Author advises grads on 'How to Wow'

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 15, 2009 | by Sarah Lindner Cox Newspapers

AUSTIN, Texas -- Need a crash course on professional polish? "How to Wow: Proven Strategies for Selling Your (Brilliant) Self in Any Situation" by Frances Cole Jones packs a career's worth of wisdom into a short book that's written with uncommon snap and energy.

Readers of any age can learn something from this book, but it would be especially useful for graduates looking for their first jobs. Jones, who founded Cole Media Management in 1997, has had a lot of speaking engagements for college students lately, and she loves her contact with them.

"I'm happy to help," she says. So happy, in fact, that she's stayed in touch with some of the students she has spoken to, coaching them on resumes, cover letters and voice mail, among other areas, and even giving job leads. She also accepts questions from students (and anyone else) at her Web site. On howtowow- thebook.com, click on "Interact" and then "Ask a Question."

Jones talked with us to share advice about finding and succeeding in your first job.

Q: In your book, you urge job hunters to research the company where they're interviewing and spell out what they can do for the company. Why are those things so important?

A: When they say, "Why do you want to get into this industry?" if you don't have the story for that, you're going to be floundering, and then they'll be having to work to help you out. So answering those kind of softball questions is critically important.

Showing where your skills are going to overlap with their needs should be something they (job hunters) can talk about in the interview but also in the cover letter. Say something like, "My understanding is that your company needs XYZ. Here's how my skills are going to help you achieve that."

Q: With their job hunts more challenging, graduates might find themselves going on more informational interviews. What are your tips for getting the most out of them?

A: Don't hesitate to do it. People really do want to help. But make it easy for them. It's a really nice gesture to say "May I take you to lunch?" or "May I take you to coffee?" but people don't have that kind of time. So you say, "May I come in for 15 minutes at the beginning of the day or the end of the day and ask you a few questions?"

You want to bring in your resume and say, "What red flags do you see looking at this?" You want to ask, "Are there any trends going on that I need to know about?" Another good thing to know: "Is there one thing I should never, ever ask?" There will be that for every industry.

Q: How can someone who's just starting out put together interview outfits on a budget?

A: I think you have to have one really good-looking shirt. I recommend blue. We trust blue the most, and it also photographs best if you're having a head shot done -- and I recommend you have a professional picture for your Facebook page. Within the possible shades of blue, I recommend a medium cornflower. It looks good on everyone.

I don't want you to overlook the importance of your accessories. Your shoes need to be polished. Your briefcase or handbag needs to be polished. I don't want you walking in with your handbag or briefcase stuffed with papers or old sandwiches. I don't want to see you walking in with sunglasses on your head. I don't want to see you walk in with earphones. I don't want your phone to be on.

Q: You mentioned Facebook. What are some other tips for graduates and other job hunters about using social networking sites?

A: Any photograph that does not say "I can be trusted with $100,000" needs to be deleted. I've been talking a lot on college campuses the past few months, and I get so much pushback on this. They're like "Oh, I don't want to seem like I'm not fun." I don't care. Be fun on your own time. Do you want a job or don't you?

I would have them buy their name. I own every permutation of my name. It just looks more professional than a Gmail address or a Yahoo or a Hotmail. Have a Web page up there -- even if it's just your head shot, your bio, your goals and links to interests you have.

Q: Once you get a job, how do you get off on the right foot with your new co-workers?

A: You'll be taken around and introduced, hopefully, the first day. If you're not, do make a point to introduce yourself in the kitchen or at the copier.

Your office or desk is an extension of your physical being. I don't want to see your entire collection of Beanie Babies. Your personal items need to be appropriate.

I do some work with a very large Fortune 500 corporation, and they've been laying people off. And they were saying that these days, when it comes down to who they're picking, if it's neck and neck, they're going to get rid of the person who leaves their dirty dishes in the sink. We're on that kind of a razor's edge.

You need to be cheerful, you need to be positive, you need to volunteer for everything. I want them to go to every meeting even if it's not mandatory. A lot of corporations have a charity project. Sign up. Your boss is going to notice.

Q: What other advice do you have for new grads as they search for a job and then as they start work?