For example:

• Why should we hire you?
• Tell me about yourself?
• What are your strengths?
• Tell me about your experience?

These questions are best answered in a format that allows you to either tell a story relating to your performance as a high functioning employee or describes a problem that you solved for your previous employer. This will be relevant to the person interviewing you.

I advise against giving one line answers like, “I am a hard worker.” That is a sure way to bore the interviewer and show that you absolutely did not prepare before the interview. You should take some time to prepare before any interview. How do you do this? Think about your accomplishments. How did you achieve these accomplishments? What was the process, starting point, problem and solution. Follow this format…

Create a few simple stories that illustrate the following;

• Problem, situation, or opportunity you faced
• Actions you took
• Results of the action you took to benefit your boss or company

Example:

• Department sales were down 5%
• Created a referral incentive program to reward referrals for new sales
• Increase sales by 15% within 30 days

Most likely, your story will have more details when you use it to answer questions like, “Why should we hire you?” The point here is to have some accomplishments in story format that you can recall during an interview to illustrate success and value as a possible new hire.

(Linkconnector validation)

For example, some recent graduates only want a full-time, permanent job and will not consider freelancing or doing temp or project work. This will automatically put them behind their competitors that have started out doing freelance projects such as logo designs or poster designs for local businesses or start ups. Every design you create after graduation will help build up your portfolio. It will also prove your desire to work in the competitive design industry.

I recommend that students start looking for freelance projects at least a year before they graduate. The sooner the better depending on your skill level. This will give you plenty of opportunities to make mistakes that can be “lessons learned,” while still a student.

Listing several freelance projects on your resume with a portfolio that supports your experience will give you the best chance at getting that full-time, entry-level position. Internships can also be a huge competitive factor. Consider doing several internships and freelancing at the same time if you are having trouble obtaining interviews for full-time positions. Check out CreativeInterns.com.

LinkedIn? Twitter? Facebook? Google+?

Each social media tool has different benefits but I believe the best resource for creating a professional profile and connecting with recruiters and employers is LinkedIn.com. Users can create a profile, post links, add applications for presentations with SlideShare.net, research companies and join or create groups related to their industry. LinkedIn groups can be a powerful tool for connecting with your industry. For example, I am the creator of CreativeInterns group and a member of The Art Institute group.

Group members often share their needs, skills and updates within the group forum as well as ask for advice and referrals during online conversations. Contribute quality content and resources within the group and you may be ranked as a “Top Influencer.” This kind of interaction can increase your exposure to employers, recruiters and industry professionals.

The other social media tools are useful too but do not forget to leave your house and meet real live people at events. There is no substitute for meeting people in person and sharing conversations and resources offline.

If you need personalized assistance with your career path, contact me at me directly.

Marc Scoleri
Career Advisor Online

Here are some recommendations for anyone that is thinking about a career change but feels they do not have the ability, openness or freedom to say “yes” to new opportunities that could push their career into a new and exhilarating direction.

• Take some time off  for the sole purpose of self-discovery.
• Volunteer for an organization that relates to your beliefs.
• There are numerous online resources, here is one:  http://www.voa.org/.
• Attend and volunteer at an event that aligns with your interests.
• My favorite – If you have enough money saved (rent, food and health care benefits for at least a year) consider resigning from your current job or asking for a leave of absence. For me, this is the ideal situation to enable maximum openness and availability to say “yes” to any opportunity that comes your way. Frame it as a new beginning and not as quiting your job.

As you can see, career change and openness to new opportunities can seem risky or fearful and can be handled many different ways. Consider which method is best for your specific situation and try one or more of the above recommendations. I would be interested in hearing from any readers about their own experiences with openness and career change.

When did you become more open to making a career change and how did you go about it?

Did you resign, take a leave of absence, start a side business while working full-time or go volunteer or route?

Check it out!

“How To” videos and online tutorials and online education has been an increasingly popular way for people to learn. Recently, I came across howcast.com when searching for additional resources to refer to entry-level design professionals.
Check out some of the videos posted for design careers by clicking here!