Tend to ‘your story’ today, so your tomorrow is brilliant
The other day I was conversing with my 13-yearold daughter and two of her friends at my kitchen table. Topics of conversation ranged from what’s your favorite movie to what do you want to do when you grow up? As the discussion continued, I found myself asking what could I tell these young, impressionable minds at this moment that would engage them and create a difference in their behavior and/or decisionmaking for tomorrow. I mention this because having a conversation with 13-year-olds today is very different from a similar conversation with a tween 30 years ago. I realized the conundrum when the careers they shared with me didn’t even exist when I was their age.
In my effort to keep them engaged in the dialogue, I figured my hindsight could be their foresight for the future. So I proceeded to share the following list of items they need to tend to today to tell “their story” to potential employers tomorrow. Keep in mind, this list does not account for the myriad of laws, regulations, controls, standards, policies, etc. It’s simply a mom giving young minds some advice.
• Mind your social media: Social media sites allow you to share your feelings and thoughts, but that does not mean you have to be a total open book. Employers look at articles you’ve shared or comments you’ve made on your status, and photos and videos provide insight on your character. Ask yourself what message do I want to send out to the universe and my future employer?
• Tend to your driving record: While a driving record may seem like the defining feature in driving jobs like a long-haul trucking or UPS delivery service, a driving record in any background check is another indicator of your level of responsibility. Ask yourself what message do I want to send out to the universe and my future employer?
• Mind your criminal record: What you do today can come back and haunt you tomorrow. Depending on the type of work you are applying for, employers may request your permission to conduct a background check. Maintaining a clean record is important in alleviating issues. Ask yourself what message do I want to send out to the universe and my future employer?
• Tend to your academic transcripts: When you are applying for jobs, an employer may request a copy of your high school, college or graduate school transcript as part of your job application. Verification of your degree is important and your transcripts are a way to confirm your credentials and your academic history. Every move you make is on a transcript: withdrawals, incompletes, failing grades, etc. are transcribed and tell a story. Ask yourself what message do I want to send out to the universe and my future employer?
• Tend to your credit score: Just like a driving or arrest record, your credit standing speaks volumes about your level of responsibility to pay creditors. Will you be trustworthy and a good steward of the company’s assets? Ask yourself what message do I want to send out to the universe and my future employer?
The bottom line, I told the girls, is that people will base decisions you made in the past to determine the type of person/employee you will be today. Is it fair? Probably not. However, the reality is that you must take responsibility today for the future you want tomorrow and do all you can to keep your integrity and work ethic intact.
Maria Aguirre is an associate dean of Arizona Western College Downtown Center. She can be reached at maria. aguirre@azwestern.edu.