Jun
27
If you do one thing before you embark on your job search do this!
Filed Under Job search, Personal awareness, Reflection
REFLECT
Think about what you have done in your life so far.This applies whether you are 16 or 60.
Maybe start with your job history - education history if you are just starting out.
Remember what you did. Write it down. Tell a friend. Talk out loud. Identify what happened and your role in that.
Think about feedback you have had.
Think about times when you felt wonderful. Think about the tricky times.
When you have done this …WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF?
The number one biggest mistake - by far - I encounter is underestimation of skills, talent and knowledge.
I see CVs with lists of “work experience” without any hint at all about the part that person played
STOP IT NOW!
- if you have ever written an essay you must have done some research - think about your approach to that
- if you have ever made a new friend you must have a way of getting to know people and finding out about them -how did you do that
- if you have ever arranged a night out think about your approach to organising
- if you have ever ensured that members of your family get to where they need to be on time consider your approach to planning and diary management
- if you have ever made something from scratch - understand how you go about getting the knowledge, gathering the materials, finishing it off
- if you have ever worked in a team - or played in a team - remember how you operated, what was uncomfortable and how you dealt with that, and how your team-mates felt about your performance.
Build up a picture of yourself - and then sit back and reflect some more on that.
I don’t suggest you use these exact examples in an interview but they would make a very sound basis for building other experiences on. And remember, sometimes starting the process is hard but when you get going it becomes much easier.
And it is amazing how good it feels when you give yourself credit for what you have to offer.
Last week I worked with a group of year 9’s (13/14yr olds) and asked them to list down at least two things they are proud of doing and listing three strengths.
It was a shame to see that many felt things like leading a young team, dealing with personal sickness, negotiating conflict, they saw as minor. Thing is many adults who are used to writing CV’s dont even really think about their own strengths either.
Lovely article by the way. Resonates.
Hey Dave - thanks for the comment
Who do young people turn to when it comes to writing CVs. The very adults you mention above. Wouldn’t it be a great idea to get an oldie and a youngster to collaborate on each other’s CVs?
It most definitely would be. Working on an idea for this as we speak (Ssshhhh)
I am intrigued! Keep us informed - please?