This is part of a series of blogs: #6 of 8! If you missed the first ones, you can read them here.
Onto the next secret of what employers are looking: Career Management. According to NACE, it’s the ability to “Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth.” In other words, employers want people who know who they are and what they have to offer while also being aware of their areas of development (nobody knows it all!). Could you explain an employer why you are qualified for the job you want?
Here’s a good example from a Psychology student who was interviewing for an internship to work with Autistic children.
“My dream is to help children with mental health issues reach higher levels of independence. I have been a camp counselor for 3 summers but I have not yet worked with children with mental health issues. Having said that, I got an A in my abnormal psychology class so I know I can learn! I am very excited for this opportunity!”
This student knew what she had to offer and what she needed to learn. Although she had never worked in mental health she landed the internship because she was able to communicate her passion (and her GPA served as proof she could learn!). It’s that simple. Nobody has it all but try to find 1-2 things you do have and lead with that.
Stay tuned for my next blog, What Employers Look for (secret 7 of 8)
Sources: http://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined/
