this 6-word shortest short story ever -one of the common challenges for students accustomed to writing 500 word essays or 20-page papers is the myth that the longer the piece of writing is, the better it is. Good writing isn't about length. It's about covering the subject and then stopping.

Dickens and the Chaos Theory

In Charles Dickens' book Great Expectations, Pip said: "That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day. -Dickens is asking you to think about how would your life be different if a particular event had not occurred

What else do you want to learn before you leave UNC?

Instead of focusing on what you didn't get, what knowledge/learning have you acquired? And, what else would you like to learn before you leave college.

Degree = earning potential?

Study after study show poor correlation between students' undergraduate majors and their income

Why is mapping helpful?

if hurricane Florence taught us nothing, it's that you should be careful when predicting your path too far ahead

What are you doing after graduation?

Taking time off, going to grad school, working, or something else? -Stay flexible - you never know what will happen tomorrow

Ways to start taking action

The easiest way to start taking action is to start paying attention. Teach yourself to develop cycles of action and reflection throughout the day. Ask yourself -what would you like to do -how much do you talk about doing rather than doing -is there a disconnect between what you think (or say) and what you really do -what is the first step you could take toward doing? -who or what could help you take action

Man's Search for Meaning

Written by frankl - concludes from his experience that a prisoner's psychological reactions are not solely the result of the conditions of his life, but also from the freedom of choice he always has even in severe suffering -No matter what, no one can ever take away your freedom to choose how to react to a situation

Selling HJM Majors/Minors

You must have absolute confidence in your degree and your ability to apply it to the marketplace if you're going to persuade employers to hire you -be ready to explain the knowledge, mindsets, and approach that someone with your major will bring to the workplace -create stories related to your major and classes (professors, class clients, projects and group work usually provide great examples)

A game of thirds

as you prepare to write your letter, you can expect to spend about 1/3 of your time planning, writing, and rewriting/editing

Words create worlds

did you know that changing your vocabulary can change your thinking

Know how to sell you majors/minors

don't assume that your interviewer knows as much about your major as you do. Do your homework to find out their major or just ask them. Be ready to educate them on the value of your major.

Majors and Jobs

in the field of communications, there doesn't seem to be enough jobs to support the number of majors. You've got to be creative with your job search (networking can help with this) but also understand how to use things that you have learned in your major to separate yourself from the competition.

Action, the cornerstone of wisdom

no matter how much you think, you won't be successful unless you act.

Ways to become a better writer

purchase a "business writing" book, participate in a workshop, take an online business writing group, or even ask a writing professor for tips. -business writing and academic writing both have 3 key elements: format, style, and content

Your major "is what it is" at this point

remember chaos theory: assess what you currently know, what you don't know, and what you can learn. After all, you are where you are

A glimpse into the future

when writing down your story, don't forget a key tenet of the chaos theory that the further into the future you're trying to plan, the less accurate you plan will be

Two things you need to know

where are you and where are you going?

Dont forget: your major and grades won't define you

your job titles won't define you either. You may end up doing PR or advertising work but your title likely won't have those words in them