Urban Influence Article
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Survival Tips for Eager Job-Seekers “It is not uncommon for us to receive hundreds of applications for a specific job posting. That’s why applicants must distinguish themselves from the competition.” – Chris Powell. By: Kellie Keyes When applying to a larger company, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. “Many applicants are unaware of the corporate culture of the company,” Powell says. “T ry to speak with someone who works there to see whether he or she likes it and to get an understanding of the corporate culture. Y ou might find out that the company does not match your personality or beliefs.” Keep resumes clean and concise. “You would be surprised how many applicants in mid- to upper-level management fail to check – then check again – for spelling and grammar errors, ” says Powell. “Edit your resume; don’t let it reflect sloppy work. ” Before submitting your cover letter and resume, have someone else read them both. Keep your cover letter and resume brief – one to two pages – and to the point. Be prepared. Before going into the interview process, take time to find out about the company. “In an interview, we might ask you about your thoughts about current trends in the company, ” Powell says, “so get online and read about us. School up on the company’s facts, mission, current trends and innovations. ” Sell your skill set. Employers want candidates who have the passion and skill set for their company. “The best way to distinguish yourself is to create a ‘selling’ strategy, ” says Powell. “Come up with a list of skills you are strong at and discuss with employers how they can benefit the company in the long run. Employers want to hire candidates who have the skills to benefit the company and the drive and enthusiasm to accomplish them. ” Chris Powell is responsible for the strategy, development and delivery of initiatives, programs and policies to recruit, develop, retain and reward employees for Scripps Networks. He also serves as a member of the boards of directors of Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT) and Cable and Telecommunicati ons Human Resources Association (CTHRA). He is nationally recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by Savoy Professional magazine. At a time when ma ny experienced and highly trained people are looking for work, finding a job is not something that can be approached casually. Chris P owell, EVP of Human Resources for Scripps Networks, understands the competitiveness of today’s diverse job market. T o help job-seekers of all levels, Powell shares his HR expertise and these survival tips for landing the job you want. SN2673_ChrisPowell.indd 1 4/2/10 11:40 AM
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7/31/2019 Urban Influence Article
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Survival Tips for Eager Job-Seekers
“It is not uncommon for us to receive hundreds of applications
for a specific job posting. That’s why applicants must distinguishthemselves from the competition.” – Chris Powell.
By: Kellie Keyes
When applying to a larger company, it’s easy to get lost in the
shuffle. “Many applicants are unaware of the corporate culture
of the company,” Powell says. “Try to speak with someone who
works there to see whether he or she likes it and to get an
understanding of the corporate culture. You might find out
that the company does not match your personality or beliefs.”
Keep resumes clean and concise. “You would be surprised how
many applicants in mid- to upper-level management fail to check –
then check again – for spelling and grammar errors,” says Powell.
“Edit your resume; don’t let it reflect sloppy work.” Before
submitting your cover letter and resume, have someone else
read them both. Keep your cover letter and resume brief – one
to two pages – and to the point.
Be prepared. Before going into the interview process, take time to
find out about the company. “In an interview, we might ask you
about your thoughts about current trends in the company,”
Powell says, “so get online and read about us. School up on
the company’s facts, mission, current trends and innovations.”
Sell your skill set. Employers want candidates who have the
passion and skill set for their company. “The best way to
distinguish yourself is to create a ‘selling’ strategy,” says
Powell. “Come up with a list of skills you are strong at and
discuss with employers how they can benefit the company
in the long run. Employers want to hire candidates who
have the skills to benefit the company and the drive and
enthusiasm to accomplish them.”
Chris Powell is responsible for the strategy, development and delivery of
initiatives, programs and policies to recruit, develop, retain and reward
employees for Scripps Networks. He also serves as a member of the boards
of directors of Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT) and Cableand Telecommunications Human Resources Association (CTHRA). He is
nationally recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate
America by Savoy Professional magazine.
At a time when many experienced and highly trained people are looking for work, finding a job
is not something that can be approached casually. Chris Powell, EVP of Human Resources for
Scripps Networks, understands the competitiveness of today’s diverse job market.
To help job-seekers of all levels, Powell shares his HR expertise and these survival tips for landing
the job you want.
SN2673_ChrisPowell.indd 1 4/2/10 11:40
