young whippersnappers
I spoke earlier this week to this term’s Career Orientation class at a local technical college. I had a good time- I like being the Real Actual Employer who tells the kids that their teachers really DO know what they’re talking about, such as:
Web developers and creative professionals can have multiple piercings and blue hair starting about 5 years into their careers, and even then only if they’re very good at what they do. At that point in your career, you’re “eccentric” and “creative,” even “brilliant.” At 20 and just coming out of school, you’re “a punk kid.”
It was great- we talked about the 20 most commonly asked interview questions, how to give a good handshake, how to dress, how to talk about money, and all that good stuff that doesn’t sink in when your career services people tell you about it.
And by the way, the best way to give a handshake is to hold your hand out, fingers together but thumb extended. When you shake the other person’s hand, the webby bit of your hand between your thumb and palm should meet the same part of the other person’s hand. That way, you can grip firmly without squishing their fingers and avoid the limp-fish thing.
This is important, because a bad handshake makes me feel like my hand is actually dirty and I have to resist the urge to wipe it off with something.
May 5th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Great post about handshakes! But you forgot the whole thing about making eye contact while shaking the other person’s hand!:???:
May 8th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
There are also levels to ‘creative’ dress. When applying for a design job with the house budget committee, I actually wore funkier outfit than when I applied for other jobs. The Hill folks needed an ‘artiste’ — which really just meant an awesomely patterned shirt under my suit and some enormous earrings. When I applied for jobs at ‘creative’ places, I dressed more conservatively. It is possible to be hip while still looking professional, but I think you have to have an excellent feel for what the employer is seeking.