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Ask a career coach – Students’ most asked questions

Rewan Jansen | Career coach

 

Did you ask our career coaches a question? Then we’ve got answers for you! Together with professional career coach Rewan Jansen we’ve written down all that you want to know about career.

Table of contents

  1. Writing a motivation letter
  2. The job application process 
  3. Some general career advice

 

How to write a good motivation letter?

Q: What should I absolutely not mention in my motivation letter?

A: Your motivation letter is like a card game. Don’t show all your cards at once, but show just enough to get someone’s attention. What not to do? An abundance of superlatives. Try not to beg for a job. They need you as much as you need them. Read more about motivation letters here.

 

The job application process

Q: What do I do when a job opportunity has a very vague description of the application procedure?

A: Give them a call and ask questions. Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

 

Q: How do I start a career in a field that I don’t have any experience in?

A: Educate yourself, talk to people in the field on books and courses and look for an internship to see if it suits you. Get yourself out there.

 

Q: During job interviews I’m praised for my enthusiasm but end up being rejected for my lack of experience. How do I present myself as confident and competent for the job without lying about my work experience and skills?

A: Prepare yourself in three ways. Learn about the work culture, the contents of the job and how the company is organized. Try to fill in your knowledge gaps during the job interview. By doing so you’ll show that you’re a competent professional because you’ve done your work and are not afraid to ask questions.

 

Q: I keep getting rejected at job applications for my lack in experience even though I am actually quite experienced already. I’m filling the gaps with courses and volunteering jobs but so far no luck. How do I finally land a job I love? (I studied journalism and want to become a video editor).

A: Start to edit videos for yourself. Put the videos on a blog or on an Instagram account. Make videos about what you like: video collages, short films with fruit or film nature. Do one every month, every week or every day. But just start. Experience is everywhere, you just need to begin. And then the rest will follow.

 

Some general career advice

Q: What is a better boost of the start of your career? Working at a small company or a big company?

A: Small. If you’re starting you want to learn as much as you can. At a smaller company you get to talk to all your colleagues, ask them questions and learn from them.

 

If you want to read more on how to choose between jobs, read our useful guide at Magnet.me!

 

Q: After graduating, is it better to look for a traineeship or for a job?

A: Depends on what you want. Make decisions based on the person you wish to become.

 

Q: I’m looking for a strategy consultancy job whilst also studying. What do you recommend I should do?

A: Don’t work yourself to death. Strive for a sustainable lifestyle. Take time to recuperate, recharge and be effective in the long-term.

 

If you want to get 1-on-1 career coaching, you can get in contact with Rewan by sending an email to: jansen.rewan@gmail.com.

 

Still struggling to find answers to your questions? Visit Magnet.me for more information on career advice.