5 Power Moves to Kick Start Your Career

Getting ahead in the job market feels like an uphill battle. Not only do you have to be overly qualified, but you also needed to have found a cure to the common cold, excavated ancient ruins, and won multiple seasons of the Amazing Race (and that’s just to get an interview). However, there are ways to set you apart from the rest of the job hungry crowd.

1.     Find a brand of suits you like and have them all tailored

Not all suits are made equal, therefore it’s hard to tell what is going to look best on you by just eyeballing it. Find a brand that really works well for your body type, and stick to it. By doing that you’ll also get a feel of what colors and cuts accentuate you the best. Also, it’s okay to splurge on a good suit, in addition to getting it tailored. You want to put off the most professional vibes possible, and looking polished will help a great deal. Plus, who wouldn’t want to walk into an interview feeling incredibly fierce?

2.     Start a professional Twitter

This doesn’t mean you have to trash your super clever pun username, just start a separate account that isn’t full of One Tree Hill quotes. Having a professional social media platform is a great way to interact with the company, as well as share industry based advice and news. It’s a great outlet to have to show you potential employer that you have your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the world.

3.     Run your resume by your most recent or current boss

There’s a reason they hired you. And chances are, they can give the best advice on what they’d like to see on your resume in addition to the great skills you already have. They’ve also seen you in action, and will be able to help you describe skills you didn’t even know you had. They know the buzzwords other industry bosses are looking for, so it’s a great inside leg up to have.

4.     Network your heart out

Business lunches, school sponsored events, you get an invitation to it, you should go to it. Making LinkedIn connections isn’t enough any more. In person face time is an awesome way to see what paths your major could go down, plus get some nice business cards out of the attendees. When you get home from the event, send those who gave you’re their contact info a quick email thanking them for speaking to you. It’s a small gesture, but they’ll remember you if a job opportunity arises.

5.     Be open to job opportunities—but be honest about your work load

Saying “no” to a job opportunity because you just don’t feel like doing it is kind of silly. But agreeing to something when you’re already overwhelmed with work is even sillier. You want the work you put out to be your absolute best, so if you’re overwhelmed, you’re not going to get a product you’re proud of. If you still want to prove responsibility, explain to your employer that you have a lot on your plate right now, and ask for a task that requires less involvement until your schedule clears. They’ll admire your honestly and appreciate you initiative on still wanting to be active, even on a smaller scale.  

Go get ‘em, girl!

HCxo,Cristiana

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