I Wore a Power Suit to Work Every Day For a Week Heres What Happened

I Wore a Power Suit to Work Every Day For a Week Heres What Happened I have an early memory of my motherbei, a pharmaceutical sales rep, preparing to leave for work in the morning. Its the mid-1990s, and shes dressed for a day of visiting doctors offices in a smart, shell-pink skirt suit, her hair shoulder length and curled, her pointed-toe pumps a matching shade of pink. The pumps, especially, stand out in my memory, as I tottered over to give her a goodbye kiss and promptly barfed on them.Prior to the addition of my bodily fluids as an accessory, though, my mom welches looking sharp. Fast forward to today, and shes still a well-dressed pharmaceutical rep, but her workwear style has veered in a mora casual direction (think sweater dresses and knee-high boots). Its reflective of a style evolution thats taken place for a lot of people, across gender identities and workplaces. Formal dress codes are on the decline, and thats true of even more traditionally buttoned-up industries, lik e finance. Suits just arent something the majority of us are wearing to ur 9-to-5s today. And when they are worn, a recent Vox article, How the Power Suit Lost Its Power, argued, its as a sign bedrngnis of power and professionalism, but of contrition.These days, when you are not in control you wear a suit, Voxs writer states. The suit has become a uniform for the powerless when youre in control, at least in relative control, from the C-suite down to the long rectangular table in the open-air office, you wear whatever you want, which is almost never a suit.It welches this side of the spectrum that I welches curious about tapping into when I had the idea to wear power suits to work. Every day. For a week.I am what some would call a mid-to-late 20s, Brooklyn-dwelling, creative-leaning professional (tropes). While I do enjoy expressing myself through my clothing and therefore put thought into the way I dress, I will still on occasion do things like wear what is technically a crop top to work and hope that my skirt is high-waisted enough to conceal it. Exhibit ALiv McConnell, Associate Editor at Fairygodbossphotos taken by Cassy LombardiSuffice it to say, coordinated suit sets arent something that feature heavily in my wardrobe. Which is why, when the female-founded brand M.M. LaFleur expressed interest in supplying me with suits for my experiment, I welches curious about who this new Power Suit Liv could be. Would I be transformed as a professional, from the outside in? At the very least, I figured, Id be able to live out my 90s sartorial dream of channeling my mom at her peak Elizabeth James-esque aesthetic (prior to the Im not mature enough for this Nick Parker meltdown).Here, friends, is a snapshot of how my week actually played out.Day 1Outfit M.M. LaFleurs Ross Blazer in veridian Mejia Pant in veridian Patricia top.Waking up Monday to kick off my power suit week, I incorrectly assumed that getting ready would be a breeze. The getting dressed part was my suit, a dark green number from M.M. LaFleur, was hanging in the closet, along with a sleeveless turtleneck (major professorial vibes happening) and a matching snakeskin belt and shoes Id picked up at Target. But dressing so intentionally meant I now felt a need to elevate my hair and makeup, too, and I wound up rushing out the door later than Id planned.Seemingly not the most powerful start to the day, and yet I found myself approaching the office calm and fully composed, free of the anxiety that ordinarily compels me to walk Very Fast if Im running late. Could it be that my power-suit thinking had already begun?My day went on more or less as planned from there, with meetings stacked from the better part of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (oof). I could already tell that being busy while wearing a power suit made me feel purposeful and more energized, though. I ordered my afternoon coffee with an extra shot of espresso, because power.Day 2Outfit M.M. LaFleurs Colby Pant Moreland jacket Criseta top.Tue sdays outfit was the most conservative of the looks I was to sport that week a black suit jacket and pants from M.M. LaFleurs new Packable Suiting collection, designed to be compact and totally wrinkle free, along with a mock-neck black and white spotted blouse. Lastly, I dragged out a dusty pair of heels from the depths of my closet.I felt super polished, and also like I was about to cross-examine a witness, and also like I was definitely not 26 years old.Toward the end of the work day, I went to write a self-assessment for my companys upcoming bi-annual performance reviews, completing the various sections of my report in the tone Id ordinarily use. Then, something the suit? stopped me. Scanning the assessment, I caught multiple instances where Id used language that ultimately served to undermine my contributions. Being self-deprecating is something Im often guilty of (blame A. my sense of humor but also B. and C., gendered societal conditioning and defense mechanisms, woo), as w ell as something Im trying to be more thoughtful about.So, I deleted any traces of acquiescent language on the report before hitting send and heading to meet a friend for dinner. Later, to cap the day off, I ordered a car home, despite the restaurants proximity to my apartment. Heels are sehr (at this point, itd been 13 hours), and I am unsure how people do this.Day 3Outfit M.M. LaFleurs Ross Blazer in veridian and Mejia Pant in veridian.My outfit for Wednesday was my favorite the same green M.M. LaFluer suit I wore on Monday, styled with a skull-and-crossbones scarf from my coworker, Mary, and the black suede heels from the day before. This time, though, I threw the heels in a bag and made my 50-minute commute in flats, actualizing my preteen image of what me as a Working Adult in New York City would look like. Apparently, that image also involved me (happily) dressed somewhere along the spectrum of C-suite and edgy flight attendant.Having plowed through the work day apparently, I use verbs like plow to describe me at work now, because power it was time for a social experiment. I was going to get drinks with a friend in Manhattans Financial District, a region Ive generally only stumbled into if Ive gotten lost while plant shopping in Chinatown.For those who havent been, FiDi is, in a lot of ways, what youd picture. Its full of white men who work on Wall Street and wear suits (or, if theyre opting for a more casual look, puffy bomber vests and saddle shoes), and its In retrospect, I realize that what Id been expecting was a stereotype that may be at least a little outdated. I thought Id be entering a space with super overt power dynamics and a gross misuse of social and financial capital on display. I was expecting American Psycho, without the murder. Instead, what I got was an upscale bar where the crowd did skew white and male, yes but all-in-all, nothing about the experience felt especially exclamatory. (I realize that, for other folks, it may have felt like an unsafe space my privilege in sauntering up to a bar as a white cis woman with money in her pocket is not lost on me.) In the end, for me, it was just a bar with incredibly overpriced cocktails. I ordered two, paid my tab of $45 after tip (*faints*) and left.Day 4Outfit M.M. LaFleurs Colby Pant and Moreland jacket.For Thursday, my outfit was centered on a cool dad aesthetic. I wore the pieces from M.M.s Packable Suiting collection again, but this time with a Bowie T-shirt and a vintage red overcoat mixed in.At the office, I got on the elevator with a coworker who half-jokingly asked me if I was dressed this way because I had job interviews scheduled. Later in the afternoon, a second coworker asked me the same question which was definitely not a side effect of the experiment Id been anticipating. (To my boss, if youre reading this, just to quickly reiterate job interviews were not a part of my week)Something that was a part of my work week, though, was a series of significant content strategy conversations within my team, and no shortage of data-pulling and meetings to accompany those conversations. Though it was a worthwhile and motivating process, it was also a lot to fit in alongside my daily repertoire of responsibilities, and I wrapped up the work day craving something different from the previous nights FiDi excursion. So, my coworker and I headed to a sound bath for a new age-y night of laying on the floor surrounded by strangers as percussive instruments designed to inspire a meditative state were played around us. Like I said, pretty opposite from overpriced cocktails off of Wall Street.Laying on the floor in my suit, I had the thought that, as a human species, its pretty strange we feel the need to signal our value to others via what we wear, and that its unfortunate how many people feel this value isnt something thats automatically conferred to them just by virtue of being a human being. Are power suits then, at their core, simply an exercise in psychological peacocking? Or was that just the incense talking? Whos to say.Day 5Outfit M.M. LaFleurs Ross Blazer in veridian and Mejia Pant in veridian.For the final day of my power suit week, I once again opted for the green M.M. LaFleur pant suit, which had rather quickly become a favorite, along with a sheer blouse from ASOS that felt vaguely Victorian. I was leaving work early to meet my best friend from the airport, and we werent likely to drop by my apartment before our evening plans began. Meaning, this would also function as my Friday night look.As I went about my work day, though, I realized not only that I didnt mind the idea of dancing in my power suit later (that, in fact, sounded pretty ideal?). I also realized that Id miss these suits come next week.Is what I ordinarily wear to work technically comfier than full-on suit getup? Yes, it is. But something about being so intentionally put together throughout the week did spill over into feeling a bit more put together in my life overall. I sat a little straighter. I spoke a little more firmly. And I had more faith in the idea that what I was doing and how I was contributing at any given moment during the week was enough. The objective value of those contributions didnt change, but my relationship to the idea that what I was doing was either A. insufficient or B. perceived as such by others did. I eased up on myself a bit. The weirdest part, though? By the end of the week, even the heels stopped hurting.--

Writing a Follow up Letter after Submitting Your Resume for Dummies

Writing a Follow up Letter after Submitting Your Resume for Dummies A great cover letter is your opportunity to prove that you know the reach of the role and the businesss mission. A whole lot of internet sites offer support for drafting your resume skillfully to have a small price tag. The objective of your call is to express enthusiasm about the opportunity, and you can positively promote the team. The Debate Over Writing a Follow up Letter after Submitting Your Resume Next, if youre fortunate enough, they provide you with a chance for an einstellungsgesprch. Follow-Up Letter Follow-Up Phone Call Make your call attempts at first or later area of the day once the hiring manager is less inclined to be in a meeting. Perhaps youve attended an interview or a number of job interviews. What You Should Do to Find Out About Writing a Follow up Letter after Submitting Your Resume Before Youre Left Behind Another sort of follow-up letter could be sent after submitting work applica tion. A cover letter should be all business enterprise. Fortunately, there are a number of tested methods of following up on a work application. Youve submitted a work application or sent your resume to an organization youd really like to interview with, but you neednt heard back. You should send a thank you letter in case you have interviewed for work. Customize Each Letter While it could appear tedious, you must customize each letter to coincide with the specific job for which youre applying. The letter has to be brief and to the objective. Writing a cover letter can seem to be an intimidating job. Characteristics of Writing a Follow up Letter after Submitting Your Resume Should you need any more information, please feel free to get in touch with me by schmelzglas or phone. Ultimately, you can send an email asking to stay in contact with the hiring manager. Following that, you even need to compose a follow-up email After the second interview, you should send another f ollow-up email. The earlier you take action, the earlier youll observe rewards. To provide your work application the best possible probability of success you are going to have to understand how to compose a cover letter that is related and concise. The absolute fruchtwein acceptable cover letter will boost your probability of getting detected at an enterprise. A follow-up letter to the Human Resources contact should incorporate the job title in the topic line and the very first line or a couple of the message itself. Utilize their very first name if youre on a first-name basis. Make aya that you get the individuals title and the right spelling of their name. Utilize spell check, its not that difficult. The Benefits of Writing a Follow up Letter after Submitting Your Resume For instance, you may want to just compose an overall letter, or you might want to bring up the subject of possible follow up discussions. It is possible to also ask questions about what things to expec t as the business moves toward a choice. You want to reveal interest and stick out from the crowd. Keeping in view your interest it is possible to assure what you could provide or how youre able to benefit the recipient. In different situations, the precise response date is offered in the work ad. There will probably be lots of mistakes in your cover letter once you have written the very first draft. In the other times you want to get a cover letter. Utilizing the most suitable abilities, you ought to be able to create the letter easily.

What to Do About Should You Put Your Gpa on Your Resume Before It Is Too Late

What to Do About Should You Put Your Gpa on Your Resume Before It Is Too Late The Nuiances of Should You Put Your Gpa on Your Resume It is going to also be employed to remain in touch. To get in the front part of the package, youll need to differentiate yourself with your deckblatt letter. You are likely to detect an engaging cover letter opening its possible to shape to fulfill your requirements. To work with you to craft the best cover letter, were supplying you with a couple of illustrations to test. Also note which you do not need to use the formal class title. Youre able to use a multi-column format with a couple of columns, based on the class titles. Begin with the best resume format as a great foundation. If youre a seasoned professionalput your professional work history section prior to your education. Your cover letter is going to have the ability to help you take that extra quantity of control inside your application package. There is not anyone set cut-off num ber. Really go at your own pace and leverage all the valuable information youre able to become there. Most often once you complete the job application there is going to be a location for you to list your references. Some schools arent able to fulfill complete need. That means you may include classes that you intend to take, but havent yet completed. If youre an undergrad, you might still have enough time to compensate for your earlier carelessness in not keeping up your grades. Keep in mind, education does not need to be limited to formal education. It is extremely easy for an employer to confirm your GPA by taking a look at your transcript. Job applications consist of many distinct things that matter over a GPA. The Truth About Should You Put Your Gpa on Your Resume Its possible to also meet employers at in-person events like career fairs, where you are able to learn about open jobs and learn to apply. Then make sure that you will wind up satisfied if youve labored as fast as possible. Career fairs, however, are a fantastic opportunity and one which you should put time and effort into. The cover letter should only be a few straightforward paragraphs. For a first-time job, you truly dont have to go over one page in length. Following these basic guidelines can make all of the difference in regards to landing your dream job When its your very first job, and never very formal, you might want something quite quick. Do some informational interviewing so that you can meet men and women in your field, and theyre able to get to know you as a true individual, not merely a GPA number. GPAs in non-technical fields arent as scrutinized, though clearly, it can be contingent on the individual employer. If you presently have experience in the area, you also need to avoid listing your GPA and pay attention to your experience instead. If you havent achieved any honors, place your GPA beside your major. A couple of companies together with some tasks mig ht take a baseline minimum. There are a couple of points, which can help you to recognize a business to keep away from. Industries and organizations trying to find majors like accounting will want the GPA because of exactness needed to aid the firm and to perfect the precise material. Some jobs and a few employers may demand a greater baseline minimum. Its not unheard of for a business to conduct interviews at a career fair should they spot top talent. It is based on the organization but its usually around 3.0. Find out more about the company Do your homework about a company before going to the career fair. It is really difficult for the majority of people to confront their weaknesses. So itll be critical that you locate methods to speak with employers in person. For most people, taking the opportunity to provide someone honest appraisal isnt a fun thing to do. Besides your market, there are a few manners. The Basic Facts of Should You Put Your Gpa on Your Resume Tesco in mind which our company has written hundreds of resumes so weve got a really great idea about what online requires to create a really prosperous document. Dont forget, you may always set up private accounts which are only for connecting with friends and relatives. Additionally, there are many jobs out there which arent formally advertised, and that means youll want to get started networking to see them. The interview may offer you a chance to speak about your hobbies, as it supplies you with a chance to reveal how well rounded you are.

6 Resume and Cover Letter Tips for Older Workers - FlexJobs

6 Resume and Cover Letter Tips for Older Workers - FlexJobs6 Resume and Cover Letter Tips for Older Workers -140If youre in your 50s or 60s (or mora) and looking for a job, youve probably experienced the frustration that comes along with being a job-searching older professional. Employers perceptions of older workers can be skewed, and its a challenge to overcome the ageism found in most industries. The good news is its possible to thrive in your job search and find employment success, if you follow some guidelines developed specifically for older job seekers.6 Resume and Cover Letter Tips for Older WorkersThis is the first in a four-part series of career advice and tips from experts who help older professionals with their job search. Today, our panel of experts discusses their best tips for crafting your resumes and cover letters.1) Say goodbye to the past and embrace the future. First, its important to accept that the job search is different, and that the tactics you once used migh t not still be in practice. Jennifer Fishberg, owner of New Jersey-based Career Karma Resume Development Career Services, says, Adhering to outdated resume conventions, such as limiting yourself to one page or including vague objectives and phrases like references available upon request make it difficult to compete in the current market.2) Dont include your entire work history. A resume doesnt need to include every job youve ever held leaving off older standorts is one easy way to avoid aging yourself, as is omitting dates of college graduation, recommends Fishberg. And Deborah Shane, author of Career Transition 5 Steps to Successful Career Reinvention, says, Lead on your resume with your accomplishments and results and dont go farther back then 10 years when listing your jobs so you dont date yourself.3) Customize your resume and cover letter for each job. Ronald Kaufman, author and expert on career transitions, explains that customizing each resume is absolutely necessary for jo b search success. Use a Qualifications Summary at the top of your resume, customizing your experience, skills, and traits that are called for in a specific job description, recommends Kaufman.4) Confront ageism head-on in your cover letter or cover email. One way to get around potential age-related discrimination is to confront it openly in your cover letter. Business marketing expert Barry Maher says that older workers should use some of the letter to stress their positives their energy, how they keep current, the value of their experience. Rather than letting an employer turn your age into a negative, dispel their worries and turn your experience, energy, and value into your biggest positives.5) Get some current experience. If youve been working in the same company or position for several years, your experience might actually be seen as outdated. Update your experience byseeking externships to inquire about new job opportunities or new fields of expertise. This will allow you to l earn a new field, introduce your skills and expertise or simply to continue to build new relationships with industry professionals, suggests Nikki Trotter, the founder and principal of Careers Cultures, a career and workforce consultancy.6) Consider volunteering to update your experience. Volunteering helps you meet new people, learn new skills, and get a better sense of the type of work you want to do. Michael Mercer, Ph.D. and author of Job Hunting Made Easy, recommends volunteering in strategic places. Volunteer to work registrations desk at associations and conferences related to the profession or industry in which you want to work. Greet everyone with a big smile. Note which attendees are big-shots company executives, officers, etc. Then, after registration, sit next to those big-shots at speeches or seminars, strike up a conversation about THEM (not about you), and ask if you can contact them to get career advice. They will feel delighted to give you advice and that should result in uncovering some job opportunities.Readers, have anything to add to our 6 Resume and Cover Letter Tips for Older Workers? Leave your ideas belowWe hope these tips help you to make-over your job search tactics and find more success Stay tuned for the next three Mondays for more expert career advice onMarch 19 Job Search Tips Where to search, staying positive, and networkingMarch 26 Technology Tips Using LinkedIn, updating computer skills, creating online profiles, and embracing new technologyApril 2 Professional Image Tips Dress, appearance, self-confidence

Sample Cover Letters for a Career Office Job Posting

Sample titelseite Letters for a Career Office Job PostingSample Cover Letters for a Career Office Job PostingEmployers who actively recruit college graduates often post jobs directly with thecareer servicesor alumni schreibstubeas part of the organizations university recruiting program. Its always a good idea to mention that connection when you are applying for a job you found on your career offices website or at an on-campus or off-campus recruiting event. When mentioning a referral by the office in your cover letter, the job could be posted online, you may have found out about it ina campus information meeting, or you could have discussed it with a recruiter at a campus or offsite career fair. When applying for a job listed by your college career office, its important to mention that you were referred by career services. Your application should get close attention because the employer is expecting to receive applications from candidates from your school. What to Include in Your Cover Letter Your letter should include How you learned about the opportunityWhy you are qualifiedWhat you can offer the companyHow you will follow up Review sample entry level cover letters for a college student or graduate to apply for jobs posted through a career office. Tip If you need help drafting a letter or would like a resume review, check with the staff in the career office to see if they can assist. Sample Career Office Referral Cover Letter 1 FirstName LastNameName UniversityStreetCity, State Zip555-555-5555DateFirstName LastNameJob TitleCompany NameStreetCity, State Zip CodeDear Mr. LastNamePlease accept my application for the counselor position you posted through the ABCD University Career Services Office.With my background in psychology and a strong interest in art, I am confident that I would make a very successful role model for the children in your program. Last summer, I worked for the Childrens Museum where I worked with children in the creative process as they created paintings and sculptures. I also completed an internship at the Brown School, where I worked closely with the Art Teacher in implementing class projects.I would welcome the opportunity to make a similar contribution to XYZ Organization. I find working with children to enhance their growth and development through creative activities very rewarding.I would appreciate meeting with you for further consideration, after you review my enclosed resume.Sincerely,Signature (hard copy letter)FirstName LastName ExpandSample Career Office Referral Cover Letter 2 FirstName LastNameAddressCity, State ZipPhoneschmelzglasDateFirstName LastNameJob TitleCompany NameAddressCity, State ZipDear Mr. LastNameMy proven track record of successfully performing complex analyses on various corporations makes me an ideal candidate for the analyst opportunity that you listed through the Name University Career Services Office.You specify that you are looking for someone with leadership, quantitative, analy tical, and communication skills. Last summer, I welches given the opportunity to intern at First Real Estate Corporation. I worked within the Real Estate Finance Group, and assisted staff with problems arising from the misinterpretation of leases to miscalculation of rent schedules. As a result, I played an active role within the group and helped them to solve these issues. This process involved using the quantitative and analytical skills that I acquired through actively participating in coursework for my Business-Economics major.My ability to work well as part of the team also related to my success within this group. These attributes, combined with my enthusiasm to learn, were essential to my contributions and success during this internship.I believe that I can apply the same skills within my internship last summer to a position within your company. I look forward to discussing the position with you in more detail. I will call next week to see if you agree that my qualifications s eem to be a match for the position. If so, I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,Signature (hard copy letter)FirstName LastName Expand Sending an Email Message When you are sending your cover letter via email, include your name and the job title in the subject line of your message Subject FirstName LastName- Analyst Position List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter Sincerely, FirstName LastNameYour EmailYour Phone Number

The Meaning of Work History In Career Applications

The Meaning of Work History In Career ApplicationsThe Meaning of Work History In Career ApplicationsYour work history, also known as your work record or employment history, is a detailed report of all the jobs you have held, including the company name, job title, and dates of employment. Here is some insight into when you need to provide your work history and how to provide it, along with tips for building your resume. When You Need to Provide Your Career History When you apply for jobs, companies typically require that applicants provide their work history, either on their resume or on a job application, or both. The job application may ask for information on your most recent jobs, typically two to five positions. Or, the employer may ask for a number of years of experience, typically five to ten years of experience. Employers generally want information on the company you worked for, your job title, and the dates you were employed there. However, sometimes the employer will ask for more detailed employment history and more information on the jobs you have held aspart of the hiring process. For example, he or she might ask for the name and contact information for your previous supervisors. What Employers Are Looking For Employers review employment history to determine whether the jobs the applicant has held and their experience are a good match for the companys requirements. They also look at how long the person has held each job. Many jobs of short duration may imply the candidate is ajob hopperand wont stay long if hired. Prospective employers also use your work history to verify the information you have provided. Many employers conductemployment background checks to confirm the information is accurate. Background checks have become increasingly common in all work industries, so make sure that the information you share is accurate. Recreating Your Job History Sometimes, it can be difficult to remember elements of your job history, such as the spec ific dates that you worked at a company. When this happens, dont guess. Because background checks are so common, it is likely that an employer will spot a mistake on your history, and it could cost you a job. When you cant remember your work history, there is information available that you can use to recreate yourpersonal employment history. Below are some suggestions for creating your job history Contact Prior Employers. Contact the human resources departments of your previous employers. Say that you would like to confirm the exact dates of your employment with the company.Look at Your Tax Returns. Check out your old tax returns and tax forms, which should have information on your employment over previous years.Check with your state unemployment office. Often, unemployment offices will provide individuals with their employment histories. However, they typically only have information on in-state employment histories. Contact the Social Security Administration. You can request earnin gs information from the Social Security Administration (SSA). After filling out a form, the SSA will usually release information on your work history. Keep in mind that sometimes the SSA charges a fee, depending on how far back you want the information to go, and how much detail you need.Dont Pay for Information. With the exception of the SSA, you should not pay someone to find your work history or to create a list of your work history for you. Keep Track of Your History. Once you have your work history, compile it into a list and save it somewhere. Be sure to update it regularly. You can then refer to this list any time you apply for jobs. What It Should Look Like on a Resume Job seekers typically include work history in the Experience or Related Employment section of a resume. In this section, list the companies you worked for, your job titles, and the dates of employment. One additional element to your work history on a resume is a list (often a bulleted list) of your achieve ments and responsibilities at each job. You do not need to (and should not) include every work experience in your Experience section. Focus on jobs, internships, and even volunteer work that is related to the job at hand. One useful tip is to make sure whatever work history you include on your job applications matches what is on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Make sure there are no inconsistencies that could raise a red flag for employers.

The Most Important Classes Had Nothing to Do with Engineering

The fruchtwein Important Classes Had Nothing to Do with Engineering The Most Important Classes Had Nothing to Do with Engineering Why would a website dedicated to promoting mechanical engineering make the claim stated in the title?Dont all engineers spend hours in the classroom to obtain that hard earned degree in order to get a good job and start a good career? While we as engineers have put long hours into learning engineering concepts and laws, the most important things well learn arent from classes contained within specific engineering curriculums, but within the core curriculums that all engineers take but often dont place much importance in.This claim, of course, is not being made to downplay the importance of our mechanical engineering classes. These lessons enable us to be the designers and manufacturers in todays society that provide millions of people with the needs and desires of life, such as energy, transportation, and entertainment. Engineering schools provide thousand of graduates each year with the technical background and problem-solving skills that allow each one of us to make a positive contribution to the culture around us.These are classes we all know and took as students. If you were anything like me, you trudged through them knowing that these classes were a necessary part of the checklist to complete on your way to a degree and a sidelight to real engineering classes. Yet, a few months into any job and youll realize those classes and the skills they teach are as necessary to your job success as that degree was in getting your first interview.A Dose of the Real WorldWhen I first started interviewing, I found that the interviewers were not especially interested in my technical knowledge. A few of the interviewers even told me that. They assumed that since I was graduating with a decent GPA, that I had the technical background necessary to be a successful mechanical engineer. What they wanted to know was what type of person I was. Could I c ommunicate plainly? Could I write my thoughts in a clear and concise manner? Was I a team player? Was I a hard worker? These are the skills that make an organizations team successful.English 101. Ill never forget that at the conclusion of one job interview, the interviewer asked me to write in memo form why I wanted the position. Through the interview process, he knew the reasons why I was interested in the position by the type of questions he asked and my subsequent response. The reason for the assignment was to see if I could communicate by writing what I had just communicated to him verbally.English wasnt my favorite class. Most math-minded engineers wouldnt claim writing to be their favorite past time either, but yet even in reading this article youve formed opinions about this author, based upon my ability to communicate through what youre reading. In our careers, well spend countless hours documenting processes, writing reports, and communicating via email, instant messaging, or other written forms. If you dont have a good understanding of the language and grammar, how can you hope to succeed?Writing is one of those skills that will get better with practice. Similar to learning to ride a bike where you only get better by hopping on the bike and pedaling, you can only get better at writing by putting yourself in situations where you have to write. If youre a student, volunteer to start the rough drafts for the technical reports due for project/design classes. If youre already in the work place, do the same for project status reports. If youre thinking about going to graduate school, you might even deliberately choose to go into a program with a thesis so that you can gain that extra experience researching and writing.Speech 101. Job interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences one will ever have. You have a specified amount of time (sometimes even less than thirty minutes) to make a first impression that will hopefully affect the interview er enough so that they will consider you in the future. The only way to do this is to make an effective presentation of yourself and your abilities. That is what most speech or public speaking classes are all about.Speech classes teach you how to organize and present your thoughts coherently, whether it be presenting facts or trying to persuade your audience to your point of view. This doesnt stop with the final test in class, but will continue past presenting your senior design project, defending your thesis, or making a presentation to your future manager or a potential customer. Want a pay raise? Youll have to be persuasive to get it and good presentation skills will help your cause.Use the skills taught in speech classes. Begin with the end in mind and clearly state the points you want to get across in a clear, logical manner. Stay focused on what you want to say. Dont forget your physical presentation when focusing on your subject presentation. Showing confidence by your postur e, demeanor, and even dress can show an audience how important the subject matter is to you and persuade them to think likewise.Extra Curricular 101. While this isnt a class that will show up on any transcript, it is a classroom in and of itself. Every interviewer will look at extra curricular activities with a keen eye because of what it shows. Participating in extra activities shows an interest in different things, shows that youll go the extra mile by taking responsibility above and beyond the classroom, and even provides leadership experience. Diversified interests develop a well-rounded employee, the responsibility showed in extra activities portrays one who will get the job done, and leadership skills developed in extra-curricular activities can be applied to specific projects. All these are very attractive to an employer. Even after youve landed your first job, participating in teams outside of your normal scope of work (such as planning the Christmas party) show that you are a contributor to the success of the company and the culture within.Mechanical engineering can be one of the most rewarding career fields in the job market. However, a well-rounded engineer will enjoy his or her work more and will most likely excel in this environment because of the many skills brought to the workplace. Placing emphasis on all class work, not just the engineering classes, can help nurture and grow a well-rounded engineer.When I first started interviewing, I found that the interviewers were not especially interested in my technical knowledge.