PTT: Attending a Company Conference

Professional Tip Tuesday

The essentials.

Today I am attending my first real business outing. My company has a HUGE annual conference that includes associates, leadership, and business partners. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and the opportunities I have within my company.

A conference can be so much more than just a chance to get away from your desk and your day-to-day duties (Although, that's a great plus too!).

This Professional Tip Tuesday is how to make the most of this awesome experience! 





Here are 4 big ways to take advantage of a work related conference.
1. GO! 
- Seems obvious doesn't it? But it's easy to get caught up in your work and decide not to attend. This could be a major advantage for career development and future promotions. If your company is hosting or sending you to a conference - it will be in your best interest to check it out!

2. Pick the agenda. 
- If there are break out sessions - pick the ones that are most relevant to you! That doesn't always mean the sessions that apply to your current job. Pick the courses that interest you and what you'd like to do with your career.


3. Take it in. 
- Write down all you can. The name and contact info of the speakers, the main points of the sessions, and the resources they cite to learn more. Especially if you will be at the conference all day long, it will be hard to remember all that you hear. All of these very important people aren't getting together for nothin'. Whatever you are listening to could be the next big thing!

4. Network. 
- Take advantage of breaks throughout the day and lunchtime conversations. You never know who you are sitting next to or how they can help you in the future. Bring business cards and take some notes on the people you meet. Reach out to them after it's over (the same way you would at a Career Fair). They can be great resources on your next project or maybe even during a future career move!

We've all probably attended conferences. Whether it's for an organization or a job, they can be one of the best ways to connect to people that will help you with your career. How do you make the most of conferences? Comment below!

PTT: Pro Tips for Resume Writing

Professional Tip Tuesday

In the spirit of Career Fairs and job hunting season, I wanted to share this incredible infographic I found on Pinterest. 

10 Easy Steps to a Better Resume.

I have a love / hate relationship with resume writing. It is not an easy task. But seeing the finished product always brings a feeling of accomplishment. 

The average employer will spend about 30 second skimming your resume.. 30 seconds! That's a short amount of time for 1 page with lots of print to stand out in a stack. The infographic posted below does a great job of breaking down the important elements of a resume to make your experiences shine!

Originally posted by www.yellowlinelabs.com

One of the hardest, but most important tips Yellow Line Labs calls out is your approach. Telling the company how your skills and abilities will benefit them is key. If you can show them that you will add value to their mission, their organization, and their team - you will be a far better candidate for it.

So since resumes can be so tricky - my question for you is: How do you jazz up your resume and make it stand out? Comment below to share your thoughts! 

PTT: How to Rock the Career Fair

Professional Tip Tuesday
This time, last year, I was probably freaking out a little bit. The career fair was quickly approaching and all of a sudden everything was starting to feel real. Graduation was 7 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days away. And I still had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. 

Oh, the game of life.

Walking into that career fair for the first time was terrifying and exciting. There were rows and rows filled with so many companies. Employers from all across the country were right in front of me. And I had no idea where life was going to take me.

Career fairs can be an awesome way to see your options, network, and open some doors. It's not very often you get a sea of employers who are hiring all in the same place. With all of that in mind, this week's Professional Tip Tuesday is:

How to rock the career fair. 

As you prepare for the fair, here are some questions to think about: 

1. How should you prepare?

• Research! If you know a little something, it will for sure set you apart from the masses.
• Use that amazing source we all have access to - the internet! 
• Spend 15 minutes and look up at least 5 companies that you know will be at the career fair and write down 2 facts about each of them. You won't regret it. 
• Be ready. Get all of your stuff together in advance. 
• Finalize your resume and have someone look it over. Print 5+ copies (depending on how ambitious you are feeling!). 
• Use a plain folder or padfolio to keep your resumes from getting all crinkled. Bring a piece of paper to take some notes and a pen.

2. How do you talk to employers?

• Be confident. Flash a big smile, go for the handshake if it seems appropriate, and say something super original like...
• "Hi, my name is Anna. I am graduating this May and I am looking for a full time job." 
• The research will help. But even if you see a company there you have never heard of, don't be afraid to wing it. Also, flattery will get you far.
• i.e. "Hi, my name is Anna. I am graduating this May and I am looking for a full time job. [Insert company name] looks like an awesome place to work.. can you tell me a little bit about it?" 
• Be open minded. Don't pass up an employer just because you don't think it's for you. Last year, I got a free trip to Texas just to interview for a company I almost didn't stop to talk to.

  

  My first 'business trip' flying in style into DFW International Airport.

3. How can you follow up? 

• Following up can be one of the most important parts. It's how you develop a network and show initiative. 
• Immediately after you leave a company's booth, take down some notes about what you talked about. Try and be as specific as possible. 
• After the fair, email the person or send them a message on LinkedIn. Use the notes you took to make it feel personal! 
• i.e. "Hi Susie, It was nice to meet you today. It was great to hear how much you like x about your job. I would love to learn more about your role and the company. What next steps are there for applying? Thanks for your time, -Anna"

Those are 3 big things that can help you make the most out of the career fair! Have you attended a career fair before? What are your go-to tips for talking to employers? Comment below.

And in case you were wondering.. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. But I think exploration is what your twenties are for :)

PTT: Blurred Lines

Professional Tip Tuesday
Over the weekend, my sweet boyfriend and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. He got me an awesome old-school Raleigh bicycle - now we are ready to explore Kansas City in style!

A happy girl with a new set of wheels!

Aside from that, I happened to read a HuffPost article that said: 22% of Americans meet their significant other in the workplace and 84% of millennials are totally okay with that.

           
Britt and I must be part of that 84%. We met when we worked for the orientation program at our university and now we both work together at the same company as post-grads! Just call us Jim and Pam. 

This week's Professional Tip Tuesday is inspired by my weekend activities and my boyfriend's love for The Office.

Summer 2011 - Just a couple of Orientation Hawkeye Guides.

Jim and Pam's office DOs and DON'Ts.

DO... 

• DO try and separate yourselves professionally. - As an admin and a sales guy, Jim and Pam can definitely attest to this one. 
• It will be better for your relationship and your career if you are working in two different parts of the company. 
• Why? You won't be directly competing with each other. This will save you from tension at the workplace and with your relationship.
• DO support each other's dreams and career goals. - Take note, boys. Jim encouraging Pam to take art classes is sweet as can be.
• Do what you can to help each other succeed. Leverage each other's skills and knowledge to get where you want to be in your career.
• Why? There is nothing better than having someone on your side - especially when they know the ins and outs of the workplace.

DON'T...

• DON'T be inseparable. - Didn't Jim and Pam seem a little nutso with those mini-bluetooths?
• It is nice to be able to chat occasionally during the workday, but keep it to a minimum. 
• Why? Even if you are getting all of your work done - it won't look good if your coworkers, or your manager for that matter, catch you chatting with your significant other all day. ...Even if your manager is Michael Scott.
• DON'T let your relationship woes show at work. - While Michael Scott isn't afraid to pry, Jim and Pam do a little too much oversharing at times too. 
• It doesn't matter if it's a coworker that is getting a little nosy, or if you are just feeling a little extra chatty - do not divulge.
• Why? Your co-workers are not always looking out for the best interest of your relationship (or your career). Plus, in the heat of the moment you might say something you don't actually mean. And it makes it even more awkward that they work with your significant other also.

There you have it, some office relationship DO's and DON'T's from Jim and Pam.

With the significant number of millennials okay with dating a co-worker, I was surprised to find there weren't many articles on the subject. The only search results were about "office flings". It will be interesting to see what research and studies will come out in the future on this topic.

Comment below with your thoughts on office relationships. Any "Do's" and "Don'ts" of your own? 

Modern Day Manners

I have always been a huge manners person. And in my experience so far, I would say politeness will get you far. People love to be appreciated. I think my good etiquette savviness comes from my lovely grandmother. She is someone I would describe as graceful in every sense of the word.

My wonderful grandparents.

But as a 22-year-old "adult", proper etiquette can get a little tricky. So when I stumbled across The Grown Up Guide to Modern Manners on Pinterest this evening, I had to share it! 

Check it out and let me know what you think. The author mentions the proper protocol for tips, cell phones, weddings, and parties. All good things for a young professional to brush up on! 

What are your go-to "modern" manners? Comment below! 

PTT: First Week Success

Professional Tip Tuesday

I made it through the first day.. and it wasn't too bad! If the 'real world' really consists of an occasional free lunch, more company goodies, and hanging out with your peers - I think I will be just fine. It also doesn't hurt that my start date was a Thursday. There is no better way to ease into the 8-5 grind then with a two-day work week! 

The first two days were just orientation for me. We learned about the company's history, the culture, and received our laptops (score!). But now it's time to think about how to successfully rock the first full week! So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday -


How to make the most of the first week of a new job. 

 Introduce yourself - Just go for it!

• As a newbie, you have the perfect intro! i.e. "Hi! My name is Anna. I just started last Thursday. How's it going?" 
• Whenever you get the chance, introduce yourself to people in other departments and different positions. Not only is it helpful to have a better idea of what happens across the company, but it is also beneficial for when you want to further develop your career.

After you make that initial connection - connect! Let the networking begin.

• Following a quality convo with a colleague, add them on your company's intranet site or on LinkedIn. If you can, include a short message just reminding them of something you talked about. "It was great meeting you today in the break room! Looking forward to working with you at Company!"

Ask LOTS of questions - now is the time!

• Take advantage of the fact that you are new and everyone is expecting you to have questions. You are introduced to so many great people and resources as you are training for your new position. And that comes with a lot of questions. But keep 'em coming.. The people training you want you to succeed!

These are three of the biggies for me so far.. but it's only Tuesday! I still have three more days in my work week. What tips do you have for a successful first week and first impression as a newbie? Comment with your ideas!

PTT: First Day "Do's"

Professional Tip Tuesday

The past week and a half has been fantastic. I have explored the city, talked to some locals, and (most importantly) relaxed by the pool. One of my proudest accomplishments in my new city is that I can get make it about 8 miles away from my apartment without a GPS!

Britt has definitely benefited from my apartment's pool as well.

But my last real 'summer vacation' is coming to a close. 
I will be a working girl in T-Minus: 2 Days. As much as I really want to enjoy my last few days of freedom, my mind won't stop racing as I think about my first day. So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday is:

The top 5 tips on how to be prepared for the first day of a new job.

1) The Dry-Run. Don't just rely on Google Maps the day of.. Test out the drive to work a couple of days before you start.

• Especially if you are new to town. Familiarize yourself with the route, be on the lookout for construction or delays, and give yourself less reason to worry on the first day's commute.

2) Do a little digging. What does your company do again?

• I interviewed and accepted my job offer in November 2012. Doing research before the interview is important - but it's just as crucial to be fresh on your first day. 
• Also - if you find any recent news articles about the company it can serve as an awesome conversation starter when you begin to meet your coworkers. "Oh you work on the marketing team? I just saw in the newspaper our company was voted number 3 in marketing!"

3) Be ready.. the night before. Pick out your clothes and gather anything you might need. 

What to wear, what to wear?

• Pick out your outfit and set out everything you need for your first day. This will make the morning a lot less hectic. 
• **Don't forget: What documents will you need on Day One (i.e. Drivers License, SS Card, a blank check)? If you're not sure, email your company a few days before to clarify.

4) Set two alarms. A little excessive? Nah.  

• By setting two alarms you are ensuring you won't sleep through the buzzer and wake up in a total panic with no time to spare. Especially for those of us transitioning out of vacation mode. 6:30AM might feel like the middle of the night. 
• This is also good because you will just sleep better. The safety net of two alarms allows you to rest a little easier knowing you will for sure be awake on time. 

5) Early is always better. Even with the dry run, don't push it. Plan to be at least 10-15 minutes early. 

• It's never fun to show up late. Especially on the first day. Give yourself plenty of extra time in the morning to get ready and drive to work. 
• Plus if you are early, maybe you can do a little networking and make a quick connection right away with some of your coworkers.

So those are my top 5 tips to prepare for the first day. What are your go-to strategies on the first day of a new adventure? Comment below with your ideas! 

PTT: The Fab 4 for Networking

Professional Tip Tuesday

Networking - the four essential archetypes for the ideal office network. 

I loved the article posted last week on Fast Company - The  4 People You Need for an Awesome Network - and I wanted to share it for this week's Professional Tip Tuesday. If you have ever worked in an office setting, you have probably met a few of the characters described in the post. In fact, I'm sure you have found these people within any experience you might have had. That solid network in your organization can prove to be beneficial throughout your career (**hint, hint: keep in touch!). 

At this point, we have all heard it.. networking is key for any professional. I am here to tell you, it's true. In the business world today, where so many jobs are people based it is crucial that you rely on your network to accomplish your career goals.

The last two years of college, I actively searched for internships and jobs. I was also an intern in the campus career center. With all of that I met A LOT of business people. I was under the impression it was important to connect to all of them. LinkedIn makes that all to easy. I probably sent out a few too many LinkedIn invitations (but that's for a later PTT post).

But to my surprise, the author of this article wisely points out there are only four essential people for that close network. That's not to say you shouldn't make an effort to get to know your coworkers. It's good to stock your network with the people you frequently interact with on a daily basis at the office.

The key message is - The following four character types are crucial relationships for your network. They will make all the difference in your professional and career development.

1) The Social Butterfly - this person is the ultimate connector!

• If the Social Butterfly learns that you have an interest a new project, they will probably want to introduce you to their friend, the head of that project. 

2) The Mentor - This person is ready to take you under their wing.

• This person displays openness and always wants to help. Feel free to ask them questions and definitely go to them for advice. 

3) The Computer Guy - Insider knowledge on the office technology!

• In this technology driven business world, being in-the-know on the cool tech stuff in store for the office is a great advantage! Plus it's always good to have a computer savvy friend when something inevitably goes awry. 

4) The Newer-New-Person - This is your chance to be someone's 'person'!

• The fourth person for the network is the newest employee. We have all been there! Pay it forward with some nice words and key advice. Maybe even tell them about the 4 essentials for a good office network :) 

**(For the original and full descriptions, click here to see the article on Fast Company)


Have you known any of these people in offices or organizations you've been apart of? Any words of wisdom on how to get to know them? Comment below!