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Authentic Networking: Unlocking Career Success by Being You

Let's talk about something that often gives even the most confident of us, the jitters - networking. It's easy to get caught up in trying to impress others and be what we think they want us to be.

But guess what? There's a secret to networking success that many people overlook - it's all about being authentic. Being true to yourself can open amazing opportunities, create genuine connections, and take your career to new heights.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the importance of authenticity in networking and share practical tips and strategies to help you embrace your true self and achieve long-term success.

Embrace Your Unique Story

Unleashing the power of your unique story is a game-changer for job seekers who value authenticity in their networking endeavors. Your journey, experiences, and perspectives shape the extraordinary individual that you are. Embrace your distinctive narrative and fearlessly share it when connecting with others.

By confidently owning and authentically expressing your true self, you'll effortlessly stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impact on those you meet. Your genuine story not only establishes a personal connection but also showcases your inherent strengths and remarkable capabilities.

To effectively share your unique story, consider the following tips:

Reflect on Your Uniqueness: Take time to delve into what sets you apart. Explore your passions, interests, and values. Identify the experiences that have profoundly influenced your growth and contributed to the amazing person you are today. Embrace and celebrate these aspects of your journey.
Practice Sharing Your Story: Like any skill, sharing your story becomes more natural with practice. Engage in conversations where you can authentically express your experiences, values, and perspectives. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become in articulating your authentic self.
Stay Genuine and Authentic: When sharing your story, authenticity is key. Resist the temptation to portray yourself as someone you're not. Authenticity resonates with others on a deeper level, while inauthenticity is easily detected. By staying true to yourself, you attract individuals who appreciate and connect with the real you.

Remember, your unique story is your greatest asset. Embrace it with pride and confidence, allowing it to shine through in your networking interactions. Your authenticity will captivate others, leaving a memorable impression and fostering meaningful connections.

Cultivate Genuine Connections

Cultivating genuine connections is a crucial aspect of networking, especially for job seekers. Authentic networking revolves around building real relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect. When you embrace your authentic self, you naturally attract like-minded individuals who appreciate and value you for who you are, creating meaningful connections that can greatly benefit your career.

To effectively cultivate genuine connections, consider the following tips:

Seek Out Like-Minded Individuals: Actively look for opportunities to connect with people who share similar passions, interests, or values. Seek out professional communities, events, or online platforms where you can meet individuals with whom you can genuinely connect.
Engage in Meaningful Conversations: When networking, strive to engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level small talk. Show a genuine interest in others by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to their responses. This demonstrates that you value their input and creates a space for meaningful dialogue.
Be an Attentive Listener: Listening is a powerful skill in networking. Take the time to listen actively and attentively to others. By showing that you genuinely care about what they have to say, you leave a lasting impression. Ask follow-up questions, provide thoughtful responses, and engage in conversations that demonstrate your interest and understanding.
Follow Up and Show Appreciation: After meeting someone, take the initiative to follow up and express your gratitude for the interaction. Send a personalized thank-you note or connect with them on social media platforms like LinkedIn. By taking these small actions, you show that you genuinely value the connection and are interested in building a meaningful relationship.

When you approach networking with a sincere desire to connect on a deeper level, you build trust and foster relationships that can open doors to exciting opportunities in your career journey. So, be yourself, engage in meaningful conversations, and show appreciation for the connections you make.

Establish Trust and Reliability

Establishing trust and reliability is vital for job seekers when it comes to networking with authenticity. Authenticity serves as the cornerstone for building trust in any relationship. When you are genuine in your interactions, people can rely on you and trust that your intentions are sincere. Trust forms the foundation for meaningful connections and opportunities, and authenticity is the key to building that trust.

Remember, in the world of networking, trust is earned over time through consistent actions and genuine interactions. By embodying authenticity, you establish yourself as a reliable and trustworthy professional, opening doors to exciting career possibilities and long-lasting connections.

Here are some valuable tips to help you establish trust and reliability in your networking efforts:

Be Transparent, Honest, and Dependable: Foster trust by being open, transparent, and honest in your interactions. Avoid exaggerating your skills or experiences and present yourself authentically. By demonstrating consistency between your words and actions, you show others that they can trust your integrity.
Exhibit Integrity and Authenticity: Maintain a high level of integrity in all your professional interactions. Act in alignment with your values and principles, and let others see your true character. When you are authentic, people recognize your genuine intentions, which strengthens trust in your professional relationships.
Follow Through on Commitments: A crucial aspect of building trust is being reliable. If you make a commitment or promise, ensure you follow through on it. Consistently delivering on your commitments demonstrates your reliability and builds confidence in your abilities and professionalism.

Embrace Vulnerability

Embracing vulnerability is essential for job seekers when utilizing authenticity in networking. Authenticity requires the courage to show up as your true self, even in situations that may feel uncomfortable. Rather than fearing vulnerability, view it as a strength and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

By embracing vulnerability, you create an environment where others feel comfortable doing the same. Authenticity and vulnerability go hand in hand, allowing for deeper connections and fostering trust within your professional network.

Remember, being vulnerable does not mean being unguarded or divulging everything about yourself. It's about finding the balance between sharing appropriately and authentically. When you embrace vulnerability, you invite others to see the real you, fostering genuine connections that can lead to meaningful opportunities and professional growth.

Consider the following tips to become comfortable with vulnerability in your networking endeavors:

Start with Small Steps: Begin by sharing small, authentic aspects of yourself with others. This could involve discussing your hobbies, interests, or non-work-related experiences. As you gradually become more comfortable, you can choose to reveal deeper and more personal aspects of your life.
Welcome Feedback: Being open to both positive and constructive feedback is crucial for personal growth. When you receive feedback, take it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and refine your skills. Embrace feedback as a valuable tool that can propel you forward in your career journey.
Don't Hesitate to Seek Help: Asking for assistance when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recognize that it's perfectly acceptable to reach out to others for guidance, advice, or support. Networking is not just about what you can offer but also about building mutually beneficial relationships where people are willing to lend a helping hand.

Continuously Learn and Evolve

Continuous learning and evolution are crucial for job seekers who prioritize authenticity in their networking efforts. Authenticity is not synonymous with stagnation; it involves embracing personal growth and consistently drawing lessons from your experiences.

By continuously learning and evolving, you demonstrate your authenticity and commitment to personal and professional development. Through these actions, you not only enhance your authenticity but also position yourself as a valuable and dynamic professional in your networking interactions.

To foster growth and maintain authenticity in your networking journey, consider these tips:

Embrace New Experiences: Stepping outside your comfort zone and being open to new experiences is essential for personal and professional development. Embrace opportunities that challenge you, as they provide valuable lessons and expand your skill set. By seeking out new experiences, you demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow, which enhances your authenticity.
Learn from Others: Actively listen to the stories and experiences of those around you. By being receptive to their insights, you gain valuable knowledge and different perspectives. Recognize that everyone has something to teach, and by embracing this mindset, you position yourself as a continuous learner, which fosters authenticity.
Be Adaptable: The world is in a constant state of flux, and adaptability is crucial for success. Embrace change, be open to new ideas, and adjust your approach as needed. Being adaptable showcases your ability to navigate different circumstances and demonstrates your authentic commitment to growth and improvement.

Authentic networking holds the key to unlocking career success for job seekers who dare to be themselves. In a world that often pressures us to conform and impress, authenticity stands out as a powerful tool that can open doors to incredible opportunities and forge genuine connections.

By embracing your unique story and fearlessly sharing it, you become a force to be reckoned with in the networking realm. Your genuine story not only establishes personal connections but also showcases your strengths and capabilities, setting the stage for remarkable career advancements.

In conclusion, authenticity is a powerful tool that can unlock your full potential and lead to a successful and fulfilling career. By being true to yourself and rocking your networking endeavors, you'll be amazed at the doors that open and the opportunities that come your way. Let go of the fear of judgment, be true to yourself, and watch as your networking efforts lead to meaningful relationships and career advancements.

Now go out there, be yourself, and rock your networking endeavors.

If you are looking for more personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@quardev.com!

Networking for Introverts: How to Leverage Your Strengths

You probably hear all the time that building connections through networking is important for your personal and professional growth. And this is true. But if the idea of pitching your brand and your ideas to a room full of strangers sounds like your worst nightmare, then this article is for you.

Networking events can be intimidating, especially for introverts. Fortunately, there are ways to network comfortably, even for those who don’t feel as at ease around large groups of people. Here are some strategies for networking for introverts.

Start by Identifying Your Strengths and Interests

For anyone, but particularly for introverts, it may be helpful to first turn your focus to your strengths and interests before networking. This can make the networking process more focused, as well as more enjoyable. By focusing on what you are good at and what you enjoy, you can connect with your passion and self-motivation. This can make networking seem less like a chore and more like an opportunity to share your genuine enthusiasm with others.

Start by thinking about what you enjoy doing and what you're good at. Then, look for networking opportunities that align with your strengths and interests. For example, if you enjoy writing, attend a writing conference. If you're interested in technology, join a technology group. When you're surrounded by like-minded people, it's easier to initiate conversations and build connections.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Preparing for an event ahead of time can help you feel much more comfortable and confident going in. Before attending a networking event, do some research. Find out who will be attending and what the event will be about. This can help you prepare conversation starters and questions to ask. Even if you don’t end up sticking exactly to what you’ve prepared, knowing that you have some fallbacks can provide a sense of relief. This can be extremely helpful in easing anxieties about attending the event.

Arrive Early

Showing up to an event after the room is already full of energy and chatter can lead to feeling instantly overwhelmed and drained. On the contrary, arriving early can help you ease into networking. When you arrive early, the environment will be quieter, and there will be fewer people to interact with initially. This can help you get comfortable in the space and make it easier to start conversations with other attendees as they arrive.

Let Your Listening Skills Shine

Introverts are often great listeners, and you can use this to your advantage. When you're in a conversation where you don’t feel as comfortable chiming in with your ideas, listen more and talk less. This can help you get to know others better and understand their goals and interests. It also shows others that you are thoughtful and inquisitive.

This can make you stand out in a room full of people who are focusing on their own interests. Additionally, people appreciate being heard and understood, which can help build trust and rapport.

Take Breaks

Networking events can be overwhelming, especially for introverts. It's okay to take breaks when you need them. Excuse yourself and step outside for some fresh air or take a break in a quieter area of the event space. This can help you recharge and feel more comfortable.

Follow Up

Introverts sometimes feel more comfortable expressing themselves through written communication, particularly in the initial stages of meeting someone. This is where following up after an event can come through. After meeting someone at a networking event, follow up with them. This can be a simple email or LinkedIn message.

Following up provides another opportunity to connect. It can be especially helpful if you did not get the chance to communicate your ideas as you would have liked to during the actual event. You can mention something you discussed during the event to help jog their memory. Or you can even start by saying that you are eager to talk with them more about a topic that you didn’t get the chance to discuss as much as you would have liked at the event.

Following up can help you continue to build the relationship and potentially lead to future opportunities.

Utilize Online Networking

Networking doesn't have to be limited to in-person events. In recent years, online or hybrid networking events have become increasingly common. Online networking can be a good option for introverts because it can be less draining for some. They allow you to network from the comfort of your own home, and they often give you more control over who you talk to.

Online networking can be just as effective as in-person events. For advice on how to make the most of a virtual networking event, check out our past blog. Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with people in your industry or with similar interests. You can also participate in online forums or groups to build connections with like-minded individuals.

Conclusion

Networking is an extremely valuable tool for personal and professional growth. But it can be intimidating, especially for the more introverted among us. It is okay to be nervous about networking; it can be nerve-racking for anyone. However, by being intentional about the way that you approach networking, it can be made much more comfortable and effective. You’ve got this!

If you are looking for more personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@quardev.com!

Red old style robot toy standing at a chalk board, holding a piece of chalk as if it'd written the title - Beyond Words - Why Body Language Matters in Job Interviews

Beyond Words: Why Body Language Matters in Job Interviews

In previous blogs, we’ve discussed tips to help you succeed in an interview. However, we have not yet done a deep dive into a crucial component of interview success: body language.

Body language is a way that we communicate nonverbally with others, both consciously and unconsciously. It is a powerful tool that conveys our thoughts and emotions through gestures, facial expressions, and posture.

The importance of body language is often overlooked. However, to an employer, it says a lot about someone’s preparation, confidence, and personality. It can potentially make or break an applicant's chances.

Even in virtual interviews, body language remains a key factor of a successful interview. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of body language in job interviews, including virtual ones.

First Impressions Matter

First impressions are critical, and body language plays a significant role in making a lasting impression. In the first seven seconds of meeting you (and some research suggests even sooner), employers are already making judgments in areas such as your trustworthiness and likeability.

This may sound intimidating, but it is also an opportunity. The very first chance you get to convey that you are prepared and confident is through body language.

Start off your interview by walking in with good posture and a confident demeanor. Even if you don’t feel confident, remember that you are prepared and qualified for this job. Also, keep in mind that the interviewer wants this to go well for you!

As soon as you walk in, you can already be making eye comfortable contact. Then, greet your interviewers with a genuine smile and a firm handshake.

These nonverbal behaviors will communicate that you are self-possessed and poised, which will help you make a terrific first impression.

Your Virtual First Impression

In online interviews, first impressions are equally important. Even though the interviewer cannot see you in person, they will still observe your body language: facial expressions, eye contact, and posture.

Thus, it is essential to be cognizant of your posture, make eye contact when appropriate, and avoid distractions.

Complementing (or Contradicting) Verbal Expressions

Body language also contributes to how your spoken words come across. Through your body language, you send messages, whether you intend to or not. These non-verbal cues can either reinforce what you are saying or contradict it, leading to either clarity or confusion.

For example, fidgeting or slouching in the chair during an interview can convey nervousness or lack of confidence, which can negatively affect the interviewer's impression. Even if you came into the interview prepared and ready to answer questions, this kind of body language might give them mixed signals about your preparedness.

On the other hand, sitting up straight, maintaining eye contact, and using complementary hand gestures will convey that you are confident and interested in the job.

Your Verbal Expressions Virtually

In virtual interviews, non-verbal cues can be even more critical. Alongside being mindful of your posture, eye contact, and gestures, it is also essential to ensure that your environment is conducive to the interview.

Being in a noisy or distracting space could send the message that you are not interested. Check that your camera angle is appropriate, you are visible in the frame, and your background is neat and free of distractions.

Demonstrate You are Focused and Engaged

Employers want to hire candidates who are highly motivated and eager to engage with work-related material. From your body language, interviewers may make judgments about how enthusiastic you are to be there.

Small unconscious behaviors, like fidgeting or gazing around the room, can send the message that you are distracted or uninterested in what the interviewer is saying, even if this is not the case.

On the other hand, intentional non-verbal cues like eye contact, sitting up straight, and being still in your seat helps to communicate that you are present and enthusiastic. This will show you are excited to talk with them about the job at hand.

Demonstrating Focus and Engagement Virtually

If your interview is online, this is especially important. Online environments are notorious for being full of distractions. Thus, it is crucial that you take steps to ensure a disturbance-free space.

One easy way to do this is to put all devices into “do not disturb” mode, or alternatively place devices you are not using for the interview in a different room. The last thing you need is notifications popping up, while you are trying to concentrate on an interview.

Also, take the interview in a space that is as quiet as possible. It’s understandable that sometimes things happen: your dog starts barking or your upstairs neighbor decides to take up tap dancing. Try to plan to have the interview in a space with the least number of anticipated distractors.

Mirroring the interviewer

Mirroring is when you subtly mimic or reflect another’s body language. Some examples of mirroring include assuming a similar posture or matching someone’s tone of voice. You might already be doing this subconsciously: many of us have a natural tendency to mimic others when we’re engaged in a conversation.

Mirroring the interviewer’s body language can help build rapport and establish a connection.

You don’t need to sit in positions that feel awkward or scratch your head after the interviewer scratches theirs. It is important that mirroring remains subtle. Otherwise, it can come off as forced or even a bit strange.

Subtle mirroring behaviors will probably come naturally after you have made other efforts to connect with the interviewer. This can be done through the means talked about earlier, like facing the interviewer and making eye contact.

Then, mirroring can be as simple as sitting slightly forward if they are or sitting a little more relaxed in your seat if they are doing so.

Mirroring Virtually

In virtual interviews, building a connection can be challenging due to the lack of in-person interaction. Thus, mirroring can be a helpful way to build rapport.

Mirroring online can be achieved by listening actively to the interviewer, maintaining good eye contact, and subtly mimicking facial expressions and gestures.

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, body language is an essential, yet overlooked, aspect of job interviews, both in-person and virtual. It plays a significant role in making a good first impression, showing that you are interested, and building rapport.

Being intentional about the nonverbal cues you are sending can help you convey confidence, interest, and attentiveness. By doing so, you can increase your chances of having a successful interview and of ultimately landing the job you want!

If you are looking for more personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@quardev.com!

Recruiter Minute: Organizing Your Job Search

Recruiter Minute: Tips for a Successful Interview

Writing Your Resume – Starting from Scratch

You’ve probably heard about the importance of customizing your resume for every job description. But what if you don’t have a good base resume to start with? Or maybe you have one, but it could use an overhaul.

Sometimes it’s best to start back at the beginning to make sure your resume is appropriate for the position you are going for.

Here, we’ll walk you through, step-by-step, how to create a resume from scratch so that you can start your job search on the right foot.

Choosing Your Style and Fonts

If you aren't sure how to style your resume, you’re in luck. We’ve done the research for you. You can find tons of templates for free, like these Office templates or you can develop one in Canva with a free membership. Once you have settled on a style you can start thinking about the formatting.

There are some general formatting rules that you’ll want to follow. Firstly, go with standard fonts such as Times New Roman or Calibri.

Next, make it no longer than one-page front and back. Additionally, use plenty of white space, and have no more than six bullets per job or experience.

Finally, you should stick to mostly black and white, with possibly one additional color for emphasis.

Choose a Base Format

The standard and most used resume format is reverse chronological. In this type of resume, you list your most recent work experience at the top and then move backward. It is appropriate to only list the last 10-15 years; this commonly involves listing three to five positions.

Another less common format is a functional resume. Functional resumes place emphasis on your relevant skills, rather than your work experience. You would be inclined to use this format if you are just starting out, a recent graduate, or switching fields.

There are also hybrid or combination resumes, which combine elements from reverse chronological and functional resumes. You will want to use this format if you have gaps in your work history. This format lets you highlight your skills without calling attention to any employment breaks.

In most cases, you’ll want to go with the standard reverse chronological format, first mentioned.

What to include in the Header

A header includes essential information that the recruiter or hiring manager needs to understand who you are and how to get in touch with you. It also might include information that can help them get a better idea of your career path, and where you see yourself going.

Ensure that there are no typos in your header because this may prevent whoever’s looking at it from reaching you, which would really set you back in your job search.

In your heading, make sure to include your name, your phone number, and your email address.

There is some question about whether it is still appropriate to include your home address in the header. It would be necessary when applying locally and the work will be in-person.

When applying for a remote position, just listing your city and state should be sufficient.

Additionally, you should list current your job title. Some additional information that is optional to include would be your LinkedIn profile, a website, or any other relevant social media platforms you want to showcase.

Now that you know what to add, let’s go over what you should purposely leave out. A safe rule of thumb is if it isn’t relevant to the position you are applying for then you don’t need to share it.

You can forego adding your date of birth, as well as any photo of yourself, as detailed by US guidelines as means of avoiding certain types of discrimination.

However, if you’re outside of the US you’ll want to check what the etiquette is regarding photos because in some countries it is customary to include them.

What are Summaries and Objectives?

You’ll need to decide whether writing a summary or objective in the header is appropriate for you and the position you are going for. Currently, a summary or objective seems only necessary when you are just starting out, don’t have very much on-the-job experience, or are switching fields.

This section allows you the space to match your skills with the needs of the position you are going for, so they are obvious and clear.

Summary:

A summary is a two-four sentence summary of your career. It is where you highlight your most relevant skills. It should include numbers and measurable achievements to back up your strengths. It can also include volunteering or other experience that is applicable.

Objective:

If you are making a career shift, an objective might be more appropriate than a summary.

An objective includes a summary of your work experience, but the bulk of it should be spent describing your goals and reasons for your career change.

In doing this, it’s important that it explains how your knowledge and skills from your previous work are relevant to the field you are entering.

Work Experience

Listed at top of your work experience in bold is your job title, the company name and location, and the dates you worked there.

Underneath each title, you will list your achievements and responsibilities in the role. These descriptions should contain three to six bullet points speaking to your responsibilities. You should always want to show, rather than tell, what your skills are. This can be done by listing percentages, numbers, and specific achievements as much as possible.

Education

In the education section, you should always include the name of institutions attended, your program or major, and the years ended. You can also include relevant courses and academic achievements, honors, or awards. You may also wish to include your GPA but only do this if it is especially high.

Volunteer Experience (Optional)

If you have volunteer experience that is applicable to the field you are entering, it’s a good idea to showcase it on your resume.

This is especially important if you don’t have a ton of relevant work experience. When listing volunteer experience, follow the same format as work experience.

Skills

Hard skills

Hard skills are concrete abilities or areas that you have training in. These skills are needed to fulfill specific job duties or tasks.

They are often listed in job descriptions as essential or desired qualifications. Some examples include a specific certification, typing speed, or the ability to speak a foreign language.

Soft skills

Soft skills are difficult to measure with awards and numbers, but this does not mean that they are any less important. In fact, including them on your resume is crucial.

Soft skills are applicable to pretty much any line of work. They are what make others want to work with you and are essential to your success in the workplace. Some examples of soft skills are time management, adaptability, and empathy.

Writing your resume from scratch can feel like a daunting task, but using an email template and following our tips will have you ready for your new job search in no time.

We hope you found this guide useful, and that it made the process of creating your resume less intimidating. For more personalized advice on crafting your resume, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Contact@quardev.com!