Job shadowing is a unique and valuable way to get information about a career you're trying to start, and it's pretty impressive to potential hiring managers, too. But even if you've got the initiative to set up one of these experiences, you might be a little uncertain about what you should be asking throughout the day to get the most value out of it.
That's OK...this is a whole new take on job interview prep, and if you don't know what to ask, I've got a whole list of great questions for you to ask in the video below. After you watch it, I'll have some links to more tips for how to set up a job shadow, and how to make the most of it in your job search:
Preceptorships, also known as job shadowing, are a great solution for people who want to transition into a new industry or career (and for new graduates, too). They are fantastically enriching experiences that make you a stronger candidate in the job search, plus they give you a legitimate way to include industry-specific keywords on your resume—which will get it noticed. They’re a valuable stepping-stone toward your new career.
It seems that there’s always been a stigma attached to being unemployed, and even in this economy, when so many people are without a job for a lengthy stretch, it still causes candidates to be uncomfortable and nervous about telling people that they’re unemployed. They don’t quite know how to handle the situation in the job search or in the interview.
Discover the tool you need for every interview, and how to show the hiring manager the four critical things he needs to know to make the decision to hire you.
That's a question many candidates ask. Folks who want to differentiate themselves but aren't sure about the timing or etiquette involved in the hiring process wonder if they should bring the whole 30/60/90-day sales or action plan to the first interview. Watch the video for my answer: Read more...
gives you more informed answers to interview questions--resulting in a better interview.
It's one of those "above and beyond" things that aren't necessarily essential to get the job, but can make a huge difference in whether or not you do.
Even though it's easy to understand how beneficial job shadowing is, it can be hard to actually go out and get that experience. In today's video, I'll tell you how to do it.
Not only does it supply you with a more substantial base for your job search, it also sets you apart as someone who's willing to go the extra mile (literally). You will have demonstrated that you have energy, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a drive to be successful.
So what's your first step?
Find someone to shadow (most people are flattered to be asked), find out what a typical day is like, and ask the person you're shadowing how to be more competitive in the job search and on the job. Have a list of questions ready to go, but be observant and come up with new ones as you go through the day. Be sure to ask your mentor for their advice (and maybe treat them to lunch). Absolutely send a thank you note.
A job shadowing experience increases your odds of landing the job dramatically. It sets you apart as a “go-getter” and shows that you can make contacts, and it’s another way to help the hiring manager see you in the job.
This is where many candidates stumble. Let me teach you critical tips about what to say, how to say it, why it's important, and what it demonstrates to the hiring manager. It's hard to try to close the deal and ask for the job, but it's vital to the success of your interview:
There are many, many social networks available online: Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, niche networks, and many more. Are some better than others? Do they have different purposes? Which ones are worth your time? Watch the video to see what an expert in the job search thinks about the different social networks, and which one is critical for you to be in:
Are you looking to transition into a new career? Whether you are being forced to move on because of the current economic situation, or whether you're one of the millions of adults switching careers just because you're ready for a change, consider job shadowing to give yourself a boost.
Job shadowing isn't just for students. The reason it's so associated with students is because they're the biggest group of people setting out on a new path. But just because you're an adult doesn't mean it's not a great idea for you, too. Anyone trying something new needs a way to test the waters first, and job shadowing can do a whole lot more for you, too.
Job shadowing lets you try out a career for a day to see if you're really interested. You might like the idea of a job, but not like the day-to-day rhythms and challenges of it. And liking a job's "typical day" is going to mean greater success for you down the road. It's very important that you ask questions about the job, what the person likes and dislikes about it, what's a good career path look like, and what more you need to do to get your foot in the door.
Job shadowing is a great way to build your network in that area of the woods. You've just started with your mentor for the day. But you're going to be asking questions, finding out who's who, and meeting people.
Job shadowing helps you get critical keywords for your resume. Sure, you're going to play up your transferable skills when you're angling for a new career area. Along with that, you can use the job shadowing experience to give you the buzz words that HR's computer systems are looking for when they scan for interview possibilities. Giving that experience a spot on your resume also shows that you're a person who's creative, enthusiastic, willing to learn, and willing to go the extra mile for success.
Job shadowing helps you have a better interview. If you get called in for the interview, your job shadowing experience is going to give you more "meat" to talk about. You're going to have more understanding of a typical day on the job and what the challenges and issues will be. That's going to help you speak more intelligently about what you can bring to the table, and why it's going to be a good idea to hire you. It's also going to help tremendously in creating your 30/60/90-day plan--which is vital to your interview success when transitioning careers.
Seriously consider a job shadowing experience. Most people will be flattered that you asked, and will be more than willing to help. (It would be a nice gesture to treat them to lunch, though.) Just remember to do your research first, come dressed for work with your list of questions ready to go, and be sure to send a thank you note later.
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Job shadowing is a unique and valuable way to get information about a career you're trying to start, and it's pretty impressive to potential hiring managers, too. But even if you've got the initiative to set up one of these experiences, you might be a little uncertain about what you should be asking throughout the day to get the most value out of it.
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