Summer Reading for College Students!

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In This Issue

News & Notes: Summer Reading Challenge

Topic of the Month: How to Get Unstuck From a Jobless Rut

Questions for Reflection

Action Step

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News & Notes: Summer Reading Challenge

 

Finally, summer!  For those of you with school-aged children, you probably have received all the warnings and cajoling from teachers to keep kids reading over the break.  One note I received from my daughter’s teacher stated that if kids don’t read at least four books over the summer, their reading level drops a minimum of one grade level.  Off to the library we go!

Four books sounds like a pretty good goal for adults too.  Here’s the challenge I’m giving myself and extend to you:  read at least four (or more) books this summer in four different genres:  fiction, non-fiction, one within your professional industry, and one classic. 

Let’s see where the journey of words lead!  If you need suggestions, check out my recent reads and let me know your favorites.

Until next month,

And, just for fun and inspiration, take a look at this speech by d

Susan Fee

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Topic of the Month: Get Unstuck From a Jobless Rut

I know many people who are currently out of work and searching for a job, or who are employed but unhappy.  They are my friends, colleagues, clients, and maybe even you.  While I can’t give advice that guarantees you will land a job, I can tell you how NOT to do it!

Recently, I’ve met with several people who are networking or seeking informational interviews.  That’s a great thing to do, because as I’ve written in my latest blog post, the path to your ideal job will always be through other people.  However, if the person starts to complain or sounds bitter, and then asks me to keep him or her in mind if I hear of an opening, I cringe.  Why would I want to make that recommendation?  Remember, you’re always marketing yourself!  If you’re networking or interviewing, avoid using these phrases:

“It’s unfair.”  It’s absolutely true that life is unfair.  It’s only when you refuse to accept the fact that you get stuck.  (Funny, I never hear people complain when things go their way!)  Rules change, economies faulter, and decent people get fired.  Yet, focusing on what you can’t control will drive you crazy.  Complaining about unfairness won’t improve your situation, so do something that will.   

“You’re so lucky.”  Never confuse luck and hard work.  Behind every perceived “lucky” break is a person who was prepared to take advantage of the moment.  This statement comes across as an insult by discounting another person’s efforts.  

“I wish I could do what you’re doing.”  I’m fine with this statement if the person is sincere, however, in most cases I learn the person only wants to do what I’m doing now, not what I have done to achieve it.  Big difference.  I love the scene from “Pursuit of Happyness” when Will Smith’s character sees a man get out of a sports car and asks him, “What do I need to do to be able to drive a car like that?”  Then, he does it. 

“But, I went to school.”  This phrase reminds me of the college student who unsuccessfully sued her school for making false promises because she was unable to find employment following graduation.  (As if any employer would hire her after that!)  Earning your degree is a great achievement, but on paper you are no different from every other person who did the same thing.  What will set you apart are your people skills, stories, and experiences.  That’s what you should be sharing.   

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Questions for Reflection

How do you speak about your former or current employers?

Do you tell stories that highlight your skills or do you focus on unfair treatment?

Have you ever asked someone to recommend you for a job?  If so, what did you do to earn the recommendation? 

 

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 Action Step

 

Pay attention to how your causal comments might position you as a potential employee or professional referral. 

 

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Interested in booking training or coaching?  Let me know how I can help, Susan_Fee@msn.com. 

 

Susan Fee is a professional clinical counselor, personal coach, and national speaker.  She is the author of Positive First Impressions, Dealing with Difficult People, Dealing with Mean Girls, Building Resiliency, Secrets of Successful Presentations, and the college survival guide, My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy!  She can be reached through her Web site at www.susanfee.com or by email at Susan_Fee@msn.com. 

 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2011