THE
WORK BOOK
Okay. We get it. It’s nerve-racking to establish yourself as a professional adult. Let’s make things a bit easier with the tips below. Take it a step at a time.
TIE A TIE ACCEPT A JOB OFFER FIND A JOB DECLINE A JOB OFFER SET YOUR OWN DEADLINES GET READY FOR AN INTERVIEW DRESS FOR WORK GET A JOB WITH NO EXPERIENCE NETWORK PROFESSIONALLY WRITE A GOOD RESUME
HOW-TO
SET YOUR OWN DEADLINES Not the most organized person? Need to get on top of your work?
1
Make sure your deadlines are realistic for you.
2 Build in a rewards system. Have to do a proposal by 4 pm? Treat yourself with a nice dinner.
3 Build in a punishment system. Give yourself some consequences. No one wants this. It’ll motivate you to finish.
4 Set online reminders with website tools like ToDoist.
5 Break it down. Live by the 45/15 rule. For every 45 minutes you work, take a 15 minute break.
6 Try to keep organized, it’s for the best.
HOW-TO
FIND A JOB This might be terrifying for you but trust us, you’ll survive.
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Find job listings. Look online or in newspapers.
3 Use job search tools via various websites online.
2 Focus your job search. What are you really looking for in this position? Think of your personal goals. 1. 2. 3. 4.
4 Create a list of companies that you would like to work for and mark preferred choices.
5 Connect with your contacts, sometimes a person from your past could hold a job opportunity.
6 Build your brand. Be present online. Know what your employers will see when they search your name online.
7 Target your resume and cover letter to each work place that you are applying to.
8 Practice your interview with friends and ace it when the time comes for the real one!
9 Follow up with interviewer and send a thank you note to all those involved in your hiring process.
10 Wait patiently. Accept or decline the offer if you get the job. Congrats!
HOW-TO
GET READY FOR AN INTERVIEW Nervous? That’s totally normal. Here’s some tips to help you through this.
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Research the employer, job, and person interviewing you. Knowledge of job is an extremely important part.
2 Review common interview questions and prepare answers. Detailed yet conscise answers with examples are best.
3 Dress for success. Choose an outfit that fits the organization and culture well.
4 Arrive on time, typically 15 min. early to fill out paperwork and mentally prepare.
5 Bring extra copies of resume, references and samples of work. Remember to bring a notebook and pens to jot down notes.
6 Make good impressions — be authentic, upbeat, focused, confident, candid, and concise.
7 Ask insightful questions. Prepare questions before your interview.
8 Thank interviewer, follow up with email or mail.
HOW-TO
GET A JOB WITH NO EXPERIENCE Just got out of school? No work or internships? You still can make it.
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Identify why you would be great for this job. Think of your personal traits that apply.
2 Don’t worry about being a perfect match. People get hired all the time without meeting all their qualifications.
3 Write a great cover letter. Explain why you’d excel & that you’re excited about this great job opportunity.
4 Pay attention to soft skills: friendliness, professionalism, responsiveness, and followthrough. They serve as counterweights to your experience.
5 Highlight your experiences. It doesn’t have to be work, just examples of useful skills.
6 Don’t be too confident; don’t be too shy. Try to be cool.
7 If experience is consistently an issue, consider getting an internship or volunteer some place nice.
8 Be realistic, above all else. Will you get a job that wants 10+ years of experience? Absolutely not.
HOW-TO
TIE A TIE Want to tie a simple half-Windsor knot? Give it a shot.
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Cross one end over other and make it longer.
2 Take long end and go under shorter end.
3 Bring longer end up. 4 Take longer end and bring in and down. 5 Cross longer end over shorter again. 6 Bring longer end up. 7 Loosen knot and slide longer end through slot. 8 Tighten. Rejoice. You’re looking fancy now.
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HOW-TO
DRESS FOR WORK Ah, yes. The infamous question we’ve all been asking. Let’s break it down.
MEN
WOMEN Baseline Casual
• nice t-shirts/casual collared shirts • dark denims • tasteful sneakers
• tidy, fitted t-shirts, blouses or sweaters • clean, crisp denims • elegant sandals/boots
Mainstream Casual • blouses, possible blazer • skirt/slacks • open toe shoe
• shirts/sweaters in a variety of colors • slacks or corduroy • relaxed but elegant shoes
Executive Casual • bright colored/patterned shirts and ties • sports coat and jackets • dressy slacks • loafers
• bright colored shirts • unique accessories • fashionable jacket • skirt/slacks • closed toe pumps
Traditional Business Attire • simple colored shirts and ties • dark, subtly patterned suits • dark brown or navy blue oxfords
• tops without deep neckline • suits can be more brightly colored • tights • closed toe heels
HOW-TO
ACCEPT A JOB OFFER Loved the company and could see yourself working there? Perfect.
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Accept offer over the phone first, call the hiring manager and inform them of your good news.
2 Don’t leave a voicemail, instead leave a message saying you’d like to discuss the offer.
3 Write a formal acceptance letter to confirm your salary and other details in writing. Email is okay too.
4 Clarify any questions you might have.
5 Notify other companies you have been considered for that you must decline their job offers.
6 Congratulations! You’ve got a real job! Go you!
HOW-TO
DECLINE A JOB OFFER Disliked many aspects of this company? It’s okay, you can do better.
Call the hiring manager soon so they can quickly hire another good job candidate.
2 Thank the hiring manager, the people you met, & the company for their decision to hire you. Be sincere
3 Decline gracefully. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to accept your offer as I have...” is a good template.
4 Wish the company luck in their search and thank them again, you never know when you’ll need a job again.
5 Email works too. Follow the guidelines above.
6 Keep looking for a better suited company. You’ve got this.
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HOW-TO
NETWORK PROFESSIONALLY What is this “networking” that everyone is talking about?
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Make a list of people in your network (friends, family, and even acquaintences).
2 Reach out to contacts; tell them you are looking for a job.
3 Have an elevator pitch prepared, simply sum up the “professional you� to others.
4 Learn the art of small talk.
5 Listen when spoken to, think, and then respond with thought.
6 Ask for business cards and follow up to keep in contact.
7 Networking is a two-way street; find ways to reciprocate things done for you.
8 Stay in touch with key contacts and prioritize the rest of them.
HOW-TO
WRITE A GOOD RESUME Employers see these quickly. Make sure you make a good impression.
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One page only, period. Only list the stuff that is relevant to the position you want.
3 List everything positive that you can think of about past positions, and use those best examples.
5 When ordering the items on your resume, always put the best items at the top.
7 Write a one-page cover letter that states your interest in the specific position and why you’re qualified for it.
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2 Write everything with active verbs like “led” and “created.”
4 Assert your abilities at the top of the resume, but be sure they’re backed up by concrete achievements that follow.
Leave accurate and professional contact info. Use a professional email address.
8 Don’t be flashy in the design of the resume. If not a creative field, keep the type simple and clean.
One Step at a Time