1. Learn About The Company You Are Applying To
The first thing every job seeker needs to consider is the amount of information he has about the company he is going to apply to. Charles Wilkins, a renowned HR consultant, is of the view that as a part of the interview, you need to be ready for questions related to the history, diversity, and range of dealings of the concerned company. To collect precise information on these topics you may make use of annual reports, related websites, or people in the relevant field or industry and ask the human resource department to provide you with some literature on the mentioned areas. Wilkins further suggests Africans American job seekers to ask about the diversity initiative at the end of the interview. You may ask about the minority who did achieve high positions in their organization or you may inquire about the diversity goals of the company. Charles Wilkins' foremost suggestion for all such individuals is to make sure that they are going to cash their skills and not the race!
2. Share and Explore The Gifts You Are Blessed With
Daphne Houston, an expert career development consultant and author believes that the skills of an individual may help one to get a good job, but to make one stand out of the crowd in the organization; one's talent and gifts play the pivotal role. Being an African American should not be a hurdle for you to survive in the workplace. Rather, it can be taken as a blessing in disguise.
3. Invest More In Developing Your Professional Career
Never hesitate taking advantage of the scholarships which the organization or industry is offering you to continue your professional education or training at higher colleges or universities. Make sure that you contribute to such activities which keep on grooming your professional skills. Apart from this, always be keen to join international forums of mangers and technical experts. This adds to your skills and expertise and broadens your vision as a professional.
4. Adapt To The Communal Culture
Floyd McCoy is of the view that your success is very much associated with the extent to which you are rendering your time to the community and representing your organization there. Adapting to the corporate culture, especially for African Americans, is very important. Yes, some of your cultural customs may appear fine on weekends, but in the office hours, it's better to be a sheer professional and look as others do in the community. This makes you a better part of the organization and local community and ultimately helps you in achieving better positions.
