Captain Americas Guide to Leadership

Captain Americas Guide to Leadership When it comes to superheroes, Captain America doesnt often come up as the favorite. Sure, Spider-Man is amazing. He can swing from skyscrapers like a circus acrobat on steroids. Batman has all those cool gadgets and is half ninja. And who among you hasnt held 3 sticks between your fingers as you made a fist pretending to be Wolverine? Despite how amazing each of these guys are, not one holds a candle to Captain America when it comes to leadership abilities. What Do We Know About Captain Americas History? When you ask someone to describe Captain America, 9 times out of 10 theyll say, leader. After understanding the history behind the character you might see why thats the case. Captain America was created by two Jewish immigrant Americans named Joe Simon and Jack Kirby working for Timely Comics (before they were called Marvel Comics) in the early 40s. Simon said Captain America was a consciously political creation; he and Kirby were morally repulsed by the actions of Nazi Germany in the years leading up to the United States involvement in World War II and felt war was inevitable: The opponents to the war were all quite well organized. We wanted to have our say too. So Captain America Comics #1 â€" went on sale in December 1940, a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor, but a full year into World War II â€" showed the protagonist punching Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in the jaw â€" selling nearly one million copies.   (A remarkable achievement seeing how most comics today are lucky to sell 100,000 copies.) Before the U.S. was ever officially involved in the war, Captain America was fighting Nazis. Since then he has gone on to lead dozens of teams including the All Winners Squad, Invaders, and most notably the Avengers. But what was it about Captain America that made him such a great leader?   The comic universe is full of heroes, so why him, and what can we learn from it? 1. Stand For Something Few characters of literature, let alone comics, can still be recognized 70 years later as a cultural icon. Unlike many other characters at the time, Captain America wasnt just a guy with super strength, special abilities, and a fancy costume.   Before anything else, he was created to stand for something. He stands for America as an ideal, not America as its practiced, says Englehart who wrote Captain America and the Falcon during the Vietnam War.   In addition, he stands for freedom, liberty, justice, and doing whats right. Leaders in our own lives should take note from this.   If you truly want to leave a mark 10, 20, 70 years from now, its not going to come from your amazing talents or special skills. The difference you make as a leader will stand heavily on what it was you stood for. So what  are your over  arching missions or values that drive your actions? 2. Lead by Example Have you ever seen the leader in myth, fiction, or comics sit on the sidelines as the rest of the team goes charging into battle? Think of Achilles, Odysseus,  or  even Harry Potter. Captain America was no different.   Whether fighting Nazis during World War II or aliens from the Kree Empire, Captain America was leading his team every step of the way. Do our own lives reflect this belief of leading by example?   I believe so. Working under someone who has no understanding of what it takes to do the job is one of the best ways to demotivate your team. Likewise, there may be no better feeling of motivation than when you see your manager getting their hands  dirty helping take on the very work you find a challenge. 3.   Use Your Tools Who would Wolverine be without the claws, Green Lantern without the ring, or Captain America without the shield? They would be completely different characters. Chris Evans in one interview mentioned how you start to see Captain America reach his full potential once he gains his shield. Rightfully so, if you saw the movie that shield did everything from blocking laser guns to ricocheting off of walls to make impossible take downs. Although we probably dont carry a red, white, and blue shield to the office every day, we each have our own tools of the trade. The exceptional talents we bring to the job that show our value. Captain America didnt try to become a human Swiss army knife, lugging around bazookas, swords, and what have you. Likewise, we shouldnt try to hone our skills into a cornucopia of shallow talents. Be like Captain America, take your core talents and make them shine. If you like shields, become the best shield tossing, bullet blocking, hero in the world. 4. Break the Rules to Make the Right Things Happen A few years ago Captain America made national news when he was the center of a polarizing event happening at Marvel. Reflecting on the events leading out of 9/11, Mark Miller crafted a story in the Marvel Universe reflecting the dilemma we face when conflicted between greater security and personal freedom. 9/11 had made us vulnerable in a way many Americans had never felt before.   In light of the tragedy, we accepted a lessening of liberties in the forms of wire tapping, e-mail monitoring, lengthier airplane boarding procedures, broadened government ability to engage in search and seizure, expanded regulation of financial transactions, and easing of restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering on U.S. soil. So how would our country react to a similar tragedy, caused by super powers gone wrong?   And where would our heroes stand? Such is the concept Miller grabbed hold of in Marvels Civil War.   When a renegade  mutant uses his powers to blow up a school of   children in Stanford,  the  government passes the Superhuman Registration Act, requiring everyone with superhuman abilities in the United States to register with the federal government, reveal their identities to authorities, and receive formal training. When some characters oppose the law on the grounds that it violates civil liberties and removes the protection that secret identities provide, conflict arises between pro-registration and anti-registration heroes. Captain America has to make a difficult decision.   Enforce the governments law, meaning tracking down old friends and imprisoning them if they wont come forward, or become an outlaw fighting for civil liberties and freedom. He follows through staying true to what he stands for, protecting our freedoms.   Ultimately he pays for the freedom of his friends and heroes with his life, as he is shot in the back by a sniper outside a federal courthouse after turning himself in. Captain America understood the importance of doing whats right even if the rules went against it. Legendary leaders understand when to take risks and disregard rules when a greater good can be achieved.   Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Sam Walton are just a few recognizable rule breakers who demonstrated this art of leadership. Have you ever let an opportunity go by because rules stopped you?   Ask yourself, What would Captain America do? Become A Super Leader If you are going to lead, you might as well do it in style.   Captain America embodies the qualities I look for in a leader, what about you? image courtesy of programwitch

Best Career Options for Graduate Students - CareerMetis.com

Best Career Options for Graduate Students Every student has been in this situation, you are nearing the end of your time studying, you have had an amazing experience and have grown as a person, as well as grown an understanding of a range of different topics.Even with all this positive energy and optimism, when you think about life after studying, you can’t help but feel a tinge of worry. What will you do after you leave your dorm room? After you step outside of the library doors, and out into the big, wide world of work? What sort of job will you find yourself in?evalIt’s a scary prospect and one that troubles every type of student when they near the end of their time. But, I’m here to tell you that there’s no need to worry! There is a whole sea of professions out there, and though that may seem like a scary prospect, there are jobs out there that will be absolutely perfect for you!That will cater to your needs, and that you will find solace in doing! This all seems too good to be true right, well it’s not! Let me take you through a few examples of jobs that you could find yourself doing!1. Essay writerevalBelieve it or not, after studying, a lot of people find themselves in a profession that is built around helping and assisting those of us still in the education system.The most obvious example of this is being a teacher, teachers do an amazing job of applying the knowledge they have accumulated to a whole new batch of young minds.But a lot of people who found they had a knack for writing essays end up providing essay help online.They become part of a custom essay servicethat works to support anyone that is having trouble writing. This is a great profession to go into, as what makes an interesting and engaging essay is still fresh in your mind as you leave education, so you can really communicate to those struggling to write an essay.If you are a person that seems to get good feedback and grades on the essays that they’ve slaved over, this might be the best career choice for you, so check out what sites offer this service online and see if it is right for you!2. Curatorial InternThis one is especially for those studying history! If, throughout your course, you have been fascinated by the preservation of rare and amazing artifacts that occurs in museums all over the world, then there is a profession that is right up your alley.evalMuseums, libraries and listed buildings all over the world are always eager to find new interns to adopt into their workforce. As a curatorial intern you will be directly responsible for the upkeep and presentation of artifacts and curios from around the world.This means making sure they are free of scuffs and marks and ensuring that they are in pristine condition so that they can be enjoyed by museum visitors and tourists alike.3. Freelance CopywriterHave you graduated with an English degree, and our desperate to use your knowledge of the written word, but are unsure about the potential of a normal 9-5 office job?A type of profession that is gaining momentum is freelance work! One of which that remains extremely popular is a freelance copywriter!evalThis involves communicating with clients all over the world, they will supply you with a short briefing of an article or a description they need of a product of service, it is then up to you to write a brief passage that promotes that service in a passionate and entertaining manner.The best thing about this career choice is the freedom it allows you! You are, in effect, your very own boss, and the results you turn out are completely up you and how much you are willing to work.Just a few short examples of careers that await you after you bid farewell to the education system, there are businesses and employers all over the world that are awaiting young and passionate people to fulfill the aspirations they have.All you need to do is read the possible employment options in this article and see which one’s best suit you.As soon as you get into the right places, you will be a ble to communicate your passion for your subject, and people will pick up on your skills in no time!

6 Practical Steps to Improve Your Job Interview Skills - Sterling Career Concepts

6 Practical Steps to Improve Your Job Interview Skills 6 Practical Steps to Improve Your Job Interview Skills Interview preparation is essential if you want to get the job you dream of, regardless of how much experience you have or how polished your resume is. Improving your interview skills will take a great deal of dedication and practice. Also, there are several things you can do to boost your skills so you can excel in your job interview. Business experts and Ivy league college consultants share steps below to enhance your interview skills and boost your chances of getting hired. How to Enrich your Interview Skills 1. Use the job description Think of the job description as your interview preparation cheat sheet. Basically, this will spell out where you should be focusing your preparation efforts. Often, most job seekers are forgetting to use such a handy guide. The job description will outline how the interview will go, so use it to create position-specific interview questions to practice with. Once you are done creating questions, read through it and determine if there is a missing piece. Moreover, you can use it to craft relevant stories and examples that you can use during the interview. For instance, if the company is looking for detail-oriented persons capable of managing multiple projects, you must have a story or two to exemplify that. 2. Do your research on the company During the interview, you won’t just be selling your skills, but you will also be trying to pitch what a great fit you are for the organization. Therefore, you need to know everything about the company. If so, you will most likely stand out from the competition. Most interviewers will ask why you want to work here. Knowing what the company is all about and connecting the dots as to why you will be a perfect addition to the team will help you create the best answer to this question. Look into the company’s website and read the values, mission and vision, and the annual report. Furthermore, you also need to get a sense of the firm’s strengths. Learn what it does to outgrow its competitors. Hiring managers will greatly appreciate a candidate who compliments the organization for excelling in its industry. 3. Practice answering the common interview questions Most interviewers will be asking common interview questions so make sure to practice your answers to such. List crucial points you want to cover before each interview. These include your leadership and creativity skills, work experience, professional ambitions, and strengths. Rehearse your delivery in front of your friend or the mirror, or do a mock interview with someone you trust. 4. Learn the importance of nonverbal communication Another way of demonstrating energy and confidence to potential employers is through nonverbal communication. During your mock interview, practice making eye contact with the interviewer whilst maintaining good posture. Always wear a smile. Most importantly, practice avoiding any nonverbal behaviors that can leave a negative impression, such as chewing gum and looking at your watch. 5. Practice active listening Often, interviewees easily get so caught up in their answers that they do not listen to what the interviewers are asking or telling them. Find a way to let the interviewers know that you heard what they said by bringing up some ideas that they have mentioned. This will show that you are paying attention and you are very much interested. This will also help you make a good impression. 6. Get expert help There are professionals and graduate school admissions consulting services that help and guide those who are looking for a job. They can help you with all the areas of employability, including how to perform better in interviews and improve your motivation. Trained guidance officers can help identify problems in your job search approach as well as help you improve your chances of getting hired. What you wear during the interview matters as well to land the job you want. Avoid wearing too many accessories. Let your intended position and the company’s culture guide how formal your outfit must be. Improving your job interview skills is among the best ways of boosting your confidence and performance. These steps will help you make a good and unforgettable impression on potential employers. It will also help you become more relaxed for a smoother interview process. By approaching an interview expecting to succeed, you will most likely to do just that. GUEST AUTHOR BIO Brian Giroux is an experienced college admissions advisor and co-founder of Capital College Consulting. Brian is a Professional Member of Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA). Brian has worked with students from over 30 countries to help provide guidance through the US admissions process. Brians experience includes 18+ years in education serving multiple roles as educator, athletic director, and college admissions consultant.

Polishing Your Résumé Part I - Hallie Crawford

Polishing Your Résumé Part I Is your résumé the best it can be? Need to start over from scratch? Use these insightful tips to create a winning résumé. Résumé writing can be intimidating. We wonder, what do I include, what do I leave out? How do I make it look nice? In what order do I need to list everything? Some of the most common concerns I hear from my career coaching clients are about how to organize their résumé and what pieces of information to include. Here are some tips that can help you get started on either creating your résumé from scratch or updating it for your next job search. Brainstorm: The best way to get started is to brainstorm about your natural talents and abilities. Write down everything you’ve accomplished, even as far back as childhood. This is a confidence boost and also can help you get everything out on paper that you could possibly include in your résumé. Give Yourself Credit: We tend to downplay the things we are naturally good at. This is because we assume that since it comes so naturally to us, everyone must be good at it, right? Wrong. Just because you can easily organize your office and keep your files in amazing working order does not mean everyone can do that. Perhaps you coordinated your local church’s picnic and did a spectacular job. Not everyone has that particular skill, so give yourself credit for what comes naturally to you. Do this, of course, while being honest and accurate. It’s never a good idea to blatantly lie on your résumé. Organize in a Way that Is Best for You: One thing people frequently ask me is, “Do I have to put my résumé in chronological order?” The answer is no. Ordering your work experience by date isn’t necessaryâ€" relevance is. If you prefer chronological order, and it seems particularly appropriate for the job you’re hunting for, go for it. But I typically recommend highlighting your skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position, and organizing the résumé with jobs that are most relevant at the top. If you have a spotty job record, this also helps minimize that issue. Clearly State Your Objective: Make sure your career objective clearly states the type of work you desireâ€"the more specific, the better. Specific objectives are more powerful and hard-hitting. They stand out. If you’re not sure what type of job you want, consider working with a career coach or counselor to clarify the next step you would like to take in your career If you need help with a resume or cover letter, consider a resume/cover letter session. Heres to having a career you love! Career Help www.halliecrawford.com

Absolute Donts For Writing a Resume - Mistakes Many People Make When Writing a Resume

Absolute Don'ts For Writing a Resume - Mistakes Many People Make When Writing a ResumeAbsolute don'ts for writing a resume are essential when you are applying for a job. There are plenty of places where this can be done, but you need to remember that the first mistake many people make is not doing it properly.You can start by looking at your local newspaper or search engines, or else your job board and other career website will have information on the companies in your area. These sites offer suggestions on how to write a resume in such a way that you stand out from the crowd.To use their suggestions as a guide, instead of writing generic resumes, you can find two-page resumes. Your resume should only have one page for your name, two pages for contact information, and the third for company names and the rest as space for facts. You should also remember to add a cover letter to this space so that it is clear that you are applying for a specific position.Also be sure to include what yo u do for work, what type of experience you have, and your education and work experiences in your resume. This is important since you will be asked about this in the interview process.By making yourself stand out from the crowd, you will find that most job applicants have things in common with you, thus making it easier for you to find their resume online. This will be the next step.The next thing you should do is utilize online application sites such as Monster, Kijiji, Orchid, Careerbuilder, and Ezine. Once you have access to these sites, you can quickly get a listing of people in your area who are looking for work at the company you are applying for.Youmay already know their email address and phone number, but if not, these sites can provide a back up and allow you to provide more information on them at a later time. In turn, they will help you apply for their company and find out if you are successful in getting a job at their company.

Retire How to Ease out of Work Gradually

Retire How to Ease out of Work Gradually Older workers are a hot topic among HR professionals these days, especially since the share of the labor force of people 55 and over is projected to rise to 25% by 2020. That conversation will increasingly shift toward redesigning corporate benefits for themâ€"especially helping older employees phase into retirement. But what are firms actually doing to ease this transition and what should you do if you’d like yours to let you gradually move from full-time to part-time and eventually no-time? Ad Hoc Deals for Phased Retirement Typically, motivated older workers have had to try negotiating ad hoc arrangements with HR or their boss for gradual exits out of the company, perhaps with part-time contracts in hand. “If employers would accelerate the drive for flexible work arrangements, everyone would be better off,” says Richard Johnson, labor market expert at the Urban Institute. “Flexibility is important.” But some firms have made strides toward offering their employees greater job flexibility. A Bank of America Merrill Lynch survey of 650 C-level executives and human resources and benefit plan leaders found that half of the employers offer flexible or customized work schedules to retain older workers. A third offer continuing education and development opportunities, while 22% let employees work remotely and 21% offer extended benefits to older employees, such as cafeteria plans that allow for tailoring benefit packages. How Employers Are Changing Until fairly recently, the term retirement in the workplace signaled the day an older employee left the organization to enter a lifestyle of leisure. At least that was the image. But a number of far-sighted managements now recognize that the work-and-retirement divide is less true today and that realization will likely affect the design of employee benefits. Case in point: Intel. Like all big, dynamic companies, the Silicon Valley behemoth offers its employees a good benefits package, including retirement savings. But Intel also supports employees phasing into retirement. Recently, the company has experimented with several new pilot programs. For instance, U.S. employees eligible to retire from Intel can apply for an Encore Career Fellowship. That helps them ease into the next stage of their lives by leveraging their skills, evoking their passions, and making an impact in their communities through a short-term stint at a local nonprofit. “Creating a culture that supports our employees as they prepare and plan for retirement is important,” says Amber Wiseley, Intel Retirement Benefits Strategist. “Our employees are looking for different options to reimagine retirement and are seeking opportunities to continue to have an impact on society.” Jobs With Built-In Flexibility A comparable conversation is taking place far from Silicon Valley, at Herman Miller in Zeeland, Mich., where about a quarter of the company’s workforce is 55+. Does that mean in five years Herman Miller will suffer an enormous outflow of employees heading into retirement? Doubtful. “The old model that people will retire at 62 and they’ll pack up their belongings and move to Florida is really dated,” says Tony Cortese, Herman Miller’s senior vice president for human resources. “I don’t think that’s the reality we confront.” Still, Herman Miller execs worry about losing their older employees’ skills and knowledge too quickly. So the company has instituted programs with built-in flexibility. For example, workers get to take six to 12 consecutive weeks off during the year. Employees aren’t paid during that time, but keep their benefits and length of service toward their pension. Says Cortese: “We’ve had people who are 55 or older say, ‘I don’t know if I’m ready for retirement, but I’m going to try this instead.’” Herman Miller also recently rolled out a “flex retirement” plan, allowing an employee who’s 60 or over and has at least five years of service at the company to plan an exit over six months to two years. The retirement decision is irreversible and, in return for the planned reduction in hours, the flex-retirement employee puts together a knowledge-transfer plan to teach the ropes of his or her job to a replacement. Observes Cortese: “They say, ‘I’m ready to retire, but I’m not ready to go today.’” Letting Full-Time Workers Go Part-Time At Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit health care organization in the region, employees who are at 59-and-six-months who have been with the company for 10 years or more can begin drawing on their retirement savings and still work part-time. AGL Resources, a natural gas distribution company based in Atlanta, Ga., lets its retired workers return on a part-time or project basis and participate in company benefits, such as its 401(k) plan. The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., which Next Avenue recently said may be America’s best employer for older workers, is famous for its flexible work schedules and telecommuting opportunities. A critical initiative that will inform the Unretirement movement is the federal government’s new phased retirement program. Starting in November, many full-time government workers with at least 20 or 30 years of service who are nearing retirement age can apply to work a part-time schedule while drawing partial retirement benefits. The program also requires participants to spend at least 20% of their time mentoring younger employees. What the Future Holds Employers like these represent just the beginning of a trend that will gather momentum as Unretirement and encore careers become part of the expected and desired lifecycle among an aging workforce. Benefits like these are good for employees and employers. Says Joseph Coughlin of MIT’s AgeLab: “In the near future, the ‘new kid down the hall’ may, in fact, be someone’s grandmother in the next stage of her multi-act life.” However, the Unretirement movement could have a larger impact on the professional experience later in life with a little encouragement. Take attorneys 65 and older. A series of changes in the legal marketplace has reduced the demand for aging boomer attorneys. The growth in legal services has been driven by corporations and organizations that use large firms less reliant on senior lawyers, and the demands for legal advice by individuals who traditionally hire smaller firms to represent them is down. “Thus, just at a time when the demographics of the legal profession have produced a very large pool of senior lawyers, the proportion of the legal profession that is needed to remain in senior positions to supervise paid work and to be well compensated for this work is declining,” observe Kenneth G. Dau-Schmidt, Esther Lardent, Reena Glazer, and Kellen Ressmeyer in Old and Making Hay, a research paper for the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, Bloomington. The solution, these legal experts say, is for law firms to establish “second act” programs for their senior attorneys. Senior lawyers would concentrate much of their energies on the firm’s pro bono work. The scholars calculate that even if a mere 5% of practicing attorneys over 65 participated in a pro bono second act, the number of attorneys working primarily on public interest work would double. The deal would be that older lawyers accepting the second act path would put in fewer hours and get paid less. “The legal profession has a golden opportunity to do well by its members, itself, and society at large,” the paper’s authors write. How to Get a Phased Retirement What can you do as an employee if management hasn’t gotten the Unretirement message yet? Speak up. Now, I usually roll my eyes when someone recommends that employees should lobby management. Good luck with that, right? Yet there are good reasons for making the case in this circumstance. For one thing, Unretirement is a hot topic among senior managers. For another, the suggestion isn’t coming out of left field. Many leading-edge companies are adopting benefit policies that encourage employees to phase into retirement. An appeal to corporate ego, by casually dropping some of those names (Intel, Herman Miller…), just might do the trick. Other Benefits to Aid Your Transition There are also a few corporate benefits worth exploiting that aren’t strictly geared toward Unretirement but could help you with your transition. For example, take advantage of any financial support your employer offers for training or education that could position you for your next chapter. Similarly, some companies have partnerships with nonprofits where employees can volunteer during sanctioned time. If you’re thinking about shifting from the for-profit to the nonprofit sector, pursue these volunteering opportunities to do good and make potentially valuable connections that could pay off for you in the future. And, with today’s healthier job market, if you’re considering looking for a new position elsewhere, ask the hiring manager whether the employer offers Unretirement-type benefits such as phased retirement. Resources That Can Help Remember: you’re far from alone. Networks of like-minded boomers seeking their Unretirement are springing up all over the country. A major resource for researching options and contacts is Encore.org, which maintains a list of encore organizations around the country and sponsors the Encore Fellowship Networks. Other helpful resources include The Transition Network, ReServe, Retired Brains and Next Avenue. Major work and life transitions are rarely easy, even with organizational support. Still, what’s exciting about all the phased-retirement experimentations is that they will evolve. Boomers are trying out different ideas, essentially seeing which Unretirement business and lifestyle models pay off, putting pressure on managements to create more flexibility into the workplace and economy. Managements, in turn, are trying to learn which benefit packages will boost the bottom line and improve the caliber of their workforce. Better yet, Gen X’ers, Millennials and future generations of workers will learn from boomers’ Unretirement trial and error experiences. Younger generations will see that they’ll be able to alternate the rhythm of their work lives, perhaps phasing into retirement by joining organizations with a mission that touches their hearts. We’re just getting a glimpse into the possibilities today. This article is adapted from Chris Farrell’s new book, Unretirement: How Baby Boomers Are Changing the Way We Think About Work, Community, and the Good Life. Chris is senior economics contributor for American Public Media’s Marketplace. He writes about Unretirement twice a month, focusing on the personal finance and entrepreneurial start-up implications and the lessons people learn as they search for meaning and income. Tell him about your experiences so he can address your questions in future columns. Send your queries to him atcfarrell@mpr.org. His twitter address is@cfarrellecon. More from NextAvenue.org: What You Should Know About the 50+ Job Market Dip Your Toe Into the Encore Career Waters Phased Retirement: What You Need to Know

Job Interview Tips For Fresh Graduates - Work It Daily

Job Interview Tips For Fresh Graduates - Work It Daily When in college, you’re used to competition. Right from scholarships to internships, you compete at every step with other students. Although you may think applying for internships and scholarships is just a lesser version of a job hunt, the world of employment is a much more competitive landscape. Cleaning out your dorm, ridding school supplies with a textbook buy and sell back service, shopping for business attire, and getting student loan bills should be the signs that the party is over and it's time to pay the tab. One thing that might not dawn on you is thousands of other kids your age are in the same boat and there are a lot less dream jobs than dream seekers. Job Interview Tips For New Graduates Landing an interview is never enough. You need to go beyond the usual to impress your potential employer and grab the job. Here are a few job interview tips to help you improve your chances of success: Prepare To The Core We all know preparation is the key to succeed at any interview. But most fresh graduates don’t prepare enough, which is why they fail. If you want to get the job, then you need to prove it that you’ve done your homework. Preparation doesn’t simply mean skimming through the company’s Wikipedia page. You need to go out of your way to find out as much as you can about the company, about its culture, the industry trends, and so on. That's how you demonstrate your worth to the interviewer. Draft Stories Your interviewer wants to see how your current skills complement the requirements of the job. The best way to prove them is to draft stories about your previous achievements. Why? Because stories are more convincing than factual data. Make sure your stories are interesting and to the point. Have a good opening line and see to it that you’ve learned them by heart. Be clear and avoid sounding like a robot. Avoid Overselling Yourself You know how they say that you should “be yourself” to make the best impression? It’s an advice that you should stay away from when being interviewed. While it’s good to be enthusiastic, energetic, and positive during your interview - don’t oversell yourself. The simple reason for this is, employers know that there’s a lot of talent in the market. And candidates can go to any extent to get the job - even exaggerate their skills and experience. So if you’re going to say something, you better back it with solid proof. Focus On Your Potential Like any other candidate, you too are not perfect, which is why you shouldn’t give the interviewer a chance to talk about where you lack. Instead, lay more emphasis on your potential, which clearly shows that you have what it takes to succeed at the job. If you don’t have real world experience to boast of or if your past achievements aren’t relevant to the job, thennyou should talk about your quick learning and adapting abilities. It helps you win the confidence of your interviewer to a great extent. Remember, as a fresh graduate, you might not have highly specialized skills and years of experience under your belt, but you do have some unique to offer. That’s the uniqueness that you need to use to make an impact on your interviewer. Article Author: Jenna Smith Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles: How To Answer 7 Of The Most Common Interview Questions Top 3 Tips For Phone Interviews How To Ace The Panel Interview Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!