How millennials can stand out in the job market

Graduation is upon many millennials across the country. Whether they're graduating from high school, college or a graduate program, there are hungry 20- and 30-somethings on the hunt to begin or advance their careers. While this generation is leading us into a digital age, applying for a job is still very traditional. Here are some context and tips for that first “real job” interview.

Disappointing job market

At the beginning of June, non-farm payroll numbers were released, with disappointing results. The U.S. created 38,000 jobs in May versus the expected 162,000. Unemployment fell by 0.3 percent to 4.7 percent — or, if you look at a more encompassing figure that includes part-time workers and those not actively looking for employment, it held steady at 9.7 percent. Though these statistics were not what watchers anticipated, do not let this deter you from actively seeking the position that you want. Put your best foot forward!

Job hopping

Few people stay with one company their entire careers anymore. That said, is the job-hopping millennial stereotype true? In April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a study concerning young adults in the labor market. It reported that young adults born in the early 1980s held an average of 7.2 jobs from ages 18 to 28. Another study published in April, this one from LinkedIn, showed that millennials jump jobs an average of four times in their first decade out of college, versus about two times for Generation Xers graduating college from 1986 to 1990.

Use this information to your advantage. Because hiring, training and developing employees is costly, retaining good employees — who are productive and efficient, with institutional memory — for as long as possible makes good business sense. In your interview, explain that you’re interested in finding a good career home and growing along with the company as you contribute to its success. Ask about opportunities for advancing in the position. This will show you’re serious about the job — and increasing the company’s ROI (return on investment) in you.

Five interviewing tips

• Resume: As Monster.com resume expert Kim Isaac writes, your resume is a marketing tool, not an autobiography. Keep it concise and focused on your key selling points, with every word dedicated to explaining your value for this role. If this is your first “real job” and you don’t have tons of job experience, try to keep it to one page. More than that and it will look as though you’re overinflating your resume. Get help from a college counselor or experienced mentor in crafting it. 
• Practice: If an interview is a performance (and it is), you want it more scripted and less reality. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll be asked, “What are your weaknesses?”, “What are your goals?” and “What makes you different/unique from other candidates?” Perfect your answers ahead of time. Be concise, emphasize your strengths while being honest and provide examples. Consider using the STAR format to answer questions effectively and efficiently: Situation or Task, Action, Result. Film yourself practicing in order to improve your delivery and body language. Resources such as Glassdoor.com can help you prepare: It offers job and company information from current and former employees, as well as other applicants.
• Attire: Dress professionally and conservatively — generally, if your attire makes an impression, it’s likely to be a bad one. Err on the side of more formal. A good rule of thumb, says Kate Wendleton, founder and president of the Five O’Clock Club, a national career counseling and outplacement firm: Dress one or two levels higher than the job you’re interviewing for.
• Mobile phone: Don’t just put it on vibrate. Turn it off or leave it behind. If your interviewer hears it, she’ll likely interpret it as a lack of focus or commitment.
• Thank-you note: Don’t underestimate the power of sending a thoughtful, handwritten thank-you card after your interview. It’s common for employers or recruiters to sort through hundreds or even thousands of applications for one position. It could help you stand out.

Jennifer Pagliara is a financial adviser with CapWealth Advisors. Her column appears every other week in The Tennessean. For more information, visit www.capwealthadvisors.com.