What do you do that shows potential employers you are "committed to your career"? (2009, interview)

[Weekend Traveler]

As a professional recruiter, one of my many complaints about most job applicants, for so called professional jobs, is they show no commitment to their career. In my opinion the best applicant is someone who has devoted themselves to a specific line of work.

For example, if they are an accountant, they attend professional association meetings, go to conventions, read trade publications, teach classes, go to seminars, attend college classes and learn new software related to their field. Most job applicants do not seem all that interested in the work they do, and it shows in the job interview.

Are you committed to your career and would an employer see this in their interview of you?

[gea12345]

Originally Posted by Weekend Traveler

As a professional recruiter, one of my many complaints about most job applicants, for so called professional jobs, is they show no commitment to their career. In my opinion the best applicant is someone who has devoted themselves to a specific line of work.

For example, if they are an accountant, they attend professional association meetings, go to conventions, read trade publications, teach classes, go to seminars, attend college classes and learn new software related to their field. Most job applicants do not seem all that interested in the work they do, and it shows in the job interview.

Are you committed to your career and would an employer see this in their interview of you?

I belong to two legal journals, which i can read online or in magazine form. I am a student in the evening in the paralegal program.

Which journals do you subscribe to or associations do you actively participate in and how do you think these outlets will help you achieve your five year plan? if you have one?

One question asked yesterday, which didn't get many responses....related to public speaking organizations. The one i suggested was toastmasters. Perhaps you can suggest another one!


good luck!

[iarch]

I belong to 4 professional career-related organizations.
I don't include them in my resume, but I do put them down on my application.
From my experience most employers don't care at all, that I am extremely proactive in my own professional development.
My professional involvement allows me to stay current with my industry, information and trends.
This is completely overlooked by many employers, only in favor of actual work experience!

[Weekend Traveler]

Originally Posted by iarch

I belong to 4 professional career-related organizations.
I don't include them in my resume, but I do put them down on my application.
From my experience most employers don't care at all, that I am extremely proactive in my own professional development.
My professional involvement allows me to stay current with my industry, information and trends.
This is completely overlooked by many employers, only in favor of actual work experience!

Many employers are afraid of people who are really good and prefer to hire 3 lower level instead of one highly qualified person who could do the work of 5 jr people.

[iarch]

Originally Posted by Weekend Traveler

Many employers are afraid of people who are really good and prefer to hire 3 lower level instead of one highly qualified person who could do the work of 5 jr people.

I had 4 interviews with a CEO and I know I intimidated the heck out of him.
I met him and a jr associate at a professional conference a few months before the first interview.
I just have to learn how to be more inferior.
I am actually doing professional, but pro bono work for one of my professional organizations.
But, I don't want to give the impression that I don't need a job or the money.