"What are the steps to increase my career prospects as a student?"
The first step is to know where you want to go. There are three primary dimensions to consider: Firstly, location or geography; secondly, industry; and the third, role or function. As you start thinking about each dimension, consider that there’s a higher probability of changing one dimension than two. To change all three dimensions, “never say never,” but know that there’s a lower probability and will require more work to execute. Let me comment on each dimension in order.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How well should I know what I want before starting a job or internship search?”
Most students and professionals do not spend enough time on self-reflection before looking for a new opportunity. Especially early in their careers. There are several assessment tools to help with self-reflection. In my experience, the key domains to reflect on are skills, interests, and motivators. Of these three, skills are the most obvious focus for job seekers and recruiters.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How do I find out more about companies and roles in a job search?”
If I had one piece of advice for my younger self, it would be to network for information earlier in my career.
Through the years, I have had students tell me that they are interested in consulting, financial services, and other roles without understanding their target industries. Networking for information is an important part of job searches and overall career management.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How should I approach my job search with the holidays approaching”
The most successful job seekers are very in tune with the ebb and flow of the job market. In Singapore and many other countries, the job market gets quiet as the end of the year holidays approach. Yes, there is some hiring, but the volume decreases as key decision-makers take leave, staff look forward to vacations and staycations, and most people look to a new beginning in the coming year. Some staff looking to leave their job will hold out for the bonus payment, although this will be a challenging year for bonuses in most industries.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“What is the purpose of a résumé”
I’m hoping that everyone had a restful and inspired holiday season. Now, it is time to rekindle the job and internship search and start using your research and networking information to pursue your target roles.
From this point onwards, I want you to put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and ask yourself, “if I were the hiring manager, would I hire myself? If yes, why?” This mental exercise will help you construct your résumé or curriculum vitae.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
2021 Industry Outlook: Which Skills Will Be Most In-Demand?
The job market in Southeast Asia promises to be more buoyant in 2021, as economies recover from COVID-19 and companies ramp up hiring. Demand will come from emerging sectors and for candidates with sought-after skills.
“How to start building a good résumé”
It is critical to understand the skills you have against the requirements for the target role. I touched on this in my last #ESSECAPAC Career Tip Series. I’ll expand on it this week. Most people build their résumé by putting together a chronological list of work experiences and education. From this point onwards, I recommend that you view yourself as a walking portfolio of skills. Understanding your skills and highlighting them through your achievements is the first step in building a good résumé.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How do I make my résumé more interesting?”
I recently shared two career tips focused on developing your résumé. One was on understanding the purpose, and the other was on putting it together. This time, I’ll share how to make your résumé interesting. I often tell students that a boring résumé is a bad résumé. This is one of my favorite topics that I’d like to expand on this week. It might seem obvious, but many students do not think about this when building a résumé. Yes, skills are the most critical to get through the process, but if a thousand people apply for a job, at least five or more will likely have the right skills. It then comes down to other factors to get the interview. This is where being interesting can be vital
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“Is it important to send a cover letter in a job application?"
This week, I will examine the curious world of cover letters. Bart Turczynski, a career expert, once said: “Most recruiters don’t read cover letters. But at the same time, half do expect to get one. Strange, right?” Unfortunately, it is still important to write a good cover letter and send it with your résumé unless the company explicitly tells you otherwise.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How do job search strategies change with seniority?”
This week, I will look at how the market is different depending on seniority and how your strategies need to change. MBAs and Executive MBAs graduates have anywhere from 3 years to 30-plus years of experience. Occasionally, an EMBA will ask why the school does not do on-campus recruitment activities for them. This is because there are differences in the job market for more senior candidates.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How do I overcome nervousness in an interview?
This week, I will discuss how to overcome or at least minimize nervousness in an interview. First of all, please know that it is natural to be nervous during an interview, especially if it is a role that you really want. The key to calming your nerves is preparation and practice. There are four main components to be aware of..
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How do I give myself an edge in a job interview?”
This week, I will discuss one more important preparation tip before I get into specific types of interview questions. Last week, I delved into the importance of preparation. There is one more type of preparation that can give you an edge over candidates: storytelling. It is essential to prepare five to six interesting, relevant stories before the interview to shine.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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“How do I handle automated, AI-driven interviews?”
This week, I will discuss a major trend that has been sweeping the hiring process for more than a few years now — automated, AI-driven interviews. With the desire to make the hiring process more efficient and many startups digitizing the hiring process, AI is becoming a regular feature in screening interviews, especially for large companies.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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"How do I turn down an offer without burning bridges?"
This week, I will discuss a topic that could have a long-term impact on your career: what if you have to turn down a job offer? It could be seen as a good problem to have an offer that you want to reject. It means that you have successfully managed the recruitment process and have options. However, if not done diplomatically and professionally, it could harm your opportunities in the future. The world is small, and people remember.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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"How should I follow-up after an interview?"
This week, I will discuss how you should follow-up after an interview. The way you follow-up after an interview can impact the final decision, especially if it is a close one between you and another candidate. There are two types of follow-up: firstly, a "Thank you" email; and finally, a polite and professional "Chaser".
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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"How should I negotiate the compensation package?"
This week, I will discuss some tips on negotiating a compensation package. Notice that I did not refer to it as a “salary”. When considering an offer, you should factor in salary, allowances, bonuses, equity, benefits, and job titles.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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"Should I have a backup plan if I can’t secure an ideal job?"
This week, I will look at the need for a backup plan during an internship or job search. In Singapore, the peak period for securing a summer internship is March and April. As we progress through April, it is understandable that the stress of finding an internship can build. One way to help manage the search and the associated stress is to have a backup plan.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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"How do I create unplanned opportunities?"
This week, I will look at how to approach unplanned opportunities. Career coaches often work with students and clients on constructing a specific plan. While I still recommend planning, it is also important to understand the power of unplanned opportunities and how unexpected moments can play a role in your overall career.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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"How do I make the most out of my internship?"
This week, I will look at how you can make the most out of your internship. As we approach the internship season for most students, let’s explore how to have a meaningful internship experience. Internships can vary significantly in length and quality for various reasons, but these recommendations apply to most situations.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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"Should I work for a startup company?"
This week, I will address a question that I get on a regular basis. I receive this question from students in their 20s to peers in their 50s and people in between.
Author: Larry Medina is the Head of Career Services, Alumni & Corporate Relations at ESSEC Asia-Pacific
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