Author: Kema Christian-Taylor

3 Ways to Turn Rejection Into an Opportunity

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Rejection always stings, but that doesn’t mean you have to walk away from a negative response feeling inadequate and left empty-handed. In fact, if you believe rejection is the final word on an interaction, think again! With the right mindset and a few helpful hints, rejection can be the starting point for a number of other opportunities (bonus: There’s no shortage of jobs to apply for on WayUp).

Here are three ways rejection can be a positive thing:

1. It’s an Opportunity to Get Feedback

The best part about getting rejected? It’s a unique opportunity to ask your interviewer why they didn’t choose you—and get some honest feedback. Consider following up on a rejection by thanking the interviewer for his or her time and inquiring why you didn’t get the job or how you might have improved your chances. You have nothing to lose by learning how you could have improved your resume, interview techniques or skill set, and you’ll gain some valuable insight into how you can improve your job application techniques.

2. It’s a Chance to Ask About Other Positions

A rejection now doesn’t mean you’ll never get another chance with the company again. After thanking your interviewers for taking the time to meet with you, make sure to ask if they’ll keep you in mind for any future roles. Don’t go in with any entitlement or expectations: You’re more likely to get what you want if you ask (politely!) for it.

3. You’ll Learn to Be Resilient

Accepting rejection gracefully is a skill in and of itself. Those employers who just rejected you? They’ll be taking note of how you react. Remain professional and courteous, and if your resume and skill set were strong, employers are likely to think of you when any other relevant positions become available. This is also an opportunity to congratulate yourself on failing because you took a risk instead of not trying in the first place.

It’s true what they say: When one door closes, another one opens. Make the most of this opportunity, and turn today’s rejection into tomorrow’s success. On to the next one!

Top photo credit: file404/Shutterstock

Why Should We Hire You? How to Ace This Common Interview Question

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Why should we hire you?

It’s a classic question you will face during your internship search and as you look for your first entry-level job. Every hire is an investment for a company—so you need to convince employers that you’re worth it. This means letting your interviewers know that you can do the job, that you won’t leave prematurely and that you’ll be a good fit for the company. Put yourself in your interviewer’s shoes: part of their job involves hiring someone, and the person they hire will be a direct reflection of how well they’re able to do that job. Make their job easier by clearly outlining the reasons they should hire you from the get-go.

Since you know a variation of this question will come up in most interviews, there’s absolutely no reason for you to wing it on the spot. Here’s how to prepare so you ace it every time:

1. Review the Job

Read the job posting carefully and thoroughly (and maybe even two or three times over) to get intimate with the qualities and experiences the ideal candidate should bring to the table. Then, research the company to understand its underpinning goals, values and history. Perhaps you’ve applied at a startup; this likely means that they value innovation in a fast-paced environment. If you’re gunning for a role at an environmentally-friendly company, look into their stance on certain environmental issues like waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Are you applying for a role that requires strong research skills? Use this information to your benefit: This will allow you to provide an answer that doesn’t just explain why you’re right for the job, but also why you’ll be a good fit for the company too.

2. Review Your Skills

The best way to sell yourself? Knowing your own experience inside and out. While you think you might already have this part down, having written your resume is merely a primer. Sit down before the interview and make a list of all your skills, strengths, accomplishments (including awards and distinctions), classes, extra credit work or industry knowledge that’s relevant to the position. Any past experiences in which you faced a challenge, along with the actions you took to address it and any positive results that followed, should be noted as well.

3. Cut It Down

Once you have your list of relevant competencies written down, pick out the top three or four you feel are the most pertinent for the job. Try to include a selection of skills, experiences, accolades or industry intelligence in order to have a variety of reasons that you’re the best person for the job. Highlight specific experiences and elaborate on why they’re applicable to the potential role. Anyone can say they’re organized, driven and passionate, but having the examples to back up your claims will set you apart. Make sure your final answer is concise and to the point (limit your answer to one or two minutes in length) while highlighting your most compelling assets.

Final Tips

Don’t be too modest! Sure, it can be hard to talk about yourself, but this is your time to sell your skills. Practicing your answer in advance can also help, especially to ensure you remain within an appropriate time limit and keep your points concise. Don’t memorize a script—you want your answer to be natural—but take the time to talk through it, and practice using examples to illustrate what you’ll bring to the table. Not only will this help you feel more confident on the day of the interview, it will also help you speak to your strengths in an eloquent, straightforward manner, which will impress your interviewers.

Ready to put your skills to use? Start applying for jobs for college students today!

Getting an Internship That Looks Good on Your Resume

Getting an internship isn’t easy – especially if your primary goal is to make money as soon as possible. While we, here at WayUp, advocate applying for jobs that will give your wallet a quick boost, we also know that greater long-term value lies in looking for positions that will boost your resume. Here’s how you can make sure you’re getting an internship that will look good on a resume, which will in turn make you look good as you establish your career.

Look into startups.

Because there’s so much to be done in growing a business, startups will rarely hire interns for the sole purpose of fetching coffee. Chances are, you’ll be given a lot of responsibilities and because startups tend to be smaller, you’ll very likely have the opportunity to collaborate with high-level managers or the CEO.

This type of opportunity is extremely valuable, not only because talking up your experience and contributions in future interviews is vital, but also because proving that you can communicate well with anyone — from entry-level employees to upper management — will make you a unique candidate in any applicant pool.

Try new experiences, but keep the story of your resume in mind.

Upon looking over your resume, employers will ask you to connect the dots in order to find out what your true interests are. That doesn’t mean that you should only apply for editorial internships if you’re an English major or banking internships if you’re majoring in Finance. In fact, at WayUp, we strongly advocate that you try something new– not only to expand your skill set, but also to determine what you like and don’t like in an internship. At the same time, you do have to know why you chose a particular position, and you need to be able to relate it to the rest of your work experience or classwork. Take some time to think about your interests, and review your past experience. Are there any commonalities in your resume like problem-solving or collaboration? That should give you insight into the types of internships you should target.

Look for project-oriented internships.

Project-oriented internships can be anything from building up a media company’s content base to helping a growing startup construct a new app — anything that will result in a finished product. Having the tangible result of your work is a huge advantage that you can leverage in all your future interviews. It may seem excessive to send over work samples or bring a portfolio into your interview, but trust us – when employers see this, they’ll know that you’re serious about the position and that you can accomplish a lot — even as a young employee.

If you’re looking for internships that have these qualities, you’ve definitely come to the right place – so be sure to sign up for WayUp if you haven’t already!

Networking Tips for Introverts

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This post is from our good friends at campus.about.me. campus.about.me helps students get discovered and excel on and off campus.

Networking…AAAAAAHHH!!!!

The art of shaking hands and kissing babies is beloved by some and feared by others. Namely introverts.

But, no matter how many social media platforms we create, face-to-face networking is not going away. So let’s chat about it, shall we?

Introverts are people who draw their energy from being alone or in small groups with people they know. Typically, they have a few amazing friends they build very deep and meaningful relationships with rather than have a ton of acquaintances.

Introverts often think first and talk…maybe never because they are introspective. That means when you’re talking they are actually thinking about what you’re saying. In large group settings, topics change so frequently because of the “look at that shiny thing over there” extroverts. Because of this, sometimes introverts don’t get a chance to share their processed thoughts. It’s important to note that introvert does NOT equal shy.

Now that I have politely stereotyped you, here are my five tips for your next networking event, alumni dinner, professional social, etc., my introverted friends:

1. Ask For Advice

When you’re in a conversation with someone, take the opportunity to ask for some advice. Introverts are practiced listeners, so ask a question or questions that will get others talking for a while.

2. Set Realistic Networking Goals

Set a realistic goal for how many new conversations you want to have. Rather than overwhelming yourself thinking you to play 20 questions with everyone in the room, simply set a goal to meet three new people. After each, reward yourself with some alone time: go outside for a breather, grab a drink, use the restroom and flip through Instagram.

3. Bring a Wing-Person

If you’re worried about breaking the ice and starting conversations, bring a wing-person. Ask a good conversation initiator to come along with you. Bring someone who doesn’t mind the awkward small talk at the beginning of a conversation, then you can jump in on the conversation once there is more substance.

4. Play to your strengths!

As an introvert, you are a deep relationship developer. For this reason, introverts have the potential to be better networkers in the long run than their extroverted counterparts. You listen more, ask deeper questions, and build lasting relationships…if that’s not sexy, I don’t know what is!

5. You Have Something To Offer – You

Realize that you are worthy of being in any conversation! I have actually heard introverts say things like: “I don’t have anything to add to the conversation” or “I felt weird saying anything…” – remember that you do have something to add to the conversation and that your comments will never be scrutinized by anyone else as much as they are by you.

My introverted friends, I hope that this makes the idea of networking a little more manageable. If you have thoughts about introverts and networking or just want to practice, you can find me here.

James Robilotta is a professional speaker, improv performer, author and entrepreneur. James is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and earned a master’s degree from Clemson University.

Get the Lowdown on WayUp

We’ve been in your shoes. Many of us were college students not too long ago, and we remember the stress of trying to get an internship in time for the summer, coming out of career services with red-line edits on our resumes, and worst of all, the agony of thinking we’d never get hired after graduation. (P.S. We did, and you will, too.)

We know that good advice–especially for college students and recent grads–is hard to come by. That’s why we’re launching The Lowdown, WayUp’s fantastic, spunky, insightful blog that’s a statement to the young job seekers of the world: No, the job search doesn’t need to be so mysterious or impossible. Yes, you can get hired, and here’s exactly what you can do to have more control over this process, to show just how competitive you are as a candidate. We’ll talk about tough interview questions like “What’s Your Greatest Weakness?” or “Tell me, college student with no current job prospects, where do you see yourself in 5 years?” We’ll share tips and tricks that will set you up for success, like asking your boss for feedback or learning how to speak up more in meetings. We’ll even give you an inside look into what it’s like to work in different roles at different companies, featuring thoughtful reviews and advice from employees working everywhere from small startups to big name companies like Google and McKinsey.

For the employers who are so crucial to giving great job opportunities to talented students and recent grads like you, we’ll show them how to hire and manage young employees, not only to ensure that you’re valued in your first internship or job, but also to guarantee that you are given enough responsibilities (note: not grabbing someone else’s coffee) so that when you start to look for new opportunities, you can showcase your professional accomplishments.

So whether you’re looking for a one-time gig, internship, part-time job or full-time position, we’re excited to give you The Lowdown on WayUp — after all, we’ve been where you’ve been, and we’ll show you the way up.

Is a Minor Necessary? 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider One

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Like icing on a cake, having a minor can be an impressive addition to your resume, but is it necessary? The short answer: No—but before you write them off, there are some distinct advantages to pursuing these perplexing educational add-ons. What’s more, most college majors require students to take electives which, when chosen strategically, can land you a minor without too much additional cost, time or work. What are some of the benefits of having a minor? We’re glad you asked.

You will be a well-rounded candidate.

We’re sure you’ve heard of at least a few people who boast minors seemingly unrelated to their main field of study. Think: A major in chemistry with a minor in theater arts or a major in engineering with a minor in music. For some students, minors are an opportunity to pursue an area of interest without making it their primary professional goal. The benefit? They show potential employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate with a variety of interests and skills.

You will stand out.

Hiring managers are always on the lookout for traits, skills and education that make candidates stand out from the competition, and in a group of similar candidates, that element can be as simple as having a minor where others don’t. Additionally, certain minors can demonstrate an additional skill or area of expertise that could prove useful to potential employers, like a minor in accounting, business or a language.

It helps you narrow your options down.

If you already know what career, or even role, you want to pursue after college, a minor can help you hone in on a specific professional niche. How? By pursuing a minor that complements your major. For example, a major in communications with a minor in psychology will be a particularly attractive combination for those pursuing marketing careers. Similarly, if you’re interested in working for a global non-profit, a major in business paired with a minor in international relations might just win employers over.

You will have a backup plan.

It’s not uncommon for individuals to start out on one career path before shifting gears and pursuing something completely different down the road. Minors allow you to diversify your specializations, meaning that if you ever decide to switch careers, you’ll have other skills to fall back on. For example, a minor in any language can be the basis for teaching that language, while a minor in art history might be the catalyst for a second career as a curator, art journalist or art therapist.

It demonstrates a desire to go above and beyond.

Above all else, employers keep a sharp eye out for candidates who are energetic, self-motivated and organized. Pursuing a minor indicates that you’re eager to learn and have the drive to pursue multiple projects at once. If your minor complements your major, it also hints at a strategic mindset and a willingness to go the extra mile.

The decision of whether to pursue a minor or not depends on your priorities and aspirations. While employers won’t penalize you for not having one, having a minor is a decision you probably won’t regret.

Top photo credit: Sentavio/Shutterstock

Get a Free, Professional Headshot: The #WayUpTour

Presentation matters, especially when it comes to your online presence. When you make an account anywhere — from social media to job-seeking platforms — your photo is featured at the very top of your profile. Because it’s the first thing employers and recruiters see before they review your credentials, they’ll be able to make a snap judgement: do you look like someone who could be the next face of their company? Or do you look like someone who couldn’t care less about your personal or professional brand?

Let’s be honest here: your selfies are always on fleek but they don’t exactly scream, “I’m a quality and qualified candidate.” Employers are only going to take you seriously if you put time and effort into presenting yourself professionally: we’ve found that candidates who upload a professional headshot to their WayUp profiles maximize their chances of landing a new position–and studies have confirmed the same results outside of WayUp as well. That’s why WayUp is coming to your school: to get you hired.

WayUp is the largest website for college students to find employment – from one-time gigs to part-time jobs & internships to full-time opportunities after graduation. Because our job is to get you a job, we’re introducing the 2015 WayUp Tour: we’re visiting 25 universities to give students like you a free, professional headshot, which you can use to impress the 6,000 employers on our site. At some schools, there will be hair and makeup touch-ups–and for guys, we’ll be providing quality button-down shirts from brands like Calvin Klein. We’ll also hand out incredible prizes from Zipcar, Jet.com, and more, and there will even be a station to take your own custom .GIF’s because, well, we’re just that fun.

So leave the selfies for Instagram and come join us on tour. We’ll be visiting 25 universities, and our first stop is Colby College. Check out the schedule here and make sure to RSVP – this is a tour you won’t want to miss!

The Most Important Meeting You’re Not Having

This post is from our good friends at campus.about.me. campus.about.me helps students get discovered and excel on and off campus.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.

Lucky for you, there’s an easy way to get known. It’s called an informational meeting.

What’s an Informational Meeting?

An informational meeting is an opportunity to meet with someone you can learn from. They are a great way to expand your network, increase your influence, and build your brand.

You could meet with someone:

  •      Who has your dream job
  •      Who works for a company you want to learn more about
  •      Who is in an industry you would like to explore
  •      Who has navigated similar challenges you are facing
  •      Who you met at a networking event
  •      Who attended a graduate school you are considering
  •      Who lives in a city that you’ve always wanted to move to
  •      Who… [enter your need here]

How To Get an Informational Meeting

The best way to secure an informational meeting is to tap into your existing networks.

Your network includes your family and friends, friends of friends, current or past colleagues, college alumni networks, social networks, people you’ve met at networking events and beyond.

Once you identify people to contact, reach out with a brief email. Introduce yourself, share how you came across them and tell them a little about yourself. From there, ask for 15 minutes of their time for an informational meeting to discuss what you would like to learn from them. Be sure to make this meeting as convenient for them as possible.

Though everyone won’t say yes to your request, you might be surprised how many people will.

What to Do Before the Meeting

Once you secure the meeting, prepare as much as possible. Learn as much about the person, their background and their work. Review their about.me page, personal website, and any other information you can find about them.

What to Do During the Meeting

During the meeting, the focus should be on them. You are there to learn and to be a sponge. Soak up their wisdom.

Prepare great questions and have a goal of what you’d like to get out of the meeting. Avoid asking questions that could be answered with a Google search. Most of the time, the meeting will shift to you. When it does, be ready to talk about your aspirations.

What Not to Do During The Meeting

This is the most important thing you’ll read in this post: do not ask for a job during an informational meeting. If you do, you will immediately lose any good will or trust that you’ve built. Instead, be so impressive that they want to learn more. From here you can share your about.me page.

Two Things to End the Meeting With

First, always ask, “Is there anyone else you think I should meet with?”  If you impressed them by your preparation and questions, they will gladly refer you to someone for another informational meeting. Recommendations are powerful and can open doors to new connections.

Second, always send a handwritten thank you note. Taking the time to purchase a card, write something thoughtful, and then mail it at the post office is priceless. Sure, you can send an email, but it’s better not to be delete-able. (If you do decide to send an email, make sure to use an e-mail signature.)

Remember, people generally enjoy helping others. I have always been amazed by people’s willingness to help strangers. Odds are that someone helped them in their career, and they are now willing to reciprocate. You can be that someone.

Antonio Neves is the Director of Higher Education for about.me. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Preparing for Your JPMorgan Chase Interview

How should I prepare for a JPMorgan Chase interview?

You first want to have a very good understanding of the job posting and what it seems to entail for the role for which you’re interviewing. This shows that you appreciate what may be asked of you if hired. It also gives you time to prepare examples of how your past experience, educational or professional, will help you perform those duties because the conversation should inevitably turn to your qualifications at some point. You also want to have examples prepared of a time you took initiative and/or showed leadership and a time you adapted to a difficult situation. These demonstrate skills that transcend roles and fields and are valuable in any professional environment. As mentioned above, be prepared to speak on your strengths and how that will make you an asset to the team/department you hope to join, but also prepare a couple “negatives” that you can spin into positives. For example, when I interviewed for my job, I had never worked for a bank before or even in the financial sector. I mentioned that I thought that made me more open-minded and eager to learn. It is also a good idea to spend some time researching the firm or organization you are interviewing to join. Find out what you can about its structure, its history, and its leadership. This is yet another way you can show that you’re taking the interview seriously and are keen to succeed. Finally, come prepared with at least 3-5 questions for your interviewer(s). I recommend having at least two related to the role itself (What does a typical day in this role look like? or Are there opportunities for advancement?) and two for the interviewer personally (ask them about their background and how they came to be where they are now, and then I also like to ask not only what their favorite part of their job is, but also their least favorite). A firm handshake and eye contact can go a long way too.

Job Skills: Anti-Money Laundering Analyst

Source: An Anti-Money Laundering Alerts Analyst, who has been working at JPMorgan Chase for almost a year. This is a role that involves identifying any generation of income that results from illegal actions.

What skills are necessary to succeed as an Anti-Money Laundering Alerts Analyst?

For my particular role, the most essential skills are attention to detail and analytical/critical thinking skills. Because compliance, as one of the big issues du jour in banking, is quite new in its importance, our processes change frequently, and our work demands considerable attention to detail to keep up with these changing standards. Working in most AML (anti-money laundering) roles will require a certain amount of analytical capacity. My primary task is transactional analysis and trying to take information from the bank’s internal systems, as well as open source information, to construct a narrative, so critical thinking and analytical abilities are crucial. Skills deserving of honorable mention are adaptability, specifically the ability to work in a range of different settings with a range of different people, and time management, meaning being able to balance several tasks at once and completing them all with the same high standard of quality.