As of lately, my mentor and I have been discussing resumé building techniques and what employers are seeking when they look for job applicants. My dad, who is my mentor, has reiterated that the key to building a great resumé before finding your first job out of school, is to find jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities that exemplify your character and values. Often times, we as students are seeking the best internship in terms of brand recognition or a internship/job with the highest pay so that we can get through school. Although these opportunities are great, there are going to be other applicants that have the same or better job qualifications than you. Therefore, how can you differentiate yourself from those who are more job ready than you?
My dad, whom is my mentor, offered me several suggestions. First, volunteer at a nonprofit whose goal is something your deeply passionate about. By doing so, you are exemplify to your employer that when your are passionate about something you are willing to spend the time volunteering to support a cause with little or no financial incentive. Second, go serve. Serving can take many forms such as going on a mission trip, volunteering at your church, something along those lines. Servitude is character quality that is dying in today's culture. Culture today screams me, me, me therefore showing that you are someone driven to help others will set you apart from others. Thirdly, find opportunities where you are required and driven to uphold a brand image and reputation. Employers love it when you speak about upholding your performance and attitude to that of a well established brand. By doing so, you are putting the customer and the values of the company ahead of yourself, another aspect of servitude that employers will like. A common theme here, is servitude or putting time into something that you care about. The best way to show employers that you care about a cause or a vision is to put the time in, therefore, your resumé should articulate quality well.
Matt Sarkozy
My dad, whom is my mentor, offered me several suggestions. First, volunteer at a nonprofit whose goal is something your deeply passionate about. By doing so, you are exemplify to your employer that when your are passionate about something you are willing to spend the time volunteering to support a cause with little or no financial incentive. Second, go serve. Serving can take many forms such as going on a mission trip, volunteering at your church, something along those lines. Servitude is character quality that is dying in today's culture. Culture today screams me, me, me therefore showing that you are someone driven to help others will set you apart from others. Thirdly, find opportunities where you are required and driven to uphold a brand image and reputation. Employers love it when you speak about upholding your performance and attitude to that of a well established brand. By doing so, you are putting the customer and the values of the company ahead of yourself, another aspect of servitude that employers will like. A common theme here, is servitude or putting time into something that you care about. The best way to show employers that you care about a cause or a vision is to put the time in, therefore, your resumé should articulate quality well.
Matt Sarkozy
This is very good advice. My first internship was twelve hours away from home in South Dakota, and I barely got paid anything. It was a tough summer filled with long hours and plenty of exhaustion, but it was well worth it because it set me on the path that i am still on today. If you are willing to put in the work, be the low man on the totem pole, and have a good attitude, it will pay dividends in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of servitude setting us apart in the corporate world. It's relevant not just for a resume, but it shows so much of who you are as a person and what is really important to you. Thinking of ourselves less is rewarding to us and to others.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you are working on building your resume now. Your dad has given you some great advice that I might even apply to my life now after reading it. I would love to do some volunteer work with you this summer!
ReplyDeleteI Think that its awesome that your dad is your mentor. Im sure for a lot of people their fathers are one of their mentors but for a project like this and to have someone speaking into our lives in a way that your father is speaking in yours is so cool. I also think its a cool idea that you talk to him about life in work and the idea of servitude setting us apart.
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