Getting the most out of your morning commute

While landing that dream job is a great experience, it comes with plenty of new challenges. For a start, there’s getting to know your new coworkers – although that’s always easier than it seems. On the other hand,  getting used to your new morning commute can be more difficult than you first realize. Looking to make the most of those few hours on the train, bus or in your car? Consider these options.

Do what you can to shorten it
With the right tips and tricks, you can shorten your commute by quite a bit. One of the biggest advantages is seeing if you can avoid rush hour. Find out whether office hours are flexible or try arriving early close to work and killing time in the morning by heading to a nearby gym! Small things, like getting a toll pass in the car or finding alternate train and bus routes could also help you out.

Listen to a book
If you’ve yet to discover the magic of audiobooks, now’s the time. Watch even the most congested train ride or worst traffic disappear as you’re wrapped up in the plot and characters of a classic or the latest best sellers. Best of all, an entire library can fit on a smartphone!

Try pedal power
Why not forget the car or public transit and make the most of your commute by turning it into a workout that’s sure to have you energized and revved up for a day at the office? Just don’t forget your helmet.

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

So when do you start climbing this job market ladder? It’s actually a great idea to start before you’ve graduated college. In fact, you can even begin in high school. Consider some of these tips for building a better resume, one job – or internship – at a time.

Finding an internship at the start of the summer
In college, you’ll find that some schools or degrees – nursing for example – require students to complete a certain number of internships in order to graduate. While students occasionally opt to pursue local internships while attending class, others take a month during their winter break to complete internships in nearby cities. However, for most folks, the easiest option is in the summer.
Summertime internships offer students more time to delve deeper into their position. It also means they can travel further for the internship and even take up a part time job to cover cost of living. You’re also afforded the full spring semester of school to seek one out.

How do you score a summer internship?
First ask yourself a few questions. For instance, does it need to be a paid position? Obviously, you’re not after this information for the paycheck, but some folks need the extra cash, especially if they’re paying to live in a big city with an exorbitant cost of living. And do you want to work for a small or large company? Both have their benefits, but think about which fits your personality better. Someone who prefers quiet and personable conversation will reap more benefits from working at a small not-for-profit. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the sort of person who prefers being a small fish in a big pond might do best at a large corporation where they can meet a wider breadth of contacts.

Where should you look?
U.S. News and World Report suggests you check online job boards, especially now that you know the kind of internship you’re looking for. Most colleges also have career centers where staff will help you find internships or even summer job opportunities. In the city, you’ll also find that the major colleges and businesses work together to fill intern needs.
As you continue to intern, you’ll also net yourself a broader list of contacts, which will come in handy for future internship positions! Everyone knows someone else, and if they like you, they might just be able to help you find a summer gig as a personal assistant or as a hired hand.
Of course, these same contacts will also be there when you graduate and are looking for a real, paid job.

Finding a job after graduation
There are two realities you should recognize first as you enter into the job market after receiving your diploma. The first is that no one will expect your first position post-graduation to dictate your career – nor the second or even third. The second thing is that finding a job is very similar to finding an internship, so you’ve already got a lot of the basic skills. Supplement them with some of these tips.

Craft a web presence as soon as possible
Forbes suggests joining LinkedIn, which is common sense for most computer-literate college grads, but it also tells college graduates searching for jobs that setting up a blog is equally advisable. Through LinkedIn, you can build an online resume that’s being constantly perused by potential employers and updated by you. However, it’s through a blog – Forbes suggests WordPress – that you’ll really be able to show your personality, talent and voice. Demonstrating and further developing your writing skills are only part of it, too. Feel free to write about personal interests, but see if you can add your own professional spin on it. Like video games for instance? Study finance in school? There’s your niche – video games and marketing.

Use your contacts via your web presence
You’ll find that most of the professional contacts you’ve made, whether through your school, internships or previous jobs, are somewhere out there on social media. This can help you stay in touch with them, which keeps you fresh in their minds when new positions or openings show up.

Be patient, but don’t linger
Sometimes that position you wanted most will slip through your fingers. That doesn’t mean you should wait for the next ideal opportunity. Don’t be afraid to try something just outside your expertise or at a slightly lower pay-rate than you may feel you deserve. The economy is still healing, and no position is permanent – it just improves and diversifies your resume.

Why a jog the morning before your interview could land you the job

The benefits of exercise on the brain have long been documented, but you probably don’t need a litany of scientific reports to back up that information. Just think about how great you felt after your last workout! Along with that satisfying soreness in the muscles, you’re suddenly alert, ready for anything, feeling invincible! Not a bad way to walk into a job or internship interview.

It might seem small and insignificant, but going for a jog or full-fledged run a little while before you interview for a job could have you revved and at the necessary level of self-assurance to pull off the best conversation of your professional life. But don’t stop there. Looking to feel good as you swagger into that conference room? Consider these other tips.

Eat well
If you’re full of bacon and pancakes as you sit at the front desk waiting for your interviewer to come grab you, that bloated feeling probably isn’t doing your stamina or mood any favors. Stick to something light and healthy instead, but don’t skimp on carbs – those are energy.

Dress well
While you can leave the tux at home, dress in your favorite jacket and tie or favorite skirt – the kind of look you’d take out on a (semi-formal) date.

Have a mantra
Keep yourself pumped and excited with a short mantra, just a few memorable words you can repeat to yourself when you need them most.

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

England is a tempting option for many college students looking to study abroad. But is it right for you? Consider this checklist to help you make up your mind.

1. No language barrier! (But plenty of them nearby)
The English do share a language with us Americans (thus its name), and with the exception of a few key Britishisms, you’ll have a very easy time getting around and communicating over the pond. Best of all, if you should want to test out your francophonic skills, Paris is only a train ride or flight away – not to mention Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal and all of Europe!

2. You love Shakespeare
Or if not Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen or any number of others. England is famous for its literature, and you’re sure to be taking a course or two on the British novel during your time over there. That or you could head to Dickens’ World, the theme park based around the works of the Great Expectations and Oliver Twist author.

3. You’re seeking diversity
England – and especially London – is a true melting pot. Recognized for its tradition of tolerance, England has long been home to citizens with roots around the world. Explore a wide range of cultures and traditions in the U.K.!

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

Great internships for political science majors

It’s been said that all political science majors daydream about changing the world. While some of them imagine  grassroots movements that usher them into the White House, others just want to improve a community or the plight of others. Whatever your grand dreams, you’ll have to start small with an internship or two. Consider these great internships for political science majors.

Political campaign volunteer
During your four years of college, there will be at least one campaign for election. If you can get a gig volunteering for a party or candidate at any point, it could be a great opportunity. Campaigns are always recruiting college students.

Not-for-profit assistant
With so much good being done through the efforts of not-for-profit groups across the country, an understanding of how these organizations work can be very useful.

Law firm intern
Many poli sci students go on to law school. If you think this may be the route you want to take, consider interning at a law firm one summer. It will help you decide where to go next in your academic journey.

Getting To Know Your Coworkers 101

As most of us know, making friends is tough, especially when you’re the new kid on the block. If you’re starting a new job, you may not be on the lookout for a plethora of best buds, but you certainly want to know your coworkers better and may even strike up some friendships in the process. Don’t fear though, with these tips you’re sure to be well on your way in no time.

Introduce yourself to everyone
Be the one to break the ice with an introduction. A simple handshake or hello can be all you need to begin an acquaintanceship with someone.

Remember names
It’s true of excellent politicians, and it’s sure to benefit you here. Do your best to remember the names of all the folks you meet. This can be hard to do with some people, so try using mnemonic devices or just quiz yourself every so often.

Share your lunch hour
Lunch hours – whether at a local spot or in the break room – are a great opportunity to chat with coworkers. Don’t be afraid to talk about the office at first, but moving onto non-corporate matter is sure to be welcome as well! If necessary, there’s no shame in talking about the weather.

Hit up the bar
It’s a rare office that doesn’t have groups gathering at a local watering hole at least once a week after work. Hang out with your coworkers and watch the stress melt away as everyone loosens the neckties and relaxes with a beer or two.

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

How college can help you build your resume

While it may seem like your work experience isn’t likely to improve much until after college, you can add much more to your resume than simply a BA during your time in school. In fact, college is rife with opportunities to improve your standing with future employers. Consider these options for improving your prospects.

Campus job
Whether you’re working as a lab assistant or library clerk, holding a campus job for the majority of your time at school is sure to show employers your tenacity. Even the lowly dishwasher can show that she or he sacrificed non-academic hours to stay ahead financially. Plus, the extra cash during the school year itself doesn’t hurt either!

Internships
College students know more about internships than any other demographic. With many schools requiring that students seek out internship opportunities during winter or summer break, it’s no wonder that many students have served as interns three or four times by graduation. Internships are simply a great way to expose yourself to a variety of fields and better understand the world outside academics.

Professors
Besides offering excellent resume advice, your professors will be important personal references. It’s a great idea to get to know your professors during your four years of higher education, but stay in touch with them for as long as possible afterwards as well! They’re sure to be a valuable source when it comes to the job search.

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

The best way to address the inherent problems with job interviewing is to look them in the face and acknowledge they exist. Then you find ways to if not fix at least navigate these issues. The more you know and the better prepared you are the smoother interviews will go. Over time, you may find yourself developing a sixth sense for what makes a promising employee. Take these issues and consider the interview tips that will help you deal with them.

1. Interviews are too short and too long
Here's the thing about most interviews: they're both too short and too long for you to get a good handle on the individual across the conference table from you. If interviews were just a little shorter, you could rely on gut instinct alone, which tends to count for a lot in the interview process. However, after 10 or 15 minutes of conversation, those instincts get diluted by the detail-oriented discussion and rehearsed performance of question-and-answer.

Since you can't exactly hold interviewees indefinitely while you get to know them – nor would you want to – try to find time limits that feel comfortable to you. The best solution however may be to institute an internship program at your company. Internships provide a great pipeline through which you can groom, educate and retain promising employees.

2. Predicting the future using the past
As the HR experts at TLNT.com point out, the process of interviews – not to mention job applications in general – is a matter of fuzzy fortune telling. Since you're talking about the past during interviews, it can be hard to use this to predict what an employee might be like in the future. This is especially true of young workers. Millennials who may have only had a few jobs prior to their application could be entirely different people within the coming months.

Of course, the different people they become will be predicated on your influence. Since this will be some of their first industry experience, keep in mind that you'll have a hand in guiding their growth and education. So, while you can't fully rely on yesterday's actions or choices to imagine what tomorrow's worker will be like, you can bet there will be a difference.

3. Too many faces and names in too short a time
As though the slush pile of candidates on paper weren't overwhelming enough, bringing in those applicants for multiple interviews can induce real fatigue – the sort that may impair your judgment.

The solution here is to slow down – provided time allows – and bring on help with the screening process. Split up resumes among various HR individuals and hiring managers, then assign everyone different tasks. Someone may check-up on references and skim social media while another conducts interviews and a third schedules them. Certain administrative tasks can be given to personnel outside HR as well.

4. Myriad outside influences
For such formal and structured meetings, interviews are actually intensely personal and can be hugely influenced by a number of outside influences. Everything from how much sleep you got last night to whether you've had lunch yet can influence how you feel about a candidate – and often subconsciously.

This is incredibly hard to mitigate, but you need to do you best by being aware of even the smallest prejudices. Obviously interviewees can't be held accountable for your headache or the parking ticket you got that morning.

5. Everything's a charade
Perhaps the most obvious and glaring problem with interviews is that – to a degree – everything is rehearsed and acted out. Just as you're reading interviewing tips to prep and come up with stellar question, the candidates are scanning blogs for the perfect answers and then practicing those in front of a mirror. So when everything's a ruse, how can you get around that?

According to Applicant Stack, behavioral interviewing is one option. Instead of asking personality or cognitive questions like you would in traditional interviews, this method focuses on actual examples of successes or failures in past positions. Behavioral interview questions often begin "Tell me about a time that you…" and request specifics rather than hypotheticals.

Of course, this isn't an entirely honest method either, and many interviewers may just prefer to tweak and alter the traditional route in their own ways. For instance, consider integrating what seems to be an ice breaker directly into a work- or industry-related question.

Four surprise perks to being unemployed

Being unemployed sucks. It’s day after day of rejections, feelings of incompetence and – of course – teetering on the edge of poverty. There’s no way around it, if you’re unemployed, you’re probably not the cheeriest fellow or lady on the planet. But don’t despair too much. In reality, there are several really awesome and surprising perks to being unemployed. Consider these four and take a moment to bask in how not-so-bad your life actually is!

1. You can sleep in!
Sleep is integral to your health and well-being, so at the very least you will be well-rested. Forget hitting the snooze button, just unplug the whole alarm clock.

2. You can finally finish that book/TV/comic/web series!
While you should never stop applying to jobs and going to all available interviews, you’re sure to have more free time than the usual nine-to-fiver. Take advantage of this sudden freedom to FINALLY finish Proust, George R. R. Martin, every episode of Cheers or whatever your particular goal happens to be.

3. There’s plenty of time for your (cheaper) creative pursuits!
Don’t forget your own interests as well! Remember, creative activities like drawing or writing only require a pen, pencil and some paper. Why not start a blog?

4. Success is perpetually right around the corner!
Waking up to more rejection emails every day is never fun, but keep in mind that success is right around the corner. Unlike that worker in some vague florescent-lit office, you’re not stuck anywhere and the possibility of your dream job is always open. Hang in there!

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

Grooming your Facebook and Twitter for the working world

Remember that truly epic end-of-term party last semester where you won the beer pong tournament and mastered the dance floor? No, you probably don’t, which may be why you’re keeping those Facebook photos as proof. Unfortunately, now that you’re looking to enter the working world, those photos need to go the way of that night’s brain cells and disappear! Download them to your computer, print them off, scrap book them if you must, but when a potential employer is going through your Facebook profile, that’s the last thing they want to see. While you’re at it, your social media accounts could use a little more grooming. Consider these tips.

Get less controversial
Your beliefs are your right as an American citizen, but – for better or worse – a potential employer also has the right not to invite your for an interview based on personal convictions. More often than not, addressing really controversial issues on Facebook or Twitter is fine, but avoid anything too ostracizing.

Stay humble
Part of creating an impressive social media presence is going to be a little bragging here and there. But try not to let it overwhelm your profiles, otherwise you’ll just be coming off as smug and self-satisfied  – Not something employers want in their offices.

Show an interest
Whatever your major or chosen industry happens to be, show an active interest in it. “Like” it, “Follow” its leaders, “Retweet” and “Post” about it on walls, blogs and any other digital surface. Get involved.

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

How to win and internship during your interview

With internships, the interview process is even more important than it is during the job hunt. After all, since you’re not being paid any sort of salary, chances are that internship coordinators will make their choices based more on personal preferences and the kind of compatibility that comes across most distinctly in interviews. Want to win them over? Remember these tips.

Bring a resume and all necessary documents

Step one: be prepared. Don’t forget anything you’ll need to have with you as per your school or the internship program’s directions. And bring a copy of your resume!

Be polite, but don’t be Eddie Haskell

Being polite is a given. Be friendly, respectful and even thankful. But throughout your interview, steer clear of entering the sycophantic. Brown-nosing won’t get you anywhere, and chances are it’ll jeopardize any chances you do have.

Outline your interests and goals

Here, you want to explain to the interviewer and/or internship coordinator why it is you’ve applied. What do you study at school? What are your long-term goals? What are your hobbies?

Explain what you have to offer

Once you’ve explained why you’re interested in the position, don’t be afraid to let your potential future internship director know what you have to offer the program. Discuss your past accomplishments, your skills, your commitment and how much time you’re hoping to spend working for them.

Don’t give a spiel

Never underestimate how much people like and respect a genuine personality. The second it sounds like you’re reciting rather than being earnest, you run the risk of losing your interviewer.

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

In any industry there are bound to be plenty of buzzwords that lose their buzz pretty quickly and become bland, uninspired and likely inaccurate. How many people who describe themselves as "creative" can fit that profile after awhile? If you're looking to draw the line between cliché and refreshing, consider avoiding these "buzzwords" that LinkedIn recently revealed to be the most overused in the United States – creative, organizational, effective, motivated, extensive experience, track record, innovative, responsible, analytical, problem solving.

These words and phrases won't get great employees anywhere without the chops to back them up, and anyone with some actual creative or innovative energy would steer his or her way around these overused terms. Instead, check out potential employees' general tones, sentence structures or attitudes. Look for signs of good humor or charisma. And as for problem solving and track records – resumes and references should help you out there! And don't be afraid to ask for writing samples or examples of previous work. See if these potential employees keep a blog, or offer them short written tests to take to gauge their analytical or organizational skills. Also utilize social media to observe where these individuals' interests lie. What kinds of topics do they tweet about on Twitter? What are their "likes" on Facebook? Are they engaged in the industry in any way, or are they just posting about their last nights out at the bar?

Job interview dressing tips for the fashion-phobic male

As everyone knows, people tend to make snap judgments, whether they like it or not. When we take in visual information, our brains compile a series of estimates and reactions to what we see. Sometimes this is useful, sometimes it’s detrimental (who hasn’t judged a book by its cover and been really, really wrong?), but it always plays into job interviews.

First impressions begin the moment you walk through a door. And alongside body language, a good portion comes via your clothing. When you’re attending a job interview, you want to dress nicely. However, this means much more than just throwing on a dress shirt, tie and jacket. If that dress shirt is two sizes too large or small, you’re going to look as silly as if you’d sauntered in wearing a T-shirt. And while a bow tie has its charming moments, you’re not James Bond or applying for his job – so ditch it in favor of the traditional long necktie. (As for ascots – never appropriate outside of the 1970s.)

You should always have at least one well-fitting suit in your closet at all times. It doesn’t have to be designer or even particularly expensive. If you’re in a bind with money and need to find something that fits, at least hit up a thrift shop and try on jackets until you find one that does.

Jacket and tie combos aren’t essential either. In fact, during the summer a tie alone should be fine. When it comes to matching, the fact that men’s dress pants and khakis come in a limited range of colors, all quite versatile, should make things easy. Just remember – no blending plaids and stripes.

At Experience.com, our mission is to provide the latest marketplace insights for students, recent college graduates and industry veterans. With expert guidance and breaking news about available premium entry level jobs and paid internships, your career starts here.

When you're looking to hire graduates or bring on students at your company, chances are that they start out or quickly ascend into administrative professional roles – positions like secretaries, receptionists, assistants and support workers. While they may not be in the CEO or hiring manager's chair, these individuals are making sure that the cogs of the company don't rust and fall apart. Their youth, energy, enthusiasm and bright minds keep the machine moving, and may just make it to the top spots some day. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and admin assistants in the U.S. Add to that the 8.9 million employees working in admin support roles, and you have an idea of how important these folks are. So this April 24, celebrate with a few of these Administrative Professionals' Day suggestions. They'll help foster a system of retention and education among your best workers, creating a natural pipeline throughout the company for inter-office hiring and referrals.

Invite your team's admin professionals out to lunch
One of the more traditional ways of saying thanks is for the head of the team or company to treat the admin professionals to a luxurious lunch. As you linger over good food, you can get to know the Millennials and new hires who are helping your company stay at the top. Take note of interests and goals, because you may just be in the boss who helps them reach those heights.

Throw a post-work party
Increasingly, administrative professionals are saddled with expanding responsibilities and requisite knowledge, meaning the workers entering your office at premium entry level positions are already specialized and highly trained individuals. Doubtless, your whole office appreciates all that they do and is consistently impressed by their drives. So why not invite everyone to a post-work party? This is especially great on a Friday evening when everyone is looking to relax. Either stay late at the office with pizza and drinks or head out to a local bar for a round of beers. It's a great opportunity for everyone to mingle and show their appreciation.

Provide industry education opportunities
One thing you'll want to consider doing, even alongside a gratis lunch or after-work pizza soiree, is using the holiday as an opportunity to introduce your admin professionals to a wealth of industry education available to them. Perhaps the company would be willing to foot the bill for grad school courses, or maybe you'll be hosting inter-office seminars on how to grow within company ranks. Even handing out self-study materials can make a significant impression on admin professionals. Due to the recent economic climate, many Millennials and other college grads have had a hard time out there with upward mobility, so showing them a brighter future is a fantastic way to boost morale and potentially earn yourself some top tier employees moving up the pipeline.

Give a gift
Occasionally, the very finest thing you can do for a valued worker is also the simplest. Even if it's not Administrative Professionals' Day, just a small token of your appreciation could be of immense value. From gift cards to candy and small potted plants they can use to brighten up their desks, these trinkets are symbolic of your gratitude, and they're sure to fortify your employees' resolve well into the coming year.

So this April 24, take a moment to think what this office might look like without the folks who keep it running so smoothly. Even those students working internships deserve a pat on the back and a job well done – so don't forget to mark your calendar!