Civil Service Administrator Jobs How To Work For The Civil Service

Civil Service Administrator Jobs How To Work For The Civil Service The civil service of the United Kingdom is one of the most diligent and respected organisations in the world. The civil service helps the government to develop and implement national policies as smoothly and efficiently as possible. In order to do this, the civil service is divided into hundreds of different departments, all of them focusing on specific areas. In this blog, we’ll give you some essential tips on how to get a job as a civil service administrator, including key information about the role and potential interview questions!#section_281211468{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px}What is a Civil Service Administrator? Civil service administrators and administrative officers play an essential role in the overall running of the service, and are present in just about every single department that you could think of. Civil service administrators have an enormous variety of tasks to perform, and it’s imperative that they are on top of things and can stay organised. Whilst wor king as a civil service administrator, your daily tasks will include:Answering phone calls or emails from members of the public.Researching and strategising in preparation for new government initiatives.Contacting customers to follow up on enquiries/cases.Managing benefit payments.Handling unhappy customers, via telephone or via email.Updating essential government records.Liaising with executive officers in regard to case management.As you can see, if you do decide to work as a civil service administrator then you’ll be quite busy! Now, let’s look at how the tasks you’ll be doing link in with the core behavioural expectations for an employee of the civil service.#section_1351731916{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px}Civil Service Administrator: Core CompetenciesNow that you’ve seen the type of activities you’d be doing in this role, let’s think about how these link with the personal requirements for the job. For just about any job that you can think of, including the c ivil service, there are particular expectations and requirements that employees must follow. This is especially important in the civil service, where you are essentially an extension of the government and Her Majesty The Queen. Therefore, it’s important that you can set an example. You may also have heard these expectations being referred to as ‘core competencies’:Organisation This is a fundamental quality for any administrator to have. Being a good administrator, particularly in the civil service, is all about being organised. You are not just organising your own tasks, but the tasks of the entire service, and therefore it’s essential that you have things in order and can plan ahead. During your interview, you should fully expect that the person assessing you will be asking questions regarding your organisational capability. This is also something that will be tested during the assessment process â€" where you may have to sit e-tray and in-tray exercises.Customer ServiceAs mentioned, civil service employees are representatives of the government. You’ll be dealing with members of the public on a regular basis, and this means that your customer service skills must be impeccable. Whether this is in person, on the phone, or via email, it’s imperative that you have a working understanding of how to deal not just with unhappy customers, but with people who have simple queries. Good customer service is about showing respect, understanding and empathy for the customer â€" you need to demonstrate to the civil service interviewer that you value the needs of the public and that this is your number one goal when working for the civil service, as we’ll explain in our next quality…Understands The Ethos of the OrganisationAgain, this applies in any job, but it’s really important with the civil service because of who they are and what they represent. You need to align yourself with the goals of the civil service, and think about what they stand for and are there to do. The civil service is designed to aid the government in the smooth and successful running of the country, and this means putting an emphasis upon the public and what matters to the overall population. This is something that you will need to make clear in the interview, and you can expect the assessors to inquire about this in detail. The civil service needs employees who match their ethos, and will actively filter out candidates who don’t.Teamwork The civil service is a collaborative organisation, that relies on the input and collective work ethic of the entire workforce to run things. As a civil service administrator, you will need to work with all kinds of people â€" not just other administrators but people from other departments in the service too, and other public service organisations such as the police or even medical staff. This means that your team skills and ability to communicate with others must be on point. You must be an amicable person, who can get along with everyone you meet â€" running the administration of a country is not a one-person job. It takes the collective efforts of everyone in the civil service to run things effectively, and this means you need to work together as an effective unit.Now, let’s look at some potential civil service administrator interview questions, and some tips on how to answer them. You can expect the interview questions to focus strongly on the competencies, so learn them beforehand!#section_675827529{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px} #image_790996892{width:100%}Tell us about yourself. What type of person are you, and what type of things are important to you? This is an ethos related question, and it’s important to recognise this. If you sit there and give the interviewer a longwinded explanation about all of your hobbies, you won’t score highly here. Really, this question can be reworded to mean the following:‘Tell us about how your personal values match up with the ethos of the organisat ion.’So, what they want here is a short and sweet explanation that confirms you care about the same things as the civil service â€" meeting the needs and expectations of the public, making the country a better place to live, and representing the government in a professional and reputable manner. Your research into the role will really help here, and you will gain even higher marks if you can point out civil service initiatives or projects which really appealed to you, and lent towards your decision to join.Tips for answering this question Remember that this is a question designed to see how well you match up with the ethos of the civil service â€" keep your answer on topic and relevant.Demonstrating your research here will really help you to score extra marks!Keep your answer short and sweet. The interviewer is simply looking for confirmation that you match their values, they do not need a full explanation of who you are and what you like to do.#section_475504427{padding-top:30px; padding-bottom:30px}Do you consider yourself an organised person? How do you think this would help you when working as a civil service administrator? Obviously, the best way to answer this question is to say yes! Make sure you show the interviewer that you are an organised person, with experience of working in roles that require this particular skill. This is a great question, because it not only gives you the opportunity to show that you have the skills required, but also that you’ve researched into the role and understand why organisation is important. The civil service will expect you to have conducted research about the position before applying, so the more you can tell them the better!Tips for answering this question Demonstrate to the interviewers that you have conducted research into the role!Make sure you show the interviewers that you are an organised and disciplined person!Think of an example before the interview of when you’ve been organised in the past. Be ready to b ack up your answer with this example.#section_1769890556{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px}Describe your qualities as a teammate. Do you think you would have any issues working as part of a team? As we’ve explained, teamwork is an essential part of working in the civil service, and this means that you need to show the interviewers that you have great teamwork skills, and thus would be a good teammate. The qualities of a good team worker include:Communication abilityThe ability to get on with othersEmpathy and compromiseLeadershipEnthusiasmThe best way to demonstrate these qualities, would be to give an example to the assessors of when you’ve used them in the past. So, think of a time when you’ve acted as a good teammate, and use this to supplement your response!Tips for answering this question Similarly to the previous question, back your answer up with a strong example.Think about what makes a good team worker, and then demonstrate these qualities to the interviewer.If you can, use your research to expand on why you think teamwork is essential for the civil service, and how it would help you to perform in the role.#section_907105198{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px}Want More Tips for Civil Service Interview Questions?  If you’re looking for further advice on how to become a civil service administrator, and other civil service careers, then we’ve got the perfect resource for you! Check out our excellent course for a comprehensive overview of everything needed to ace the civil service interview!https://www.how2become.com/courses/civil-service-interview-questions-and-answers/  #section_1071110745{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px} This entry was posted in Civil Service, Interviews, Job Competencies. Bookmark the permalink. Jordan Cooke The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Selection ProcessPolice Verbal Reasoning Test Examples: Police Test Practice!

Wanna help me with my rebranding in 5 minutes flat - When I Grow Up

Wanna help me with my rebranding in 5 minutes flat - When I Grow Up Wanna help me with my rebranding in 5 minutes flat? If youve never worked with me personally before, then take the short survey here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RX2B8R2. If youve been coached by me or joined one of my online programs, then take the short survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRZCRRP. Youd have my forever appreciation, especially if its done before Thursday! Thank you times infinity squared.

The Importance of the Supplemental Dance Resume Format

The Importance of the Supplemental Dance Resume FormatIf you have decided to put your name on the dance training pages of the different dance studios, then it is time to develop a writing a supplemental dance resume format that will let you generate some extra income through the dance industry. This is a form of cover letter that will include every detail you can think of about the things you have done in the past and also about your own knowledge about this specific profession. It is the right time to come up with this kind of format and one that is not known for any other purpose.This is also a right time to include one of the most useful elements of a supplemental dance resume format: the author details. Writing a supplemental dance resume format without these details can be treated as a kind of lame design. However, because you have a detailed set of the author details you can also effectively talk about the professional teaching you have done and your knowledge about the certain things you have done. And you also have to add those things to those that you have always been an active participant in.In this way, the document will show to the reader that you have contributed to the state of the art and have been involved in any of the mentioned things at least in some way. If you have even gone further and made suggestions, there is no reason why they will not take your suggestions seriously. And in this way, you will earn more money if you have included the pertinent facts that will help a student identify you and your service in that matter. By combining those two aspects, you can easily convince a prospective employer to hire you based on that alone.Before you start a search for the information that you will include in your supplemental dance resume format, you should first identify the specific things that you want to include. For instance, you can list the training you have had as an instructor in a particular club. You can also include any official certi fication you may have obtained. Then you will want to check the professional association websites to confirm the job that you are applying for.You have to consider the total time that you have devoted to the work. You can also check the experience of your fellow dancers in finding this particular information. Then you have to include the number of years you have been actively participating in the training of the dance particular school. In addition, you can always make your listing specific by noting any clubs in which you have participated or at least been to.Before you start a search for the information that you will include in your supplemental dance resume format, you should take the time to select the place where you will deliver your offering. For instance, you can opt to perform on television or in a venue that is open to the public. Aside from that, you can opt to deliver your materials at a club that you are affiliated with.And before you begin your search for the informati on that you will include in your supplemental dance resume format, you should ensure that you choose the right service. There are two main ways to find a right service. The first is to do a search on the Internet and the second is to take up the services of a professional consultant.

The Most Neglected Solution for Writing Accounts Payable Accomplishments on Resume

The Most Neglected Solution for Writing Accounts Payable Accomplishments on Resume A History of Writing Accounts Payable Accomplishments on Resume Refuted In any event, a plan will allow you to stay focused and motivated. Obviously, the period of your resume isn't only dictated by industry. Employing a distinctive format and layout is a fantastic way to stick out from the crowd. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide about how to compose yours. Writing Accounts Payable Accomplishments on Resume Options You're probably 1 degree of separation from somebody who can offer expert design tips. One of the greatest parts of advice which you will get from anyone is to concentrate on your achievements rather than work duties, especially when writing a resume. Whether there are any accounts payable cover letter tips that you've got to share, don't hesitate to post them in the comments area for all to see. However much or what kind of work experience you've got, there's a resume fo rmat that is likely to make your qualifications shine. Use the sample resume objectives and profiles to come up with your very own persuasive accounting skills summary and make sure to quickly get the possible employer's interest. For experienced accounting professionals, it's advised to look at a list of essential skills. Computer skills on resumes are becoming more and more vital for accountants. So you should compose your resume. Work experience also needs to be in reverse chronological order. New Ideas Into Writing Accounts Payable Accomplishments on Resume Never Before Revealed In that instance, you may require a bookkeeper resume instead. In addition, you can look for accounts receivable jobs on Monster. Therefore, you see, it is quite much so all regarding the results. Have a peek at these examples to choose which format is ideal for you. A top quality sample accounting resume will contain each of the key terms and phrases an employer will be searching for many times throughout the resume. What You Should Do About Writing Accounts Payable Accomplishments on Resume Beginning in the Next 2 Minutes There is a vast selection of resumes here and one will be fit for purpose. Don't neglect to proofread, also. All About Writing Accounts Payable Accomplishments on Resume If you're asking for an accounts payable position, make sure your resume speaks volumes for you, especially wherever your accomplishments are involved. By highlighting accomplishments using action verbs, you make an established track record to get rid of all doubt. Task lists aren't going to force you to stick out from the crowd. Moreover, don't be reluctant to mention your professional accomplishments too. If you're an accountant looking for AP jobs, perhaps you must increase your skills on using the software if you prefer to be marketable because most from the companies are starting to use software. In case it fails, call the business's reception and ask. A lot of b usinesses will give you blow by blow payable jobs with regard to the size, the business and their budget. Since the debut of accounts payable software, fewer companies are providing AP jobs but the fantastic thing would be that the program always has the choice to need people to operate them. A look at the work description supplies you with information about the job responsibilities, the abilities and other requirements applicants should need to succeed at work. Usually, mentioning your work duties depict that you could do the job accessible. Relevant interpersonal skills would be convenient. You must focus more on your education and techniques.

Create a 30, 60, or 90-day plan for your job search.

Create a 30, 60, or 90-day plan for your job search.The average job search can take anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on factors like your industry, your experience, and the economy. Thats a lot of ambiguityand if youre feeling a time crunch, its leid a very helpful statistic. If youre seeking to put the job hunt timeline on your own terms, there are things you can do to maximize the time you do have. Lets look at three different job search plans to make the most of your valuable time. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) The 90-Day PlanLets say youve given yourself three months to find a new job. It can a pretty spacious timeline, allowing you to take your time on all of the necessary elements. You can use some of that time at the departure to figure out what you want to do.Ask yourselfAre you looking for the same kind of job you had/have now?Are you thinking about a career change?What would you like to do next?A less urgent t imeline helps here, and gives you the opportunity to really consider what your next steps are.Your SearchWith 90 days, you have the time to do a deeper dive. Translation youre not just blitzing every related job opening you can find with your resume. You have time to research potential target companies and adapt your application materials (resume, cover letter) accordingly. Now is also the time to start really looking at your network to see if there are the kinds of targeted job opportunities you can pursue over the next 90 days.Your SkillsWith 90 days, you dont have all the time in the world to learn how to do something from scratch, but you do have time to boost skills, or take a refresher. The average ansprechbar course is eight to nine weeks, so this gives you time to work on some next-level skillsespecially if the class is self-paced.Your ResumeTake the time to overhaul your resume. Seriously, do it. Youve got a few months in your plan, and if you really want to get the most ou t of it (and maximize your interview-stage potential), your resume has to be spot-on. Start from scratchno shortcutsYour NetworkIts about quality, not quantity. If you havent already, start reaching out to targeted people who may be just outside of your network, friends of friends, or someone you met once and added to LinkedIn, but who now just happens to work at the company where you want an in. Because so much hiring is done based on who you know and not always what you apply for, as much time as possible in your 90-day plan should be devoted to bolstering your network. Hiring expert Lou Adler recommends spending 60% of your time networking if you want to score a new job within 90 days.Your Interview PrepBuild in a little interview preparation every day. This could just be five minutes as youre getting ready in the morning, or a few quiet moments before you hit your pillow at night. Things to work on in the meantime, so that they come naturally when the time comesYour handshake. G rip is key here (think confident, but not obere extremitt wrestler), so it can take practice to get the right combination of strength and moderation.Your body language. Things like eye contact and posture can be your best assets in making a good initial interview impression.Your outfit. You have time to think about what your go-to interview outfit(s) will be, and then make sure theyre cleaned, pressed, and ready to go as soon as you get that hey, come meet us and talk about the job emaille.Your talking points. Take your resume and come up with real-life examples for each bullet point. Practice talking about them, ideally with a trusted friend or family member, so that you get comfortable talking about yourself and your achievements.By putting extra effort into the pre-work and crafting a strong base for your job hunt (serious consideration of job openings and companies, a rebuilt resume, time spent building skills and personal habits that will benefit you in the future), youre makin g the most of those 90 days.The 60-Day PlanIf you have about two months before youd like to see yourself settled in a new gig, youve still got buffer time to do some quality building when it comes to your application package.Your SearchLike with the 90-day plan, you have time to focus on particular areas or companies and do your research. But because 60 days will pass quickly, its time to increase the intensity. Your job search should be highly focused, with you looking for the best-fitting opportunities that align with your goals. If youre unsure about what you want to do next or what job openings you want to go for, take the time to reflect on your goals for this job search (beyond get a job) and your immediate professional goals. It takes some time up front, but will save you time later on in the 60 days.Your SkillsSixty days can be enough time to brush up on skills on your resume that could be stronger, or to revisit old skills that you want to feature for a particular job. Self -paced zugreifbar courses can help you get the crash course you need, or even just a self-study program where youre intensively researching things online, reading up on new trends, etc. And lets face ittheres a YouTube video for everything these days, so theres no shame in using those for your skill-building The most important thing here is, again, focus. Its not really enough time to say, hmm, maybe I really should start to learn HTML. Its more like, Okay, I have these basic HTML skills. What do I need to bump them up on my resume?Your ResumeWith 60 days on the table, its still worth it to rebuild your resume from the ground upit doesnt have to be a long undertaking, just a focused one. Youll also want to take the time to take another editing pass and optimize your resume, which can help you get more out of applications.Your NetworkCultivating people in your network by having email conversations or even having a coffee IRL is great, but theres no replacement for human contact. Howe ver, with 60 days to meet your goal of getting a new job, there might not be that luxury. Thats why networking tools become so handy in this two-month window. LinkedIn is a good starting point to start focusing your networking efforts. Are there people who work at your target companies? An old friend who you know happens to be married to someone in your field who might be hiring? Its time to harness the power of what youve already got.Thats not to say you should neglect starting new relationships, but on your more aggressive timeline its most important to maximize what you have.Your Interview PrepLike the 90-Day plan, you have some time to prep. Practice your body language skills especially, and rehearse your talking points. And the earlier in the two-month window you have that interview suit dry cleaned and ready to rock, the better.The 30-Day PlanIf your plan is a 30-day one for whatever reason (like economic urgency, or you need out now of a terrible gig), then thats a daunting g oal, but a do-able one. There just isnt much wiggle room or time for blowing things off. If youre serious about getting a new job in a month, then that means your focus has to be on the job hunt.Your SearchIts time to come up with a hardcore job hunt time budget. With such an aggressively short window of time, you really dont have the luxury of saying, Oh, maybe Ill do that this week. Instead, write down your list of job search goals for the week and attach specific days/times to them. For exampleMonday Check saved job searches, research job openings at ABC Company.Tuesday Call Karen about potential referral for ABC Company.Wednesday Follow up with HR at XYZ Company about application.Whatever time you have available, figure out how you can set a time budget and stick to it. The closer you stick to that plan, the less likely youll be to fall off schedule, and discover that 20 days have gone by before you hit your early checklist goals. Figure out where you can devote chunks of time ( ideally each day) to check things off on your list.Your SkillsAt this point, you need to go with the skills you have, or ones that you can learn very quickly by researching online or playing with programs (like finally learning how to do a vlookup, or revisiting how to use Adobe Photoshop). Focus on the core skills you want to feature most prominently on your resume and in interviews.Your ResumeIts definitely crunch time, which means you dont really have a week to write, edit, and seek feedback on your resume. So lets truncate that a bit. Start with some of the great tools that are already available, like resume templates you can use as a starting point.Butand I cant emphasize this enoughnever skip the proofreading step. If you have zero time, give it the most thorough check you can. And if its at all possible, have someone else read it. They may notice mistakes that passed right under your hurrying eyes. Simple mistakes can put your resume in the no thanks pile quickly, so even wit h a short schedule, you need to take the time for those extra steps.Your NetworkWhoever you have on your side now, thats the squad youre taking into battle. Focus on the people you already know who can help you with your job search. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, or any professional contacts you have, and dont be shy about letting people that youre on the lookout for a new job. Though that comes with a caveat if your search is on the DL because you dont want your current anfhrer to find out, youll still want to be a little discreet. No blaring Facebook posts saying, Im looking for a jobYour Interview PrepAs with other aspects of your job search, your interview prep should be laser-focused on the resources you have. Identify your most interview-ready outfit, and get it ready to go dry clean, fix any messy bits (like loose threads or saggy hems), and dust off your lucky interview shoes. Your schedule is so aggressive that you need to be ready to go almost immediately for interviewsif you get an interview tomorrow, you may not have time to rush around getting ready.Its also important to know your resume points backwards and forwards, so you can speak to any aspect of it on short notice.However much time youve assigned to your job search plan, the most important thing is to maximize whatever time you do have. Coming up with a goal-oriented plan is a great start, and will help you make the most of the coming weeks. Good luck

My No. 1 Leadership Hack Leaning Into Taking Risks Heres Why

My No. 1 Leadership Hack Leaning Into Taking Risks Heres Why A common complaint heard in the workforce today comes from people who feel stuck in their careers. For Maria, a Senior Manager at Capital One, the opposite is true and its a mindset she encourages others to adopt.The most memorable piece of career advice Ive been given was not to be afraid to try something new, because you can always change your mind, Maria, who once moved overseas to pursue a completely new career, said. The skills and knowledge I acquired as a result of that move allowed me to find my subsequent career path and led me to where I am today.Recently, Maria shared the ins and outs of what working at a supportive employer like Capital One looks like, and how one boss inspired her approach to management today.--WhoMariaWhatSenior Manager of Product Management, Capital One--How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously?I have been in my current role for 1.5 years, helping take our products from an idea all the way through to being in market. in my previous role, I coached product development teams in applying Design Thinking to their work and built a train-the-trainer program to scale these practices across the company.Whats the first (and/or last) thing you do at work every day?I check my calendar and walk around the office to see who I can catch at their desk. If I can, I have a quick conversation to reduce the number of meetings I need to schedule. I do this at the beginning and the end of the day, and save a bunch of time spent in meetings that way.Whats the most unique or interesting aspect of your job or company?The most interesting aspect of my role is working directly with people from different roles and functions across the company who are all focused on improving the lives of consumers with our products and experiences.Whats something with your work youre especially good at?Because I work with people from different roles and functions all acros s the company, I have to be able to go from a high-level strategic discussion, to diving into the weeds of a particular product or design problem, to having a discussion about how to streamline a processall within the same day. Ive had to get good at context switching.What are you trying to improve?Carving out more time to focus and think deeply about something and then reflect on it. Whats the one career move youve made that youre most proud of?I took a risk and moved overseas to pursue a career that was very different from what I had been doing previously. The skills and knowledge I acquired as a result of that move allowed me to find my subsequent career path and led me to where I am today.What do you love most about your job or your company?Working with really talented people from different functions and roles who are all focused on creating the best products and experiences for our customers.What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?Jobs to be Done Theory to Practice by Tony UlwickWhats the most memorable piece of career advice youve received?The most memorable piece of career advice Ive been given was not to be afraid to try something new, because you can always change your mind.What was the best quality of the best boss youve ever had?The best boss I ever had knew when to provide guidance and when to let me figure things out for myself, and always had my back.--Fairygodboss is proud to mann an ihrer seite with Capital One. Find a job there today

3 Things Every College Grad Should Keep In Mind as They Look for a Career

3 Things Every College Grad Should Keep In Mind as They Look for a Career Im going to go ahead and guess that youre reading this because you dont have a job. You might even be reading this at two in the morning because you dont have to wake up early for work. But I know that many recent graduates are trying hard to get a job and arent as lazy as older generations perceive us to be. Therefore, here are a couple of suggestions to keep you focused and away from sitting around in the sun all day without a career. Besides, I doubt youre wearing sunscreen and at least having an indoor job will save you from looking like a lobster. Theres also a very good chance that there will be air conditioning at your inside job. Dont feel limited by your major.Your major does bedrngnis define your career choice. Always spin it to your benefit. Inform employers about the skills you learned through your major, not the major itself. I tell people all the time that being an American history major requires me to do a lot of research and writing, and employers completely agree. If your senior thesis or other classes youve taken relate to your career, dont be afraid to mention them. You can even put them on your resume under the Education section.Dont be afraid to reach out to people that can help you.There are many campus resources and alumni networks that recent grads and students dont take enough advantage of. If youre still in school, start as early as possible. My college advisor once told me that the seniors at my school tend to not think seriously about jobs until their last semester, leading them to freak out during their last months in college. While there will always be lackadaisical students roaming around, some do take a ton of time searching for a job but end up with little to nothing. Therefore, make sure you learn how to effectively ask for help, reach out, and network. Many career cen ters still offer their assistance to graduates and can help you locate other alumni in your field that you can contact.If you choose to speak to an alumni, realize that they probably wont give you a job. Still, these alumni are great sources of information on careers youre interested in, so use them to figure out what youre really getting into. Some might even tischset up an interview for you or pass your resume along to someone who has a job opening. Make sure to send a thank you card afterward. Theyll be more willing to contact you if they have something suitable for you in the future and will be motivated to help another struggling student or graduate later on.Dont pass up opportunities (but dont settle for what will make you miserable).There are so many wonderful opportunities that people pass up because they think they wont get anything out of them. But theres a reason why so many people say that you should take advantage of every opportunity you get. While Im not saying you sh ould take all of them (you dont want to hate your job and end up jeopardizing your performance and well-being), at least consider all of them. People that seem lucky are really just those that take advantage of whats distributions-mixd in front of them, and find a way to make it work for them in the long run. So you might have to start at a company or position that you think wont help you get your dream job. But trust me it can if you market it the right way. You can always spin things that you did during one job to make them seem applicable to another one, just like you can with your major.Realize that veering away your major, talking to people who cant outrightly give you a job, or taking a position at a place that isnt where you dreamed youd be arent bad things. In fact, they may benefit you much more in the long run, because youll have learned how to maximize what you learned in college for the real world, practiced successful networking and perhaps discovered something that you thought wouldnt make you happy, but you may eventually come to adore. Heck, I hated American history before I had to take it to fulfill a college requirement.