First Time Job Mistakes

 

Getting your first job after college is exciting and can be terribly difficult all at the same time.  I wished I had listened to the famous Martin Luther King Jr. quote:

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.

After graduation, you will quickly learn the intro to business class, your 3.8 GPA, and being president of your fraternity will not do you much good. Actually anything that happened in college will not apply and that may or may not be a good thing for you. You will also realize most of what you learned will not be applicable to your future!

When I graduated college I was almost fired (twice) within the first six weeks because I thought my diploma entitled me to a job. I thought my success was guaranteed based on a piece of paper I earned.

The first thing I did was take a vacation day without getting permission. Yea…I know a little arrogant and cocky for being on the job two weeks…it is one of those moves that make you hate someone. Luckily I escaped that situation with a warning.

However, the next thing I did was verbally challenge my boss in a raised voice (ok, maybe I was yelling)…in front of 20 other people. That was not a good idea! The next day I was in her office and I thought my stint in corporate America was over. Fortunately, we had a long talk and I escaped the unemployment line. [Continue reading]

Five Reasons You Can’t Get a Job

Source: workisnotajob.com via HON Company on Pinterest

When it comes to job searching there are typically three excuses people use to explain why they cannot get a job. These include resumes, the economy, and the wrong degree (lack of experience). Although these may contribute to your unemployment, these are not the sole reason you cannot get a job.

When it comes to job searching there are typically three excuses people use to explain why they cannot get a job. These include resumes, the economy, and the wrong degree (lack of experience). Although these may contribute to your unemployment, these are not the sole reason you cannot get a job.

Debunking the Excuses

The Resume – Your resume was never intended to find you a job. The purpose of a resume is for a potential employer to quickly understand your employment history.

The Economy – Currently the unemployment rate is 7.5% and I understand that is statistically high, but the EMPLOYMENT rate must be 92.5%. I believe you must be in the top 92.5% of the work force, right? [Continue reading]

Real Education

Source: noblequotes.com via Noble Quotes on Pinterest … [Continue reading]

Two Keys to be More Successful Faster

Successful

Someone said the books you read and the people you meet will determine where you will be five years from now. I don't necessarily know if this means you will be a sex addict with a drinking problem if you read sleazy romance novels like 50 Shades of … [Continue reading]

10 Reasons You Need LinkedIn

LinkedIn

Almost everyone I know has a Facebook account (including my 80 year old grandmother), a Twitter handle, and a My Space profile they forgot to close down. However, the most beneficial social media site for your business and career is typically the … [Continue reading]

Formula for Success

Here is a simple formula for success: Source: smashinghub.com via Coupon Heaven on Pinterest … [Continue reading]

Three Ways to Overcome Failure

Failure

About 35 years ago, a young man was sprinting through the halls of his high school to check out the roster by the gym. His heart was pounding and he was sweating profusely as he saw the roster from a distance tacked up on the board. This roster … [Continue reading]

Failing to Succes

If you believe failure is an end all, be all; then YOU need to watch this inspirational video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLYECIjmnQs … [Continue reading]

Four Things More Important Than A Degree

Diploma

Since we were little we have learned that a college diploma is like the Golden Ticket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. We were taught that once we receive our acceptance letter, get good grades, and put in four years to get our degree; then … [Continue reading]

Jimmy V Speech Heard Round the World

Yesterday I was watching ESPN 30 for 30 chronicling the amazing 1983 North Carolina State men's basketball championship. No doubt that is one of the most amazing runs in sports history, but what is more amazing is the head coach, Jimmy Valvone (Jimmy … [Continue reading]