Dec 27, 2023
The Job Interview: Your Big Chance to Impress
Interviewing for a job is one of the most anxiety- causing events a person can endure. In fact, recent studies show that a whopping 93 percent of candidates experience some sort of anxiety when facing an interview. We’ve all heard horror stories of interviews gone wrong – the guy who tossed his beer can in the lobby trash container before walking in to meet the CEO, the guy who brought his dog in a duffle bag in hopes of some moral support, or the girl who wore dirty sweatpants to an engineering job interview, coolly telling the employer “I’m here to program, not audition to be a fashion model!” Yikes! Most likely, none of these people will ever be you! But chances are you might find yourself in that 93 percent, facing some sort of jitters when the big day arrives. Job interviews can certainly be intimidating, but they don’t have to be. With the right tips and tricks, you can learn how to land an interview and make a lasting impression from the moment you walk in the door.
So just where did the idea of the job interview come from? Several years ago, before LinkedIn, Indeed and Monster were around, job seekers scoured the classified section in the local newspaper. Classified ads used to indicate special requirements, such as if the job was meant for a man or woman, single or married, etc. Candidates could be selected for the job based on appearance, religious affiliation, and age. Those of color, foreign accents and physical disabilities were unfavorably classified from securing a job. Thankfully, officials began passing federal laws in the 1960s, outlawing hiring practices based on color, national origin, religion, and gender. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 provided monetary damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination. Today, it would be nearly unheard of for someone to be discriminated against because of nationality or race.
While LinkedIn remains one of the top ways people land interviews, it is often a personal introduction that does the trick. As one employer pointed out, “If we have to post a job listing on LinkedIn or Indeed, this means we have run through the list of all potential internal candidates as well as any personal referrals.” Word of mouth often comes in handy. In other words, it’s all about who you know. This is why it is so crucial to spend your college years networking with professionals through internships, volunteering, or other opportunities.
Things have changed quite a bit in the professional world in the last few years, particularly post-pandemic. Here are a few recent statistics you may find surprising:
*69 % of employers now use video calls to conduct the first interview
*The average candidate goes through 2-3 interviews before landing a job offer
*The average time from the interview to a job offer is approximately 24 business days
*The average job posting gets over 200 resumes in response
*Of those 200 plus resumes, only 20 percent usually receive a response and a chance at an interview
*The average first interview lasts only 15 minutes, while a second interview may last 45 minutes or longer
If this sounds daunting, take heart. Landing an interview means you’ve managed to stand out above the rest. You’ve already done the hard part! If you get a phone call or email, this means your resume or work has impressed your future employer in some way, and they want to know more! Instead of thinking of the interview as a frightening process, think of it instead as a “get to know you more.” The employer has seen you on paper, and now they want to meet you in person to see if you might be a good fit. If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’ve done something right!
So just what do employers look for during that first interview? How can you make sure you make a lasting impression that will ultimately land you the job? Here a few simple DOs and DON’Ts:
*DO attempt to make a good first impression from the moment you walk in the door. Statistics show that the average employer sizes up a future candidate in just seven seconds. Give a firm handshake (if they extend one first) and make sure you’re properly dressed. Nothing screams “I’m not interested” more than inappropriate attire. In fact, one in four recruiters say they would pass on a candidate who was not dressed right for the job. If dealing with a recruiter, it’s perfectly okay to ask what sort of attire an employer prefers. If the company is more high-end, for example, a full business suit might be best. If the company is more laid back, business casual might do the trick. As a general rule, it’s always best to be overdressed rather than underdressed.
*DON’T be late! A whopping 84% of employers said someone showing up late for an interview was an almost guaranteed disqualifier. If you genuinely run into a dilemma before the interview and know you’ll be running late, it’s best practice to contact them as soon as possible to let them know. Even then, it might still be a turn off. So make sure to leave plenty of time to drive and park. Check traffic before you leave. Lay out your clothes the night before and do anything else you might need to do ahead of time to avoid last-minute issues.
*DON’T appear arrogant. Seventy-six percent of recruiters say they would reject a candidate who appears arrogant either on a resume, in person or over the phone. Note that there is a big difference between arrogance and confidence. Confidence is an essential quality in a candidate, and it’s certainly okay to boast about your skills. But doing so in an arrogant way won’t get you far.
*DO your research. Nearly half of candidates are rejected because they didn’t know much about the company. Doing your research shows you are intelligent, informed, and enthusiastic. Nothing says “I don’t want the job” like scratching your head and coming up blank when an employer asks why you want to work for them.
*DO make eye contact. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to make eye contact 60 to 70% of the time during the interview. Body language tells a lot about a person, and if your eyes are downcast the whole time, an employer may sense you lack confidence. Try to smile, even if your nerves get the best of you. Employers know you’re anxious, and most want to put you at ease. If you feel your hands shaking, try clasping them in your lap. And avoid tapping your feet or shifting in your chair if possible.
*Do be prepared to discuss your soft skills. 78 % of employers consider soft skills important and will want to ask you about them. Essentially, soft skills show what sort of employee and team player you will be. You might have mad computer skills, but if you are uptight and can’t get along with others, an employer will likely pass.
*Lastly, DO be yourself. This might sound cliché, but it’s highly important. Despite the nerves, try to relax and speak from the heart. If the setting feels appropriate, you might even offer a little humor to lighten things up. Take cues from the employer; if they make a joke, don’t be afraid to laugh in return. While, as a general rule, it’s usually not a good idea to disclose much personal information during a job interview, it’s okay to share a bit when asked. If an employer mentions his love of dogs, you might jump in and mention your poodle at home. Again, follow the cues. And don’t forget to smile!
For more on the job interview, order your copy of College to Career today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Oct 26, 2023
The Evolution of Social Media
It’s an average day for Average Joe. He wakes up, powers up his iPhone and checks his Facebook account. After scrolling through some posts, he updates his status. “Just getting ready for class,” he writes. “Hope the day rolls by fast!” He then checks his Instagram, commenting on his brother’s photo collage and his girlfriend’s latest cat photos. After scarfing down a bagel, he posts a picture of his own. “No gourmet meal here,” he captions the picture before heading out to class.
In English class, Joe’s professor discusses the upcoming Academy Awards show. The professor assigns the class to pick a movie that is up for an award, watch it and then write a review. Joe goes home and takes to Twitter, trying to find out which movie has gotten the most acclaim. He at last settles on a flick. After watching the movie, he updates his Facebook status again. “Better than I thought it would be,” he writes. “Hope it nabs an award.”
It’s dinner time, and Joe’s girlfriend is coming over. He’s not much of a cook, so he jumps on Pinterest to see what’s cooking. After searching up a few meals, he settles on a tasty looking Greek dish. He hopes to impress his girlfriend, who doesn’t know he has a Pinterest account. After dinner, Joe finishes his homework and hops on LinkedIn before heading to bed. He’s not very active on the site, but his professor says it’s a great way to find a job, so he’s been poking around. He updates his resume, checks out some profiles and reads a couple blogs. Before shutting down his phone, he checks his Instagram once more. He is pleased to see his Greek dish of homemade hummus and falafel has made it to his girlfriend’s account; the photo already has 62 likes. Joe drifts happily off to sleep.
Does Average Joe sound a bit like you?
Just two decades ago, students wrote notes and stuffed them into locker doors at school. When news broke, they picked up the old family phone and made a call. Families connected with relatives through the mail, penning letters on fancy stationery. When folks looked for a job, they scoured the local newspaper, delivered an application in person and waited anxiously by the telephone for good news. And when friends and family wanted to share photos, they took their 35 mm film to the drug store, printed them and popped them in the mail. But times have changed since then — just a bit!
These days, it seems almost impossible to imagine a world without social media. Whether it be Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or LinkedIn, most high school and college students have been influenced by these tools in some way or another. Social media, without a doubt, has become a powerful part of our lives. With just a few clicks of a phone or computer mouse, we can send photos, post updates and share major events with those we love. Social media, and the wide world of technology, have changed our lives for good. Like it or not, there is no going back.
Wikipedia defines the classification of social media as many different forms: magazines, Internet forums, weblogs, social blogs, microblogging, wikis, social networks, podcasts, photographs or pictures, video, ranting and social bookmarking. Technologies include blogging, picture sharing, vlogs, wall posting, music sharing, crowd sourcing and voice over IP, just to name a few. New applications, websites and software are constantly evolving and showing up on the scene. The world faces an ever-dynamic system of new startups, upgrades, changes and enhancements, making programs more sophisticated than ever. Just as Apple continues to upgrade and redefine the iPhone every couple years, social media sites constantly seek improvement too. It is an ever-evolving world, and it can be hard to keep up. With technology advancing by the day, things will only move forward, not back.
Today, over half the world now uses some form of social media, with 60 percent of people on various sites. 4.80 billion people around the world use various platforms, with 150 million new users coming online within the past year. The average person, like Average Joe, spends nearly 2.5 hours on social media per day.
So just how did social media begin? And who had dibs on it first?
You’ve probably never heard of it, but in March 2002, a site called Friendstr was launched by a Canadian computer programmer named Jonathan Abrams. It grew to several hundred users within a few weeks and then to over 3 million users by early 2003, becoming the world’s first social media platform that engaged the mainstream. LinkedIn came along a year later, officially making its debut in May of 2003. While this went on to become a great networking tool for professionals, it was a little site called MySpace that really paved the way for social connection online. Launched by a guy named Tom Anderson (yes, that guy in the iconic white T-shirt, who became your first MySpace “friend”!) in August 2003, MySpace revolutionized the online community, particularly in the music sector. People could search for long-lost friends and lovers and reconnect. Initially, it spread like wildfire. In July 2005, MySpace was acquired by News Corporation for $580 million, and in June 2006, it surpassed Yahoo and Google to become the most visited website in the United States. At its peak in April 2008, Myspace and Facebook reached 115 million monthly visitors, but Myspace could not keep up with its newly emerged competitor. Launched by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook soon bumped MySpace out of its number one spot.
From there, the social media revolution continued. Reddit came next, followed by YouTube. Twitter was launched by Jack Dorsey in March 2006, followed by Pinterest in 2010. Instagram made its debut that same year. Today, the younger generation prefers Instagram to Facebook when it comes to sharing photos and news. As one teen so kindly informed her mother: “Mom, Facebook is now for old folks.” But with nearly 3 billion people around the world still using the site, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
Like Average Joe, your life has likely been impacted by social media in some way. Beyond sharing cat photos, cooking ideas and vacation highlights, it can also be a great way to network and launch your career. To learn more about the evolution of social media, order your copy of College to Career today!
For more on your voice, check out College to Career today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Oct 7, 2023
LinkedIn: Connect for Success
When I began my career in the early 90s, social media did not exist. Professionals stayed connected over the telephone. When we needed to reach someone, we used a Rolodex, a handy flip device on our desk that included all our contacts’ phone numbers. Computers and technology were still evolving, and Excel spreadsheets and other tracking software did not exist. Land-line phones and snail mail were our primary means of communication. And if we needed to look for a job? We picked up this old fashioned thing called a newspaper and turned to classified ads. Ha! Boy, how times have changed.
When LinkedIn first came into the spotlight, I shied away. I felt I was too old for social media; best to leave these modes of communication to the younger generations. But then I read a few books that changed my mind. As I began thinking about launching my own business, I quickly realized that if I was going to be successful and help companies all over the United States, I needed to expand my knowledge of social media. And LinkedIn was a big part of that puzzle. So I embraced it and jumped on, creating a profile. I started using the site on a regular basis, implementing a solid strategy. Soon, recognition of my profile began to grow. One year after launching my business and just two years after implementing my strategy, I received an email note from LinkedIn: “You have one of the top 1 percent most viewed LinkedIn profiles for 2012.” I was thrilled! Perhaps, as the saying goes, an old dog can learn new tricks after all!
Here are a few staggering statistics about LinkedIn, the top site for connecting with other professionals.
*As of 2015, there were just 347 million users on LinkedIn. Today, that number has soared to 930 million.
*Every second, two or more new LinkedIn members join the site.
*187 million people visit the site each month.
*LinkedIn currently reaches 200 countries and territories.
*The site is available in 20 different languages.
*25 million LinkedIn profiles are viewed every day.
*39 million students and recent grads are on LinkedIn.
Are you one of those 39 million?
Recent studies show that one of the top reasons students and recent college grads do not set up a LinkedIn profile is because they do not feel they have enough real life experience to boast about. As one reluctant student lamented, “I haven’t even had one professional job. Who would possibly be interested in my profile?”
Believe it or not, a lot of people! Whether you’re still in college, just graduated or already getting your feet wet in the working world, it’s never too late to join LinkedIn. If you have yet to create a profile, fear not. It’s simple, takes only a bit of time to set up and can be life changing. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re new to the platform.
- When creating your LinkedIn profile, make sure to include an appropriate photo. Don’t have a fancy head shot? No worries. Perhaps a good friend or a budding photographer can take some photos for you. Select a nice outfit, comb your hair, and don’t forget to smile! A definite no-no? That photo of you in a bikini on a beach in Hawaii, or a candid shot of you drinking a beer on a boat. Keep it professional, please!
- Volunteer experience counts! Twenty percent of managers have hired someone based on their volunteer experience. So if you’re afraid those two weeks you spent volunteering at a summer science camp are not relevant, think again. Potential employers like to see you’re involved in your community and other places outside the classroom. Volunteer experience can be a great way to beef up your resume if you don’t have a lot of paid work experience.
- Don’t skip the additional profile sections. Here, you’ll have a chance to highlight any honors you received as a student, as well as your GPA.
- Take your time with the summary statement. This is your chance to shine! Don’t be afraid to boast about your skills, your accomplishments, and your goals.
- Create an informative but punchy headline. Think of this as your personal mission statement. Who are you, what do you represent, and what do you have to offer? The more succinctly you can say this, the better.
- Use the Keywords and Recommendations section. Key words are especially helpful for boosting your profile. If someone’s looking for, say, a proofreader or software engineer, they can simply type in those key words and narrow down the search. Recommendations are helpful too. Ask a friend, teacher or former employer to write one for you. And if they do, be courteous and take the time to write one for them too.
- Build your Network. LinkedIn can feel a bit intimidating when you first join, but you’ll soon find it’s nothing but a network of friendly faces. Not sure where to start? Sift through your contacts and people you might know, or do a search to see if any of your teachers or colleagues have joined the site. Aim to connect with 50 people. Before you know it, your network will soon grow.
- Stay active on the site. Most people under 30 use social media on a daily basis – Tik Tok, Instagram, and Facebook. Treat LinkedIn the same way. Check in every day if possible and engage. Post interesting articles and comment on other people’s posts too. You never know what might catch someone’s eye!
Still unsure if LinkedIn is for you? Check out College to Career and learn how to leverage this amazing site for your ultimate career success!
So let’s get started today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Oct 3, 2023
Self-Awareness
Last year, the earth’s population reached over 8 billion people. Yet of those 8 billion people, no two are exactly alike. Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made, with a unique set of fingerprints. Here are a few impressive facts about the human body that just might blow you away:
*The human brain can read up to 1,000 words per minute
*In 30 minutes, the human body gives off enough heat to bring a gallon of water to a boil
*The focusing muscles in the human eye move around 100,000 times a day. To give your leg muscles the same workout, you’d need to walk 50 miles.
*The human body produces 25 million new cells every second and sheds 40 pounds of skin in a lifetime.
As you can see, we are amazingly complex creatures, inside and out. That’s why it’s so important to understand what makes us so unique. One critical factor of our uniqueness is the Intelligence Quotient, otherwise known as IQ. IQ is defined as the measurement of intelligence as it relates to standardized testing. Within IQ, we will include aptitude and ability. Personality is defined as the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character. Self- awareness is the level of understanding someone has of both IQ and personality. It is one’s ability that helps them see how IQ and personality intertwine to create unique opportunities. When IQ, personality and self-awareness interconnect, individual passions take shape.
Let’s explore this a bit more.
As a high school or college student, you’re likely aware of the most notable IQ test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or SAT. Research has shown a strong correlation between scores received on the SAT and IQ. There is a plethora of other IQ tests administered throughout school districts in the United States as well. The most commonly used individual IQ test series is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. IQ tests themselves are constructed of theoretical questions that designers have developed to create a benchmark system for all who take the test. These tests may include the following categories:
*Verbal
*Mathematical
*Spatial
*Visualization
*Logical
*Pattern Recognition
While taking an IQ test is highly recommended, there are other available aptitude tests as well. One popular test is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Used by the Armed Services, it consists of a battery of aptitude tests and has helped many potential recruits navigate their way.
While IQ scores only define one part of the whole person, the scores do show us something about our lifestyle, ability and cognitive skills. IQ scores have been shown to be associated with such factors as morbidity and mortality, parental social status and even biological parental IQ. IQ scores are used as predictors of educational achievement, special needs, job performance and income. According to one scholar, people with below-average IQ are 88 more times likely to drop out of high school, seven times more likely to be jailed and five times more likely as adults to live in poverty. In general, those with a higher IQ tend to be more successful, creative, independent, and happy.
So just what factors contribute to an individual’s IQ? The jury is still out on how much genetics come into play, but many researchers say individual genes largely contribute to one’s IQ. Diet and nutrition are said to play a factor as well. Research shows that children who ate unhealthy meals and were low in proper vitamins and minerals before the age of 3 had a lower IQ. Interestingly, music is said to have a significant effect on one’s IQ. A 2004 study showed that 6-year-old children who received musical training had an average increase of 7 IQ points. So those piano lessons Mom dragged you to as a child might have come in handy after all!
Didn’t take piano lessons as a kid? No worries. Listening to classical music has been reported to increase IQ as well, specifically spatial ability. In 1994, two men named Frances Rauscher and Gordon Shaw reported that college students who listened to just 10 minutes of Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos showed an increase in 8 to 9 IQ points. The phenomenon was dubbed the “Mozart Effect.” So if EDM or country music is your jam, consider throwing a little classical music on your Spotify as well!
On average, someone’s IQ falls between 85 and 115. A few famous folks, however, have exceeded that number with their impressive IQs. You might recognize some of the names: Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Stephen Hawking and Marilyn Vos Savant, whose popular column “Ask Marilyn” was featured in Parade magazine for years. But not every famous, powerful or successful person has had a high IQ. It’s been said that President Abraham Lincoln had an IQ of just 105, and John F. Kennedy’s IQ stood at just 117. Muhammed Ali, the great fighter, is said to have had an IQ of 78. Interestingly, having a high IQ often requires a greater number of intellectual challenges. Years ago, a police department turned away a recruit for having an IQ above 145, as they feared he might become bored of the job. The policy was later challenged as discriminatory; however, it was upheld in court.
Understanding your IQ is imperative to creating a successful life. By determining your IQ, you will embrace your scholastic potential and have greater success in your endeavors. To learn more about IQ tests and see which ones might be right for you, purchase College to Career today.
So let’s get started today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Sep 25, 2023
Understanding Soft Skills in the Workplace
“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” – Clarence Thomas
When Joey graduated with a business degree from a top-rated California university, he assumed his future was secure. He had a 4.3 GPA, scored high on every exam and wowed his professors with his written work. He was the first to raise his hand in class and always the last to leave. He spent ample time at the library, reading every book he could get his hands on. An eager student, he found himself even more eager to secure a high-paying job right out of college. But to his dismay, he had trouble landing an interview. Despite his stellar resume, the phone did not ring. Frustrated and discouraged, Joey spruced up his resume, hoping that might do the trick. At last, he landed a couple interviews. But upon talking with his potential employers, he felt out of his league. Their pointed questions blindsided him.
“Would you consider yourself a team player?”
“How well do you work under pressure? What would you do if a deadline arose and you were not fully prepared?”
“Are you generally flexible, able to adapt to any situation or curve ball thrown your way?”
Joey stumbled over the questions, doing the best he could. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he felt his heart racing. He’d held a fast food job in high school but hadn’t set foot in the workplace since. He’d kept meaning to volunteer or get involved in extra-curricular clubs at school, but he’d been too busy holed up in the library studying. He’d assumed his outstanding GPA would make him a standout, but maybe he’d been wrong.
As it turns out, Joey is not alone. He is one of millions of college students who find themselves struggling to land jobs, or even an interview, after college graduation, despite their good grades. On paper, they look great, but the grades are not always enough. The missing factor in many cases?
Soft skills.
Many students may be unfamiliar with the term soft skills. Generally speaking, soft skills are often associated with one’s “EQ” or Emotional Intelligence Quotient. This includes the way people interact with others as human beings through their personality traits. These traits could include social graces, communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, management skills or leadership skills. Soft skills contrast to hard skills, which are generally easily quantifiable and measurable. Some hard skills could include software knowledge, technical skills or basic plumbing skills.
The idea of soft skills might seem like a fresh concept, but it is at least as old as ancient Greece. When Plato wrote about education in his work, The Republic, he contended that a universal curriculum requires a balance of education in physical education, the arts, math, science, character and moral judgment. He also backed the idea of learning outside the classroom, saying, “By maintaining a sound system of education and upbringing, you produce citizens of good character.”
Traditional institutions once dispensed this sort of training. However, families and religious institutions have weakened over time. Today, training in soft skills is more needed than ever. The need to develop healthy, socially appropriate and mature responses to workplace stress and interpersonal reactions has become increasingly evident to business owners, executives and human resources personnel in recent years. Yet according to a Gallup poll, while a whopping 92 percent of college educators feel their students are prepared for the workplace, only 11 percent of employers feel they actually are. And 42 percent of those employers believe soft skills make up the biggest skills gap.
If this all sounds like discouraging news to you, fear not. You probably have more soft skills under your belt than you realize. Those Little League games you coached? The babysitting or dog-walking job you picked up to earn some extra cash? None of it was in vain. The important thing is to recognize the soft skills you gained along the way and to highlight them on your resume and in your interview.
So just what sort of skills do managers desire? According to a recent Career Builder survey, here are the top ten:
Strong Work Ethic – Are you efficient with your time?
Dependable – Will you show up on time and do what you say you’ll do?
Positive Attitude – Will you complain or portray yourself as a victim, or will you make the best of things?
Self-Motivated—Can you problem solve on your own?
Team Oriented – Will you adopt a “my way or the highway” attitude or will you partner with others to be part of a productive team?
Organized – Will you plan your time well? Can you handle multiple challenging situations at once?
Works Well Under Pressure – Can you meet deadlines? Do you have a sense of urgency? Can you handle uncertainty, tension and stress?
An Effective Communicator – Are you clear with your information and directions?
Flexible – Can you adjust to new situations and change course when needed?
Confident – Do you trust yourself to make decisions, or do you hesitate?
A strong GPA and resume is great, but soft skills will really make you stand out from the rest!
To learn more, purchase your copy of College to Career today.
So let’s get started today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Sep 15, 2023
Begin Your Masterpiece
Years ago, after presenting at a week-long business conference, I struck up a conversation with the hotel clerk. She reminded me of my daughter – young, vibrant, and cheerful, with a welcoming smile. She introduced herself as Ashley.
“How long have you worked here?” I asked her. “Are you taking college classes?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I graduate in a few weeks,” she replied.
“What is your major? And what do you plan to do after graduation?” I asked next.
Ashley’s smile faded a bit. “I’m majoring in Psychology, and quite frankly, I have no idea what I’m going to do. No one has told me what I could do with this degree. All I wanted was to get the degree behind me.”
I was saddened by Ashley’s answer, but not terribly surprised. I’d heard the same words uttered many times over the years. Four (or more!) years of hard work, late-night studying and football games would all come to an end as students proudly flipped their tassel to the other side. But beyond that big day, very few had a solid plan. After spending thousands of dollars on an education, they would tragically enter the workforce with only a hope and a prayer.
And a whole lot of debt.
When Ashley told me the name of the university she attended, my heart sank. I knew it was prestigious and expensive. By graduation, she would have spent at least $100,000 for an education. Yet she felt clueless as to where to go next.
Recent statistics show that a four-year private school college education will cost students roughly $130,000. For in-state students completing a four-year education at a public college, that number drops to roughly $40,000. Students who spend two years at a community college and then two years at a private college will look at spending roughly $75,000 on tuition. Statistics also show the average student debt for a four-year bachelor’s degree hovering at nearly $35,000. A whopping 64 percent of students with a four-year college degree will walk away with some sort of student debt. And the average debt for a four-year private school education? Nearly $60,000. For perspective, that’s 12,000 Starbucks grande lattes, 6,000 Chipotle burritos and 4,000 movie tickets.
Yikes.
Like Ashley, you might find yourself near the end of your college career, buried in papers, exams and projects. With graduation day just around the corner, your excitement might be overshadowed by concerns over your looming future. Will you be able to afford to pay off your student loans? More importantly, will you be able to find a job that supports your lifestyle and allows you to pay off those loans? Things feel uncertain, unpredictable. The stakes feel high. You don’t want to let your parents down, yourself down. Moreso, you don’t want that hard-earned, pricey college degree to go to waste.
That’s where we come in.
College to Career was created just for you. We know the anxiety, the mounting pressure you face each day as you work so hard to succeed. That’s why we’ve provided all the tools you need to take those next steps. This life-changing book will discuss key strategies and concepts, including:
*Navigating social media
*Creating an outstanding LinkedIn profile
*Developing key accomplishments for your resume
*Finding meaningful internships
*Networking with influential professionals who are able to help you find the right career after you graduate
Believe it or not, each of these are easy to attain and paramount to your success. Employment opportunities will start pouring in when you are connected to 50-100 professionals prior to graduation. With the right tools at your fingertips, you’ll have a sweeping advantage over your peers at the end of your college career. Equally important, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing your hard-earned degree won’t be going to waste.
I’m not sure what Ashley is up to today. I’ll never forget that perky smile-turned-frown as she lamented about her impending post-college plans. I wish I’d had more time to chat with her and assure her about her future. I wish I could have offered her what I offer you today – the tools to turn your college degree into success.
If you’d like to journey with me, I’d be happy to be your guide, navigating you through this next step of your life. Without a proper navigational guide on a road trip, one might find themselves lost, frustrated, out of gas and at the end of an unfamiliar dead-end dirt road. But with the right navigational tools, one will end up on the right path. And that’s just what I want for you.
So let’s get started today!
Mark A. Griffin | Career Coaching, Christian Higher Ed HR, Job Search Tools
Apr 19, 2015
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce
and
Career Link of Mifflin County
Wednesday June 17, 2015
Noon – 1:00pm
Topic: 8 Keys For LinkedIn Success
Mark A. Griffin
Founder and Chief Consultant
In HIS Name HR, LLC
Objectives
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your organization? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, customers, clients, job applicants, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
1. How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
2. Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
3. How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups.
Register Here Today
Event Location:
The MCIDC Plaza
34 Duquesne Way
Lewistown, PA 17044
Map To Venue
About The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Valley comprises two counties in the heart of Pennsylvania – Mifflin and Juniata- with a population of approximately 70,000 and a diversity of large and small businesses. The Valley, while primarily rural in nature and with all the beauty and serenity of nature and country living, is within the densely populated Northeast Corridor and just a few hours from major metropolitan areas.
There are many quaint towns and villages, and the Juniata River. Juniata and Mifflin Counties each have county airports and commercial air travel is available at either the University Park Airport in State College or the Harrisburg International Airport less than an hour east. Learn more here.
About Mark A. Griffin
Mark A. Griffin, is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm.
Mark serves as President of In HIS Name HR. In HIS Name HR is a Human Resources outsourcing and business-consulting firm created to help organizations pilot the complex issues of managing HR. As a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Merck Inc.) and private companies (Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performing workplaces utilizing best practices and helping organizations with strong values lead successfully and responsibly.
Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn. In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Apr 14, 2015
Harrisburg Business Women
Best Western Premier Atrium / Heritage Room
April 14, 2015
Presentation Copy
Thank you for attending our recent workshop. We would love to work for you or others in your network. Many people ask why work with In HIS Name HR? Because we help you achieve success through your most valuable asset—your people. And, no matter what your business is, the odds are we have experience in it.
Not connected with Mark on LinkedIn? Invite him to connect here:
Mark A. Griffin LinkedIn Profile
HR Services
We have worked with companies from around the world in all sorts of industries, from light manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution, software development, residential construction, commercial construction, food companies, entertainment companies, and even senior care and senior care medical centers. We even have extensive experience working in the non-profit world of ministries and churches.
We have the specialized skills and breadth of expertise to develop and lead your initiative, saving you time, money, and resources.
To learn how we saved one organization over a Million dollars in benefit expenditures Click here.
Learn more about our services:
Recruitment
Employee Law Compliance
Organizational Development
Employee Benefit Design
With our vast experiences in many industries we will create the HR programs that will drive excellence. Contact us today. You will be glad you did.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Mar 30, 2015
Wednesday June 3, 2015
Breakout Session 11:00am – 12:00pm
High Center
Messiah College
1 College Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Topic: 8 Keys For LinkedIn Success
Mark A. Griffin
Founder and Chief Consultant
In HIS Name HR, LLC
Register For The Forum Here
Objectives
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your organization? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, customers, clients, job applicants, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
1. How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
2. Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
3. How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups. This course is pending possible HRCI credit approval.
About The Business Women’s Forum
Business Women’s Forum is the largest one day professional development conference for women in the Central Pennsylvania region
Business Women’s Forum (BWF) is a day-long annual conference geared towards women professionals. The 2014 event marked Business Women’s Forum’s 20th year! The Forum is a product of two Chambers of Commerce working together; the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber and the West Shore Chamber. Their mission is to provide opportunities for business women of all professional levels to network, create business contacts, and develop additional leadership skills in a motivational and supportive environment.
About Mark A. Griffin
Mark A. Griffin, is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm.
Mark serves as President of In HIS Name HR. In HIS Name HR is a Human Resources outsourcing and business-consulting firm created to help organizations pilot the complex issues of managing HR. As a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Merck Inc.) and private companies (Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performing workplaces utilizing best practices and helping organizations with strong values lead successfully and responsibly.
Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn. In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
Mar 19, 2015
Harrisburg Business Women
Best Western Premier Atrium / Heritage Room
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
11:30am – 1:30pm
Topic: 8 Keys For LinkedIn Success
Mark A. Griffin
Founder and Chief Consultant
In HIS Name HR, LLC
Objectives
Struggling to understand why and how to use LinkedIn to promote yourself or your organization? Struggle no more.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues, customers, clients, job applicants, and vendors. Learn why LinkedIn is important for business and how to market yourself and your organization using LinkedIn. Learn to use and leverage LinkedIn Forums and how to optimize your personal and organizational page profiles.
Three key techniques you will learn:
1. How to engage with your LinkedIn Network
2. Ways to develop and expand your Network with purpose
3. How to create an effective LinkedIn presence
Come join us. We will help you understand LinkedIn etiquette and good LinkedIn networking techniques, and how to most effectively leverage LinkedIn groups. This course is pending possible HRCI credit approval.
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About Harrisburg Business Women
Harrisburg Business Women’s Group is a networking group for Business Women in and around the Harrisburg Pennsylvania Area. Monthly luncheon meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Best Western Premier/Central Hotel & Conference Center, located at 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg.
About Mark A. Griffin
Mark A. Griffin, is the Founder and Chief Consultant of In HIS Name HR LLC, a human resources outsourcing and career-coaching firm.
Mark serves as President of In HIS Name HR. In HIS Name HR is a Human Resources outsourcing and business-consulting firm created to help organizations pilot the complex issues of managing HR. As a human resources professional with 25-plus years of experience in both public (Quaker Oats Company, Merck Inc.) and private companies (Conestoga Wood Specialties, Valco Companies Inc.), Mark is passionate about building high-performing workplaces utilizing best practices and helping organizations with strong values lead successfully and responsibly.
Mark will inspire you to develop your company and personal web presence through the use of the powerful social media tool LinkedIn. In HIS Name HR LLC has a built a strong web presence with over 2500 Facebook followers, 25,000 Twitter followers and 2600-plus connections on LinkedIn. Mark applies his more than two decades of human resources expertise to help companies pilot the complex issues of managing HR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events
