Career coach gives tips for interviewing

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According to a New York Times article, employment rates for new college graduates have fallen sharply in the last two years and only half of the jobs landed by new graduates even require a college degree.

So, it’s no wonder college graduates can use all the help they can get when it comes to getting a job they actually want.

That’s where Career Coach Ryan Kahn comes in.

Kahn is a Career Coach for Dream Careers Inc., which works to connect people with their dream internship and get them on track toward their ideal career. He starred in MTV’s “Hired” and wrote his own book giving advice on how to be successful in getting a job.

With his experience, Kahn has several tips for landing an ideal job after graduating.

“Network is networth,” said Kahn. “The bigger you can build your network, the better position you’ll have in finding a job.”

Kahn cited the importance of participating in internships. He said that not only will it get your foot in the door, but it’s also a good way to find out what you like or don’t like in the professional world.

He also stressed the importance of a good interview and said that having life experience is often noted more than coming out of college with good grades.

“Employers are looking for an interesting story. It’s not impressive just going into an interview after graduating from college. It’s more important to have something interesting to share about yourself that sets you apart.”

According to Kahn, employers are looking for someone that they will get along with. “People like hiring their friends,” said Kahn. “If you’re a likeable person, you have a better chance at getting the job.”

Kahn also said there was another important step that many people often overlook in the interview process.

“Send them a thank you note after the interview.” He said to bring an envelope already addressed and write about a standout moment right after the interview. Then when you get home, send an email thanking the person again for the opportunity.

“That will really show that you’re serious about wanting the job,” said Kahn.

He wasn’t always a career coach, however. He went to college at California Polytechnic State University where one of his professors, also his mentor, was Randy Jackson from American Idol.

Kahn said that Jackson was an inspiration in how to treat people, citing an instance where Jackson flew back to Cal Poly after filming an episode of American Idol so he wouldn’t miss the class he was teaching.

After graduating, Kahn continued his education in UCLA’s entertainment studies program with a focus degree in music business. While attending UCLA, he interned in the music industry and ended up working for Warner Music Group.

Kahn said he would go back to his alma mater after graduating and guest speak in the entertainment courses to get a break from the music business. He would then handpick students for jobs and set them up on track to success with the connections he had already made in the business.

From there, the rest is history.

“It was all about the joy of seeing people be successful,” said Kahn.

In 2010, Kahn took his skills to the screen. Kahn starred in MTV’s “Hired,” a 20-episode deal that featuresd different companies looking to hire someone. Kahn took several people just entering the real world and helped them prepare for an interview that could potentially land them a job. The episodes can be viewed online.

After being frequently asked the same questions about getting jobs, Kahn decided to write a book that would answer them and offer some of his own tips and tricks.

“I did research in other career books and saw that they weren’t relatable,” said Kahn. “This book is simple, easy, straight-forward and offers a step-by-step guide on how to go about getting a job.”

Kahn said there are samples of cover letters, resumes, thank-you letters and more in the book that anyone can use to help them on the way to success.

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