Are You A Purple Squirrel?

WHAT IS A PURPLE SQUIRREL?

A purple squirrel is a term used by employers to describe the PERFECT job seeker.

Let’s check!

Are you a Purple Squirrel?

PURPLE

SQUIRREL

CHECKLIST:

EducationWork Specific SkillsBasic SkillsCommunication Skills

Behavioral PresentationWork EthicCommunity Service

Personal PresentationPostureManner of DressHygieneFitness

Occupation Total Job Openings 2008–2018

Registered nurses 1,039,000

Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants

422,000

Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

391,000

Computer support specialists 235,000

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

220,000

Automotive service technicians and mechanics

182,000

Preschool teachers, except special education

178,000

Insurance sales agents 153,000

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians

136,000

Real estate sales agents 128,000

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hottest Careers for College GraduatesExperts Predict Where the Jobs Will Be in 2018(Associate’s degree)

www.collegeboard.com

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Education:

• Job-Specific Skills

• Basic Skills

• Computer Skills

Behavioral Presentation:

• Motivation and Interpersonal Skills

• Aptitude and "Common Sense“

• Cross-Training in the Flexible Workplace

http://vocserve.berkeley.edu/abstracts/MDS-470/MDS-470-The-10.html

LET’S TALK ABOUT GRADES!HOW MUCH DO THEY MATTER TO

EMPLOYERS?

“Companies want the smartest people, and the best indicator for new employees competing in a knowledge-based economy are grades,” said Mr. Taylor, whose company has 33,000 employees worldwide and owns 60 businesses including Ticketmaster, Match.com and the Home Shopping Network. “G.P.A. is the best indicator an individual is likely to succeed,” Mr. Taylor said. “It demonstrates a strong work ethic and smarts.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/jobs/31gpa.html

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Personal Presentation: Posture

“The way you sit communicates a great deal about a whole range of issues, including how important you think the interview is, how nervous (or confident) you are, and your understanding of the underlying power relations. Some people's sitting position exudes over-familiarity and even arrogance, whereas others communicate a serious lack of self-belief. The golden rules in sitting are: avoid anything that will distract the interviewer from concentrating upon the content of your answers; and avoid making the interviewer feel uncomfortable. Interviewers generally do not feel comfortable if you sit in an aggressive way (leaning forward too much) or in an overly passive way (leaning back and crossing your legs at the thighs). “

http://www.blurtit.com/q966152.html

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2493-Interviewing-Your-nonverbal-communication-can-wreck-your-interview/?sc_extcmp=JS_2493_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42493

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Personal Presentation: Hygiene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1t8BklUKv4

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Personal Presentation: Fitness

“There are many factors that may affect a hiring decision, including ones that, by law, are not supposed to be considered, such as race or sex. But there are other biases that may creep into a decision as well, including a bias against an obese person” (Todd Shryock).

http://www.sbnonline.com/Local/Article/2792/82/0/Obesity_bias.aspx

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Personal Presentation: Dress

“While the college campus may be the perfect forum in which to exhibit your flair for the latest in fashion style, the interview is not the place to do so. With very few unusual exceptions (my apologies to Apple Computer and several creative agencies in NYC), sandals and sweatshirts are out. “

http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Competitive-Interview-Prep/Dressing-for-Interview-Success/

“Oxfords and business suits are still in. I don't like a necktie (noose?) any better than the next person, but it is still a fact of life in interviewing. Even though many companies have relaxed the internal company dress code, interviews still follow the conservative standard. Don't buck the trend.”

http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Competitive-Interview-Prep/Dressing-for-Interview-Success/

Behavioral Presentation: Work Ethic

“Many employers indicate that a strong work ethic ranks at the top of the list along with proficiency in a chosen profession.”http://www.ehow.com/how_2045949_develop-work-ethic.html

DEMONSTRATING GOOD WORK ETHICS

• Arrive early.

• Work the time and days agreed upon.

• Schedule personal appointments outside of the work day.

• Maintain good attendance.

• Separate your life issues from your workplace.

• Be dependable-follow through commitments.

• Demonstrate initiative.

• Don’t use work time for personal social networking.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2045949_develop-work-ethic.html

SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT:Community Service

Internships

Volunteerism

Leadership

Are you a purple

squirrel??