Senior Executive Provides Back-to-School Tips to High School and College Students to Help Prepare Them for a Competitive US Job Market

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- As students in both high school and college go back to school for their final year, Executive Coach Gary Stine, principal of the consulting firm Spoken Word Solutions outlines critical areas students should be aware of when preparing for their entrance into the job market. Stine said, "With a national youth unemployment rate hovering at 16.3% students need to be on their game if they want to get a job. The market is competitive and students who start preparing now will have a strategic advantage when they begin applying and interviewing for jobs."

Stine has outlined areas that students, especially who are in their final year of school, should consider in preparation of securing their first job:

Communicate

Good communications skills are a key quality that employers look for in a new hire. With this in mind, there are key things to consider when preparing how you will communicate with professionals in the corporate world. Good posture, eye-contact, speaking clearly and confidently all demonstrate a high level of maturity and professionalism that is required in any work environment. Try interacting with your parents, teachers and other people in the community while being mindful of these important communications skills. 

Dress for Success

If you dress like a professional then people will start to recognize and treat you as one, even if you are still in school. They will interact with you as they would any other professional and would have a level of expectation that you are on your game. If students dress professionally while in school they can begin to make a positive impression on teachers, community members and other business people about their level of commitment in entering into the workforce and securing the job of their dreams. 

Expectations

Many students are in for a reality check when they graduate and enter the workforce. After 12 to 16 years of education they are ready to get to work and become a contributor. Their expectations often do not align with the reality of entry level job responsibilities and can quickly become disgruntled.  It's important for students in their senior year to realize that while making coffee and stuffing envelopes may not have anything to do with marketing or computer aided design, they are things that may be asked of them in the workplace. Know that this may be a likely scenario in your first job.  Go with the flow and you will find that six to twelve months down the road you will have more experience and responsibility. You will be viewed within the organization as a team player and the go-to person for increasingly important tasks- which can often lead to promotions and pay raises!

Network

Knowing the right person is often the critical component to getting or not getting your ideal job.   Create a "student" business card and set up meetings with influential people who work in your field of interest. Most of these people will be happy to meet you for a cup of coffee and provide insight and feedback.  When it comes time for job hunting, you now have connections to mentors who could help you land a good paying job.  If you do not know where to begin, ask your parents, teachers or guidance counselors if they can make the right connections. If that does not get you far, try contacting the CEO at your local chamber of commerce. Introduce yourself and let them know you are seeking a mentor in your field of interest. They will be thrilled to help you get to the right person!

Work for Free

Many students have not worked nor have experience in areas where they would like to pursue a career. Many graduates get internships after school to beef up their resume but not while they are attending school. Working as an intern while in school shows initiative and puts you in front of the pack when applying for a paid job after graduation. Some internships are paid but many are not. Find the company in the right industry and offer to work as a free intern during your final year in school. You can list the experience on your resume and (if you do a good job), get a great recommendation. The company may even offer you a job!

About Spoken Word Solutions

Spoken Word Solutions offers executive coaching services, personal and professional development services and enhancement of public speaking skills.

For nearly two decades Gary Stine, founder and principal of Spoken Word Solutions, has worked with leadership at top Fortune 500 companies as their personal and professional confidant.  Clients of the firm have included executives at Johnson & Johnson, Dunkin' Donuts, Goldman Sachs, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Schering-Plough, C.R. Bard, the United Nations.  For more information visit: www.SpokenWordSolutions.com.

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Media Contact: Jeff Goronkin, Buzz Media Solutions, LLC, 518-256-9190, jeff@buzzmediasolutions.com

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SOURCE Spoken Word Solutions

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