It was Nathan Parcells article on Come Recommended’s blog, Why Diversity is a Hard Problem to Solve in the Workplace, that inspired this series on Diversity and Inclusion. I wanted to further explore this with Nathan, and Fields Jackson to gain perspective for job seekers. Many job seekers desire a culture that includes a variety of people to enjoy and learn from. I lost my questions for Nathan and carelessly misplaced them, but knew the direction I wanted the conversation to take. I think all of you will be pleased by the outcome.

Nathan Parcells is co-founder and CMO of InternMatch, a leading site for helping companies hire amazing interns and students find amazing internships. InternMatch was started as a social venture with the goal of helping students of all backgrounds be able to find great internships regardless of connections. InternMatch’s Diversity and Internship Hangout is the first ever event to have top speakers from different industries share insights about their diversity initiatives. InternMatch now has over 5 million annual student visitors, and Nathan’s writings have been featured in Forbes, VentureBeat, the WSJ, Washington Post and more.

Nathan and I discussed the following challenges in hiring and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace:

• Although many companies desire to hire it is still a complex issue to discuss and implement
  
• Most companies recognize the need to hire diverse individuals to create a dynamic team
• Job seekers can voice their concerns to Human Resources to empower change within the company
• Companies could support high school level groups to help build diversity early
• The article he wrote for Come Recommend and the stats that were cited
• Some of the obstacles in reaching minority groups and the need for mentors

Please, enjoy the conversation and please add to it in the comment section.

image credit

You may be surprised to hear that getting around the lack of experience in your resume is not as difficult a task as you may have initially thought.

The truth of the matter is that you can do various things to, in a way, pad out a rather empty resume and how it may very well increase your chances of getting that all important job.

Add experience by volunteering
One of the first things that you can do is to volunteer at various places for a short period of time and include it your resume. The idea is to let them see that you have kept yourself busy even if it was not in paid employment and can see you can deal with people, respond positively to instruction, and work in a team environment. This can help boost your resume and make more attractive to potential employers.

Get quality references for everything
When you lack career experience give a potential employer the chance to talk to people worked for or volunteered.  Talk to people that know you personally. These references can be extremely useful in helping you state your case for working there. When you lack experience potential employers will contact them. Make sure that the people that are listed will tell people how wonderful you are to help you get that job.

Write a gushing report about yourself and your strengths
Finally, it will always be a good idea to showcase your various strengths and make sure that you sell yourself on your resume. This could potentially overlook your lack of experience when they see how confident you can handle the job. If you are applying for various positions in different industries, then be clever and rewrite this part for each resume you forward. Make sure that different strengths are mentioned for the industry you hope to work. By doing this, you can make yourself appear to be more attractive to a potential employer.

Hopefully you will now see that getting around the lack of experience in your resume really is not as difficult as you may have initially feared and as long as you take the advice that has been given here seriously, then there will be no need for you to fear handing over your resume when going for that job.

All that is required from you is to play to your other strengths and let them see why they should hire you in the first place thanks to being a fantastic person and not because you have so much experience that they simply cannot ignore you.

What volunteer work can you add to your resume? Please share in the comments section below?

About author: Miles Wiseman is a writer and blogger from Brisbane who takes particular interest in finance, business and employment. He writes about all the interesting things related to job search, career progress, etc.

Fields Jackson (@fleejack) is an influential Diversity and Inclusion advocate and expert who publishes Racing Toward Diversity magazine. He advocates that job seekers conduct their due diligence in finding Diverse work place opportunities through research, networking, and asking the right questions.

He is very passionate about this discussion as it is compelling and infectious. If you ever get a chance to look at his Twitter feed, you will see job postings especially from companies that actively promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Some of our discussion is based around these topics during our Diversity and Inclusion conversation:

• Can you have a candid conversation with companies about Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)?
• Why are organizations hesitant to address D&I issues openly?
• How can a company claim or achieve diverse hiring success?
• Companies that are models in achieving D & I workplaces
• Signs and red flags a job seeker can look for in a company that practices consistent D & I hiring?
• Do you think that the economy has been used to defer discussions about hiring diverse candidates? If so, why
• What can American based companies do to reach a broader choice of job candidates that are African-American and Latinos?
• During the “Great Recession” I think we saw and experienced more companies exclude different groups of job seekers. What “Great Recession” lessons do you think minority groups have taken away about looking for jobs, presenting themselves, and managing his or her career?

We also discuss very specific takeaways on how job seekers can discover and discern the company’s true target in fostering engagement. Feel free to ask questions and discuss further in the comments practical approaches in finding workplaces that suits your needs. Do you agree or disagree? Feel free to add to the conversation.

Today, students embark on internships during their college years to gain out-of-the-classroom experience prior to entering their industry. But just like the 11th century, internships are key to gaining the necessary experience to get hired in a full-time position.

InternMatch, an online platform connecting the best intern candidates and employers, compiled the infographic below which showcases the impact internships have had on our world. In the 80s, only 3 percent of college students completed an internship, but today, 47 percent of employers boast structured internship programs. Here are some key points to note:

• 37% of students say internships are a good job search resource
• 81% of employers find they have better experiences with new hires that have intern experience
• 33% of employers hire virtual interns, a 20% increase from 2011 to 2012
• The average wage rate for interns at bachelor’s level is $16.21

Check out the full infographic below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

What do you think? Do you think internships will continue to evolve into a mandatory aspect of every career?

Compiled by InternMatch, an online platform connecting the best intern candidates and employers — which details internships from the 11th century until today.

Last Sunday, I facilitated a job search workshop providing job seekers employed, unemployed, and underemployed information to help position them better for employment. We gave away a couple of career books that each winner will enjoy. I also invited two of the blog’s contributors to participate in a panel discussion about using social media for the job search. Bianca Thompson aka “Sassy HR Girl” and Sandra Tedford were both prepared and ready to offer her perspective. Collectively and individually, she displayed expertise and candor that engaged the audience who, I think, received much value from their answers.

They addressed several questions regarding social media profiles and the use of Linked In:

• The positive and negative use of having a profile
• How an incomplete profile is perceived
• What if a candidate has the right components except for his or her Linked In  profile
• A bad profile picture? What a bad or no picture implies

There were several other questions the audience asked and overall each answer was appropriately offered.

Recently, the December 2012 issue of Business Communication Quarterly published a paper citing top 10 soft skills Executives need in the workplace:

1) Communication

2) Courtesy

3) Flexibility

4) Integrity

5) Interpersonal skills

6) Positive attitude

7)Professionalism

8) Responsibility

9)Team work

10) Work ethic

These skills were also rated among the same group from most to least important by the same group of CEOs, again, these are soft skills that they value the most:

Integrity 93.0
Communication 91.2
Courtesy  84.2
Responsibility   71.9
Interpersonal skills  61.4
Professionalism  47.4
Positive attitude   45.6
Teamwork skills   43.9
Flexibility   42.1
Work ethic  36.8

Simply, soft skills are a combination of people skills, career attributes, and customer service. Every profession rely on these skills to sell and service customer/client issues.

*Business Communication Quarterly December 2012 75: 453-465, first published on October 8, 2012

image credit

Guess what? There are record amounts of qualified people looking for a job. I am sure that this is probably not breaking news to you or something that you care to hear again. My goal is not to insult your intelligence or cause you emotional stress. I do want to smack you with the reality of what is fact.

Outside of overbearing facts about your qualified and competing job seekers, I want to take a look at the different styles of job seekers. Where do you fit? What’s your style? Is it working for you? Why is this important? Your initial reaction to these questions may cause reflection or perhaps a bit of sarcasm. Either way it’s all good because it has initiated some type of thought.

I won’t over complicate this topic. I want to keep it easy breezy. I have three styles for us to explore: The Walking Dead, The Crack Addict and The Intentional Job Seeker. Let us not lie. We all want to believe we are the intentional job seeker because it sounds so much nicer than the other two.

The fact is that many are not intentional and definitely fall into one of the other two styles. Keep your Abe Lincoln hat of honesty on tight as we look at these styles.

The Walking Dead

image credit

The mantra for this group of job seekers is “I want a job. I want a job.” Make sure you say it slowly and without emotion or life to get the true essence of this job seeker. Usually there are many recent graduates stuck in this Walking Dead style. The recent graduates usually fall into this category because they have been so focused on preparing for graduation that they gave no forethought to the aftermath. Sure, they may have gone to the college career center for help along with the hundreds of other graduates that did the same thing. I totally get it.

They procrastinated and now desperately need a job before that six-month grace period is over and it’s time to pay their student loans. To make matters even more intense, they have no desire to move back home with mom and dad. Truth be told mom and dad have gotten well-adjusted to being empty nesters and prefer they not return home as well.

The walking dead typically will depend on the common and more popular job portals to find a position. They also rely heavily on what they hear via another student or friend. Just imagine thousands of students in their fresh new suits with their bland resumes extended while repeating “I want a job. I want a job.” Put on your Abe Lincoln hat of honesty. Does this describe your job search? Do you simply blend in with the masses?

The Crack Addict

This job seeker is usually one that has a substantial amount of experience. Whatever the reason for their unemployment, they have become the Crack Addict. They apply to any and everything simply because they NEED a job. This style usually comes into fruition because this job seeker probably has a family, a mortgage and plenty of creditors that have become daily stalkers.

These job seekers typically have a very high stress level and the emotional state of being is quite unpredictable. They constantly talk about their NEED for a job to anyone and everyone that will listen. Their mantra is “I NEED a job! I NEED a job!” They actually can be quite scary and intense. Unlike the Walking Dead, you can’t just run away from them because they are fast and relentless.

This type of relentless activity is distasteful to most employers. Employers totally understand the need for a job. It’s the nagging characteristic that turns employers away and urges them to seek other candidates. Have you morphed into the Crack Addict? Remember Honest Abe and keep it real with yourself.

I am not here to judge. I just want to present facts and initiate self-awareness in respect to your job seeker style. Awareness is good. Once we are aware, we can make conscious decisions. Preferably our conscious decisions will shift us to our final group, The Intentional Job Seeker.

Intentional Job Seeker

This job seeker can be a recent graduate or someone with years of experience. This job seeker sets themselves apart and in front of the masses by having a plan. Your plan is yours.

You should create it and definitely get insight or help from someone that can provide quality feedback. Aunt Mary may be sweet as pie and your favorite aunt for personal advice but she is probably not the best resource for help with a career plan. The Intentional Job Seeker will be sure to have professional guidance for their career plan.

I understand you may not have finances to pay for a service. Can you barter service for service? It may be said that this job seeker daydreams too much. They will spend some quality time exploring their dream position. They also know the minimum requirements on the scale in respect to positions that they’re willing to take. This job seeker will also target specific companies.

They know the values that are important to them and the company in which they want to work. No one wants to work for a crappy company so it is wise to do some homework. This job seeker is usually a master at networking.

They will attend professional events, mingle and find creative ways to get in front of the “right” audience. These outward things are all very critical and needed. What is most impressive about the intentional job seeker is their mindset. They are not desperate despite how badly they may want or need a job. They acknowledge that they have something to offer their potential employer and are confident in expressing their value. Find ways to align your values with the company’s values. Is it a good match?

I could probably continue with more but I think this is a good easy, breezy start. Again, my goal is never to over complicate anything but a good smack with the facts always helps. Acknowledge your current job seeker style. If it’s working for you, GREAT! Keep doing what you are doing. If it’s not working, seriously consider shifting to something that serves you better.

Editor’s note: Inkwater Press is giving away FIVE copies of the e-book and one hardcopy! If you comment below about your takeaways points from the interview, then you qualify for a copy. We’ll run this giveaway until next Monday! GOOD LUCK!

Kathleen Brady (@KBCareerPlanner) is an author and a Certified Professional Coach with 25 years experience in helping professionals identify their goals and design action plans to achieve them. Get a Job: 10 Steps to Career Success is her fourth book, her third with Inkwater press. Her central focus of her practice is the planning and coaching for recent graduates and professionals who seek life satisfaction.  She is a former Assistant Dean of Career Services at Fordham University and past president of the National Association of Law Placement. If you want to know more about Kathleen Brady, her website is careerplanners.net.

Kathleen’s vast experience is impressive as you can tell in the depth and detail of her answers. It is by far the longest interview on this blog yet because it is hard to edit content that is vital to job seekers. Here is a table of contents to our discussion:

• The mindset of job seekers creating his or her own opportunities
• The importance of knowing what they want to do in their career
• What should motivate a job seeker to pay attention to career goals and aspirations?
• What does “success patters” mean and how it relates to the job search?
• Using Linked In effectively
• The Highland’s Ability Battery
• What does AIR (Advice, Information, Referrals) mean and how it applies to job seekers?
• Networking and how critical it is to do
• Career Services at colleges and how under utilized they are
• The breakdown of using three different languages–reluctant, suspicious, or negative

Enjoy our conversation!

Andrea Kay is a respected career expert, author, speaker, and a sought out career advisor. Specializing in “career therapy,” she has helped tens of thousands of people cut to the heart of their frustration and dissatisfaction with work and not only find a new job, but create a fulfilling career that fits who they are.

I personally appreciated Andrea’s candor and adapted her perspective in stating that “You are what you seem” to employers in the small window you present yourself to employers.  The concepts that many coaches including Andrea are hard to hear for the job seeker that is not progressive in his or her job search.

This is the kind of book you want to have in your library. In fact, I will make it easy for you through AMACOM books, I will be giving away one FREE copy of Andrea’s book, This is How to Get Your Next Job! To qualify, leave a comment about something you will put into practice from our conversation.  I will randomly pick one winner to be announced on Monday on the blog and on the Facebook page (see right panel).

Some of her insights from our pre-interview Q & A that are stated in our conversation:

About good judgment…
“They’ll separate themselves from the pack by demonstrating good judgment in
the most basic, common sensical ways: Follow directions. If an employer
asks you to complete a test, send a writing sample, do it—exactly the way
they asked for it…”

The job seeker selling themselves…

“…it’s hard for most people to describe more than one or two actual
strengths. I have this exercise in all my books—except this one. But
basically, it’s looking at events and  times in your life when you’ve done
something you enjoyed and did well. Then analyzing what that took. This
helps you see patterns and eventually narrow down your strengths.”

Not being defensive about the “Why are you not working?” question…

“Basically, you need to get yourself calmed down first, so you don’t react
defensively immediately. Take a breath, realize why they’re asking. It’s a
realistic question. Why wouldn’t this be on their mind? So have a response
ready and say it with tact that helps the employer understand your
circumstances and what you’re doing now.”

Now that you have a preview, enjoy our conversation.

One of the hardest parts of searching for jobs is finding the who, what, when, how and why. To successfully network, you need to have multiple conversations that will move you closer to a job. What? You haven’t networked? Then you may have one of these problems:

1. You don’t go out to meet new people. Your list of 10 people you know is not enough. Not only do you not call them, but you haven’t talked to them in ages. Use that list of 10 to lead you to at least one person they know, and so on. It doesn’t hurt to attend an event that allows you to have productive conversations. Consider that “everywhere is networking and networking is everywhere!” Running errands at the store, movies, dry cleaning, barber shop, beauty salons, Panera Bread, The Corner Bakery, walking the dog and the playground with the kids are networking spots. It’s a lifestyle…and an adventure.

2. You vehemently oppose social networking. There are enough stories on the web about people connecting to get jobs, business opportunities and information now for you to throw caution to the wind…well, kind of. Yes, be shrewd about who you connect and give information to. As a whole, DO NOT fear using social sites as a tool to meet people. You can be old school all you want, but the lack of use of social networking tools will leave you irrelevant and unemployed. Why not use every possible means of communication to meet new people.

3.  Gimme, gimme, lemme, gimme. In case you haven’t figured it out, the reason people may be apprehensive about helping you is that you don’t reciprocate. Sometimes this means giving first and not receiving at first. What value is it to network with you if you don’t give. If you desire effectiveness, take this approach: It’s hardly about you and more about everyone else. Trust me, people will notice and will offer before you ask. It just takes a little time.

Read about the other three reasons at BET.com!