Los Angeles Times

5 career skills

… you should master now if you haven’t already

- — Jessica Lawlor, for Brazen Careerist. She is a public relations profession­al, blogger and freelance writer in the Philadelph­ia area. Brazen Careerist is a lifestyle and career blog for ambitious young profession­als

As a young profession­al in the workplace, you’ll inevitably encounter certain situations in your career: Bad bosses, catty colleagues, work-life balance issues, considerin­g new job opportunit­ies. Navigating the real world isn’t easy, but with more experience and a couple of stumbles and falls along the way, the lessons you learn begin to stick.

As you prepare to enter the next stage of your career, you should have certain skills mastered by now. Not quite there yet? We’ve got a list of the top five career-related tasks you should know how to do as well as some quick tips to brush up on those skills:

1. Write a solid cover letter

Writing a good cover letter is an art. By the time you hit your mid-20s, you should be able to compose a strong cover letter that leads to an interview where you can really show off your stuff. Quick tips:

• Address the cover letter properly. That means finding out the hiring manager’s name and personaliz­ing your letter accordingl­y.

• Cover letters are not just about presenting your skills; write about how you and your skills can directly benefit the company you are applying for.

• Show the hiring manager you’ve done your homework. Reference a recent campaign or news article about the company in your cover letter.

2. Interview well

Most people in their 20s have gone on several interviews, whether it be for an internship, a freelance project or a full-time gig. While interviewi­ng can be nerve-wracking, practice makes perfect, and the more you do it, the stronger an interviewe­e you’ll become.

Quick tips:

• Remember, you’re interviewi­ng the company as much as they’re interviewi­ng you. Ask specific questions to learn about the company’s culture to ensure you’ll be a good fit.

• Bring something to show. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires writing skills, bring examples of your writing. Physically showing something during an interview shows you’ve come prepared, and also allows you to relax for a moment as you flip through a portfolio and explain your samples.

• Follow up within 24 hours of the interview. An emailed thank you note is fine, but a handwritte­n thank you note will make you even more memorable.

3. Prioritize

Your to-do list is a mile long and you have no idea where to begin. In your 20s, you’ll learn that not every project carries the same weight. Figuring out which to complete first will help make you a productivi­ty rockstar as you progress in your career. Quick tips:

• Figure out when you work best. If you’re most alert in the mornings, block out that time on your schedule for creative assignment­s that require laser-focus and clear thinking. If you have trouble concentrat­ing on nitty-gritty assignment­s in the afternoons, use that time for meetings or other, more social work tasks. When you figure out how you work best, you can make the most of your eight hours in the office.

• Tackle the big items on your to-do list first. Leave the smaller, easy-to-check-off tasks for Friday afternoons or other quieter times in the office.

• If you’re not sure what to work on next, ask your boss. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help; in fact, your boss will likely applaud you for being selfaware enough to check in.

4. Stand up for yourself at work

Feeling overworked or taken advantage of? Early in your career, it’s important to learn how to defend yourself and tackle workplace issues respectful­ly but head-on. Quick tips:

• Before you say anything, make a list of all of the issues you’re having at work. See if there are places where you can improve or solve the problem yourself. Once you’ve narrowed down the list, then it’s time to talk to your boss.

• Schedule an in-person meeting with your boss. Don’t address serious issues over email. Face-to-face is best for these kinds of conversati­ons.

• Document your conversati­on with your boss and any action items or decisions that come out of that meeting. Use that informatio­n to ensure you’re both holding up your end of the bargain.

5. Leave a job gracefully

More than likely, some time in your 20s, you’ll leave a job for a new one. Giving notice to your boss can be scary, but during your last two weeks you can take action for a smooth transition. This will ensure that your reputation with your former company stays intact and that you leave on a high note. Quick tips:

• Share the news with your boss first. As much as you may want to tell a trusted colleague, to be respectful, your boss should know first. He can guide you on how you should share the news with the rest of the team.

• Wrap up as many projects as you can, and create a document that breaks down your individual duties and processes so that whoever will be taking over your workload has a solid “how-to” guide to your former job.

• Thank those who helped you! Be sure to show your gratitude to the people who mentored you along the way with a thank you card or small gift.

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