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      in Career Hacks

      How to Secure a Citi Internship in 2023

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      As job seekers ourselves at one point, we always wondered what it would be like to get a behind-the-scenes look at a company’s job application and interview process. To know what recruiters are looking for, what the do’s and don’ts are, and exactly what it takes to get noticed by a specific company.

      Forget about one-size fits all resume guides and interview tips. Anyone who has spent a month in the job market knows very well how much application processes differ from company to company.

      One application and interview process that is particularly unique? Citi’s incredibly lucrative Banking Internship; a program that earned a spot on WayUp’s Top 100 Internships 2022.

      Recently, we got the chance to chat with a couple of individuals who participated in Citi’s nationally recognized Summer Analyst program. In our conversations, three Summer Analysts from Citi reveal what they did to secure their positions at Citi and set up such bright futures for themselves.

      Fine-Tune the Resume

      Before you land a Summer Analyst role with Citi, you’ve got to secure the interview, but before that, you’ve got to make sure that resume shines. So, the first thing you should always do, before anything else in the application process, is make sure your resume is in tip-top shape.

      If your resume isn’t up to date or looks messy, recruiters are going to have a hard time giving your application the stamp of approval. Take what a former Citi Summer Analyst did before submitting their application.

      “My initial belief going into the resume process was that I would not include school projects or projects that I thought were small. But what I learned was the exact opposite. You should always consider small projects because recruiters might notice certain skills you utilized during those projects that you didn’t list on your resume.”
      Citi Technology Summer Analyst

      To take their suggestions one step further, we suggest you prepare yourself by breaking down each experience on your resume by what skills were used. Ask yourself – are these skills relative to the job I’m applying for? Are they valued skills? Do these experiences and the skills that come with them deserve space on my resume?

      Tap Your Network

      As the ways to network diversify, so do the opportunities for early-career professionals to make connections that can propel their careers forward. 

      LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, WayUp, no matter how you choose to network, the two things you need to keep in mind are authenticity and speed. Although they might not have said it outright, everyone we spoke to in our interviews emphasized how when they pursued a new contact, they would never ask for something in return. They simply would introduce themselves and stay consistent with conversation over time.

      When you begin a conversation with a request – advice, more contacts, a job – you immediately displace yourself and often end up making the ensuing dialogue transactional and inauthentic.

      In any case, you should offer your new contact something, but coming in on neutral grounds will always be the best way to start a conversation.

      Once you’re confident you can keep things authentic, then you need to get up and start reaching out as much as possible. This speed factor is something a lot of professionals don’t always consider, but when a former Citi Summer Analyst explained it, things began to make perfect sense.

      If you can reach out to people starting early, that’s amazing, especially in the financial realm. Professionals in finance like to get their talent off early, and that doesn’t mean that they aren’t looking later on, but the earlier that you start, the faster you will join the industry.
      Citi Personal Banking Summer Analyst

      Hunt for On-Campus Opportunities

      One very common mistake that college students make is not using all of the resources available to them on campus. Those that do seek out those resources, especially the resources provided by the career services department, oftentimes find themselves on a direct track to flourishing employment opportunities.

      This is particularly true when it comes to Citi as their presence on campus is massive. One of the main ways Citi stays active at colleges across the country is through its Early ID program. 

      After hearing about this on-campus mentorship program through a couple of alumni from her school, one former Citi Summer Analyst decided to apply for the program with the intention of learning new skills and growing herself professionally. She didn’t know if she would get a job from it, but she took the chance, put in the work, and is now a contributing member of Citi’s personal banking department.

      In another instance, a former Summer Analyst with Citi and current Campus Ambassador used her campus event posting board to start making contacts and learning about new opportunities.

      I used a campus job board where you can go on and see different events happening on your campus and different companies coming. I decided I’ll go to as many events as I can, as many as my schedule allows, and Citi was one of them. I went to one of their fireside chats Freshman fall where I met a university recruiter who would later offer me a job.
      Citi Wealth Management Summer Analyst, Current Campus Ambassador

      Almost every college with a career services department has resources like what one former Summer Analyst describes. If you can’t find it immediately, just contact someone from the career center!

      How to Prepare for the Interview

      If you’re able to make that resume sparkle, put on your networking cap, and use as many resources as you have access to, there is a very good chance that you make it to the interview process. This is perhaps one of the most critical steps of the process, especially when it comes to Citi’s Summer Analyst program.

      Although it is subject to change, our understanding of the Citi Summer Analyst program interview is that it has two parts – a behavioral and a technical component. This means you should be able to answer questions regarding both comprehension and knowledge while also being able to deliver on reactive and situational assessments. 

      There really is no way to know for sure what your recruiter or interviewer is going to ask, so the best way to prepare is by educating yourself and rehearsing as much as possible!

      I did mock interviews with some family members to build up my behavioral interview skills. I also watched a ton of YouTube videos about what to talk about and what points to hit whenever you’re being interviewed.
      Citi Technology Summer Analyst

      He knew that he would have to react on his toes and do so with ease and fluidity, so he made sure to practice his presentation and speech-making skills. He also knew that he would be assessed on his knowledge of the industry and space he was applying to. He didn’t know what exactly, so he cast a wide net and tried to gather as much information as he could. 

      These are by far the best ways to prepare yourself for an interview for Citi’s Summer Analyst program.

      Proceed With an Open Mind

      One thing that remains consistent between the three former Summer Analysts we interviewed is the way they approached the Summer Analyst application process at Citi. Each one of them went about it with an open mind and zero preconceptions of what the process might look like and how it might benefit them.

      One former Summer Analyst joined Citi to gain experience, learn new skills, and grow herself professionally. There was no need to assume she would pursue a career with Citi. 

      When you pursue a job just because you want a job, passion tends to dwindle. But when you pursue a job with the intention of learning and growing yourself, you can get more out of it. The former Summer Analyst we are referring to ended up being one of the few Summer Analysts to be extended an offer for a two-year rotational program that she is now embarking on.

      As for one former Citi Summer Analyst, he retained an open mind when it came to interviewing at Citi. He didn’t assume it was going to go one way or another, he didn’t practice a pre-arranged plot structure, he just remained authentic and armed himself with as much information as possible. In this case, his broad scope paid off.

      Below is a perfect example of how an open mind can lead you to incredible success.

      When I came to Georgetown my freshman year, I wasn’t sure which career path I wanted to take. A Citi recruiter told me to apply to their sophomore leadership program, which I hadn’t heard of until she told me about it. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in finance, but I was like, you know, it wouldn’t hurt to apply and just see where this takes me. Maybe I’ll like it. So, I did and then ended up choosing to Summer Analyst within the Wealth Management sector!
      Citi Wealth Management Summer Analyst, Current Campus Ambassador

      Apply What You Know!

      These are the tricks of the trade, the gate code at the secret entrance, and the tried & true methods to secure a position with Citi for their 2024 Summer Analysts.

      We’ve given you the road map, all you need to do now is follow the course to land an Summer Analyst role that might just change the trajectory of your entire career. More

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      in Career Hacks

      How T-Mobile Gave Me The Tools to Grow My Career

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      As your career progresses, it is natural to start growing curious about other opportunities and new positions. Whether that’s a new job outside of your current company, a different department within your company, or even a more senior title, these desires have a tendency to appear more than once during your career.

      Given this inevitable circumstance, it is important to know that your company is willing to support your desire to grow. But what does that support look like? And how do you know your company is willing to provide it?

      While we can’t speak for all of the companies in the telecommunications space, we can say for certain that T-Mobile is a place that supports the growth of its employees in any path that they choose to follow.

      Recently, we spoke with a few employees at T-Mobile to hear what that support looks like and how it helped them advance their careers.                  

      Freedom to Follow Passions

      One of the first things that stood out about T-Mobile is the company’s encouragement of employees to follow their passions.

      For example, Kasey Liang, a recruiting coordinator at T-Mobile, started her career with the company in a Talent Acquisition internship. Her initial responsibilities had to do with making sure the backend software used to recruit and hire talent was working and also ensuring a smooth transition to a new platform.

      However, midway through, Kasey realized that she would “rather be talking to candidates instead of dealing with the software behind it.” What Kasey did next was express these desires to her manager who not only met them with positivity and support but started helping her through the steps to make that transition. 

      One thing Kasey’s manager suggested was to start reaching out to those in the positions Kacey was seeking. This would consist of asking questions about how they got those positions, what they’ve done right, and what they’ve done wrong. 

      An Openness to Share Knowledge

      Across all of T-Mobile’s employees is an attitude of support and encouragement. This means that they will always offer help to those seeking it. As Kasey reached out to other employees at T-Mobile, she was able to learn more about the day in the life of a Recruiter.

      The fact that an employee will take time out of their day to show you what they’re doing and even allow you to shadow them goes to show the kind of spirit and camaraderie that takes place at T-Mobile.

      Transferable Skills

      Another great feature of working at T-Mobile is that you’re going to learn skills that you can take with you throughout your entire career. For example, T-Mobile uses software called Workday that helps employees with a variety of work-related functions. Being that Workday is very popular, knowing how to use it will look that much better to your next employer who may require that knowledge.

      As for the recruiting position, one thing you’re going to do a lot of is talking. You’ll be learning how to take large amounts of information like job details and responsibilities, and condense them into chunks of exciting and attention-grabbing bits. In some cases, you’ll have to negotiate pay and contracts. In other cases, you might have to learn how to have complex or difficult conversations.

      One way or another, you will be advancing your communication skills every step of the way. Another way that employees would build skills and learn new things would be through T-Mobile’s their own trial and error and exploration of new concepts.

      No One’s Going to Be Breathing Down Your Neck

      While the environment at T-Mobile is very hands-on and good at offering direct instruction, they also help employees grow by not micromanaging them and allowing them to learn individually. 

      By embracing a culture that allows individuals to think freely, T-Mobile is building employees who are able to take initiative and think on their feet. This creates a future workforce of leaders and individuals who know how to get things done.

      They Want You to Lead

      T-Mobile is a company that has all intentions of expanding and continuing to put its thumbprint on the telecommunications and technology industries. In order to do that, they want to see their employees succeed. Anastasia Byrd participated in a business intelligence internship this past May and today, she is a Senior Analyst. While the road to a senior title is not necessarily easy, it is made more attainable by the resources that T-Mobile provides.

      A manager at T-Mobile even once stated “my job is to help you get to where you want to go next.” It didn’t matter if that meant leaving the team and going somewhere else or into a senior position like Anastasia, the manager’s main intention was to enable employees to do what they desire.

      Navigating your professional desires, especially when it’s early on in your career, can be daunting. But it is made much easier when you work for a company that allows you to follow your passions and gives you the resources to help you attain them.

      If you’re someone who has always been inspired to reach new heights and accomplish your dreams, T-Mobile is an employer that will help you do it. Start browsing open roles today and get one step closer to obtaining your goals.  More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Career Hacks

      Why Choose Stifel?  It’s Simple – You and Your Ideas Are Welcome Here.   

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      Success is more than just an ideology here at Stifel.  It’s about taking the ideas of how to succeed and putting them into action.  These actions permeate throughout our organization, within every department, and at every Stifel branch across the nation.  And it all starts with you.  

      Stifel is a place where you can build a challenging, rewarding career with one of the industry’s most diverse, creative teams.  A place where new ideas are welcome and fresh thinking is encouraged.  The kind of thinking that helps us understand and use the forces of the market to be ready for whatever is next.

      To make this happen, our leadership makes the well-being of our associates a top priority.  We actively promote a new and different type of thinking, anchored by a commitment to helping you build strong relationships with your fellow associates across the organization. 

      So, how do we do that?  Entrepreneurial spirit.  Innovation.  And, of course, diversity and inclusivity.  These are all great ideas on the surface – but at Stifel, we put them into action from the top down.  Our leadership sets the tone with each and every associate, and our mentorship philosophy is where our culture really starts to thrive.  We encourage people in leadership positions to step back and ask themselves, “What did I need when I was coming up in the industry?  Who put a hand out for me?  Who gave me guidance?  How can I turn that around and help others that are entering our field”

      At Stifel, if you have an idea, our leadership will listen to it and truly consider it.  Your ideas can actually be put into place pretty quickly.  Our organization is structured like that.  Building on that sentiment, fostering collaboration is another key component to what makes Stifel great.  Our firm is built around supporting not only our clients, but also each other.  This is based on another simple, yet effective, guiding philosophy at Stifel – the “Golden Rule.”  Treat each other the way we would want to be treated and listen with empathy, respect, and with a heart toward understanding.     

      Stifel is often described as a large firm with a startup mentality.  Its metaphorical open-door policy means that a junior staff member can easily call a senior manager and speak with them, for example.  Additionally, the family-like relationship that the associates across departments and branches share is something very special and unique.  

      According to a study conducted by Coqual, organizations rated highly for diversity and inclusion have 57% better collaboration.  We’ve taken this to heart.  Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, Director of Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion, has been an integral force in championing diversity and inclusion initiatives across the firm.

      “That’s essentially what Stifel has always done and continues to do so well – to help individuals, to help organizations, to help communities, to strengthen their capacity to be difference-makers. That’s why I’m so excited to be at Stifel – because I’m part of a team that believes in the wonderfulness of America and the ability to be able to make things better.”
      Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      FAQs from Jobseekers: Approaching the Technical Interview with Confidence (VIDEO)

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      Technical interviewing takes skill and is actually a skill in itself. In this AMA-style discussion (now on-demand!), experts helped jobseekers problem-solve their way to nailing their next technical interview. Keep reading for candid and actionable advice from the experts.

      You’ll hear from:

      Sophia Koehl, Partnerships, Hired

      Omkar Deshpande, Head of Technical Curriculum, Interview Kickstart

      Nate Becker, Candidate Experience, Hired

      Read the beginning of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

      What are the fundamentals of a technical interview? 

      Nate

      I think it’s important to note this is a multi step process. It’s not a one and done situation. I would read and reread the job description, do some research on the company, and review the fundamentals of your own technical specializations. For the more personal side, practice talking about your professional background. I recommend Interview Kickstart’s Technical Interview Checklist. 

      Consider the stages of the interview ahead of time. First, you have a phone screen, a sort of a “tell me about yourself and why are you applying.” Then, there’s usually a take-home assessment, which is preliminary and usually done through a test coding platform or a shared doc. From there, you’d have an on-site or in-person evaluation where your programming skills are assessed in real time by an interviewer. 

      If you are on the Hired platform, you could take advantage of assessments to showcase your skills to employers. A lot of the companies on our platform prioritize candidates who have taken these Hired assessments. Keep in mind that this doesn’t replace a coding interview and is more of a preliminary screen. 

      Omkar

      In an ideal coding interview, you are given a problem, or an unseen question. The interviewer wants to see whether you can design an algorithm or a recipe that correctly solves the given question by relying on fundamental computer science principles and problem solving strategies. Your solution also needs to run fast, take the least possible time, and use very little space.

      Once you have designed a correct and efficient algorithm, you have to implement it in the programming language of your choice with a high probability that the code would run correctly the first time you execute it. They’re testing your problem solving ability and your coding fluency. Both of these depend on knowledge of computer science fundamentals. That’s how I look at the structure of a coding interview. 

      Why is it worthwhile to spend more time on interview prep instead of jumping straight into applying and interviewing?

      Nate

      It would be to your advantage to consider the state of the market. Look at the time we’re in right now. This is a great time to take advantage of the downtime and prep. Take the time now to land an interview you really want. It may benefit your career in the long run to invest time and energy up front. When I say timeliness, I’m talking about the recent layoffs folks have been experiencing and the impact of that. Really consider if you have free time and do the prep work. We have a great eBook on layoffs and how to bounce back better than ever.

      Omkar

      The reality is that competition is high. People share frequently asked questions online on platforms like Leetcode. Everyone knows what questions are likely to be asked and they’re not easy to solve. Prep is necessary, otherwise you’re going to stumble on the spot. 

      There’s a misconception that interview prep is a waste of time because you basically have to memorize the solutions to those frequently asked problems. If you prep the right way, it’s an opportunity to relearn the fundamentals of computer science. Preparing properly increases your chances of getting multiple offers and thereby a significantly higher salary.

      When you start a new job, you have that confidence in yourself because you cracked the interview based on your understanding of computer science principles. You become a better engineer as a result of preparing in the right way.

      Other key topics from the conversation include: 

      Which programming language to use for a technical interview 

      How to create a study plan

      Technical interviews at FAANG companies vs smaller companies

      How to present your tech experience 

      And more!  More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Interview to Get Hired: What Top Employers Want in 2023 (VIDEO)

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      What are top employers looking for from jobseekers? Watch this on-demand webinar to hear experts from Top Employers Winning Tech Talent discuss key findings and data from Hired’s What Top Tech Employers Do Differently: New Hiring Data to Win in 2023 report. They share top tips for impressing employers and guide you in the job search. 

      You’ll hear from:

      Career Expert, TopResume, Amanda Augustine

      VP of Product, Hired, Hector Angulo

      Talent Acquisition Manager, Funding Circle, Dominic Heeraman

      SVP of Data, Analytics, and Machine Learning, Bark, Olly Downs

      Career Lead, Pathrise, Kass Moore

      Read an excerpt of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

      How can tech jobseekers build a more responsive resume? 

      Dominic

      I particularly like targeted and specific applications. Make it specific to the role, job title of the role, the company. Make sure if you read the job spec you’re trying to add some of those things into your CV or resume. It should be well-written and well-formatted. I’m really big on presentation so really clear and concise is good. 

      I also like details so for example, if you spent a length of time in a role I want to see what you’ve done and your achievements. If you work in an environment where you can add facts and figures, that’s a good thing too. Quantify any of your successes. Having those details in makes it a lot easier to understand. 

      Two to three pages in length is fine. I’ve had some people write half a page CV and others give me a 64 page CV. Nobody has time for that. I want to see 2 to 3 pages. That’s the sweet spot.

      I’ve always hired software engineers for the permanent side of things so I want to see a good length of time at a particular company – not a jumpy CV where it’s six months here or one year here. I want to see progress in people’s careers. Maybe they start as a junior engineer, then get to mid or senior engineering manager, or a senior IC. 

      I don’t mind if it’s sentences or bullet points as long as it’s clear and I can understand what you’ve done in your role. 

      I also like to see what you’ve done as an individual, not what your team has done. It’s great that you’ve achieved this in the project but what did you do? What is your contribution?

      Then, obviously the tech stack. I want to make sure you use the relevant technologies in each of your roles. 

      Related: Interested in a Tech Role? Here’s Your Resume Guide 

      What are best practices around creating a Hired profile? 

      Hector

      First, craft a headline that doesn’t just repeat your job title, but highlights something unique about a skill that you have or a passion. You want that to be the first impression and the lens they review the rest of your resume or experience.

      Instead of saying something like “Technical Lead at X,” you can say, “Technical Lead designing scalable software for tens of millions of users” or “Expert in recommendation and personalization systems.” 

      If you are early in your career and don’t have an area in which you are a deep expert, show another part of your personality or abilities. Even something like you’re a “Three-time Hackathon champion” elicits thoughts of competitiveness and creativity. That adds a touch of context to the rest of your resume or profile. 

      This next one is really unique to Hired. It is about making sure you stand out to the right fit companies by making clear what the wrong fits are. We focus the Hired profile a lot around being upfront about your preferences: deal breakers, nice-to-haves, and must-haves. 

      This is to ensure you stand out to companies that are a ‘good fit,’ while avoiding ‘bad fit’ companies from reaching out in the first place and wasting anyone’s time. 

      We have a ton of categories but these are the three most used: remote/hybrid preferences, company size, and company industry.

      Related: 6 Common FAQs from Jobseekers: Answers to Help You Prepare for & Dive Into the Job Search 

      Watch the full collaborative panel discussion to learn:  More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Need Help with Job Interviewing Skills? | Coaching Session (VIDEO)

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      What do companies look for when interviewing potential employees? Hear what they prioritize first-hand in this on-demand panel discussion featuring:

      Senior Manager, Recruiting, Brightspot, Avery Davila

      Technical Sourcer, Hired, Gabe Morabe

      Candidate Experience Manager, Hired, Alice Tan* 

      Candidate Experience Manager, Hired, Maria Coffey*

      What are recruiters really listening for?

      Avery Davila

      I think it’s really important in the interview process to be engaged. It comes across as you’re genuinely interested in the company, you’re genuinely interested in the role, and you’re excited to be there. Look engaged, have good posture, pay attention, and maintain good eye contact. This is a little difficult with the virtual world nowadays but you get the gist!

      Gabe Morabe

      Ask genuine questions and follow up. Perhaps I say something in the introduction of the interview and you mention it during the middle of the interview. Say it’s how interesting this product is or you have experience doing this in the past. It shows me that you’re 1) actively listening and 2) relating it back to your previous experiences.

      Avery Davila

      I suggest also having a notepad handy and jotting down a few notes, perhaps key things that stick out from the conversation. For example, if there’s any discussion around role expectations and you have notes to reflect back on. I think it also shows you’re interested and comprehending the information. I did that during my interview with Brightspot actually and I even used it to reflect back on before my first day so there’s a double positive. 

      Gabe Morabe

      You can take those notes and apply it to all your other interviews as well. It’s not just for one company. All these companies are probably going to be looking for the same thing especially if you’re applying for a specific role.

      In regard to concise stories of previous work experiences, I’m definitely looking for how you take your preview experiences, look at the job description, and apply it to how your experience fits in with this role specifically. This can be alignment with certain projects, an initiative you’ve led, a certain amount of sales within a certain market.

      Avery Davila

      I recommend, as you’re preparing for interviews and trying to be concise, outlining your experience and making sure that you hit all the key points. If there are metrics, challenges, successes, or specific projects you want to highlight, make a quick outline. Jot down about two sentences to help you concisely articulate so you’re not going back and forth in a story or you leave the interview realizing you wanted to mention this. That’s a good tip for preparation to help you be concise and clear when you’re explaining your background.

      Definitely ask questions too. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the company. Have questions prepared even if they’re simple ones and even if they’ve been answered earlier in the interview process. You can ask the same questions to different interviewers because you can get that different perspective based on the role and the unique experiences they’ve had, how long their tenure has been, etc.

      Watch now to discover: 

      How to appear confident (with examples of how candidates excel without knowing what to expect)

      What recruiters see as red flags and how to avoid them 

      Resources for interview tips and more!

      *Since this event, Alice and Maria have taken their CX insights to new roles as Pre-Sales Enablement Specialist and Customer Success Manager with Hired respectively.

      Curious how Hired helps jobseekers find great roles in tech and sales? Learn how our platform helps you create meaningful connections with top employers.

      Haven’t joined yet? Complete your free profile with Hired and let employers come to you. 

      Watch the original presentation below.

      [embedded content] More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Efrem T., Sr Software Engineer

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      Welcome, Efrem! Can you start us off by sharing a bit about your educational background? 

      I am an Electrical Engineer by training. I was excited on the impact of software and its scale. To develop my skills, I joined a Master’s program in Computer Science. This led me to roles in Software Engineering. 

      My Computer Science degree made a huge impact by offering me a holistic understanding of software development and the infrastructure involved with it. 

      What areas would you like to learn more about?

      I would love to improve my leadership skills and emotional intelligence, which would help me take more ownership of projects. I also hope to have a better understanding of the start-up world to help me work toward entrepreneurial goals. 

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I believe the network effect of tech is quite impressive. Once built, it can scale without having a huge cost. From the development point of view, it is engaging as I can immediately see the impact of my work on users all over. 

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      I have grown from being a person who found it hard to write one piece of code to someone who can visualize the different intricacies of applications. This led me to challenge myself with problems and algorithms to find optimal solutions that improve performance. 

      What are did you choose to specialize in?

      Building software from scratch involving the front-end, back-end, and architecture of a system. I would also like to specialize in using data to assist in better decision making. 

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      Yes, I am now working for start-up. In the past I worked for larger companies. My current role is also in a fast paced environment with a smaller team. 

      I’m excited for the chance to work with a growing start-up and in that process, wear many hats involving multiple facets of the software development cycle. I will be work alongside smart and engaged individuals who, I know, will push me to build my craft. 

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It involved a lot of calls just to set up an interview – and many times for an opportunity that doesn’t lead anywhere. With Hired, the process was smooth and companies that interviewed me were committed. The matching was precise! 

      If you are using Hired to find your next role, do as many interviews as possible. I encourage you to enjoy the process of interviewing as it challenges you mentally and is rewarding. Respect the time and effort of everyone involved in potentially offering you your next job. Also, don’t forget you can negotiate your salary. 

      Hired is a robust platform that does a lot of filtering to send you openings that are relevant, increasing your chances of landing a job in a short period of time.

      Any advice for other tech professionals?

      During the interview process, don’t stress yourself. Be as mentally prepared as possible and mitigate fear as much as you can. Anyone coming to interview you is there because they see your potential. So, all you have to do is shine!

      Great advice and congrats on the job! If you’d like to level up your career like Efrem did, complete your free profile on Hired today!

      About Lilt

      Lilt combines people, processes, and technology to guarantee the highest quality language translation services with the industry’s most rigorous QA program. Founded in 2015, Lilt has between 51-200 employees and is headquartered in San Francisco.

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k matching, unlimited time off, work from home flexibility, management training, mental health benefits, and more. More

    • 150 Shares109 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Anxiety, Fear of Failure? You’re Not Alone: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

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      Have you ever felt like you’re in way over your head in your career? Or maybe read a job description and thought, ‘there’s no way I’m qualified for that’? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome. 

      Imposter syndrome is the appearance of anxious thoughts and feelings leading you to believe you’re out of your depth in a certain situation or like you’re a fake who may be discovered at any point. You might feel like you’re not deserving of success, praise, or even a new job or promotion. 

      While imposter syndrome doesn’t gender discriminate, this scientific study explains how imposter syndrome manifests within professional women: “Despite objective evidence of success, these women had a pervasive psychological experience believing that they were intellectual frauds and feared being recognized as impostors. They suffered from anxiety, fear of failure, and dissatisfaction with life.” 

      Imposter syndrome has become a bit of a buzzword in many tech and business circles — but it’s not without reason. It is a common underlying fear in many professionals with up to 82% of people experiencing it. Imposter syndrome is especially prevalent in those looking for new jobs. Read on to understand the root causes of imposter syndrome, how to detect it, and actionable tips on how to combat it during the job search process.

      Identify ways to spot imposter syndrome

      These feelings of inadequacy can be insidious and not altogether apparent. You may not even realize you’re experiencing imposter syndrome. 

      As Jessica Bennett, author of Feminist Fight Club, explains in her FastCompany article, imposter syndrome comes in many flavors. Bennett outlines the most common ways you to identify you’re experiencing it: 

      Feeling sure you’re going to fail or embarrass yourself.  

      Feeling like you’ll be exposed at any moment and tricked people to get your position.

      Devaluing your worth or minimizing your accomplishments, even if others are actively championing you. 

      Underestimating your expertise, like thinking you’re not qualified for a new job (more on this in the next sections).  

      Understanding the impact on underrepresented groups

      Unfortunately, imposter syndrome is more common amongst women and underrepresented groups. Studies show female entrepreneurs experience imposter fear to the degree that it hinders career growth. Even prior to entering the professional world, college students found links between imposter feelings and certain ethnic groups, leading to mental health problems. 

      We recommend Sheryl Nance-Nash’s BBC article for a deep dive on how oppression, systematic racism, and unequal representation leads to more instances of imposter syndrome for women of color.

      In a personal reflection from a member of our partner Diversability, Puneet S. says, “I only apply or do something if I am 110% sure and prepared. At times, I still doubt if I am good enough for the project. Some say historically marginalized groups tend to self-select opportunities so we should apply even if we don’t meet every criterion. This has helped me become aware of my unconscious bias and pushed me to show up and self-advocate.”

      In a conversation on imposter syndrome, it’s important to recognize and understand the impact of structural issues embedded in it. Addressing imposter syndrome is really tied to fixing these broader societal institutions. An article from Harvard Business Review urges the narrative to switch from fixing people to fixing bias, as feeling like an outsider is often the result of systemic issues. In this context, the onus is on leaders to help stir change. 

      Shifting from a big picture view, let’s review how amid these larger structural problems, you can practice self-care and resilience to face imposter syndrome. 

      5 ways to defeat imposter syndrome in the job hunt

      Imposter syndrome may manifest itself within your job search. If you’re on the hunt for a career change, but find yourself doubting your experience, abilities, or strengths, it may keep you from applying to certain roles. You might look at a job description and think there’s no way you could measure up, even if you have both the preferred proficiencies and experiences listed in the description – that’s imposter syndrome rearing its ugly head. 

      Qualify yourself 

      Brittany King, Senior Manager, TA-Talent Intelligence & Diversity, and a member of our partner Sista Circle says, “As someone who has been in the Talent Acquisition space for some time, I often hear about the effects imposter syndrome can have on jobseekers, namely early career talent or talent looking to break into a new industry. 

      Ultimately, the circular dynamic of “experienced required” vs “I need a job to get experience” leaves many feeling hopeless and lost. After all, how should one actually get experience without experience? 

      For me, it’s a simple answer: ‘Qualify yourself.’ I don’t mean wake up tomorrow and pursue the role of CEO fresh out of college, but I do mean checking-all-the-boxes is not required for success in a role. Good companies know that. This is especially important if you’re a member of a historically marginalized community. 

      For example, research has shown women only apply if they meet nearly 90% of the requirements of a role whereas men tend to apply when they meet only 50-60% of the requirements. This is a good case for the reality that it’s not always the “qualified” who get the job, but those who had the temerity to qualify themselves.”

      Below you’ll find our tips for countering feelings of inadequacy and gaining the courage to confidently apply to more positions.

      1. Keep a “Wins Folder”

      When you’re feeling unqualified, it’s easy to forget the amazing things you’ve done. Cataloging your accomplishments and milestones is a great way to reinforce your worth. Start a “Wins” folder, either on your desktop or in Google Drive. The idea is to organize and track your professional achievements. 

      If you’re ever feeling unsure and incompetent, open the folder and scan some entries. Pull it up before you go into any intimidating situation—an important meeting, performance review, or even a casual catchup with someone impressive in the office. As a bonus, you likely need some of this information for job applications, so it will be easy to access.

      Ideas of the collateral to save:

      Collect any positive feedback from colleagues, supervisors, clients, or customers, i.e., performance reviews or project assessments. You could even screenshot encouraging emails as a PDF. 

      Keep track of benchmarks and goals you hit in your previous roles (sales quotas, effective campaigns, etc.). 

      Notate any promotions you’ve received and any positive evaluation accompanying it.

      LaShawnda Rodgers is VP of Community Outreach for Blacks In Technology RDU among other roles including Founder, Leadership Coach, and Corporate Trainer. Based on her experiences with clients, she shares advice for jobseekers.

      “Keeping a detailed list of your accomplishments is imperative in job hunting to defeat imposter syndrome. It allows you to see and acknowledge how brilliant you are… I have my coaching clients ask themselves where those negative thoughts come from and if they are facts. Facts can be proven. If the answer is no, then they aren’t true. 

      Remember, the unfamiliar is scary but necessary for growth. Change your language about things that are unfamiliar. Instead of saying, ‘I have no knowledge of XYZ,’ say ‘I am in the processing of learning about XYZ.’” 

      2. Develop constant feedback loops

      People who experience imposter syndrome are often hesitant to ask for feedback. It makes you more vulnerable. Yet, getting frequent feedback is actually a powerful way to combat insecurities at work. 

      For starters, good feedback loops surface constructive criticism and an opportunity for positive reinforcement. Setting up the right feedback mechanisms with your manager and colleagues helps you see what you’re doing well in the eyes of others. It also offers up more evidence to add to your achievements (get it in that Wins Folder!). If you notice particular instances when you feel imposter syndrome creep in more, try to establish feedback around those events. 

      Further, frequent feedback gives you more real-time input into how your performance and behavior comes off to others. If you get nervous in meetings, for example, ask for feedback on a specific meeting or presentation soon after it happens. Those who suffer from imposter syndrome might dwell on a minor detail (like stumbling over a sentence) for months. Hearing from someone else on what went well and what didn’t will help reframe your thoughts.

      3. Set and track achievable goals

      Setting small, realistic goals, allows you to identify tangible accomplishments and celebrate meeting them, effectively bolstering your self-esteem. 

      As the productivity experts at Hubgets explain, “without specific, decisive goals to point you in a clear direction, it can be a challenge to find motivation and purpose… Establish your main target each day and set out to achieve it before working hours are over. The thrill of pursuit and the pride of success are excellent motivators.”

      When job hunting, your goals might be small tasks like: update my resume or apply to three positions this weekend. Then, make sure to recognize and celebrate when you meet those objectives. This consistent reinforcement will help boost your self-confidence and keep you motivated during the job search, especially when feelings of doubt or low self-worth pop up. 

      As we all know, looking for a new job can be a discouraging process. This practice will help!

      4. Network with peers

      Comparison may be a dangerous habit during the job search. Keep this in mind: the goal of networking isn’t to measure yourself against others in your industry. It’s more so to give you perspective. 

      When you join new groups or attend events, you’ll receive a broader sense of the current job landscape. Additionally, you’ll create invaluable relationships with folks who may be outside your current organization but still understand what you’re going through. As such, you’ll receive support, positive reinforcement, and validation.

      Also, look for those who’ve successfully completed a job hunt and ask about their experiences. You might be surprised how many others felt imposter syndrome during the process only to end up in a role they rightfully deserved. 

      Related: Hired Partners: Community and Networking for Jobseekers

      5. Fill up your tool box 

      There are many tools to incorporate into your daily life to reaffirm your worth. You just need to understand them, experiment with them, and see what works for you. 

      To get started, try these practices:

      Meditate while asking yourself questions to gain clarity. For example, “What am I trying to achieve? What am I doing that works?”  

      Focusing on abundance by listing what you’re grateful for in your life and career.  

      Take self-assessment tests to better understand your personality, strengths, and weaknesses, i.e., Meyers-Briggs, Enneagram, PATH Assessment.  

      Journal to dig deeper into issues or release negative thoughts. 

      Avoid imposter syndrome and find the perfect role

      Imposter syndrome can rob you of your confidence and make you doubt your unique skills and experiences. Even worse, it might make you second guess applying for a new position that’s perfect for you. 

      Instead of beating yourself up or getting lost in negative thoughts, take action against imposter syndrome. Use the above strategies to reinvigorate your mindset and banish thoughts of skepticism and worry. Know you’re not alone when you feel doubt, and remind yourself of your qualifications. 

      Happy job hunting! 

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