Insider strategies: Kickstarting your career at Microsoft + more

My creative mojo seems to be missing. Did I tell you about the time I was doing theatre 3 hours every day for 2 straight years? It was incredibly fun, inspiring, and the best part — I felt so creative. Lately, my mojo has fallen off a cliff, so I think it’s time to get back on stage.

By the way, if you know any amateur theatre groups in Sydney, I’d appreciate an introduction.

Alrighty back to business… I’ve got something cool for you. I’m giving away 5 free consultations on LinkedIn branding for students and early career professionals. We’ll talk about strategy, engagement, connections, all for 45 mins. Just respond to this email and let me know if you’re interested.

Here’s what I’ve got this week:

• Step by step playbook and resume breakdown of a Mexican student’s journey to Microsoft Australia

• Nipping fundamental attribution in the bud

• Soo… what’s cooking on LinkedIn?

She moved to Sydney to study commerce and marketing shortly after the first Covid lockdown. Today, she's a Commercial Marketing Coordinator at Microsoft.

I know the end seems perfect, but the journey wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It came with a lot of rejections and heartbreaks.

At one point, Isabel considered moving back to Mexico if she is unable to secure a role within 2 months.

But fortunately for us, and the Australian Taxation Office, it didn’t come to that.

She found this job on LinkedIn.

Within 2 hours of applying for this role, she got an interview call. She gave 3 interviews in the next 4 days, and by the end of it, she had the offer.

I really wish I could share a secret about how she secured this role, but the truth is she submitted a resume that demonstrated she could do the job, and then backed it up in her interviews.

She wasn’t hired because she was an extraordinary student.

There’s actually no way to tell because she hasn’t mentioned her GPA anywhere. Nor has she highlighted the dozens of online courses she may have undertaken.

And that’s great, because no one cares about GPA.

Utkarshagoras Theorem
(Practical experience)² > (GPA)² + (Online courses)²

Look at that beauty now 👀 

Despite being in Australia for less than 2 years, Isabel presents herself as marketing-savvy and culturally competent. Her work experience includes 2 jobs she did in her time as a student — one in marketing and the other at Apple.

But there’s more. Did you notice the Relevant Coursework section in which she has mentioned her projects?

There are many different ways to present this information… include it in the Education section, highlight the courses undertaken etc etc.

But what she has done here is remarkable.

She skilfully mentions the organisation, the duration, and positions herself as a consultant on these projects.

By the way, there’s no way this is an official role title, but it’s great because it accurately reflects her contributions.

The best part?

When a recruiter reads this resume, they think, “this person’s got some good marketing experience with 2-3 different companies.”

If she hadn’t highlighted her title or would have included this bit under Education, Isabel probably would have been seen as lacking experience.

This is a super duper smart way to present your projects - steal it!

We’ve all got a brain wiring problem.

It leads us to ignore situational factors, and attribute people’s behaviour to flaws in their personality.

Here’s something you might find relatable: have you ever labeled a colleague as lazy for not completing a task or thought your partner was careless for devouring bacon despite high cholesterol?

Look, it’s not that your partner prefers death over giving up bacon; it’s that in the moment they’re not clearly thinking how their current diet impacts their future health.

Similarly, your colleagues might not be fully aware of this task’s importance or could be dealing with other pressing matters in their lives.

Any ideas on how to overcome this problem?

Well, you can certainly be more empathetic, mindful, and somehow develop a higher EQ… but that’s all life changing stuff that comes with time and practice, and this newsletter clearly isn’t that patient.

So… whenever you feel resentful towards a colleague, try this exercise:

• Pull out the Notes app on your phone and write down any 3 positive qualities of that colleague.

• If positivity proves difficult, highlight 3 imaginary explanations behind this person’s behaviour that left you frustrated.

This will help you view your colleague as one whole person, beyond their situational behaviour.

There are so many great recommendations on LinkedIn. Here I share content from other creators that’ll help you step up your game!

Standing out in job interviews - Asim Qureshi

5 phrases I’m unlearning in 2023 - Brianna Doe

Share your resume - Rohan Rajiv

That’s all for our 2nd edition, folks!

Let me know how you found it by responding to this email.

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