Episode 72: Be Prepared!

This episode is the 2nd in our DBAJAW Guardian series --  our series of episodes focusing on the concerns and perspectives of future business and HR professionals. We call them the guardians because they are the next generation that will strive to keep the jerkiness down at work. In this discussion, we talk with Guardian Maggie Majerova, a student at Concordia University of Edmonton, about how prepared / unprepared students and new grads feel about starting their first career job and what they are doing about that. Big thank you to Maggie for showing up as her true self and sharing her experience and her feelings about the future!

Key Takeaways:

• Make the most of internship and co-op opportunities. These help fill in the practical knowledge gaps that can’t help but exist in educational programs.

• Think about how to reframe concerns -- ask yourself questions that can help you take your concerns and identify new ways to approach building confidence The fake-it-to-you-make-it approach might be your friend!

• Keep learning! Stay curious! In addition to the program at university or college, there are other ways to add to your education: networks, community, podcasts (that’s us!!), reading, etc. 

Bonus Takeaway:

• Misconceptions of Gen Z? That they don’t want to work hard or for anyone else. Rather, they want to work with organizations that focus on development and sustainability, where they can show up as their true selves, and for and with leaders who want to make a difference.

Episode 33: Apply Yourself, Dammit! Part 4

Well, we thought we had a lot to say in the first three parts of this series. In part 4, Acing the Interview, we really go to town. To really do awesome in an interview, it takes work! From preparation with online research about the company to getting to the interview ON TIME to leaving the interview feeling like you nailed it, you got to do the work. We shared many laughs recording this one, and we are pretty confident we are giving you some great pro tips, too. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

• Just like we said in the previous episode, remember to listen, really LISTEN to the questions you are being asked. Wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before you start answering the question. There is no need to rush! It’s okay to take a few seconds to think before you open your mouth.

• When the interview is coming to an end and you are asked if you have any questions for the interviewers, have questions ready! One of the fastest ways to leave a poor last impression is to say you don’t have any questions. That said, make them good ones.

• Don’t pee in the parking lot before an interview. Especially if the parking lot is in sight of the building where you are hoping to get a job. This is both gross and unnecessary. Come on, people. 

Episode 32: Apply Yourself, Dammit! Part 3

Between the three of us, we have done a LOT of interviews. Some of our most memorable experiences come from our recruiting experience and the candidate interviews we’ve conducted along the way. It takes effort to be a good interviewer! And it is easy to be a jerky interviewer, without even meaning to be a jerk. In this episode, we provide some practical tips to help you avoid being a jerk to candidates.

Key Takeaways:

• The best interviewers lead an interview in a way that brings out the best in a candidate. Who does it serve to try and sink them?? Then you’ll just have to keep interviewing more candidates!

• Prepare in advance and have your questions ready. Take the time to think about why you would ask particular questions - don’t simply ask them because you think they are standard and expected. And then, once you’ve asked the question, listen. Really LISTEN to the candidate’s answers. Who knows what kind of conversation you could have?

• Check your bias! Sarah suggests giving Project Implicit a try. https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/

Episode 31: Apply Yourself, Dammit! Part 2

In part 2 of our 4-part series (Apply Yourself, Dammit!), we share our insider’s perspective on how to make your resume stand out and we answer that age-old question, “Do I really need to write a cover letter?” 

Key Takeaways: 

• You have SIX seconds to make an impression with your resume so make it readable, be clear and succinct, know your story and what will set you apart from the pack, only include what is relevant, and 2 pages max people!

• Yes, you need a cover letter! If you are asked for one, that is basic instruction following. In addition, your cover letter is the partner document to your resume (i.e., do not regurgitate your resume); it gives you the opportunity to showcase who you are and how you will contribute to the organization. Tip: starting your cover letter with “Dear Sirs” is a guaranteed way to ensure that no one will read your letter.

• Being a professional is learning to adapt your communication style for different situations. Always think about your audience and if you make the effort to customize your cover letter (which you should), make sure you get it right!

• Gimmicks are risky business. Sometimes they work though. Just ask Tara!

Episode 30: Apply Yourself, Dammit! Part 1

It’s finally time! With all of us having done a lot of past work in recruitment, we definitely wanted to cover some getting-a-job-related topics. Oh, do we have some experiences to share. In part 1 of our 4 -part series, we talk about networking, self-promotion, your online presence, and, of course, alllll the effort that goes into it. Phew! 

Key Takeaways:

• It’s called netWORKING, people! You gotta worrrrk. Before you even start putting yourself OUT there, take time to prepare and do the INward looking so you know your message and you can be as confident as possible.

• The long game is worth it! Networking events may not lead to anything immediately and it can be hard to see the value. Sometimes it might be months, or years, before a networking relationship can show results!

• Be conscientious - if you have the opportunity to chat with some accomplished people, don’t monopolize their time. Pay attention and watch for social cues to skedaddle. Last thing you want is to come across as an inadvertent jerk! You can always follow up by sending them a note in the next few days.

Episode 16: Help, I Don't Fit in Here!

The idea of workplace culture has been buzzy for a while now and it’s very common for employees to list "a positive company culture" as the number one requirement for their workplace. On this episode, we talk about impact that a company’s culture can have on how people feel about their workplace, how company culture is shaped and evolves, and what you can do if you don’t feel aligned with your company’s culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership defines and frames a company’s culture. We ALL create culture every day.

• How culture is perceived is completely relative; it’s not about a good or bad culture but what is healthier/unhealthier for you at any given time in your working life.

• Be clear and intentional about what you are looking for. Check for behaviours as well as stated values.

• Determine how much weight you are putting on the importance of fit and how much weight you are putting on the other factors that are important to you.