THE CAREER CENTER CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE Your Success Is Our Business
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 2
Main Office Career Center Building (Corner of 5th and Jarvis) 701 East 5th Street Greenville, NC 27858 Ph: 252-328-6050 www.ecu.edu/career Monday – Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Satellite Offices Health Sciences 1504 Laupus Library Greenville, NC 27858 Ph: 252-737-1572 www.ecu.edu/career Office Hours Vary
College of Technology & Computer Science Career Development & Leadership Center Science & Technology Building, Rm. 239 Greenville, NC 27858 Ph: 252-328-9631 tecscareers@ecu.edu Office Hours Vary
3 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
THE CAREERYourCENTER Success Is Our Business
Welcome to the ECU Career Success Guide! We are eager to help you, whether you are a student needing to plan your career or find an internship or job; or a parent with questions about how our department can assist your student. We offer many programs and services highlighted on our extensive website www.ecu.edu/career. The Career Center prides itself on its “high-tech, high-touch� model, using stateof-the-art technology to make information available and processes easy for students while providing personalized one-on-one service. Our center is set up on a liaison model so that there is a professional Career Coach devoted to working with students in each and every major at ECU. To find out who your assigned Career Coach is, visit our website or call our office at (252) 328-6050. The Career Center is located on the corner of 5th Street and Jarvis Street. Stop in and introduce yourself; we welcome personal visits and look forward to working with you. The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 1
Table of Contents What The Career Center Can Do for You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Plan for Career Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Career Exploration and Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Career Exploration Through Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Set Up Your PirateJobs Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 How to Find the Right Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 How to Stand Apart From the Crowd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Job Search Strategies: Pros and Cons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Develop Your Power Greeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tapping the Hidden Job Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tool to Research Companies in Your Field! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Informational Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Network Your Way to a Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Using Social Networking to Find A Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Art of Writing Resumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Resume Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Resume Content Guidlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 5 Keys to Creating a Targeted Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Resume Evaluation Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Resume Action Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Top Ten Pitfalls in Resume Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Three Rs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Correspondence Principles for Hard Copy and Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Sample Cover Letters and Other Professional Correspondence . . . . . . . . . 29 Transferable Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Job Interviewing in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Tips for a Successful Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Questions Asked by Employers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Questions to Ask Employers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Are You Ready for a Behavioral Interview? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Employment References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Art of Negotiating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Choosing Between Job Offers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Cost of Living Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Federal Jobs: Working for Uncle Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Part-Time Jobs at ECU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Succeeding in Your Internship or Co-op . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Professional Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Dining Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 International Students and the Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Considering Graduate School? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 2 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
What The Career Center Can Do for You Most students go through college without ever setting foot in their school’s career services office. Yet, outside of the academic realm, job seekers will pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars for the very same services that are provided to you free of charge. The mission of the ECU Career Center is to teach skills and provide services that will facilitate the career development and job search process, ranging from assessing your abilities to negotiating employment offers. Don’t overlook this opportunity; it could mean passing up the job of a lifetime.
Develop Relationships
Mock Interviews
Get to know the Career Center liaison assigned to your specific college. Try to meet with your Career Coach several different times throughout your time at ECU. Appointments are a great way to stay motivated and to accomplish career-related tasks. A Career Coach will listen to your concerns and provide objective advice. You can bounce ideas off him or her, which will help you think through your options. Furthermore, when unique job opportunities come in, Career Coaches often alert students who they know well and think might be a good fit with the position. Remember, the more you share about your skills and your goals with the staff, the better they will be able to assist you.
Interviewing can be extremely intimidating for those who do not know what to expect from the process and it can be difficult for those who have not had the opportunity to practice and perfect their skills. The Career Center offers students the opportunity to practice and polish their techniques in mock interviews conducted by ECU staff. Additional mock interview opportunities are available online through the Optimal Resume program provided by the ECU Career Center.
Programs and Services Once you get to know your Career Coach, become familiar with all of the programs and services offered through the Career Center which include: Job Listings and Recruiting Programs Hundreds of opportunities are posted for ECU students each year through the Career Center job database, called PirateJobs. Part-time on- and off-campus jobs, internships, co-ops, and full-time positions are all posted in this easy-to-use system that is available to all ECU students and alumni. Employers often post positions for specific colleges and/or majors. Career Coaches also can provide detailed advice on the most effective job search strategies. Resume and Cover Letter Critiques During individual appointments or group workshops, Career Coaches provide detailed advice on writing resumes, cover letters, and other job search correspondence. We offer a variety of services to help you create the most effective job search correspondence you can. In addition to one-on-one resume guidance and critiques, we provide handouts, sample resumes, online resume writing software and even electronic portfolio software to help you design creative, targeted job search correspondence to help you get as many interviews and job offers as you can. Career Fairs Career Fairs offer a convenient opportunity to network, talk face-to-face with a wide range of employers, and set up interviews. The ECU Career Center sponsors two all major fairs each year which are held in the Greenville Convention Center. We also sponsor an Education Fair in the spring semester and a Health Sciences Fair in the fall semester. Career Fairs offer an opportunity to become familiar with different employers recruiting your major, browse their available positions, talk with them informally, and drop off resumes.
H.I.R.E.D. Mock Interviews The ECU Career Center also developed and oversees H.I.R.E.D. (Helping Individuals Reach Employment Destinations), an interview program that functions as a component of selected capstone and Business and Professional Communication classes. Through this program nearly 1300 students participate in interviews each year at the Career Center conducted by a cadre of volunteers from the business community.
Advanced Technology and Virtual Career Services The ECU Career Center uses a variety of online technologies including the Internet and Blackboard to provide services to students at a distance. We also have a unique online career management and assessment tool called FOCUS 2 that students can use for selfexploration, and to explore possible majors and careers. Tools such as PirateJobs, Optimal Resume and the Occupational Information Network (ONET) are available to help students with the job search and career readiness process. Additionally, a variety of social networking tools are utilized to connect with students including; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and the Inner Pirate Network (IPN).
Employer Information Sessions/OnCampus Recruiting Each semester, a wide range of employers from various locations and industries visit the Career Center to present information about their organizations to students. Learn about potential career opportunities and network with key employers by attending these sessions. Furthermore, students will be able to take advantage of on-campus recruiting programs, where employers collect student resumes and conduct on-campus interviews for various job openings. Cooperative Education and Internship Programs Internships are the most valuable way to try out different career fields and gain hands-on experience while you are still a student. You can build your resume, network with experiences professionals and maybe even get academic credit. Many co-ops and internships lead to full-time opportunities.
Important Note! We send important messages about programs and events via email so make sure you add us to your “safe sender list” so our important announcements don’t end up in your spam folder. Check our website at www.ecu.edu/career frequently for the most up-to-date information on programs and events.
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A Plan for Career Success Set goals for each year to achieve your career plans!
Freshman Year - Explore • Explore your interests and abilities through academic courses; demonstrate excellent academic performance. • Strengthen your written communication skills in English classes and writing labs. • Learn the basics of resume writing, create a first draft of your resume and have it critiqued by a Career Coach at the Career Center. • Discover ECU resources including the Career Center, Counseling Center, Academic Enrichment Center, and college advising centers. • Explore majors and careers through FOCUS 2, or visit our website at www.ecu.edu/career and familiarize yourself with all of the resources available to you. • Register with the Career Center to obtain a login to PirateJobs and become familiar with the database. • Obtain an introduction to your initial field of interest through an internship, job shadow, volunteer experience or conversation with an ECU Career Coach. • Consider volunteer positions or a part-time job to help build your resume and broaden your experience. • Attend career fairs to gather information on potential careers and employers.
Sophomore Year • Talk to professionals in career fields you are considering. Review the Career Success Guide for additional information on informational interviewing. • Get to know faculty in a major of interest. They can talk about career options and provide a letter of reference when you apply for a job or to graduate school. • Develop a professional quality resume and register with the Career Center for internship opportunities. • Obtain a part-time job in your field during the school year or summer. Obtain a summer paid or volunteer internship in your major area of interest. • Attend career fairs and employer information sessions that relate to your major. • Enhance your technical/computer skills. Take workshops offered by ECU’s Information Technology & Computing Services (ITCS) department offered in the training section on OneStop. • Use the Career Center’s online job interviewing software located in Optimal Resume to practice job interviewing.
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Junior Year • Begin to plan for an effective job search. Set deadlines for required steps. • Seek leadership positions in co-curricular activities (committee chairs and elected positions.) Join career-related student professional associations. • Update your resume in the Career Center’s online recruiting system, PirateJobs. • Use the Optimal Resume software on the Career Center’s website to develop an electronic portfolio which highlights the school and employment projects you have completed. • Choose electives to enhance your qualifications, especially your oral and written communication skills. • Attend the fall and spring Career Fairs and interview with employers to obtain co-op or internship positions. • Participate in a practice Mock Interview through the Career Center. • Research graduate school options and apply according to established guidelines and deadlines.
Senior Year • Meet with your Career Coach to discuss job search strategies, and have your resume critiqued. • Participate in the Career Center career fairs both fall and spring to network with employers and obtain full-time job offers. • Attend Career Center workshops on job search strategies, resume writing, and job interviewing. • Research companies before your job interview. • Review the section on salary negotiation in this book. • Participate in a face-to-face Mock Job Interview offered by the Career Center. • Conduct a thorough job search campaign in addition to oncampus interviews. • Establish a reference list and/or ask for letters of recommendation from academic. • Notify the Career Center once you have accepted an offer.
Career Exploration and Planning Use our FOCUS 2 career and educational planning system to explore careers, academic majors at ECU and to plan your future. FOCUS 2 is available online 24/7 on PC, Mac, or Linux and self-registration is free and quick.
What is FOCUS 2? A comprehensive online, self-guided, interactive career and education planning system that will help you: • Select a college major • Map out your career plans, present and future • Make informed career decisions • Assess your career interests, personality, values and skills
What’s inside FOCUS 2? Career Readiness
Assess your career and educational goals and begin to plan your career. Self-assessments
Learn more about who you really are and how your interests, personality, values and skills match up to occupations and industries.
How do I get started? 1. Create a new user account at the following URL: www.focuscareer2.com/Portal/Login.cfm?SID=811 2. Enter the access code: pirate and complete the selfregistration process. During the registration process, you will create your own user name and password. Be sure to write down and remember your login information for future use. 3. Begin in the Career Readiness section and work through each section until you complete “Your Personal Portfolio.” You can save your progress, exit, and return to the program at any time. 4. When finished, print your completed reports and/or portfolio and make an appointment with a Career Coach to discuss your results.
Explore the Possibilities
Review detailed information on over 1,200 careers and learn which academic majors at ECU support them; you can search by occupation name, industry, or “What can I do with a major in….” Career Portfolio
Summarizes your assessment results and saves your preferred occupations and majors. Recommended Tools & Websites
A helpful collection of online job banks.
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Career Exploration Through Assessments Assessments are tools that can be used to explore, evaluate and measure various attributes. Self-assessment tools help you gain an understanding of yourself and your goals by defining your core interests, values, personality, and skills. Self-assessments are not designed to answer all of your questions, rather should be used as tools as part of your career development. They can help you target occupations and fields you might not have considered before, clarify what you want to do next, and find a career path that would be truly interesting and satisfying. A variety of assessments are listed below to help you explore your interest, personality, values, and skills. You can maximize the use of an assessment by discussing your results with a Career Coach once it has been completed. Once you complete an assessment, contact the Career Center to schedule a meeting with your Career Coach to discuss and interpret the results of your assessment. Your Career Coach will be able to help you figure out what to do “next” after you have completed an assessment as well as share other helpful resources.
Interest Assessments
Values Assessments
O*NET Interest Profiler http://onetcenter.org/IP.html
O*NET Work Importance Profiler http://www.onetcenter.org/WIP.html
This instrument is a self-assessment career exploration tool that can help clients discover the type of work activities and occupations that they would like and find exciting. Clients identify and learn about broad interest areas most relevant to themselves. They can use their interest results to explore the world of work.
The Work Importance Profiler is an assessment to help individuals learn more about their work values and what they think is important in a job. Understanding work values helps people better decide which jobs and careers to explore. Free software must be downloaded.
Career Interest Test http://www.livecareer.com/career-interest-inventory-test
This 100-question assessment from LiveCareer identifies your career interests and then tells you what jobs are out there for you. You should carefully explore each occupation that you consider. Read about the occupation, talk to people who work in that occupation, and discuss your career interests with your teachers, counselors, and family. In addition, try to learn more about the occupation by experience through job shadowing, volunteer work, internship, and part-time work.
Personality Assessments HumanMetrics http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
After completing this questionnaire, you will obtain a description of your personality type according to Carl Jung and Isabel Myers-Briggs typology along with the strengths and preferences of this personality type. You will also find a list of occupations and educational institutions where you can get relevant degree or training, most suitable for your personality type. True Colors Personality Assessment http://www.truecolorscareer.com/quiz.asp
This personality system is modeled as a graphical presentation of both Keirsey’s Temperament and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The assessment asks you to choose one of two ways to finish 36 statements. The results can help you define your personality preferences - and possibly direct you to various career paths.
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Life Work Transitions http://www.lifeworktransitions.com/exercises/exercs.html
Scroll down to Chapter 3, “Redefining Your Self: Passions, Preferences, Purpose” to access online worksheets corresponding to the book. The worksheets help users to determine what motivates them at work, their ideal job specification and what career goals will lead them to fulfillment.
Skills Assessments O*NET Skills Search http://online.onetcenter.org/skills
The O*NET Skills Search helps individuals identify occupations for exploration by the types of skills used. Skills are selected from six broad groups to create a customized set, including: Basic Skills, Social Skills, Complex Problem Solving Skills, Technical Skills, System Skills and Resource Management Skills. Career Infonet Skills Profiler http://www.careerinfonet.org/skills/default.aspx
This interactive assessment allows users of all skill levels to choose prospective occupations, see the skill sets required, rate their own skills and compare them to what’s in demand.
Industry Explorations Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/OCO
For hundreds of different types of jobs the Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, working conditions, and other valuable information. In addition, the Handbook gives you job search tips, links to information about the job market in each state, and more.
Set Up Your PirateJobs Account What is PirateJobs? PirateJobs is the Career Center’s exclusive job and internship database geared specifically for ECU students and alumni. Off campus job and internship opportunities are posted in the database. It also contains hundreds of employers and contacts and is a safe place to upload and store your resume, which you will need to apply for jobs.
Ways to Use PirateJobs • Jobs & Internships: Access hundreds of current jobs - parttime (on-campus and off-campus) and full-time jobs. Set up job alerts and receive a message when the job you want is posted. • Employer Searches: Access thousands of employers and contacts. Search by industry and location. • Document Management: Safe place to store resumes, cover letters, references and other documents. • Applications: Apply directly for jobs and track the status of your applications. *You must have a valid Pirate ID in order to login to the system. If you are an alumnus, you may call the Career Center at 252-328-6050 and request that an account be made for you. Signing up for PirateJobs certifies that you have read and voluntarily agree to the Student Disclaimer Agreement.
Follow These Three Easy Steps to Set Up Your PirateJobs Account: Step 1: Registration • Go to www.ecu.edu/career • Using the “Quick Links” drop down menu on the right of the page, click on the link to “PirateJobs”. • Enter your Pirate ID, which is your ECU email login (e.g. smithj09) and password. New user password is “0” (zero).
Step 2: Complete Your Profile • Type and fill in all requested information (contact, academic and job search details) • Complete your entire profile. An incomplete profile will limit the PirateJobs features that you can use.
Step 3: Upload a Resume • Meet with a Career Coach in the ECU Career Center to discuss and/or critique your resume • Have your Career Coach approve the final resume draft • Log on to your PirateJobs account and click on “documents/upload a document” • Click on “documents/your resumes” to view uploaded resume. Check it for accuracy.
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How to Find the Right Job Finding the job you want takes many steps and involves just as many decisions. This checklist is designed to help you and guide you to appropriate sources. Be sure to discuss your progress with your Career Coach.
Knowing What You Want • Choose your ideal work environment - large corporation, small business, government agency or nonprofit organization. • Choose your ideal location - urban, suburban or rural. • List your three most useful job skills and know which is your strongest. • Know whether you want to work with people, data or things. • Know whether you enjoy new projects or prefer following a regular routine. • List some of the main career areas that might interest you. • List your favorite leisure time activities. • Know what kind of reward is most important to you in a job money, security, creative authority, etc.
Researching Career Options • Develop a list of career possibilities to research. • Visit the Career Center’s website at www.ecu.edu/career and other Internet tools to learn about various careers. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles and the Occupational Outlook Handbook are valuable resources. • Consider whether your desired career requires an advanced degree. • Keep up with current trends in your field through trade publications, news/business magazines and newspapers. • Identify employers interested in interviewing someone with your academic background and experience; create a list of three or more employers in the field you are considering. • Use the Internet to learn more about potential employers and check out salary surveys and hiring trends in your anticipated career field. • Make at least three professional contacts through friends, relatives or professors to learn more about your field of interest. • Meet with faculty and alumni who work or who have worked in your field to talk about available jobs and the outlook for your field.
Getting Experience • Narrow down the career options you are considering through coursework and personal research. • Participate in a work experience or internship program in your chosen field to learn of the daily requirements of the careers you are considering. Such assignments can lead to permanent job offers following graduation. • Become an active member in one or more professional associations - consult the Encyclopedia of Associations for organizations in your field. • Volunteer for a community or charitable organization to gain further work experience. Volunteer positions can and should be included on your resume.
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Creating a Resume • Form a clear job objective. • Know how your skills and experience support your objective. • Use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments. • Limit your resume to one page and make sure it is free of misspelled words and grammatical errors. • Create your resume using a word processing program and have it professionally duplicated on neutral-colored paper, preferably white, light gray or beige. If you are submitting your resume online, be sure to include relevant keywords and avoid italics, bold and underlined passages. • Compose a separate cover letter to accompany each resume and address the letter to a specific person. Avoid sending a letter that begins “Dear Sir/Madam.”
Preparing for the Interview • Arrange informational interviews with employees from companies with which you might want to interview. Use your network of acquaintances to schedule these meetings. • Thoroughly research each employer with whom you have an interview - be familiar with product lines, services offered and growth prospects. • Practice your interviewing technique with friends to help prepare for the actual interview. • Using the information you have gathered, formulate questions to ask the employer during the interview. • Arrive on time in professional business attire. • Collect the needed information to write a thank-you letter after each interview.
How to Stand Apart From the Crowd Competition for jobs is at an all-time high, so it’s essential that you distinguish yourself from other job applicants. Regardless of the field that you’re entering, individuality matters. Everything you’ve experienced until now - in the classroom, during after-school jobs and internships, and through volunteer experiences - sets you apart from your fellow students. These unique experiences provide knowledge and abilities that must be demonstrated to potential employers through the resume, cover letter and interview. This is your chance to prove that you’re the best candidate for the job and will make a great addition to their team. Here are some ways to make sure your true potential shines.
What Makes You Special?
Cover Letter Zingers
You and your roommate may have the exact same major and GPA but numbers only tell part of the story. These factors only reflect a small part of your competitive edge. More importantly, everyone has his or her own set of life experiences that influence personal growth and skill development. Maybe you’ve traveled around the world, speak several languages, or were born in another country. Perhaps you’ve worked your way through high school and college to help support your family. Remember, when an employer is evaluating you for a job, make sure your unique experiences are clearly communicated on your resume and cover letter to increase your chances of being invited to an interview.
While your resume chronicles your experiences, the cover letter lets your personality shine through. Here you can expand upon your past experiences and briefly discuss what you learned. Use concrete examples from your resume in order to showcase specific skills and characteristics. Be sure to tailor each letter to the specific organization and position, and state specifically why you want to work for the organization. Demonstrate that you’ve done your research; it will impress employers and set your letter apart from the rest.
Go Team! Employers want hires who can hit the ground running and work well with others in a team environment. Your academic experience has been packed with teamwork even if you don’t realize it. Just think back to all those group projects and study sessions. Many extracurricular activities from athletics and fraternities and sororities to clubs, volunteer work and student government require team participation as well. By using the language of teamwork and cooperation on your resume and cover letter, you’ve taken the first step toward proving that you’re a collaborator. During the interview you can further express what you’ve learned about yourself and others through teamwork.
Leadership 101 Teamwork is key, but employers also want candidates who can step up to the plate and take charge when it’s appropriate. If you’ve never been class president, however, don’t fear; leadership can be demonstrated in many subtle ways. In addition to traditional leadership roles, leaders also take on responsibility by providing others with information and advice. If you’ve ever helped a friend with a paper, volunteered to teach a class or given a speech that motivated others, then you’ve served as a leader. During your interview, speak confidently about your accomplishments, but don’t cross the line into arrogance. Good leaders know when to show off, as well as when to listen to others.
Art of the Resume Your resume provides the opportunity to stand out, but don’t distinguish yourself by using bright-colored paper or an unusual font. Those tactics are distracting and leave employers remembering you negatively. Instead, it’s the content of your resume that will really get you noticed. Make sure to describe each experience in clear detail; highlight not only what you did, but also what results were gained from your actions. Don’t forget to include special skills, such as foreign languages and international travel.
Interview Expert When it comes to the interview, preparation is key. Be ready to talk about everything you’ve done in a positive light, and make sure you are well informed about the organization and industry. Focus on what distinguishes employers from their competition and why you are a good fit. If possible, speak to alumni or other current employees to learn more. Remember, practice makes perfect. Speak with a Career Coach to review answers to common interview questions or schedule a time to practice interviewing in a mock interview with a Career Coach. Written by Jennifer Bobrow Burns, Assistant Dean for Career Services, Quinnipiac University.
Do’s and Don’ts • DO dress the part. Even employers with casual dress codes expect interviewees to be dressed in professional business attire. • DON’T chew gum, wear too much cologne/perfume or smoke before the interview. • DO look your interviewer in the eye and offer a firm handshake. • DON’T try too hard to please and appear loud or cocky. • DO emphasize your skills and accomplishments. • DON’T make excuses for failures or lack of experience. Instead, take responsibility for your mistakes and change the subject to something positive.
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Job Search Strategies: Pros and Cons In addition to job search options and networking offered through the ECU Career Center (PirateJobs, Career Fairs, Employer Information Sessions), there are many other ways to look for a job. Presented below are some common job search strategies in addition to helpful hints, pros and cons of each. It is most effective to use multiple strategies when searching for a job which requires that you stay organized. Keep copies of all positions for which you apply and detailed notes about every communication/interaction you have with each employer. STRATEGY
TOOLS
PROS
CONS
Involves minimal investment of time in identifying companies. Resume and cover letter are sent for actual job opening.
Resume and cover letter will compete with large number of others. Ads follow job market; least effective in times of economic downturn.
HELPFUL HINTS
WANT ADS Scan want ads. Mail resume with cover letter tailored to specific job qualifications.
• • • • • •
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES Respond to employment agency ads in newspapers; check phone book for names of agencies to contact. INTERNET Search online job banks and company web sites. Submit resume online/post on job boards.
• Resumes • Business attire
Fee-paid jobs for graduates in technical fields or those with marketable experience.
May be less help to non-technical/ inexperienced graduates. Be wary if you, instead of the employer, have to pay a fee.
• Access to the Web • Electronic resume
Actual job openings. Many employers use a wide variety of job listing services. Many listings have free to low-cost access. Worldwide geographic reach.
Competition is growing as use of the web increases. Pay attention to multiple listings one position listed on a few sites - to avoid applying multiple times.
• Use the web frequently as information and sites change quickly. • May need to conduct your search at offpeak times (early morning or late at night).
TARGETED MAILING Develop a good cover letter tailored to a specific type of job and the needs of the company. Send letter with resume to selected companies.
• List of well-researched companies • Use Reference USA to research employers at www.referenceusa. com • Tailored cover letters • Resumes
Better approach than the mass-mailing method. Investment of time and effort should merit stronger response from employers.
Requires a significant investment of time in researching companies and writing cover letters as well as following up with contacts.
• Try to find out who is in charge of the area in which you want to work; send your materials to that person. Great method when used in conjunction with networking.
IN-PERSON VISIT Visit many companies. Ask to see person in specific department. Submit resume and application, if possible.
• Business attire • Company address list • Resumes
Resume and application are on file with the company.
Requires a great deal of time to make a relatively small number of contacts.
• Research the companies prior to your visit. Ask for a specific person or ask about a specific type of job
NETWORKING Talk to everyone you know to develop a list of possible contacts; ask for information on job/companies and to circulate your resume. ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING Follow specific procedures to secure on-campus interviews. Call the Career Center for more information.
• • • •
May learn of unadvertised openings. May result in a courtesy interview. Often results in a closer match of your interests to a job.
A contact in itself is not enough to get you a job. You may exhaust all leads without landing a job. Quite time-consuming.
• ECU PirateJobs to schedule interviews • Employer literature • Resumes • Business attire
One of the primary ways in which companies recruit for technical and business positions.
May be less effective for nontechnical/nonbusiness candidates.
• Follow through on all leads. • Keep broadening your network of contacts. • Develop a system to stay organized • Use the interview schedule as a way to identify possible employers, even if you don’t get to interview on campus with those employers.
• Registration form supplied by service
Another way to monitor the job market and get your qualifications to the attention of employers.
May involve a fee. Often more helpful to those in technical or specialized fields. May not learn of the status of your materials.
RESUME REFERRAL Register with one of the many national referral services. As jobs are listed by employers, the data bank of registrants is searched for matches. If your materials match, they are sent to the employers.
Newspapers Journals Newsletters Trade magazines Cover letters Targeted Resumes
List of contacts Resumes Business attire Networking/business cards
• Use a selective/ targeted approach • Use as a meter on the job market in a certain career field. • Try to get your materials in as early as possible. • Identify agencies that specialize in your field. • Make frequent contact with your counselor to obtain better service.
• Use only in with other job search strategies.
Adapted and reprinted with permission from Career Services, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
10 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Develop Your Power Greeting Throughout your job search and especially when you are in a job interview, you need to be able to introduce yourself in a powerful way to people who don’t know you. What you say at that moment will set the tone for the rest of your interaction. To do this most effectively, you need a Power Greeting. A Power Greeting is like a “30-second commercial.” It provides just enough information to make the listener want to know more about you and sets a professional tone for the rest of your interaction. It is clearly in your best interest to control this introduction and advance preparation is the key. A Power Greeting is composed of three distinct parts and a follow-up question: 1. Your education and credentials (what you have studied). 2. Your experience in the field (employment, internship/co-op, volunteer positions).
3. Your strengths (what you do best). 4. An open-ended probing question about their needs, problems, and challenges. Here’s an example, “Let me tell you about myself, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from East Carolina University with a minor in Business Administration. I have a year and a half experience in the field through a Summer Internship with NACCO Material Handling Group in Greenville, NC, and a two-semester co-op position with National Waterworks in Charlotte, NC. I have discovered that I enjoy supply chain management and Just-in-Time delivery challenges. I chose this field because I enjoy finding new ways of solving problems, I am a hands-on person, and I like getting into the thick of things and dealing with tangible, concrete problems. What role does logistics play in your business?
Your Turn Let me tell you about myself, I hold a ____________ degree in ____________________ from East Carolina University (is your minor in _________________________ related?). I have ________ semesters/years/months/etc. experience in the field of _____________ through ____________. I have discovered that I enjoy ___________________________. I chose this field because _________________________________________________.
Tapping the Hidden Job Market Your off-campus job search should neither begin nor end with the help wanted ads. Studies have shown that only 15 percent of available jobs are ever advertised. It takes much more than merely perusing the classifieds. By employing a number of methods, you constantly increase your chances of landing a job. Some techniques you might use:
Networking
Temporary Work
Probably the most effective way to meet potential employers and learn about possible jobs is to tap into your personal network of contacts. You might think it’s too early to have professional contacts, but think about everyone you know - family members and their friends/co-workers, professors, past employers, neighbors and even your dentist. Don’t be afraid to inform them of your career interests and let them know that you are looking for work. They will likely be happy to help you and refer you to any professionals they think can be of assistance.
As more companies employ the services of temporary or contract workers, new graduates are discovering that such work is a good opportunity to gain experience in their fields. Temporary workers can explore various jobs and get an inside look at different companies without the commitment of a permanent job. Also, if a company decides to make a position permanent, these “temps” already have made good impressions and often are given first consideration.
Informational Interviewing This approach allows you to learn more about your field by setting up interviews with professionals. The purpose of these interviews is to meet professionals, gather career information and investigate career options, get advice on job search techniques and get referrals to other professionals. When setting up these interviews, either by phone or letter, make it clear to the employer that you have no job expectations and are seeking information only. Interviewing also familiarizes you to employers, and you may be remembered when a company has a vacant position.
Social Networking One source of jobs may be as close as a personal computer. Many employers utilize a variety of social network websites to recruit potential employees. Consider using Linkedin (www.linkedin.com) or other social networks as a way to positively market yourself. This also means you should consider what your current social network pages say about you - they could be to your benefit or to your detriment so be wise. Ultimately, persistence is the key to cracking the hidden job market. Attend meetings of professional associations and become an active member. After you begin the above processes, and your network base expands, your search will be made easier. Employers will appreciate your resourcefulness - and view you as a viable candidate.
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 11
Tool to Research Companies in Your Field ReferenceUSA helps job seekers locate and research companies they want to work for. The database includes details on 14 million U.S. businesses including 200,000 human resource contact names, business descriptions, company size details and links to company websites where you may find job postings or details that will allow you to write effective prospecting letters. ReferenceUSA also allows users to download this information into handy Excel spreadsheets that will help job seekers to stay organized.
Connecting to ReferenceUSA
Using ReferenceUSA
On-Campus Users
From the ReferenceUSA homepage you can select from the databases available. Most users will want to select U.S. Businesses. Once you have chosen the database of interest, select from the following search options:
Point your browser directly to www.ReferenceUSA.com. No log-in information will be required. Off-Campus Users
Current students can access this system from off campus but they must navigate through Joyner Library’s Electronic Databases to do so. 1. Visit http://media.lib.ecu.edu/erdbs 2. Search for the ReferenceUSA database (click on R and you will see it listed) 3. Enter your PirateID and Passphrase 4. After processing through the NC LIVE portal, the Reference USA homepage will appear and no further log-in information will be required Unfortunately off-campus access is not available for alumni. Public computer labs on-campus are available and you are also encouraged to confer with public libraries in your area to see if they subscribe to ReferenceUSA.
Quick Search
Allows you to look up information about a specific organization which you are interested. Custom Search
Allows you to identify a list of companies that match criteria you prefer (business type, geography, size, etc.). Further details/ instructions are below: • Choose the criteria of interest and click “View Results” on the top right. • From your results screen, you can: - Explore detailed information on each organization presented by clicking on their names. - Select up to 25 organizations at a time to download their information into an Excel spreadsheet. This can help job seekers keep up with important information and add their own notes on their interest and progress in contacting each organization. While the system only allows 25 records to be downloaded at a time, you can repeat the download process several times to get all of your results copied into one spreadsheet.
www.ReferenceUSA.com 12 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Informational Interviews An informational interview is not an interview for a job, but rather, a way of getting valuable information about your field(s) of interest. Of course, savvy job hunters have always used informational interviewing as a way of networking with potential employers. Informational interviewing can help you choose a major or industry, and make connections with people in your field. This type of interviewing may be done in person, by phone, or even by email.
Steps For a Successful Networking Contact 1. Be clear about your objective before you call your contact. Decide what you want to know and rehearse what you will say. 2. Explain why you are calling; be polite, positive, and professional. 3. Be flexible: Prepare to conduct the interview when you call, understanding that whomever you call may be busy and may want to schedule a time to talk with you. Remember to keep your interview to 30 minutes as a courtesy. 4. Try to schedule a face-to-face meeting whenever possible to gain exposure to the work environment and culture. 5. Ask your contact to recommend others you might speak to in your specific field or industry. 6. Ask your contact to keep you in mind should they hear of any positions or prospects. 7. Send a thank you note after your call or visit. If appropriate, include your phone number and/or email address. Ask them to contact you if more information becomes available or if new opportunities arise. 8. After you obtain employment or an internship, notify all networking contacts. Tell them briefly about your new position and thank them again.
Suggested Informational Interview Questions About the Career Field
• How did you get into this career? • What do you do at work on a typical day? What are your responsibilities? • What advice do you have for someone preparing for a career in this field? • What majors and/or minors do you recommend for someone interested in this field? • What courses and/or advanced degree(s) would be helpful for me? • What experience is necessary to enter this field? • What do you like most/least about your job? About the Organization/Industry
• How did you get into this organization/ industry? What other organizations have you worked for? • What is unique to your industry, organization, or office? • What do you like most/least about the work you do? What is your work environment like? • How does your organization fill job openings? Is that typical of other organizations in your field? About Future Growth/Salary Information
You will be surprised to find how many individuals enjoy speaking about their experiences and career development. If you aren’t finding any success in contacting professionals in your field of interest, stop by the Career Center for further assistance and resources.
• What are the employment prospects for someone in this field? • What is the growth and promotional potential in your field? • What areas are growing/changing in this field? • What is a typical starting salary in this field? • How do salaries in your field compare with those of other fields? Follow-up Questions
• Can you recommend other professionals in this field with whom I should speak? May I use your name when I contact them? • May I contact you again if I have further questions? • Which professional publications/organizations and other resources do you consider relevant?
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 13
Network Your Way to a Job Many people use the classified ads as their sole job search technique. Unfortunately, statistics show that only 10% to 20% of jobs are ever published - which means that 80% to 90% of jobs remain hidden in the job market. For this reason, networking remains the number one job search strategy.
Networking Defined A network is an interconnected group of supporters who serve as resources for your job search and ultimately for your career. Some great network contacts might include people you meet at business and social meetings who provide you with career information and advice. Students often hesitate to network because they feel awkward asking for help, but it should be an integral part of any job search. Though you might feel nervous when approaching a potential contact, networking is a skill that develops with practice, so don’t give up. Most people love to talk about themselves and their jobs and are willing to give realistic - and free - advice.
Eight Keys to Networking 1. Be Prepared. First, define what information you need and what you are trying to accomplish by networking. Remember, your purpose in networking is to get to know people who can provide information regarding careers and leads. Some of the many benefits of networking include increased visibility within your field, propelling your professional development, finding suitable mentors, increasing your chances of promotion and perhaps finding your next job. Second, know yourself - your education, experience and skills. Practice a concise, one-minute presentation of yourself so that people will know the kinds of areas in which you are interested. Your networking meeting should include the following elements: introduction, self-overview, Q&A, obtaining referrals and closing. 2. Be Targeted. Identify your network. For some, “I don’t have a network. I don’t know anyone,” may be your first reaction. You can start by listing everyone you know who are potential prospects: family members, friends, faculty, neighbors, classmates, alumni, bosses, co-workers and community associates. Attend meetings of organizations in your field of interest and get involved. You never know where you are going to meet someone who could lead you to your next job. 3. Be Professional. Ask your networking prospects for advice not for a job. Your networking meetings should be a source of career information, advice and contacts. Start off the encounter with a firm handshake, eye contact and a warm smile. Focus on asking for one thing at a time. Your contacts expect you to represent yourself with your best foot forward. 4. Be Patient. Heena Noorani, research analyst with New Yorkbased Thomson Financial, recommends avoiding the feeling of discouragement if networking does not provide immediate results or instant answers. She advises, “Be prepared for a slow down after you get started. Stay politely persistent with your leads and build momentum. Networking is like gardening: You do not plant the seed, then quickly harvest. Networking requires cultivation that takes time and effort for the process to pay off.” 5. Be Focused on Quality - Not Quantity. In a large group setting, circulate and meet people, but don’t try to talk to everyone. It’s better to have a few meaningful conversations than 50 hasty introductions. Don’t cling to people you already know; you’re unlikely to build new contacts that 14 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
way. If you are at a reception, be sure to wear a nametag and collect or exchange business cards so you can later contact the people you meet. 6. Be Referral-Centered. The person you are networking with may not have a job opening, but he or she may know someone who is hiring. The key is to exchange information and then expand your network by obtaining additional referrals each time you meet someone new. Be sure to mention the person who referred you. 7. Be Proactive. Stay organized and track your networking meetings. Keep a list of your contacts and update it frequently with the names of any leads given to you. Send a thank-you note or email if appropriate. Ask if you can follow-up the conversation with a phone call, or even better, with a more in-depth meeting in the near future. 8. Be Dedicated to Networking. Most importantly, networking should be ongoing. You will want to stay in touch with contacts over the long haul - not just when you need something. Make networking part of your long-term career plan. Written by Thomas J. Denham, managing partner and career counselor of Careers in Transition LLC.
Questions to Ask During Networking Meetings • What do you like most (least) about your work? • Can you describe a typical workday or week? • What type of education and experience do you need to remain successful in this field? • What are the future career opportunities in this field? • What are the challenges in balancing work and personal life? • Why do people enter/leave this field or company? • Which companies have the best track record for promoting minorities? • What advice would you give to someone trying to break into this field? • With whom would you recommend I speak? When I call, may I use your name?
Do’s & Don’ts of Networking • DO keep one hand free from a briefcase or purse so you can shake hands when necessary. • DO bring copies of your resume. • DON’T tell them your life story; you are dealing with busy people, so get right to the point. • DON’T be shy or afraid to ask for what you need. • DON’T pass up opportunities to network.
Using Social Networking to Find A Job Tips For Using LinkedIn to Network and Find A Job 1. Get the word out. Tell your network that you’re looking for a new position because a job search these days requires the “law of big numbers.” There is no stigma that you’re looking right now, so the more people who know you’re looking, the more likely you’ll find a job. Recently, LinkedIn added “status updates” which you can use to let your network know about your newly emancipated status. 2. Get LinkedIn recommendations from your colleagues. A strong recommendation from your manager highlights your strengths and shows that you were a valued employee. This is especially helpful if you were recently laid off, and there is no better time to ask for this than when your manager is feeling bad because she laid you off. If you were a manager yourself, recommendations from your employees can also highlight leadership qualities. 3. Find out where people with your backgrounds are working. Find companies that employ people like you by doing an advanced search for people in your area who have your skills. For example, if you’re a web developer in Seattle, search profiles in your zip code using keywords with your skills (for example, JavaScript, XHTML, Ruby on Rails) to see which companies employ people like you. 4. Find out where people at a company came from. LinkedIn “Company Profiles” show the career path of people before they began work there. This is very useful data to figure out what a company is looking for in new hires. For example, Microsoft employees worked at Hewlett-Packard and Oracle. 5. Find out where people from a company go next. LinkedIn’s “Company Profiles” also tell you where people go after leaving the company. You can use this to track where people go after leaving your company as well as employees of other companies in your sector. (You could make the case that this feature also enables people to figure out which companies to avoid, but I digress.) 6. Check if a company is still hiring. Company pages on LinkedIn include a section called “New Hires”that lists people who have recently joined the company. If you have real chutzpah, you can ask these new hires how they got their new job. At the very least you can examine their backgrounds to surmise what made them attractive to the new employer. 7. Get to the hiring manager. LinkedIn’s job search engine allows you to search for any kind of job you want. However, when you view the results, pay close attention to the ones that you’re no more than two degrees away from. This means that you know someone who knows the person that posted the job - it can’t get much better than that. (Power tip: two degrees is about the limit for getting to hiring managers. I never help friends of friends of friends.) Another way to find companies that you have ties to is by looking at the “Companies in Your Network” section on LinkedIn’s Job Search page. 8. Get to the right HR person. The best case is getting to the hiring manager via someone who knows him, but if that isn’t possible you can still use LinkedIn to find someone inside the company to walk your resume to the hiring manager or HR department. When someone receives a resume from a coworker even if they don’t know the coworker, they almost always pays attention to it.
9. Find out the secret job requirements. Job listings rarely spell out entirely or exactly what a hiring manager is seeking. Find a connection at the company who can get the inside scoop on what really matters for the job. You can do this by searching for the company name; the results will show you who in your network connects you to the company. If you don’t have an inside connection, look at profiles of the people who work at the company to get an idea of their backgrounds and important skills. 10. Find startups to join. Maybe this recession is telling you it’s time to try a startup. But great startups are hard to find. Play around with LinkedIn’s advanced search engine using “startup” or “stealth” in the keyword or company field. You can also narrow by industry (for example, startups in the Web 2.0,wireless, or biotech sectors). If large companies can’t offer “job security,” open up your search to include startups. 11. Build your network before you need it. As a last tip, no matter how the economy or your career is doing, having a strong network is a good form of job security. Don’t wait until times are tough to nurture your network. Source: http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use. html#ixzz0UgOIOYbr
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 15
Using Social Networking to Find A Job Tips For Using Facebook for Professional Networking If you do decide to use the social networking sites for professional networking, and, a word of warning, some experts I spoke to suggested that Facebook and business don’t mix well, here are some suggestions on how best to utilize it: • First, make a decision whether to keep Facebook social or expand your use. • If you decide to use Facebook for professional networking, take a close look at your Profile and decide what you want business contacts or prospective employers to see and what you don’t and change your privacy setting accordingly. • Create a simple profile (or clean up your existing one) with minimal graphics and widgets. • Limit the photos you post. • Post content relevant to your job search or career. • Use Facebook email to build relationships with your friends. • Choose your friends wisely. Remember your FRiends can see information about your other friends in your profile. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/facebook.htm and Kay Stout, Executive Advisor
Ten Tips for Using Twitter in Your Job Search and Networking 1. Learn Twitter. To use Twitter effectively you first need to understand how it works and what the hype is all about. If you haven’t used Twitter much, read Beginners Guide to Twitter, Twitter Etiquette Guide first. 2. Set up a Professional Account. Use only a professional looking avatar and background. It is a good idea to use your real picture as long as it looks professional. Keep in mind that if anyone notices you – this will be their first impression of you! There are good online tools to help you with this: Use mypictr to create avatar, and Twitter background guide for creating a catchy background for your Twitter account. 3. Include Bio and Resume. Make full use of your Twitter profile to include some of your bio and career information. You don’t have much room but enough to post a link to your resume. Just make sure to use a service that protects your identity (like Resumark.com) from just anyone downloading your resume with full contact information. 16 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
4. Tweet Often. Try to tweet every day and every couple of hours about your job search experience. There are some solutions (TweetDeck, for example) that let you organize and update Twitter easily. Most importantly, make your tweets as meaning full as possible. Again, remember to stay professional but don’t go overboard! 5. Follow Others. Remember that Twitter is all about following other users and them following you in return. As a rule of thumb, always make sure that you have more followers than people that you are following. There is a well-known list of 50 Twitter users you want to make sure to follow in jour Job Search. 6. Learn to Use Hashtags Properly. When tweeting, learn to use hashtags effectively (#jobsearch, #resume, and others) but first learn how to properly use them. You will get a lot more visibility if you use appropriate hashtags in your posts. 7. Use Proper Keywords. When tweeting about your job search experience, make sure to use keywords that are applicable to your job search. For example, try to use things like your occupation, experience, industry and other job-related keywords that will make you stand out. 8. Checkout Out Other Twitter Jobs Websites. There a plenty of them that can help you make a full use of your Twitter account for Job Search: www.twitterjobsearch.com, tweetmyjobs. com, jobshouts.com and study how they work. Make sure to follow other popular Twitter users like: twitter.com/jobangels that help people find jobs. 9. Learn how to Retweet. Retweeting is an art of reposting someone else message that could in turn bring you more followers. Make sure you understand how to do it properly and always give credit to the original author. 10. Reach out to HR contacts. If you know the HR contact in a company that has a job opening that interests you (and you should. If you don’t know how read our “Search for Jobs like a Pro” article) see if you can find them through Twitter. There are a couple of services for Twitter Name search – Twellow Name Search. Source: http://www.resumark.com/job-resources/job-networking/how-to-find-ajob-on-twitter-----10-job-2-0-networking-tips.html
Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair Many employers use career fairs - both on and off campus - to promote their opportunities and to pre-screen applicants. Career fairs come in all shapes and sizes, from small community-sponsored events to giant regional career expositions held at major convention centers. Most career fairs consist of booths and/or tables staffed by recruiters and other representatives from each organization. For on-campus events, some employers also send alumni representatives. Large corporations and some government agencies have staffs who work the career fair “circuit” nationwide. An employer’s display area is also subject to wide variance. It could be a simple table with a stack of brochures and business cards and a lone representative or an elaborate multimedia extravaganza with interactive displays, videos, posters and a team of recruiters.
Fashions and Accessories The appropriate attire for career fair attendees is what you’d wear to an actual job interview. In most cases, “business professional” is the norm. If you’re unsure of the dress code (particularly for off-campus events), it would be wise to err on the overdressed side - you’ll make a better impression if you appear professional. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your real interviews! Remember to bring copies of your resume (or resumes, if you have several versions tailored to different career choices), a few pens and pencils (have backups - they have a way of disappearing), a folder or portfolio and some sort of note-taking device (a paper or electronic pad). Keep track of the recruiters with whom you speak and send follow-up notes to the ones who interest you. Don’t bring your backpack; it’s cumbersome for you, it gets in the way of others and it screams “student!” instead of “candidate!”
Stop, Look and Listen Keep your eyes and ears open - there’s nothing wrong with subtly eavesdropping on the questions asked and answers received by your fellow career fair attendees. You might pick up some valuable information, in addition to witnessing some real-life career search “dos and don’ts.” In order to maximize your career fair experience, you must be an active participant and not just a browser. If all you do is stroll around, take company literature and load up on the ubiquitous freebies, you really haven’t accomplished anything worthwhile (unless you’re a collector of key chains, mouse-pads and pocket flashlights). It is essential to chat with the company representatives and ask meaningful questions. Here’s a great bit of career fair advice from Stanford University’s guide: “Create a one-minute ‘commercial’ as a way to sell yourself to an employer. This is a great way to introduce yourself. The goal is to connect your background to the organization’s need. In one minute or less, you need to introduce yourself, demonstrate your knowledge of the company, express enthusiasm and interest and relate your background to the company’s need.”
A Few Words About Career Fair Etiquette 1. Don’t interrupt the employer reps or your fellow job-seekers. If someone else is monopolizing the employer’s time, try to make eye contact with the rep to let him or her know that you’re interested in speaking. You may be doing a favor by giving the recruiter an out. If all else fails, move to the next exhibit and plan to come back later. 2. If you have a real interest in an employer, find out the procedures required to secure an interview. At some career fairs, initial screening interviews may be done on the spot. Other times, the career fair is used to pre-screen applicants for interviews to be conducted later (either on campus or at the employer’s site). 3. Sincerity always wins. Don’t lay it on too thick, but don’t be too blase either. Virtually all employers are looking for candidates with good communication skills. 4. Don’t just drop your resume on employers’ display tables. Try to get it into a person’s hands and at least say a few words. If the scene is too busy and you can’t get a word in edgewise, jot a note on your resume to the effect of, “You were so busy that we didn’t get a chance to meet. I’m very interested in talking to you.” Look around the display for the recruiter’s business card (or at the very least, write down his or her name and get some literature with the company’s address) and send a follow-up note and another copy of your resume. 5. If you know ahead of time that one of your “dream companies” is a career fair participant, do some prior research (at minimum, visit their web site and, if available, view their company DVD). A little advance preparation goes a long way and can make you stand out among the masses of other attendees.
You’re a Prospector - Start Digging The questions you ask at a career fair depend upon your goals. Are you interested in finding out about a particular career field? Then ask generalized questions about working within the industry. If you’re seeking career opportunities with a specific employer, focus your questions on the application and interview process, and ask for specific information about that employer.
Fair Thee Well By all means, try to attend at least one career fair before beginning your formal job interviewing process. For new entrants into the professional career marketplace, this is a good way to make the transition into “self-marketing mode” without the formality and possible intimidation of a one-on-one job interview. It’s an opportunity that’s too valuable to miss. The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 17
The Art of Writing Resumes A resume is a document that summarizes and highlights your job-related skills, experiences, and activities. The purpose of most resumes is to obtain an interview for an internship or job. College and graduate admissions offices, scholarship programs, etc., may also request a resume during the application process. An employer spends an average of 15 to 20 seconds reviewing a resume so make your first impression a good one.
Purpose
Styles
Getting a job is a sales process. You are both the product and the salesperson, and the resume is your advertisement. The end result may be a job, but no one gets hired from a resume. As advertising, the purpose of the resume is to cause the employer to want to talk with you enough to invite you for an interview. There is no “right way” to put together a resume; many different styles can be effective. A sure way to know if your resume is working is whether or not it is getting you interviews.
Resumes typically fit one of three styles: chronological, functional, combination. In addition to these, the Curriculum Vita (CV) is a resume that is used in certain career fields and may be done in either a chronological, functional or combination style. You may also run into employers who request a scannable resume. A scannable resume is not an additional style; rather, it is a specific format that allows any resume to be read by a scanning device. If you need a scannable resume, create a resume using one of these styles and contact a Career Coach at the Career Center for guidance on converting it to be scanable. Choosing the right resume comes down to two important factors: 1. The amount, consistency, and depth of work experience you have accumulated so far in your career field and; 2. How well the job you’re seeking is aligned with your past work experience.
Jobs exist because employers have a need, a problem, or challenge that they want to resolve by hiring an employee. In other words, they need someone to do something for them. Your resume should let the employer know that you can help solve his/her problems. Simply listing your education and work experience will probably not convey this information. You must also tell the employer what you could do in your area of expertise to help them solve their problems. As advertising, your resume does just that: it advertises how you can help employers solve their problems and why they might want to pay you a living wage to get that problem solved.
Goals of a Good Resume It should clearly tell the employer: 1. What you can do in their field 2. What you have done that relates to the job they would need you to do 3. Your qualifications for the job. A resume is like a map. You have to lead the reader through each aspect of your resume. It should describe your objective, capabilities, education, experience, and qualifications. Ideally in each part of your resume, you will present information that will make the reader want to read more! Students are often afraid they cannot land a good job because they do not have significant work experience. Realize that what you are selling is potential. Your resume is a tool to communicate that potential. Your first task is to learn your prospective employer’s needs. Go to http://online.onetcenter. org to find the occupation(s) you are pursuing. Review the tasks typical of that position. Decide which tasks are your strongest. Condense the phrases down into resume suitable tasks and list them in a Capabilities Profile section. If you are pursuing jobs in several different fields, you may end up with several different resumes. Prepare one for each type of job you are pursuing, each emphasizing the different capabilities required by that field. As you describe the work you have done in the different positions you have held, use action verbs to communicate effectiveness. If you are having difficulty identifying what the needs, problems and challenges of the employer are, come to the Career Center, and we will be happy to show you how you can obtain that information.
The Chronological style presents your job-related volunteer and work experiences information on the resume either in chronological date order (oldest listed first to most recent), or reverse chronological date order (most recent listed first and then going backwards in time). The reverse chronological resume is most common. In this style, most action verb statements on the resume are placed beneath the dates and organizations where the work or volunteer experience occurred. Consider using this style if you have an established career direction and you are continuing on the same or similar career path. See the Sample Resume section of this book for an example. Functional resumes focus on your ability to use and apply your transferable skills in a potential position. In this style, group your skills and experiences together based on job-related functional areas regardless of when or where they occurred. Place your action verb experience statements together beneath job-related functional areas without regard to when or where they occurred. A reverse chronological listing of employment history should also be included further down the resume when using this style. Consider using this style if you are changing career direction or if you have acquired skill sets from a variety of past experiences/jobs that may not have been directly related to your current career goal. See the Sample Resume section of this book for an example. Cobmination resumes bring relevant work experience/history to the forefront by breaking the experience/work history in to two sections: “Related” and “Other/Additional.” The combination resume generally starts with a functional resume format that allows the reader to see your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. It first lets the reader see the experience you have that is related to the job opening, then lets the potential employer look at your work history. This style allows the reader to first match your qualifications against the needs of the job opening, and then gives the reader a sense of where the accomplishments took place. The Curriculum Vita is used primarily for teaching in higher education however; it may also be used in the health and legal industries. Contact the ECU Career Center should you need help developing a CV.
18 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Style, Content & Format - What’s the Difference? In addition to choosing the most effective resume style for your job search, there are two other aspects of the resume to consider; content and format. While resume style focuses on the order in and the way information is placed and presented on your resume; content simply deals with the actual information you have included on your resume regarding your skills, qualifications, experience, and results demonstrated achievements. Format deals with the layout of your resume for example, margins, font type and spacing. In addition to resume style, both content and format are important because both will impact a potential employers ability to easily read your resume and understand: 1. What you can do in their field 2. What you have done that relates to the job they would need you to do 3. Your qualifications for the job.
Objective Statements Career professionals and employers have mixed opinions about the value of including an objective in a resume. However, all agree that an objective is a waste of space if it is too general or simply states that the job fits your professional goals. If written strategically, the objective can demonstrate that you understands the needs of the position and allows you to align the objective to the position by including relevant key strengths and experiences. A well-written objective statement should include the following; 1. Job you want 2. Where you want it 3. What you want to do 4. Highlight a few key required skills required for the job Here Are Some Examples
• A full time position as a Data Communications Analyst in which my skills in network architecture, diagnosis, and troubleshooting can be utilized. • A clinical exercise physiologist position within a hospital research unit, utilizing my skills in VO2 max testing, fitness assessment, and exercise prescription. • An entry-level position in community arts promotion utilizing my skills in creative design, presentation, publicity and painting. • To obtain an entry-level position in social research that will utilize my skills and experience in data management, report writing and public speaking. • A summer internship with an ASID or IIDA accredited interior design firm involved in commercial and residential projects where my skills in architectural drafting, project management and concept development can be applied and enhanced. • A position as an Events Security Analyst in the private security industry on the east coast where my skills in communication, research, and data analysis will be utilized.
Resume Do’s & Don’ts • DO use good quality paper (at least 20 lb.) in white or off-white • DO type your resume and use a readable font and print on a laser printer • DO be specific in your objective • DO quantify duties when possible • DO use short phrases that convey a positive, concise description of your accomplishments • DO limit your resume to one page if you have limited work experience • DO check the spelling of every word; make sure grammar and punctuation are correct • DO have your resume proofread by a Career Coach before sending it to potential employers • DON’T include personal information such as weight, height, marital status, social security number, age, race, religion, or political affiliation • DON’T use graphics (unless you are applying for a graphic arts/ design position) • DON’T list detailed descriptions of unrelated job duties • DON’T use words such as I, me, or my on your resume • DON’T exaggerate your experience • DON’T start phrases in experience section with “Responsible for” • DON’T state salary • DON’T use abbreviations without spelling out what they stand for • DON’T be dishonest about your qualifications or experience
There are additional sample resumes for a variety of majors with objective statements on the Career Center website.
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 19
Resume Samples Mel Vanno 888 Greenville Blvd., Greenville, NC 88888 • 444-444-4444 • piratep07@students.ecu.edu Objective To obtain a summer internship at the Institute of Children’s Studies utilizing my knowledge of child development and skills in research, statistical analysis, technical writing. Capabilities Profile My proven capabilities which are applicable in a variety of areas include: Time Management SPSS II SYSTAT 8.0 Empathic Listening Childcare Effective Presentations Research and Analysis Project Management Oral and Written Communication Education Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC Overall GPA: 3.5
May 2011
Selected Examples of Relevant Coursework Methods of Research, Introduction to Quantitative Sociology, Advanced Techniques in Quantitative Sociology, Advanced Applied Research, Child Development, Family and Cultural Diversity Certification CPR, First Aid Relevant Experience Research • Assisted in a thesis experiment to research phenomenon of learned helplessness in rats, pigeons, and human subjects utilizing traditional and computerized Skinner boxes • Cared for animal subjects in compliance with appropriate protocols • Maintained laboratory facilities according to national Occupational Safety and Health guidelines Statistical Analysis • Collaborated with a team of four to create and implement a survey for Methods of Research class project • Wrote 10 original questions to test student population’s knowledge of Motown Recording Artists • Implemented survey to 100 ECU undergraduate students with response rate of 82% • Mastered and utilized SPSS computer software to analyze the data • Developed report and presented findings to faculty, students, and others Working with Children • Developed and executed structured recreational and educational activities to promote the development of cognition, social skills, and teamwork in youth ranging in ages from 6-12 • Coordinated schedules for 15 volunteers to assure that all shifts were fully covered • Monitored children during all activities to assure safety and wellbeing • Modeled appropriate behaviors Employment Chronology Texas Steakhouse, Cook, Greenville, NC PetSmart, Sales Associate, Greenville, NC
June 2009-Present September 2007-May 2009
Leadership/Campus Activities/Professional Affiliations Intramural Soccer, Coach, American Sociological Association Community Engagement Boys and Girls Club Tutor, Relay for Life participant, Food Bank of Eastern NC volunteer, Red Cross blood donor
20 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Resume Samples Ima Pirate Current Address (until May 2011) 222 Blackbeard Drive Greenville, NC 22222
piratei10@students.ecu.edu (222) 222-2222
Permanent Address 301 Perry Road Moundville, AL 33333
EDUCATION East Carolina University; Greenville, NC Bachelor of Arts in History, 4.0 GPA; Bachelor of Arts in Economics, 4.0 GPA Minor in Political Science, Financed 100% of education and living expenses EXPERIENCE James E. Cox, Attorney at law; Greenville, NC Legal Clerk and Assistant • Prepare legal documents, including wills, pleadings, discovery, and needs • Organize office filling system and calendar • Maintain office bankruptcy software and records Chili’s Grill and Lounge; Greenville, NC Server, Trainer, and Line Expediter • Train approximately 80% of wait staff since fall of 2008 • Coordinate employee availability and assist in organizing weekly schedule ECU University Honors Congress; Greenville, NC President • Direct and plan activities, meetings, convocations, and social events for the largest student organization on campus • Represent campus community at campus and community functions Social Committee Chair • Implemented new events for the Congress, including an annual formal Casino Night and football tailgates • Doubled student participation through ongoing electronic networking and promotion East Carolina University College Republicans; East Carolina University, Greenville, NC Media Relations Coordinator • Review content in local and campus media for political significance • Serve as liaison for organizational events East Carolina University Board of Elections; East Carolina University, Greenville, NC At-large Board Representative • Govern Student Governmental elections • Assure adherence to relevant portions of the ECU Student Academic Code
May 2011
Spring 2009-Present
Fall 2008-Present
Spring 2010-Present
2008-2010
Spring 2009- Present
Spring 2010-Present
HONORS Phi Alpha Theta, History Honors Society, 2010-Present Omicron Delta Epsilon, Economics Honors Society, 2009-Present Pi Lambda Sigma, Auburn University Pre-Law Honor Society, 2008-Present Lambda Sigma Honor Society, Honor Society (50 sophomores selected for leadership and academics) 2008-2009 COMPUTER SKILLS Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and Publisher; Quark Express; Core WordPerfect Office
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 21
Resume Samples Edna Burkette
111 Reese Lane, Greenville, NC 22222 • (333) 333-3333 • burkettee07@students.ecu.edu OBJECTIVE To obtain a position as a Communications Specialist at HealthSmart Systems utilizing my formal education and my skills in copywriting, event planning, and social networking. PROFILE/SKILLS Spanish Layout/Design Event Planning Customer Service
Copywriting Dreamweaver Media Writing Website Development
Quark In Design Illustrator Leadership
Teamwork Social Media Public Speaking Time Management
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, Communication, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC Concentration, Public Relations Overall GPA 3.6, Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s List, Chancellor’s List
May 2011
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE ECU Writing Center, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC September 2010 - May 2011 Writer/Editor • Reviewed and edited articles, research papers, essays for application to graduate schools, and other formal documents written by undergraduate and graduate students for content, grammar, and compliance to appropriate writing styles • Diplomatically discussed recommended edits with clients • Developed a research instrument to measure effectiveness and outcomes of services that became a standard tool of the Writing Center Summer Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery, Alabama May - August 2010 PR Intern • Researched plays ranging from Shakespearian tragedy to contemporary musicals and wrote press releases and public service announcements for distribution to regional media for one of the nation’s most prominent regional theatres • Updated Facebook and Twitter accounts daily to promote activities; expanded FRIENDS list by 150% • Reviewed, verified, and edited biographies submitted by actors to assure consistency of style and length • Developed and executed poster distribution campaigns to promote productions; coordinated distribution to assure that posters were promptly removed within 24 hours of closing of shows Rho Rho Rho Service Sorority, East Carolina University September 2008 - September 2009 Events Chair • Planned, coordinated, and promoted recruitment, fundraising, and celebration events for groups ranging from 25500 • Motivated committee of 10 students to develop and execute campaigns that raised more than $6,000 to assist Homeless Shelter • Developed and hosted annual recruitment activities and increased membership in one year by 22% • Designed fliers, posters, and t shirts to promote activities and built and maintained website EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Veggie’s Paradise, Server, Greenville, NC East Carolina University Writing Center, Writer/Editor
September 2007 - 2009 September 2010 - May 2011
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/AFFILIATIONS/VOLUNTEERING Vice-President ECU Hillel, Spanish Club, Rho Rho Rho Event Chair, Intramural Softball, Alternate Spring Break, Public Relations Society Student Association, Relay for Life, Food Bank, Give to the Troops
22 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Resume Content Guidlines SECTIONS
BASICS
SUGGESTIONS
Contact Information
• Name, address, phone number, and email address should be at the top of the page. • Always include area and zip codes. For current students, list both a college and home address and phone numbers.
• An answering machine can be instrumental in your job search. Be sure your message is professional and appropriate. • If you have roommates or if someone else could be answering your calls; make sure they use proper etiquette and relay the message to you.
Job Objectives
• Include an objective to demonstrate to an employer that you are directed in your internship/job search. An objective that is too general will almost certainly not help you and could in fact work against you.
• The job objective category should follow your name, address, and telephone number at the top of your resume. An effective objective statement should indicate; • The job you want • The industry/field in which you want to work • What you would like to do • Highlight a few of the key required skills you have for the job
Education
• Begin with your most recent educational experience. Include the degree you expect to earn or have earned, your major/minor, university, date of graduation, and GPA. • Add a sample of course highlights as an option.
• List overall GPA only if it is a 3.0 or above. You may include the GPA in your major if it is higher than your cumulative GPA. • List any study abroad or other colleges from which you have attained a degree or certification.
Honors
• Include academic honors such as the Dean’s List, scholarships, and honor societies.
• These may be listed under a separate heading or as a subsection under Education.
Experience
• Include any employment, internships, significant campus leadership offices, volunteer work, and relevant class/ research projects. • Include title, name of organization, location, and dates for each position. • Emphasize duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and accomplishments appropriate to the position for which you are applying.
• Use phrases beginning with action verbs rather than sentences. • Do not use pronouns in your job descriptions. • You do not need to restrict this category to paid experience; volunteer, apprenticeship, shadowing, practicum and internship experiences may be included. Use action verb statements to describe your relevant experience.
Skills
• Foreign languages, computer skills, and other relevant skills should be included.
• List level of fluency/proficiency with languages/computer skills. (Do not overstate your competence).
Activities & Interests
• List college-related activities including student government, fraternities/ sororities, student clubs, sports activities, etc. not mentioned elsewhere.
• Be sure to note offices held and committee involvement. • If your experience is extensive and indepth, you may choose to put some of these in the experience section.
Community Involvement/ Volunteer Activities
• List organizations and the skills and abilities utilized.
• If the setting is religious or political, you may want to use generic descriptions. • If your experience is extensive and indepth, you may choose to put some of these in the experience section.
References
• There is no need to indicate on your resume that references are available upon request. This is assumed and understood.
• Create a separate page with the words “References for Your Name” at the top. • List names, titles, names of employers, addresses, telephone numbers and email. • Always ask permission before using anyone’s name as a reference. Former employers, internship or volunteer supervisors, and faculty members are good choices.
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 23
5 Keys to Creating a Targeted Resume
1
Analyze the Job Description Review job descriptions for the skills, abilities, and qualifications employers are looking for. It is recommended that you have a specific job in mind when creating a targeted resume.
2
Organize Your Thoughts Make a list of the categories you wish to include on your resume . This list can include education/training, volunteer opportunities, jobs, academic research, travel, and extracurricular activities. If possible, quantify results and use commonly understood terms. Learn and use terminology on your resume that is common to the field you are pursuing. List strengths and skills used to achieve your accomplishments. Always write out or explain technical terms and abbreviations on your resume.
3
Create Descriptive Phrases Create short phrases to describe your job duties. Avoid using diluted phrases such as “responsible for” or “in charge of.” Arrange the descriptive phrases in order of importance to the position.
4
Ensure Resume is Without Grammatical and Spelling Errors Misspelled words, grammatical, or punctuation errors will generally disqualify you from any position for which you apply.
5
Have Your Resume Critiqued By A Career Coach You may have the Career Center liaison assigned to your specific college critique your resume.
Resume Evaluation Form Objective Yes No Does the objective explain what job you want (entry level, Marketing Assistant, etc.)? Yes No Does the objective say where you want to do it (healthcare, banking, construction, etc.)? Yes No Does the objective contain 3 major skills or task areas you want to use that are relevant to this position? Qualifications Yes No Does the resume prove you have the necessary qualifications? Yes No Do your qualifications clearly summarize your value to an employer? Yes No Does it present the key strengths required to be successful on the job? Yes No Does it demonstrate that you have the appropriate technical skills? Yes No Have you listed relevant professional affiliations? Yes No Is the language of the resume future-oriented and focused on what you can do to benefit an employer? Accomplishments Yes No Are there separate accomplishments for your key work experiences? Yes No Do all of the accomplishments listed clearly support your job objective and qualifications claims? Yes No Are they presented through the use of powerful and action verbs? Yes No Are there clear, quantifiable results?
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Education & Certification Yes No Do you have the appropriate educational degrees that support your objective? Yes No If not, have you used other training workshops and seminars to further enhance your qualifications? Yes No Does the information include type of degree, major, school, and year graduated? Yes No Does it provide key aspects like certification or licensure? Experience Yes No For each experience, do you list a job title, company name, location, and years (but not months) worked? Yes No Are the experiences listed important to the employer? Extracurricular Activities Yes No Do your extra curricular activities demonstrate your ability to juggles many activities at once? Marketing/Advertising Yes No Does the resume clearly address the employer’s needs? Visual Impact Yes No Is everything on the resume important to the employer? Yes No Have you been honest, but not overly detailed? Yes No Do you use italics, bolding and underlining to indicate importance?
Resume Action Verbs Fundraising research analyze strategize program develop contact inquire inform motivate direct persuade monitor coordinate
Public Relations assess prepare coordinate present negotiate publicize strengthen promote handle participate facilitate troubleshoot
Accounting record assess audit prepare maintain forecast calculate estimate figure appraise examine measure verify
Leadership create lead encourage manage organize compare inspire represent govern direct advise
Writing conceive construct craft integrate interpret capture abstract express inform summarize conclude transform
Craft/Artisan design create build entertain perform draw render illustrate compose construct conceive
Innovating create modify change upgrade improve design activate restructure establish stimulate implement choreograph
Language translate interpret lecture converse negotiate compare understand comprehend proficiency fluency teach tutor
Research & Development identify evaluate review assess compare analyze critique explain prepare recommend conclude determine
Human Resources assess analyze recruit survey screen interview select train mediate appraise coordinate align
Finance analyze invest budget inventory evaluate appraise construct develop acquire deploy manage project
Analysis assess observe review dissect interpret discern conceptualize discover infer illuminate clarify quantify qualify conclude
Editing review analyze check compare comment correct rewrite revise rework amend improve initiate investigate advise read
Consulting troubleshoot problem solve assess assist arrange guide counsel survey serve contribute motivate train
Teaching educate tutor stimulate inform instruct facilitate awaken explore advise counsel entertain amuse
Performing create present play interpret act sing dance perform model read inspire
Program Development analyze design construct develop prepare strategize coordinate formulate recommend persuade implement monitor
Information appraise analyze inventory structure design categorize document process manage program link coordinate organize
Management/ Supervision coordinate facilitate plan schedule delegate mediate evaluate strategize develop listen consult monitor
Design organize explore formulate sketch draw draft layout create plan style pattern build display
Technical conceptualize design troubleshoot inspect locate edit analyze implement construct modify operate
Selling inform educate persuade provide assist serve trade vend handle present sell convince
Organizing/ Logistics classify organize assist maintain liaison assist support arrange systematize schedule coordinate streamline simplify
Marketing review assess survey analyze quantify identify announce promote advertise advance boost improve
Administration monitor track assess coordinate organize requisition access receive process serve furnish
Service/ Hospitality serve assist troubleshoot present maintain help coordinate prepare welcome enhance anticipate
Persuading present articulate clarify challenge negotiate inquire reason influence convince arbitrate mediate reconcile
Mechanical analyze design construct craft troubleshoot create engineer repair manipulate align coordinate balance
Investigating pursue interrogate question analyze intuit seek search probe examine explore
Counseling/ Healing listen sense intuit assess analyze assist align coordinate understand inform facilitate help
Reprinted from Virginia Tech’s 2007-2008 Career Planning Guide The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 25
The Top Ten Pitfalls in Resume Writing
1 2
Too long. Most new graduates should restrict their resumes to one page. If you have trouble condensing, get help from a technical or business writer or a career center professional. Typographical, grammatical or spelling errors. These errors suggest carelessness, poor education and/or lack of intelligence. Have at least two people proofread your resume. Don’t rely on your computer’s spell-checkers or grammar-checkers.
3
Hard to read. A poorly typed or copied resume looks unprofessional. Use a plain typeface, no smaller than a 12-point font. Asterisks, bullets, underlining, boldface type and italics should be used only to make the document easier to read, not fancier. Again, ask a professional’s opinion.
4
Too verbose. Do not use complete sentences or paragraphs. Say as much as possible with as few words as possible. A, an and the can almost always be left out. Be careful in your use of argon and avoid slang.
5
Too sparse. Give more than the bare essentials, especially when describing related work experience, skills, accomplishments, activities, interests and club memberships that will give employers important information. Including membership in the Society of Women Engineers, for example, would be helpful to employers who wish to hire more women, yet cannot ask for that information.
6
Irrelevant information. Customize each resume to each position you seek (when possible). Of course, include all education and work experience, but emphasize only relevant experience, skills, accomplishments, activities and hobbies. Do not include marital status, age, sex, hildren, height, weight, health, church membership, etc.
7
Obviously generic. Too many resumes scream, “I need a job - any job!” The employer needs to feel that you are interested in that particular position with his or her particular company.
8
Too snazzy. Of course, use good quality bond paper, but avoid exotic types, colored paper, photographs, binders and graphics. Electronic resumes should include appropriate industry keywords and use a font size between 12 and 14 points. Avoid underlining, italics or graphics.
9
Boring. Make your resume as dynamic as possible. Begin every statement with an action verb. Use active verbs o describe what you have accomplished in past jobs. Take advantage of your rich vocabulary and avoid repeating words, especially the first word in a section.
10
Too modest. The resume showcases your qualifications in competition with the other applicants. Put your best foot forward without misrepresentation, falsification or arrogance.
The Three Rs The three R’s of resume writing are Research, Research, Research. You must know what the prospective company does, what the position involves and whether you will be a fit, before submitting your resume. And that means doing research - about the company, about the position and about the type of employee the company typically hires. The Internet is a great tool to utilize in your research. Most companies have websites that include information regarding company background, community involvement, special events, executive bios or even past annual reports. Be sure to take advantage of the World Wide Web during your job search. Research Yourself
Your goal is not just to get a job but to get a job that you will enjoy. Therefore, it is important to spend time thinking about and exploring your likes, dislikes, interests, skills, knowledge and experience. Assessing your interests and skills and considering how they compare to the types of positions you may seek is a very important part of the job search process. Ask yourself honestly what you really want to do and where you really want to be. The odds are overwhelming that you will not hold a position for more than two or three years. You must start your first position successfully so that you will enjoy what you do and so that future recommendations about you will always be positive.
their recommendation for next steps. Thank that person for the information, and ask to whom your resume should be directed. Be sure to verify position titles and spelling of names and other pertinent information. Research the Position
The more you know about the position, the better able you will be to sell yourself and to target your resume to that position. If possible, interview someone who does that same job. In addition to finding out the duties, ask if there is on-the-job training, whether they value education over experience (or vice versa) and what kind of turnover the department experiences. Ask what they like about the position and the company; more important, ask what they don’t like about it.
Research the Company
Read whatever literature the company has on the internet. For additional information, call the company. Ask for any literature it may have, find out how the company is structured and ask what qualities the company generally looks for in its employees. Ask if there are openings in your area, and find out the name of the department head and give him or her a call. Explain that you are considering applying to their company, and ask for 26 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
One last word of advice: Before you go to the interview, review the version of your resume that you submitted to this employer. Remember, the resume will only get you the interview; successfully communicating and selling your potential during the interview will get you the job.
Correspondence Principles for Hard Copy and Email 1. For All Professional Correspondence, Keep in Mind the Following • Individualize. While there are specific components to types of letters, each letter should be individually tailored and targeted to the recipient. There is no such thing as an effective “form letter” in a job search. (You know when you get a form letter in the mail; a prospective employer knows too.) • Edit. Grammar, spelling and punctuation should be errorfree; wording should be clear, concise and business-like; avoid gimmicky language and slang terms. • Be yourself. Be your formal, business-like self, but express yourself in a manner which is natural to you. Avoid too much “borrowing” of language from sample letters and friends’ letters. Use good examples as inspiration, but don’t copy. • Paper. Use 81/2 x 11 inch, good-quality paper; preferably the same paper as used for your resume. (Particularly for your resume , make sure you choose paper which produces clean photocopies. Some papers with flecks make hazy copies.) • Print quality for hard copies. Produce laser-quality print; choose a proportionally spaced font (like this), rather than an evenly spaced font (l i ke this). You may choose either serif type (like this) or sans serif type (like this). • Email issues. Email is written correspondence. Apply the same rules as in hard copy correspondence: use correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and correctly use upper and lower case. • Record-keeping. Retain a copy of every letter and email you send and receive; mark your calendar for any appropriate follow-up.
2. Personalizing Your Correspondence In addition to the items listed previously, there are generally accepted guidelines for types of business letters. Guidelines and samples of specific types follow. In determining exactly how to word your own letter, think about the purpose of your letter and details of your individual circumstances. For example, if you make a telephone call to an employer prior to sending a cover letter, it makes sense for your letter to refer to the telephone call. If you must respond to an employer’s letter to you, read the letter carefully to draft an appropriate response.
3. Cover Letters: Letters of Application and Inquiry Cover letters generally fall into one of two categories: 1. Letter of application: applying for a specific, advertised opening; and 2. Letter of inquiry: expressing interest in an organization, but you are not certain if there are current openings. Purpose
• Explains why you are sending a resume. Don’t send a resume without a cover letter; it’s discourteous and naïve to do so. Don’t make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities? • Tells specifically how you learned about the position or the organization - a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you
write. The employer wants to know how and where you learned about the company and the job. • Convinces the reader to look at your resume. The cover letter will be seen first; therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer and the job. Pay attention to the qualifications listed in the job descriptions. Market yourself accordingly! • Calls attention to elements of your background (education, leadership, experience) that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples. • Reflects your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills. • Provides or refers to any information which is specifically requested in a job advertisement which might not be covered in your resume (such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample). • Indicates what you will do to follow up. • In a letter of application when (applying for an advertised opening), applicants often say something like; “I look forward to hearing from you.” However, it is advisable to take initiative to follow up and thus, saying something like; “I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if additional information regarding my qualifications is required.” • In a letter of inquiry (asking about the possibility of an opening) don’t assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, “I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization).” Then mark your calendar to make the call.
4. Information-Seeking Letters To draft an effective cover letter, you need to indicate that you know something about the employing organization. Sometimes, even with research efforts, you don’t have enough information to do this. In such a case it is appropriate to write requesting information. After you receive the desired information you can then draft a followup letter which: • thanks the sender for the information; • explains why you would be a good job candidate for that organization based on the information; and • explains why you are sending your resume.
5. Thank-You/Follow-Up Letters A thank-you letter should be written after: • An interview • A contact is helpful to you in a telephone conversation • Someone mails/emails information to you at your request • A contact was helpful to you at a career fair • You visit a contact at their work site and • Any other contact for which you want to express thanks and develop a good relationship.
6. Acknowledging a Job Offer Courtesy dictates that you acknowledge a written job offer, even if you are not ready to accept or decline it. Take note of the details of the offer and respond appropriately. Items to remember: • Thank the employer for the opportunity presented. • Indicate that you understand the terms of the offer, or if you don’t, ask for clarification. The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 27
• A smart employer will know that you need to consider various employment options in order to make a wise decision; you may need to compare the offer to another pending offer. • However, you may need to make a decision before you know whether or not you will receive another offer. • Consult your Career Coach if you need assistance handling offers or making a decision.
7. Requesting an Extension of Deadline to Respond to a Job Offer • You may ask for an extension; the employer does not have to grant it. • Make sure you have a good reason for asking for an extension. Are you waiting to hear from another employer about an offer, or are you just hoping to get more interviews? • Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for an extension; this looks like you don’t think ahead and may indicate that you might behave the same way on the job. • Be tactful and diplomatic in your wording.
8. Declining a Job Offer • If you choose to decline a job offer, do so courteously, in writing, after making a phone call. • Never say anything negative in writing about the employer, even if you had a negative experience. • If you had a very negative experience, discuss it with your Career Coach. • A decision to decline an offer is usually based on the fact that another offer is a better fit for your interests and goals. It is fine to state this, without giving details about why the declined offer is not a fit. • It is not necessary to state whose offer you accepted, but you may do so if you wish. • Remember that this employer may be a contact for you in the future. Maintain professional, courteous relations.
9. Accepting an Offer and Withdrawing From Search for Other Jobs Accepting a job offer ethically obligates you to cease job search efforts and to notify other prospective employers with whom you have interviewed that you must withdraw your name from their consideration.
10. Email or Hard Copy? For most business correspondence, you can use hard copy or email. When you’re unsure which to use, consider the following: • Hard copy is more formal than email. If the employer does not have a website that invites email, or you haven’t been otherwise invited to correspond to the employer via email, you may wish to begin with hard copy correspondence. If the employer replies to you by email, you can use email for subsequent contacts. • When a job ad invites you to apply online, do it, and follow instructions precisely. Email and employers’ websites often make the process easier for both you and the employer. • If you’ve found access to use email (job ad or website invites this), but there are no instructions on how to submit your resume, do this: - Write your email as a cover letter. - Also include your resume text in the email. - In addition, state in your email that you are attaching your cover letter and your resume as MS Word® documents (and do so). - You’ve thus given the employer the option to view your documents as s/he chooses. 28 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
• When you have the opportunity, as in meeting an employer at a career fair, ASK the employer’s preference for e-mail or hard copy. When you’re given the employer’s business card, or she tells you to visit the company web site and follow up, you can say, “Would it be appropriate for me to e-mail you (or whomever she’s told you to contact)?” • When speed is necessary, use email. Email Guidelines
All the principles of written correspondence apply to both hard copy and email, with some additional guidelines for email: • DO use a subject line that would be logical to the recipient, like “Application for business analyst position.” Meaningless subject lines include “Can you help me?,” or “Read this.” If you leave the subject line blank and the recipient does not recognize your email address, s/he may simply delete your email without reading it. • DON’T use an inappropriate email address or nickname. Sending email from partyman@xxx.com is a good way to have your email deleted without being read. • DON’T start off, “Hi, my name is….” Just as in a business letter, your name is at the conclusion of the letter. DO start, just as in a business letter, by explaining why you are writing. Be brief and clear, and cordial. • DO use a business-like writing style, just as with hard copy correspondence. With friends, for social purposes, you can treat email like verbal conversation. Business emails should be more formal than verbal conversation. • DO include a clear signature block at the close of your mail content. It should include your name, mailing address, phone and return email address. After your name you could include your major and year in school, as in “Sophomore, Communication, East Carolina University.” • DON’T include a URL for a website that is not strictly professional in content or relevant to your career interests. Employers are busy and are not interested in spending time looking at pictures of students’ pets; or worse, their friends wearing lampshades. And if they do see this, they’re likely to decide you lack the judgment and maturity to be considered as a job candidate. You make a better impression by including a cover letter. The cover letter will introduce your resume to the employer and, if well written, will prompt the employer to read the resume for more details. Even if you just spoke to an employer on the phone, at a career fair, or otherwise, and put your resume in the mail that same day, a cover letter is essential for several reasons: • Don’t assume you are the only person to whom the employer has spoken. Busy people need a reminder of why your resume is arriving in the mail. • Don’t assume the person you spoke to is the one who will open your envelope. A cover letter explains why your resume is showing up in the mail. • A cover letter is a basic professional courtesy. You are trying to present yourself as a person who is ready to enter the professional world. • A cover letter is an opportunity to call attention to your strengths, interests and qualifications in a different manner than you do in your resume . • A cover letter is personalized to the individual to whom you are writing. • NEVER mail a resume without a cover letter. Adapted from Virginia Tech’s 2007-2008 Career Planning Guide
Sample Cover Letters and Other Professional Correspondence SAMPLE COVER LETTER
Ima Pirate 1225 Greenville Ave., Apt. #3, Greenville, NC 27858 imapirate10@students.ecu.edu Ph: 252-222-2222 Cover letters are used to accompany application materials when you are replying to an advertised job posting. These typically consist of three to four paragraphs: Introductory Paragraph State your purpose for writing, name the position or type of work for which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or organization. Middle Paragraph(s) Outline your strongest qualifications that match the position requirements. Emphasize your skills, abilities and attributes and provide evidence of your related experiences and accomplishments without reiterating your resume. Reference your enclosed resume. Closing Paragraph Suggest an action plan. Request an interview, and indicate that you will call during a specific time period to discuss interview possibilities.
March 14, 2011 Ms. Mary Lou Nelson Manager of Human Resources Hammond Corporation 2900 Rosemont Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27602 Dear Ms. Nelson: I am applying for the staff accountant position that was advertised in East Carolina University’s Pirate Jobs system this week. The position seems to fit very well with my education, experience, and career interests. Your position requires skills in various accounting functions, including performing general ledger reconciliations, analysis, and reporting; ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the general ledger and internal monthly and quarterly statements; and making certain of the accuracy and timeliness of various reconciliations. In my experience as a junior accountant, accounting intern, and billing coordinator, I handled monthly journal entries, analyzed expenses, reviewed and corrected accounting entries, and generated reports. Accounting corrections I made as an intern revealed nearly $50,000 in unpaid bills and mislaid funds. My enclosed resume provides more details on my qualifications. My background and career goals seem to match your job requirements well. I am confident that I can perform the job effectively. Furthermore, I am genuinely interested in the position and in working for Hammond Corporation. Your firm has an excellent reputation and comes highly recommended to me. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications and to learn more about this opportunity. I will contact you next week to see if a meeting can be arranged. Should you need to reach me, please feel free to contact me at (252) 888-8888 or piratei05@students.ecu.edu. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you. Sincerely yours,
Ima Pirate End of Letter Express appreciation to the reader for his or her time and consideration. Use an appropriate salutation. Don’t forget to sign your letter after you print it.
Reprinted from Job Choices for Business & Liberal Arts Students: 2011, with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.
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Sample Cover Letters and Other Professional Correspondence SAMPLE NETWORKING LETTER
Ima Pirate 1225 Greenville Ave., Apt. #3, Greenville, NC 27858 imapirate10@students.ecu.edu Ph: 252-222-2222 October 18, 2010 Mrs. Jennifer Hundahl, Partner Dewey and Howe Brokerage, LLP 1400 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 Networking letters are designed to generate informational interviews which allow you to meet individuals who can give you information about your intended career. Introductory Paragraph Make a connection between you and the reader - e.g., alumnus/ alumna of your school, mutual acquaintance, similar interest or background, etc. Middle Paragraph(s) State the purpose without pressuring the reader. Explain your situation briefly.
Dear Mrs. Hundahl: Dr. Clinton Carr, professor of economics at East Carolina University, suggested that I contact you. He thought that, as an alumna, you would be in an excellent position to assist me with a career decision. As an economics student, I am exploring which career path to pursue. Securities, trading, and investment banking work all sound interesting to me at this point, but I want to go into my job search next semester with a clear sense of direction. I would like to get your advice on the long-term career implications of each path as well as get a better understanding of the day-to-day activities of a broker. I will be in New York City for a few days in the coming months and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person if possible. I will call you next week to see if we can arrange this at your convenience. If you would like to contact me in the meantime, I may be reached at (252) 888-8888 or piratei05@students.ecu.edu. Thank you for considering my request. Sincerely,
Ima Pirate
Closing Paragraph Request a meeting at a mutually convenient time, and indicate that you will call to make arrangements. End of Letter Express appreciation to the reader for his or her time and consideration. Use an appropriate salutation. Don’t forget to sign your letter after you print it.
Reprinted from Job Choices for Business & Liberal Arts Students: 2011, with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.
30 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Sample Cover Letters and Other Professional Correspondence SAMPLE PROSPECTING LETTER
Prospecting letters are used to introduce yourself to organizations that do not have an advertised position but are doing work in your field. These letters should be sent to the manager of the department you would like to work for. Introductory Paragraph Indicate your interest, and reveal your source of information. Middle Paragraph(s) Outline your strongest qualifications - focus on broader occupational and/or organizational dimensions to describe how your qualifications match the work environment. Do Some Personal Marketing Convince the employer that you have the personal qualities and motivation to contribute to the organization. Closing Paragraph Suggest an action plan. Request an interview, and indicate that you will call during a specific time period to discuss interview possibilities. End of Letter Express appreciation to the reader for his or her time and consideration. Don’t forget to sign your letter after you print it.
Ima Pirate 1225 Greenville Ave., Apt. #3, Greenville, NC 27858 imapirate10@students.ecu.edu Ph: 252-222-2222 January 16, 2011 Mr. Brett Newkirk Director of College Recruiting Midwest Mercantile Company 4500 Randoff Drive Raleigh, NC 27602 Dear Mr. Newkirk: I read your company’s description in East Carolina University’s Pirate Jobs database and would like to inquire about employment opportunities in your management training program. I want to work in retail management and would like to live in the Raleigh area after graduation. I will complete my B.S. degree in communication studies this May. My interest in business started in Junior Achievement in high school and developed further through a variety of sales and retail positions during college. My internship with a large department store convinced me to pursue a career in retail. When I researched the top retailers in Raleigh, Midwest Mercantile emerged as having a strong market position, an excellent training program, and a reputation for excellent customer service. In short, you provide the kind of professional environment I seek. My resume is enclosed for your consideration. My education and experience match the qualifications you seek in your management trainees, but they don’t tell the whole story. I know from customer and supervisor feedback that I have the interpersonal skills and motivation needed to build a successful career in retail management. In addition, my relatively extensive experience gives me confidence in my career direction and in my abilities to perform competently. I know how busy you must be, but I would appreciate a few minutes of your time. I will call you during the week of January 21 to discuss employment possibilities. In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, I may be reached at (252) 888-8888 or piratei05@students. ecu.edu. Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to speaking with you. Sincerely,
Ima Pirate
Reprinted from Job Choices for Business & Liberal Arts Students: 2011, with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.
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Sample Cover Letters and Other Professional Correspondence SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER
Ima Pirate 1225 Greenville Ave., Apt. #3, Greenville, NC 27858 imapirate10@students.ecu.edu Ph: 252-222-2222
Thank-You Letters are one of the most important, yet least used, tools in a job search. It is used to establish goodwill, express appreciation, and/or strengthen your candidacy. Send these within 24 hours to the primary contact who hosted your interview. Also send these to those who grant informational interviews and to people who provided references. Introductory Paragraph Express your sincere appreciation. Middle Paragraph Reemphasize your strongest qualifications. Draw attention to the good match between your qualifications and the job requirements.
January 25, 2011 Mr. Foster Walker Director, Editorial Services Atlantic Publishing 1220 Warwick Ave. Newport News, VA 23607 Dear Mr. Walker: I want to thank you very much for interviewing me yesterday for the associate editor position. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your publications. My enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working for Atlantic Publishing were strengthened as a result of the interview. I believe my education and internship experiences fit nicely with the job requirements, and I am confident that I could make a significant contribution to the firm over time. I want to reiterate my strong interest in the position and in working with you and your staff. You provide the kind of opportunity I seek. Please feel free to contact me at (252) 8888888 or piratei05@students.ecu.edu if I can provide you with any additional information. Again, thank you for the interview and your consideration. Sincerely,
Ima Pirate
Closing Paragraph Reiterate your interest in the position. Use the opportunity to provide or offer supplemental information not previously given. End of Letter Restate your appreciation. Don’t forget to sign your letter after you print it.
Reprinted from Job Choices for Business & Liberal Arts Students: 2011, with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.
32 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Sample Cover Letters and Other Professional Correspondence SAMPLE ACCEPTANCE LETTER
Ima Pirate 1225 Greenville Ave., Apt. #3, Greenville, NC 27858 imapirate10@students.ecu.edu Ph: 252-222-2222 April 24, 2011 Mr. Jack Wisniewski, Division Manager Data International Corporation 1212 Corporation Lane Raleigh, NC 27602 Dear Mr. Wisniewski: I am writing to confirm my acceptance of your employment offer of April 20 and to tell you how delighted I am to be joining Data International in Raleigh. The work is exactly what I have prepared for and hoped to do. I feel confident that I can make a significant contribution to the corporation, and am grateful for the opportunity you have given me. As we discussed, I will report to work at 8:00 a.m. on June 27 and will have completed the medical examination and drug testing by the start date. Additionally, I shall complete all employment and insurance forms for the new employee orientation. Acceptance letters are used to accept a job offer, to confirm the terms of your employment (salary, starting date, medical examinations, etc.) and to positively reinforce the employer’s decision to hire you. Most often, an acceptance letter follows a telephone conversation, during which the details of the offer and terms of employment are discussed. Key Elements • Confirm, accept, and reaffirm your employment decision. • Confirm logistics. • Express your appreciation for the opportunity.
I look forward to working with you and your superior team. I appreciate your confidence in me and am very happy to be joining your staff. Sincerely,
Ima Pirate
Reprinted from Job Choices for Business & Liberal Arts Students: 2011, with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.
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Transferable Skills If you’re wondering what skills you have that would interest a potential employer, you are not alone. Many college seniors feel that four (or more) years of college haven’t sufficiently prepared them to begin work after graduation. And like these students, you may have carefully reviewed your work history (along with your campus and civic involvement) and you may still have a difficult time seeing how the skills you learned in college will transfer to the workplace. But keep in mind that you’ve been acquiring skills since childhood. Whether learning the value of teamwork by playing sports, developing editing skills working on your high school newspaper or developing countless skills while completing your coursework, each of your experiences has laid the groundwork for building additional skills.
What Are Transferable Skills? A transferable skill is a “portable skill” that you deliberately (or inadvertently, if you haven’t identified them yet) take with you to other life experiences. Your transferable skills are often: • acquired through a class (e.g., an English major who is taught technical writing) • acquired through experience (e.g., the student government representative who develops strong motivation and consensus building skills) Transferable skills supplement your degree. They provide an employer concrete evidence of your readiness and qualifications for a position. Identifying your transferable skills and communicating them to potential employers will greatly increase your success during the job search. Remember that it is impossible to complete college without acquiring transferable skills. Campus and community activities, class projects and assignments, athletic activities, internships and summer/part-time jobs have provided you with countless experiences where you’ve acquired a range of skills - many that you may take for granted.
Identifying Transferable Skills While very closely related (and with some overlap), transferable skills can be divided into three subsets: • Working With People • Working With Things • Working With Data/Information For example, some transferable skills can be used in every workplace setting (e.g., organizing or public speaking) while some are more applicable to specific settings (e.g., drafting or accounting). The following are examples of skills often acquired through the classroom, jobs, athletics and other activities. Use these examples to help you develop your own list of the transferable skills you’ve acquired. Working With People
• Selling • Training • Teaching • Supervising • Organizing • Soliciting • Motivating • Mediating • Advising • Delegating • Entertaining • Representing • Negotiating • Translating Working With Things
• Repairing • Assembling parts • Designing • Operating machinery • Driving • Maintaining equipment • Constructing • Building • Sketching • Working with CAD • Keyboarding • Drafting • Surveying • Troubleshooting 34 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Working With Data/Information
• Calculating • Developing databases • Working with spreadsheets • Accounting • Writing • Researching • Computing • Testing • Filing • Sorting • Editing • Gathering data • Analyzing • Budgeting
Easy Steps to Identify Your Transferable Skills Now that you know what transferable skills are, let’s put together a list of your transferable skills. You may want to work with someone in the Career Center to help you identify as many transferable skills as possible. Step 1. Make a list of every job title you’ve held (part-time, full-time and internships), along with volunteer, sports and other affiliations since starting college. (Be sure to record officer positions and other leadership roles.) Step 2. Using your transcript, list the classes in your major field of study along with foundation courses. Include electives that may be related to your employment interests. Step 3. For each job title, campus activity and class you’ve just recorded, write a sentence and then underline the action taken. (Avoid stating that you learned or gained experience in any skill. Instead, present your skill more directly as a verifiable qualification.) For example: “ Performed 3D modeling and drafting.” NOT “While working for Jones Engineering, I gained experience in 3D modeling and drafting.” “Developed and coordinated the marketing of club events.” NOT “As a member of the Caribbean Students Association, I learned how to market events.” Step 4. Make a list of the skills/experiences you’ve identified for future reference during your job search.
Using Transferable Skills in the Job Search Your success in finding the right position for you will depend on your ability to showcase your innate talents and skills. You will also need to demonstrate how you can apply these skills at an employer’s place of business. Consult the staff at the Career Center to help you further identify relevant transferable skills and incorporate them on your resume and during your interviews. During each interview, be sure to emphasize only those skills that would be of particular interest to a specific employer. Transferable skills are the foundation upon which you will build additional, more complex skills as your career unfolds. Start making your list of skills and you’ll discover that you have more to offer than you realized! 1. Review your list of transferable skills with someone in your field(s) of interest to help you identify any additional skills that you may want to include. 2. Using a major job posting website, print out descriptions of jobs that interest you to help you identify skills being sought. (Also use these postings as guides for terminology on your resume.) 3. Attend career fairs and company information sessions to learn about the skills valued by specific companies and industries. Written by Rosita Smith.
Job Interviewing in Brief I. Preparation A. Identify the tasks you would perform on the job. B. Research the needs, problems, and challenges the company is facing that might cause them to hire you. C. Create at least ten open-ended questions probing into the issues you’ve identified to ask the interviewer. D. Identify what you have to offer the employer and how this position is a good fit for you. E. Create stories using the Situation, Action, Results (SAR) method to demonstrate your ability to assist in solving the problems identified. Pick up a handout on this format from the Career Center. F. Obtain a list of common interview questions and write out your answers (pick one up at the Career Center) G. Practice answering these questions paying particular attention to your non-verbal body language. H. Review the common illegal questions and decide how you will respond. I. Review your resume and identify the questions it creates. J. Prepare a list of possible situations you might face on the job and how you would handle each one. K. Print off extra copies of what you submitted for the job (e.g., resume , application, etc.). L. What type of interview will you be having? How might that affect your preparation? M. Call the day before to confirm your appointment and find out with whom you will be meeting. N. Identify how employees in your area of the company dress to aid in your outfit decisions. O. Outline what you plan to do and say to create a great first and last impression.
II. Selling Yourself in the Interview A. Turn off your cell phone and leave it in the car. B. Your goal is to avoid being screened out. C. Visualize yourself being successful in the interview. D. Enter the office no more than ten minutes beforehand. E. Start the interview off right with a great first impression and a power greeting (see table of contents). F. Write down interviewer names or get business cards for future reference. G. Expect the interviewer to take notes during the meeting, but resist the urge to do so yourself. H. Create a discussion environment instead of a crossexamination environment by how you position yourself, your non-verbals, the questions you ask, and your efforts to put the interviewer at ease. I. Look for opportunities to give SACs followed by probing questions. J. When you don’t know how to answer a question, give them a SAC. K. Use their last question as an opportunity to summarize their needs, why they should hire you, and ASK for the job. L. Do not negotiate anything until they make you an offer dodge salary questions until then. However be prepared by researching beforehand. M. End the interview with a strong last impression.
III. Interview Follow-Up A. Assess how you did in the interview and write down pros and cons and what you would like to do differently for your next interview. B. Write down what new things you learned about their needs, problems and challenges. C. Write down what you need to do differently at the next interview. D. Prepare an after-interview thank-you letter and/or a handwritten thank you card for everyone who interviewed you. E. Be prepared to follow up with the interviewer using various forms - letter, email, phone call - over time until a hiring decision is made but not to the extent that it will be seen as harassment. F. When calling the decision-maker, don’t leave a message - keep control of the process by asking when would be a better time to reach him/her.
After Interview Questionaire After each job interview and before you have even left the parking lot, while the details of the interview are fresh in your mind, answer these questions. (Use additional paper as necessary.) 1. How did the interview go? 2. What did you do or say that you feel went well? 3. What did you do or say that you think needs improvement or practice? 4. What needs, challenges, or problems did you uncover? 5. What questions asked were you unprepared for? 6. What would you do differently to demonstrate your value? 7. How were you able to create a positive image? 8. Which answers to questions need to be shortened next time? 9. What seemed to be the interviewer’s greatest area(s) of concern? 10. What could you have said to minimize or eliminate those concern(s)?
The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 35
Tips for a Successful Interview Dress to Impress! While fashion trends on the street change, many principles of dressing for interviews have stayed the same. Keep these points in mind when preparing for an interview. You want to present a professional image to the employer and nonverbally communicate that you want the position more than other candidates. These tips will help you dress for success. Males
• Dark suits (black or navy) in natural fabrics (wool or cotton) are safe bets • Wear polished dress shoes (solid heels, complete soles, and no scuffs) • Socks should complement your pant color and have strong elastic so they stay up • Ties should be conservative, limited to small patterns or solid colors • Pockets should be free from bulging wallets, tobacco products, or jingling coins • Remove earrings and other piercings; cover up visible tattoos • Facial hair and nails should be clean and cut short Females
• Wear neutral colors (black, navy, and gray are still best) • Consider the suit as the primary mode of dress for most interviews • Skirt lengths that are not revealing (no higher than 2 inches above knee) • Makeup should be minimal and hair neatly styled and away from your face • Avoid flashy, excessive jewelry, remove body piercings, and cover visible tattoos • Wear polished pumps or dress flats • Non-textured, neutral hose or socks that complement your attire • Clear or conservative nail polish on an appropriate nail length • Keep purse size small and hands-free Consider the cliche, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”You do not have to spend a thousand dollars for a suit. A well-groomed appearance goes a long way. Like it or not, some employers will form an opinion about you before you even speak!
36 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
The Day of the Interview... 1. Dress appropriately and use good manners. Your appearance should be neat and clean, pressed and polished. Always remember to say please and thank you. 2. Be on time. If you are late for the interview, the employer may decide that you are not really interested in the job or that you would show up late for work. 3. Show that you are knowledgeable about the company. Interviewers are inclined to look more favorably on a candidate who has made the effort to research the company and the position. 4. Think Positive. Self-doubts and fear of failure can damage a job interview. Be calm and aware of any nervous behavior (nail-biting, hair twirling, etc.). Do some deep, slow breathing exercises before entering the meeting room. 5. Unfreeze your face...SMILE! Smiling exudes a positive attitude, confidence, and can make the interview more rewarding for both parties. Show your enthusiasm for the opportunity to meet with the potential employer. 6. Practice good communication skills. It is important that you exhibit professional communication skills during the interview. Speak clearly and effectively, listen attentively, maintain eye contact, and resist distractions that may steal your attention. 7. Practice answering questions. Anticipate questions that may be asked during the interview and prepare answers beforehand to some of the more difficult or sensitive questions. 8. Follow the interviewer’s lead and stick to the point. Listen carefully; sometimes an interviewer will rephrase a question to check for alertness and consistency. The interviewer is also interested in experience and attitudes that might affect your performance on the job. Avoid discussing details of your personal life. 9. Express your interest in the job. Ask if you can call back at a certain time to find out about the decision. 10. Send a thank-you letter and/or card. Thank the interviewer for his or her time, and re-emphasize your desire for the job. Restate your qualifications and mention a couple things you learned during the interview.
Questions Asked by Employers Personal 1. Tell me about yourself. 2. What are your hobbies? 3. Why did you choose to interview with our organization? 4. Describe your ideal job. 5. What can you offer us? 6. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? 7. Can you name some weaknesses? 8. Define success. Failure. 9. Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn from them? 10. Of which three accomplishments are you most proud? 11. Who are your role models? Why? 12. How does your college education or work experience relate to this job? 13. What motivates you most in a job? 14. Have you had difficulty getting along with a former professor/supervisor/co-worker and how did you handle it? 15. Have you ever spoken before a group of people? How large? 16. Why should we hire you rather than another candidate? 17. What do you know about our organization (products or services)? 18. Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years? 19. Do you plan to return to school for further education?
Education 20. Why did you choose your major? 21. Why did you choose to attend your college or university? 22. Do you think you received a good education? In what ways? 23. In which campus activities did you participate? 24. Which classes in your major did you like best? Least? Why? 25. Which elective classes did you like best? Least? Why? 26. If you were to start over, what would you change about your education? 27. Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not? 28. Were you financially responsible for any portion of your college education?
Experience 29. What job-related skills have you developed? 30. Did you work while going to school? In what positions? 31. What did you learn from these work experiences? 32. What did you enjoy most about your last employment? Least? 33. Have you ever quit a job? Why? 34. Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution to an employer. 35. Give an example of a time in which you worked under deadline pressure. 36. Have you ever done any volunteer work? What kind? 37. How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work?
Career Goals 38. Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own? 39. What kind of boss do you prefer? 40. Would you be successful working with a team? 41. Do you prefer large or small organizations? Why? 42. What other types of positions are you considering? 43. How do you feel about working in a structured environment? 44. Are you able to work on several assignments at once? 45. How do you feel about working overtime? 46. How do you feel about travel? 47. How do you feel about the possibility of relocating? 48. Are you willing to work flextime? Before you begin interviewing, think about these questions and possible responses and discuss them with a Career Coach. Conduct mock interviews and be sure you are able to communicate clear, unrehearsed answers to interviewers.
Questions to Ask Employers 1. Please describe the duties of the job for me. 2. What kinds of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job? 3. Are salary adjustments geared to the cost of living or job performance? 4. Does your company encourage further education? 5. How often are performance reviews given? 6. What products (or services) are in the development stage now? 7. Do you have plans for expansion? 8. What are your growth projections for next year? 9. Have you cut your staff in the last three years? 10. How do you feel about creativity and individuality? 11. Do you offer flextime? 12. Is your company environmentally conscious? In what ways? 13. In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors? 14. Is this a new position or am I replacing someone? 15. What is the largest single problem facing your staff (department) now? 16. May I talk with the last person who held this position?
17. What is the usual promotional time frame? 18. Does your company offer either single or dual career-track programs? 19. What do you like best about your job/company? 20. Once the probation period is completed, how much authority will I have over decisions? 21. Has there been much turnover in this job area? 22. Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first? 23. What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position? 24. What skills are especially important for someone in this position? 25. What characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share? 26. Is there a lot of team/project work? 27. Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects? 28. Where does this position fit into the organizational structure? 29. How much travel, if any, is involved in this position? 30. What is the next course of action? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you? The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career 37
Are You Ready for a Behavioral Interview? “Tell me about a time when you were on a team, and one of the members wasn’t carrying his or her weight.” If this is one of the leading questions in your job interview, you could be in for a behavioral interview. Based on the premise that the best way to predict future behavior is to determine past behavior, this style of interviewing is popular among recruiters. Today, more than ever, each hiring decision is critical. Behavioral interviewing is designed to minimize personal impressions that might cloud the hiring decision. By focusing on the applicant’s actions and behaviors, rather than subjective impressions that can sometimes be misleading, interviewers can make more accurate hiring decisions. A manager of staff planning and college relations for a major chemical company believes, “Although we have not conducted any formal studies to determine whether retention or success on the job has been affected, I feel our move to behavioral interviewing has been successful. It helps concentrate recruiters’ questions on areas important to our candidates’ success within [our company].” The company introduced behavioral interviewing in the mid-1980s at several sites and has since implemented it companywide.
Behavioral vs. Traditional Interviews If you have training or experience with traditional interviewing techniques, you may find the behavioral interview quite different in several ways: • Instead of asking how you would behave in a particular situation, the interviewer will ask you to describe how you did behave. • Expect the interviewer to question and probe (think of “peeling the layers from an onion”). • The interviewer will ask you to provide details and will not allow you to theorize or generalize about events. • The interview will be a more structured process that will concentrate on areas that are important to the interviewer, rather than allowing you to concentrate on areas that you may feel are important. • You may not get a chance to deliver any prepared stories. • Most interviewers will be taking notes throughout the interview. The behavioral interviewer has been trained to objectively collect and evaluate information and works from a profile of desired behaviors that are needed for success on the job. Because the behaviors a candidate has demonstrated in previous positions are likely to be repeated, you will be asked to share situations in which you may or may not have exhibited these behaviors. Your answers will be tested for accuracy and consistency. If you are an entry-level candidate with no previous related experience, the interviewer will look for behaviors in situations similar to those of the target position: “Describe a major problem you have faced and how you dealt with it.” “Give an example of when you had to work with your hands to accomplish a task or project.” “What class did you like the most? What did you like about it?” Follow-up questions will test for consistency and determine if you exhibited the desired behavior in that situation: “Can you give me an example?” “What did you do?” “What did you say?” “What were you thinking?” “How did you feel?” 38 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
“What was your role?” “What was the result?” You will notice an absence of such questions as, “Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.”
How to Prepare for a Behavioral Interview • Recall recent situations that show favorable behaviors or actions, especially those involving coursework, work experience, leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning and customer service. • Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be ready to give details if asked. • Be sure each story has a beginning, a middle and an end; i.e., be ready to describe the situation, your action and the outcome or result. • Be sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you (even if the result itself was not favorable). • Be honest. Don’t embellish or omit any part of the story. The interviewer will find out if your story is built on a weak foundation. • Be specific. Don’t generalize about several events; give a detailed accounting of one event. A possible response to the question, “Tell me about a time when you were on a team and a member wasn’t pulling his or her weight” might go as follows: “I had been assigned to a team to build a canoe out of concrete. One of our team members wasn’t showing up for our lab sessions or doing his assignments. I finally met with him in private, explained the frustration of the rest of the team and asked if there was anything I could do to help. He told me he was preoccupied with another class that he wasn’t passing, so I found someone to help him with the other course. He not only was able to spend more time on our project, but he was also grateful to me for helping him out. We finished our project on time and got a ‘B’ on it.” The interviewer might then probe: “How did you feel when you confronted this person?” “Exactly what was the nature of the project?” “What was his responsibility as a team member?” “What was your role?” “At what point did you take it upon yourself to confront him?” You can see it is important that you not make up or “shade” information and why you should have a clear memory of the entire incident.
Don’t Forget the Basics Instead of feeling anxious or threatened by the prospect of a behavioral interview, remember the essential difference between the traditional interview and the behavioral interview: The traditional interviewer may allow you to project what you might or should do in a given situation, whereas the behavioral interviewer is looking for past actions only. It will always be important to put your best foot forward and make a good impression on the interviewer with appropriate attire, good grooming, a firm handshake and direct eye contact. There is no substitute for promptness, courtesy, preparation, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Employment References 1. Who Should Serve as Your References? • Ask people who have a positive opinion of you and who can describe your work-related qualities and personal characteristics. • Past and present employers usually know about your reliability, initiative and ability to work with others. This information is valuable, even if your employment was not career-related. • Faculty members know about your academic ability, productivity, and timeliness, and perhaps have observed how you work with others. • Advisors and coaches may be aware of information about you that could be relevant to a potential employer - such as maturity, initiative, interpersonal skills or leadership qualities. • Don’t list references who only know you in a social capacity or are simply friends of your family.
2. Getting Permission • Never give someone’s name as a reference without securing that person’s permission in advance. • Verify spelling of names, titles, and all contact information for your references. • Give each person who agrees to serve as a reference for you a copy of your resume (or vita). This lets your references know about your interests, abilities and experiences. A faculty member may know your academic skills and an employer may know your on-the-job characteristics, but each may not be aware of the other facets of your background. Keeping your references well informed will help them serve as better references for you. • Keep your references posted on your activities and progress. Tell your references the names of persons and organizations to whom you’ve given their names. • When possible, give them a copy of the job description for the positions for which you are applying. This helps your references be prepared for phone calls and letters they may receive. • Thank each reference in writing for his/her assistance.
3. When to Give Your Reference List to a Prospective Employer • Provide reference information when you are asked to provide it. If you reach the interview stage and have not been asked for reference information, you may want to offer it. • Generally do not send reference information with your resume unless it has been requested. • Contacting references is time consuming, and most employers will do some initial screening of candidates - by reviewing the resume and perhaps conducting interviews - before contacting references. • For most undergraduates, employers will not be contacting references prior to interviewing you.
5. What Should References Say? Encourage them to mention:
• Capacity in which they know/knew you (i.e., summer intern and she was the supervisor), • Time frame of the relationship (i.e., summer of 2006 or has known the candidate for four years), and • Positive qualities demonstrated in the position (i.e., visited work sites, designed floor plans on CAD, and presented proposals to clients). Adapted from Virginia Tech’s 2007-2008 Career Planning Guide. Sample Reference List Ima Pirate ip4578@ecu.edu Current Address 1234 Fifth Street Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 555-0987
Permanent Address 201 Pirate Drive Raleigh, NC 27613 (919) 555-4563
References Dr. Jane Doe Professor East Carolina University College of Human Ecology East Fifth Street Greenville, NC 27858 (252) 231-5555 janedoe@ecu.edu Mr. Walter Randolph Assistant Store Manager Walmart 210 Greenville Blvd., SW Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 555-2045 wrandolph@walmart.com Ms. Jane Wilson Department Manager, Cosmetics Saks Fifth Avenue 7700 Old Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 27616 (919) 555-8211 jwilson@saks.com
4. Where to List References • On a resume DON’T. It is unnecessary to state “References available upon request” - and is often a waste of valuable space - because most employers assume you can supply references. They expect them on a separate page when requested. • On a curriculum vitae DO list references. It is customary practice to include your reference list on this document.
Make sure the address header matches your resume address header.
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The Art of Negotiating An area of the job search that often receives little attention is the art of negotiating. Once you have been offered a job, you have the opportunity to discuss with the employer the terms of your employment. Negotiations may be uncomfortable or unsatisfying because we tend to approach them with a winner-take-all attitude that is counterproductive to the concept of negotiations. Negotiating with your potential employer can make your job one that best meets your own needs as well as those of your employer. To ensure successful negotiations, it is important to understand the basic components. The definition of negotiation as it relates to employment is: a series of communications (either oral or in writing) that reach a satisfying conclusion for all concerned parties, most often between the new employee and the hiring organization. Negotiation is a planned series of events that requires strategy, presentation and patience. Preparation is probably the single most important part of successful negotiations. Any good trial attorney will tell you the key to presenting a good case in the courtroom is the hours of preparation that happen beforehand. The same is true for negotiating. A good case will literally present itself. What follows are some suggestions that will help you prepare for successful negotiating.
Research Gather as much factual information as you can to back up the case you want to make. For example, if most entering employees cannot negotiate salary, you may be jeopardizing the offer by focusing on that aspect of the package. Turn your attention to other parts of the offer such as their health plan, dental plan, retirement package, the type of schedule you prefer, etc.
Psychological Preparation Chances are that you will not know the person with whom you will be negotiating. If you are lucky enough to be acquainted, spend some time reviewing what you know about this person’s communication style and decision-making behavior. In most cases, however, this person will be a stranger. Since most people find the unknown a bit scary, you’ll want to ask yourself what approach to negotiating you find most comfortable. How will you psyche yourself up to feel confident enough to ask for what you want? How will you respond to counteroffers? What are your alternatives? What’s your bottom line? In short, plan your strategy. Be sure you know exactly what you want. This does not mean you will get exactly that, but having the information clear in your head will help you determine what you are willing to concede. Unless you know what you want, you won’t be able to tell somebody else. Clarity improves communication, which is the conduit for effective negotiations.
Practice Rehearse the presentation in advance using another person as the employer. If you make mistakes in rehearsal, chances are that you will not repeat them during the actual negotiations. A friend can critique your reasoning and help you prepare for questions. If this all seems like a lot of work, remember that if something is worth negotiating for, it is worth preparing for.
Dollars and Sense Always begin by expressing genuine interest in the position and the organization, emphasizing the areas of agreement but allowing “wiggle room” to compromise on other areas. Be prepared to support your points of disagreement, outlining the parts you would like to alter, your suggestions on how this can be done and why it would serve the company’s best interests to accommodate your request. Be prepared to defend your proposal. Back up your reasons for wanting to change the offer with meaningful, work-related skills and positive benefits to the employer. Requesting a salary increase because you are a fast learner or have a high GPA are usually not justifiable reasons in the eyes of the employer. Meaningful work experience or 40 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
internships that have demonstrated or tested your professional skills are things that will make an employer stop and take notice. It is sometimes more comfortable for job-seekers to make this initial request in writing and plan to meet later to hash out the differences. You will need to be fairly direct and assertive at this point even though you may feel extremely vulnerable. Keep in mind that the employer has chosen you from a pool of qualified applicants, so you are not as powerless as you think. Sometimes the employer will bristle at the suggestion that there is room to negotiate. Stand firm, but encourage the employer to think about it for a day or two at which time you will discuss the details of your proposal with him/her. Do not rush the process because you are uncomfortable. The employer may be counting on this discomfort and use it to derail the negotiations. Remember, this is a series of volleys and lobs, trade-offs and compromises that occur over a period of time. It is a process - not a singular event! Once you have reached a conclusion with which you are both relatively comfortable, present in writing your interpretation of the agreement so that if there is any question, it will be addressed immediately. Negotiation, by definition, implies that each side will give. Do not perceive it as an ultimatum. If the employer chooses not to grant any of your requests - and realistically, he or she can do that - you will still have the option of accepting the original offer provided you have maintained a positive, productive and friendly atmosphere during your exchanges. You can always re-enter negotiations after you have demonstrated your worth to the organization.
Money Isn’t Everything There are many things you can negotiate besides salary. For example, benefits can add thousands of dollars to the compensation package. Benefits can range from paid personal leave to discounts on the company’s products and services. They constitute more than just icing on the cake; they may be better than the cake itself. Traditional benefits packages include health insurance, paid vacation and personal/sick days. Companies may offer such benefits as child care, elder care or use of the company jet for family emergencies. Other lucrative benefits could include disability and life insurance and a variety of retirement plans. Some organizations offer investment and stock options as well as relocation reimbursement and tuition credits for continued education. Written by Lily Maestas, Counseling and Career Services, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Choosing Between Job Offers The first question many of your friends will ask when you receive a job offer is “What does it pay?” For many college graduates this consideration is near the top of the list, which is not surprising. Most students have invested thousands of dollars in their education, often racking up high student loan balances. Most graduates are looking forward to paying off that debt. Also, the value of a salary is easy to understand; the more zeroes after the first digit, the better. In order to evaluate a salary offer you need to know what the average pay scale is for your degree and industry. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is a good source of salary information for entry-level college graduates. Their annual Salary Survey should be available in your campus career center. Make sure you factor cost-of-living differences when considering salary offers. For example, you may need an offer of $76,000 in San Francisco to equal an offer of $40,000 in Huntsville, Ala. Bonuses and commissions are considered part of your salary, so take them into consideration when evaluating an offer. It’s also important to have a good understanding of an employer’s policies concerning raises. Be sure to never make your decision on salary alone. Students tend to overemphasize salary when considering job offers. Money is important, but it’s more important that you like your job. If you like your job, chances are you’ll be good at it. And if you’re good at your job, eventually you will be financially rewarded.
Factor in Benefits Of course, salary is only one way in which employers financially compensate their employees. Ask anybody with a long work history and they’ll tell you how important benefits are. When most people think of employer benefits, they think of things like health insurance, vacation time and retirement savings. But employers are continually coming up with more and more creative ways to compensate their workers, from health club memberships to flextime. The value of a benefits plan depends on your own plans and needs. A company gym or membership at a health club won’t be of much value to you if you don’t like to sweat.
Who’s the Boss? Who you work for can have as much bearing on your overall job satisfaction as how much you earn and what you do. First, analyze how stable the potential employer is. If the company is for-profit, what were its earnings last year? What are its projections for growth? If the job is with a government agency or a nonprofit, what type of funding does it have? How long has the employer been around? You could receive the best job offer in the world, but if the job is cut in six months, it won’t do you much good.
Corporate Culture There are three aspects to a work environment: 1. the physical workspace 2. the “corporate culture” of the employer 3. fellow co-workers. Don’t underestimate the importance of a good workspace. If you are a private person, you probably will not be able to do your best work in a cluster of cubicles. If you are an extrovert, you won’t be happy shut in an office for hours on end. Corporate culture comprises the attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values of an organization. What’s the hierarchy of the organization? Is there a dress code? Is overtime expected? Do they value creativity or is it more important that you follow protocol? Whenever possible, you should talk to current or previous employees to get a sense of the corporate culture. You may also be able to get a sense of the environment during the interview or by meeting your potential boss and co-workers during the interview process. Ask yourself if the corporate culture is compatible with your own attitudes, beliefs and values. Your boss and fellow co-workers make up the last part of the work environment. Hopefully, you will like the people you work with, but you must, at least, be able to work well with them professionally. You may not be able to get a good sense of your potential co-workers
or boss during the interview process. But if you do develop strong feelings one way or the other, be sure to take them into consideration when making your final decision.
Like What You Do Recent college graduates are seldom able to land their dream jobs right out of school, but it’s still important that you at least like what you do. Before accepting a job offer, make sure you have a very good sense of what your day-to-day duties will be. What are your responsibilities? Will you be primarily working in teams or alone? Will your job tasks be repetitive or varied? Will your work be challenging? What level of stress can you expect with the position?
Location, Location, Location Climate, proximity to friends and family and local population (i.e., urban vs. rural) should all be evaluated against your desires and preferences. If you are considering a job far away from your current address, will the employer pay for part or all of your moving expenses? Even if you are looking at a local job, location can be important - especially as it relates to travel time. A long commute will cost you time, money and probably more than a little frustration. Make sure the tradeoff is worth it.
Time is on Your Side It’s acceptable to request two or three days to consider a job offer. And depending on the employer and the position, even a week of consideration time can be acceptable. If you’ve already received another offer or expect to hear back from anther employer soon, make sure you have time to consider both offers. But don’t ask for too much time to consider. Like all of us, employers don’t like uncertainty. Make sure you give them an answer one way or another as soon as you can.
It’s Your Call Once you make a decision, act quickly. If you are accepting a position, notify the hiring manager by phone followed by a confirmation letter or an email. Keep the letter short and state the agreed upon salary and the start date. When rejecting an offer, make sure to thank the employer for their time and interest. It always pays to be polite in your correspondence. You never know where your career path will take you and it might just take you back to an employer you initially rejected. Written by Chris Enstrom, a freelance writer from Nashville, Ind.
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Cost of Living Index
Salary Comparison Equation
The following is a selection of cities where many graduating students accept offers. The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment in each city listed. Use the calculation to compare salaries in different cities. For further information about the data below, please refer to: www.best-places.net/html/col1.asp. To compare information from other sources, refer to these Web sites: www.salary.com www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html?type=to Average City, USA Average City, USA 100
Hawaii Honolulu 178
Alabama Birmingham 80 Montgomery 77
Idaho Boise 94
Alaska Anchorage 114
Illinois Chicago 126 Springfield 75
Arizona Flagstaff 122 Phoenix 104 Tucson 95
Indiana Bloomington 88 Indianapolis 75 South Bend 71
Arkansas Little Rock 80
Iowa Des Moines 81 Iowa City 91
California Fresno 104 Irvine 169 Los Angeles 156 Sacramento 111 San Diego 147 San Francisco 187 San Jose 161 Colorado Boulder 140 Colorado Springs 91 Denver 105 Connecticut Hartford 95 New Haven 99 Stamford 181 Delaware Wilmington 87 Florida Miami 137 Orlando 94 Georgia Atlanta 112
Kansas Kansas City 76 Kentucky Lexington 86 Louisville 78 Louisiana Baton Rouge 89 New Orleans 91 Maine Portland 103 Maryland Baltimore 92 Massachusetts Boston 128 Michigan Ann Arbor 99 Detroit 74 Lansing 72 Minnesota Minneapolis 102 St. Paul 96
42 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
City #1 x Salary = $__________ City #2 What is the New York City equivalent of a $40,000 salary in Orlando? New York City 164 164 x $40,000 = $69,787 Orlando 94
Missouri Kansas City 80 St. Louis 80
Pennsylvania Philadelphia 92 Pittsburgh 84
Montana Billings 87
South Carolina Charleston 107 Columbia 82
Nebraska Lincoln 81 Omaha 81 Nevada Las Vegas 104 New Jersey Atlantic City 103 Princeton 148 Newark 105 New Mexico Albuquerque 96 Santa Fe 122 New York Albany 105 Buffalo 78 New York City 164 Syracuse 80 North Carolina Chapel Hill 127 Charlotte 91 Raleigh 106 North Dakota Fargo 80 Ohio Cincinnati 80 Cleveland 78 Columbus 82 Dayton 73 Oklahoma Oklahoma City 79 Tulsa 78 Oregon Portland 109
South Dakota Sioux Falls 84 Tennessee Chattanooga 82 Memphis 72 Nashville 89 Texas Austin 96 Dallas 93 Houston 86 San Antonio 75 Utah Salt Lake City 98 Vermont Burlington 109 Virginia Richmond 87 Virginia Beach 109 Washington Seattle 132 Washington, DC Washington, DC 166 West Virginia Charleston 75 Wisconsin Madison 93 Milwaukee 83 Wyoming Cheyenne 88
Federal Jobs: Working for Uncle Sam So you want to work for the federal government? You are not alone. Uncle Sam employs approximately 1.8 million civilian workers worldwide. Federal employees receive a generous benefits package, and as of 2006 they earned an average salary of $63,125. As the largest employer in the U.S., the federal government offers a variety of career opportunities unparalleled in the private sector. No matter what your degree or level of experience, there is a job for you with the feds. Federal employees work with (and create) cutting-edge technology. They create policy, programs and services that impact the health, safety and welfare of millions of people in the U.S. and abroad. But with these benefits come bureaucracy. If you do not like working within a system and following a defined chain of command, a federal job might not be for you. This bureaucracy is evident in the hiring process as well. Federal agencies follow strict hiring procedures, and applicants who do not conform to these procedures are left by the wayside. Typically, the federal hiring process can stretch on for months. In fact, many career professionals recommend that students applying for federal jobs begin the process at least two semesters before their graduation date.
Types of Federal Jobs Federal jobs are separated into two classes: competitive service and excepted service positions. Competitive service jobs, which include the majority of federal positions, are subject to civil service laws passed by Congress. Job applications for competitive service positions are rated on a numerical system in which applications are awarded points based on education, experience and other predetermined job qualification standards. Hiring managers then fill the position from a pool of candidates with the highest point totals. Hiring managers for excepted service agencies are not required to follow civil service hiring procedures or pick from a pool of candidates who have been rated on a points system. Instead, these agencies set their own qualifications requirements, as occurs in private industry. However, both competitive service and excepted service positions must give preference to veterans who were either disabled or who served in combat areas during certain periods of time. The Federal Reserve, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency are examples of some excepted service agencies. (For a complete list, visit usajobs.gov/ei6.asp.) It’s important to note that even agencies that are not strictly excepted service agencies can have excepted service positions available within them.
OPM and USAJOBS The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) acts as the federal government’s human resources agency. OPM’s Web site (opm. gov) is expansive and contains a wealth of information for anyone interested in federal jobs, including federal employment trends, salary ranges, benefits, retirement statistics and enough links to publications and resources to keep a research librarian busy for days. Linked to the OPM site is the recently launched USAJOBS site (usajobs.gov), which has its own set of tools and resources. Of particular interest to job applicants is “The Career Interest Center” page, which contains tools to help applicants find jobs that match their education, skills and interests. More importantly, USAJOBS acts as a portal for federal employment with thousands of job listings at any one time.
Ten Steps to the Federal Job Search Do you know what to expect when applying for federal jobs? Navigating the federal job search can be very time-consuming and confusing; however, with the right tools and steps the process can run very smoothly. Here are ten steps worth taking in order to land a federal job, which often results in good pay, benefits, stability, and career growth. Any student can apply for a federal job or internship, you just need to be prepared! Tips from: Troutman, K , & Troutman E. (2004). The student’s federal career guide: 10 steps to find and win top government jobs and internships. 1. Network: Think about this statement, “They can’t hire you if they don’t know who you are. They can’t hire you if you don’t know who they are.” Start talking to friends and family who may have contacts in the federal government. Furthermore, contact individuals who hold federal jobs and ask to conduct an informational interview. 2. Find your agency and job title: Know what job titles are correct for you. There are approximately 75 majors matching 450 job titles and agencies. 3. Internships: A federal internship can be your ticket to a federal career. More than 100 different intern programs are identified in the following web site: www.student jobs.gov/d_internship.asp. Many of these positions are paid. Also be aware that there are Fellowship Programs as well. 4. Understanding Federal Jobs - Target Your Salary and Grade: The federal civil service has different grading and pay structures for its professional and trade workforces. It is important for you to know what categories you fall into when applying for jobs. 5. Find Vacancy Announcements: Locating a vacancy announcement for which you are qualified can be like finding gold! Find an agency and office whose mission is right for you. A great place to start researching is www.usajobs.gov. 6. Write Your Federal Resume : Your federal resume is your federal application. This is the most important document you will write and submit for a federal job. Also, beware that a federal resume is not the same as a private industry resume. Related information and samples can be found at www. tenstepsforstudents.org. 7. Write KSAs and Cover Letters: KSA is an acronym for “Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.” They are narrative statements written by the applicant that reflect successful performance in their background. Cover letters should be limited to one page, and should be well written and express your appreciation for a review of your resume . 8. Apply for Federal Jobs: There are more than 50 ways to apply for federal jobs; therefore, it is imperative that you follow the directions of each individual vacancy announcement. 9. Track and Follow up: Asking questions, gaining information, developing relationships, and becoming known are a helpful part of the application process. 10. Interview for a Federal Job: The federal government uses many different approaches to interviewing. Please use the Career Center to assist you in understanding these approaches and preparing for your interviews. Adapted from Virginia Tech’s 2007-2008 Career Planning Guide.
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Part-Time Jobs at ECU Working a part-time job on or off campus enables students to apply knowledge being learned in the classroom and strengthens their skills for future employment. Students who work while going to school have an opportunity to help pay educational costs and gain valuable experience and skills to enhance their career goals. The networking and contacts gained during this time will prove helpful when professional references are needed upon graduation. FACT: 75% of all U.S. college undergraduate students work part-time. On-campus jobs: There are four types of campus positions available to registered ECU students; Federal Work Study, Self-Help, Graduate Assistantships, and Undergraduate Assistantships. The majority of hourly student worker positions are hired as Office Assistants, Computer Lab Assistants, or Library Assistants. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may vary with each type of position. Certain positions may require specific levels of experience, training, class standing and/or certification. Off-campus jobs: We are fortunate to have the support of our local business community. Many local employers advertise their part-time and seasonal jobs with our office via www.ecu.edu/hireapirate. In addition, several non-profit agencies participate in our Federal Work Study Community Service program.
Description of Part-Time Positions
Undergraduate Assistantships (UGAs)
A federally funded program based on student’s financial need. ONLY students qualified by Financial Aid office are eligible to participate in the work study program. Qualified students receive a hiring authorization form from Financial Aid. Can not work more than 20 hours per week during the academic year (38 hours per week during summer). Positions are available with campus departments and with approved off-campus community service agencies (mostly non-profit organizations). Hourly pay rates are based on the students experience level and range from $8.00-$12.50 per hour. FWS students are paid twice a month and submit timesheets.
Are awarded by some departments typically to upperclassman who have a strong academic background to aid faculty with research, teaching, and community engagement. An undergraduate assistant must be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA) and be enrolled in an on-campus ECU undergraduate degree program (minimum 12 credit hours). These positions are typically paid through stipends or a semester salary (amounts will vary). The number of hours worked each week may vary by department, but can not exceed 30 hours per week (international students may not exceed 20 hours per week) during the academic year. UGAs are paid twice a month and do not submit timesheets.
Self-Help
Part-Time Jobs (Off-Campus)
Federal Work Study (FWS)
Any student currently registered at ECU in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA) is eligible to apply for Self-Help campus jobs. Self-Help positions are part-time campus positions that are paid directly out of the hiring department’s budget. Hourly pay rates vary (minimum wage and up) depending on the departments budget, students experience level, and the required duties and responsibilities of the position. Students may not work more than 30 hours per week (international students may not exceed 20 hours per week) during the academic year. Self-Help students are paid twice a month and must submit timesheets. Graduate Assistantships (GAs)
Are awarded through most, but not all, graduate programs at ECU. GAs usually require the student be enrolled full-time (at least 9 s.h. of graduate level coursework) and that the student provides up to 30 hours per week (international students may not exceed 20 hours per week) during the academic year. Some graduate programs offer 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-hour assistantships. Since the terms and requirements of GAs vary by program, students should contact their respective graduate program director for more information. Salary amounts vary with each program but the minimum is $3,750 (for 20 hours) per semester and is provided through the department’s budget. GAs are paid twice a month and do not submit timesheets.
44 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
There are numerous off-campus part-time job opportunities available. Many local employers post their job opportunities via www. ecu.edu/hireapirate. Some may not. Utilize all of your resources when searching for a part-time job. www.ecu.edu/hireapirate is a great place to start, but you will also want to speak with your friends, parents, and professors to see if they have any job leads as well. Be sure to check out the local classified section in The Daily Reflector and The East Carolinian newspapers.
Succeeding in Your Internship or Co-op One of the best benefits of an internship experience is that it can serve as your passport to future employment opportunities. Getting your foot in the door by landing the internship is only half of the challenge in turning your career dreams into reality. During this career experience, the more important half is to build a reputation that will culminate in a full-time job offer! A growing number of employers are using internships as a way to gain a first in-depth look at prospective employees. In this way, both you and your employer have a common goal - namely, to determine if there is a good fit between you and the position/company.
10 tips to Becoming a Savvy Intern and Making Powerful Career Moves
6. Find a Mentor
Pass the attitude test and you will be well on your way to success. Attitude speaks loud and clear and makes a lasting impression, so make sure that yours is one of your greatest assets. Take on any task assigned - no matter how small - with enthusiasm. Take the initiative to acquire new skills. Accept criticism graciously and maintain a sense of humor.
A mentor who can provide you with additional guidance will contribute to your effectiveness as an intern. Identify at least one individual to serve as your mentor or professional guardian. It should be someone who is willing to take a personal interest in your career development and success. Once you know your way around, begin to network wisely and get “plugged in” by associating with other seasoned employees who may share their knowledge, perspectives, and insights. Get noticed because more people will have a role in determining your future than you might at first realize.
2. Learn the Unwritten Rules
7. Communicate Respectfully
1. Exhibit a Can-Do Attitude
Get to know your co-workers early in your internship. They will help you figure out quickly the culture in which you will be working. You will need to adapt, observe, learn, and process a large volume of information. Watch closely how things get done. Ask questions and pay attention to how people interact with each other and what the organization’s “unwritten rules” are. 3. Take Your Assignments Seriously
Build a reputation for being dependable. Be diligent and accurate in your work. You may encounter a great deal of ambiguity in the work environment, so seek direction when in doubt and do whatever it takes to get the job done. As an intern, you will generally start out by performing small tasks, asking a lot of questions, and learning the systems. Your internship supervisor knows that there will be an initial learning curve and will make allowances for mistakes. Learn from your errors and move on to your next task. From there, your responsibilities and the expectations of others are likely to grow. 4. Meet Deadlines
Always assume the responsibility to ask when an assignment is due. This will help you to understand your supervisor’s priorities and to manage your time accordingly. Alert your boss in advance if you will be unable to meet expectations. This shows respect and professional maturity. 5. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Invest actively in the most critical element of your internship - the learning agenda that you set up with your supervisor at the beginning of the assignment. Your learning agenda should target specific skills and competencies that you wish to acquire and demonstrate. After all, the learning agenda is what distinguishes a short-term job from an internship. It is up to you to establish a correlation between your learning goals and the daily work you are asked to perform. Maintain a journal of your activities and accomplishments in order to monitor your progress. Begin creating a portfolio of your projects that you can use later to highlight your skills, talents, and accomplishments. In addition, seek regular reviews from your supervisor to assess your performance and reinforce the fact that you mean business.
Assume that everyone else knows more than you do, but don’t be afraid to present useful ideas that solve problems or save time or money. Mentors and supervisors can be great sounding boards. Don’t hesitate to check in with them ahead of time if you’re uncertain or want additional guidance. Make sure, however, that your style does not come across as arrogant. Employers value assertiveness but not aggressiveness. Find out the proper way to address individuals including customers. Maintain a pleasant and respectful demeanor with every person regardless of his or her rank. 8. Be Flexible
Accept a wide variety of tasks, even those that may not relate directly to your assignments or those that may seem like menial work. Your willingness to go the extra mile, especially during “crunch time,” will help open up the way to assuming greater responsibilities. This demonstrates the increased value you bring to the organization. 9. Be a Team Player
Learn how your assignment fits into the grand scheme of things and keep a keen eye on getting the job done. In today’s work environment, success is often defined as your ability to get along with and interact with others. You’re a winner only if your team wins. 10. Have Fun!
Last but not least, enjoy learning, sharpening your skills, and developing professionally and personally. Participate in work-related social functions, committees, and become an active member of your work community. Reprinted from San Jose State University’s 2007-2008 Job & Internship Guide.
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Professional Etiquette Your academic knowledge and skills may be spectacular, but do you have the social skills needed to be successful in the workplace? Good professional etiquette indicates to potential employers that you are a mature, responsible adult who can aptly represent their company. Not knowing proper etiquette could damage your image, prevent you from getting a job and jeopardize personal and business relationships.
Meeting and Greeting Etiquette begins with meeting and greeting. Terry Cobb, human resource director at Wachovia Corporation in South Carolina’s Palmetto region, emphasizes the importance of making a good first impression - beginning with the handshake. A firm shake, he says, indicates to employers that you’re confident and assertive. A limp handshake, on the other hand, sends the message that you’re not interested or qualified for the job. Dave Owenby, human resources manager for North and South Carolina at Sherwin Williams, believes, “Good social skills include having a firm handshake, smiling, making eye contact and closing the meeting with a handshake.” The following basic rules will help you get ahead in the workplace: • Always rise when introducing or being introduced to someone. • Provide information in making introductions - you are responsible for keeping the conversation going. “Joe, please meet Ms. Crawford, CEO at American Enterprise, Inc., in Cleveland.” “Mr. Jones, this is Kate Smith, a senior majoring in computer information systems at Northwestern University.” • Unless given permission, always address someone by his or her title and last name. • Practice a firm handshake. Make eye contact while shaking hands.
Dining Shirley Willey, owner of Etiquette & Company, reports that roughly 80% of second interviews involve a business meal. Cobb remembers one candidate who had passed his initial interview with flying colors. Because the second interview was scheduled close to noon, Cobb decided to conduct the interview over lunch. Initially, the candidate was still in the “interview” mode and maintained his professionalism. After a while, however, he became more relaxed - and that’s when the candidate’s real personality began to show. He had terrible table manners, made several off-color remarks and spoke negatively about previous employers. Needless to say, Cobb was unimpressed, and the candidate did not get the job. Remember that an interview is always an interview, regardless of how relaxed or informal the setting. Anything that is said or done will be considered by the interviewer, cautions Cobb.
In order to make a good impression during a lunch or dinner interview, make sure you: • Arrive on time. • Wait to sit until the host/hostess indicates the seating arrangement. • Place napkin in lap before eating or drinking anything. • When ordering, keep in mind that this is a talking business lunch. Order something easy to eat, such as boneless chicken or fish. • Do not hold the order up because you cannot make a decision. Feel free to ask for suggestions from others at the table. • Wait to eat until everyone has been served. • Keep hands in lap unless you are using them to eat. • Practice proper posture; sit up straight with your arms close to your body. • Bring food to your mouth - not your head to the plate. • Try to eat at the same pace as everyone else. • Take responsibility for keeping up the conversation. • Place napkin on chair seat if excusing yourself for any reason. • Place napkin beside plate at the end of the meal. • Push chair under table when excusing yourself.
Eating Follow these simple rules for eating and drinking: • Start eating with the implement that is farthest away from your plate. You may have two spoons and two forks. The spoon farthest away from your plate is a soup spoon. The fork farthest away is a salad fork unless you have three forks, one being much smaller, which would be a seafood fork for an appetizer. The dessert fork/spoon is usually above the plate. Remember to work from the outside in. • Dip soup away from you; sip from the side of the spoon. • Season food only after you have tasted it. • Pass salt and pepper together - even if asked for only one. • Pass all items to the right. If the item has a handle, such as a pitcher, pass with the handle toward the next person. For bowls with spoons, pass with the spoon ready for the next person. If you are the one to reach to the center of the table for an item, pass it before serving yourself. • While you are speaking during a meal, utensils should be resting on plate (fork and knife crossed on the plate with tines down). • Don’t chew with your mouth open or blow on your food. The interviewer will usually take care of the bill and the tip. Be prepared, however, if this doesn’t happen and have small bills ready to take care of your part, including the tip. Never make an issue of the check. Social skills can make or break your career. Social skills can make or break a career. Employees have to exhibit a certain level of professionalism and etiquette in their regular work day, and particularly in positions where they come in contact with clients. Be one step ahead - practice the social skills necessary to help you make a great first impression and stand out in a competitive job market. Written by Jennie Hunter, a professor at Western Carolina University.
46 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Dining Out Arrangements • When making dining arrangements find out: 1) Time - be prompt 2) Location to be picked up 3) Type of restaurant; casual or dressy
Entering • Allow host to make arrangements with the restaurant • Follow host’s cue on where to sit • Allow women to be seated first
After You Are Seated • Unfold large napkin in half, place in lap • During meal, place napkin on chair if you leave the table, and on either side of your plate when meal is finished • Do not use napkin as a handkerchief
Ordering • Follow the host’s cue for ordering drinks and food. Remember, drinking alcohol hinders decision making. Don’t order the most expensive item on the menu. Avoid messy food, ordering instead food that is eaten with a fork. Dining Terminology
a la carte - off the menu and items priced separately au jus - in its own juice aux fines herbes - with parsley, herbs and butter bearnaise - brown sauce with butter bordelaise - sauce made with wine, bone arrow, herbs, and beef stock brochette - a skewer, or anything cooked on one consomme - enriched, concentrated meat stock en croute - baked in pastry crust hollandaise - heavy sauce with egg, butter and lemon maison - in style of the restaurant maitre d’hotel - head waiter who greets you at the table mousse - whipped dessert made with cream, gelatin and/or egg whites tarte - pie tempura - prepared in batter and fried soup du jour - soup of the day
Serving
Do’s and Don’ts for Dining Out • DO remember that your actions are being observed. • DO use your best manners and choice vocabulary. • DO cut only one bite of food at a time. • DO break a whole slice of bread at least in half after putting it on the plate. • DO pass salt and pepper together. • DON’T reach - ask for items to be passed. • DON’T talk or drink with your mouth full of food. • DON’T sprinkle salt and pepper all over your food without tasting it first. • DON’T use the salad plate for bread and butter. Use the bread plate on your left. • DON’T request catsup for anything other than a hamburger.
Formal Table Setting
• Expect the waiter to serve from the left and remove empty dishes from the right. Do not move empty dishes to the side or hand them to the waiter. • The utensils are arranged in the order that they will be used use them from the outside in. The spoon and fork above the dinner plate are for dessert. • Take your cue from the host to begin eating; otherwise, it is polite to wait until everyone has been served before proceeding. However, in large groups (six or more), the host may suggest that the first served begin eating.
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International Students and the Job Search Looking for a job is seldom easy for any student. For you, the international student, the job search process can be especially confusing. You may lack an understanding of U.S. employment regulations, or perhaps you are unaware of the impact your career choice has on your job search. You may also be unsure about your role as the job-seeker and the resources used by American employers to find candidates. The following is an overview of the issues most relevant to international students in developing a job search strategy. Additional information about the employment process and related topics can be found through your career center and on the Internet.
Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Regulations As an international student, you should only obtain employmentrelated information from an experienced immigration attorney or your campus USCIS representative. Advice from any other resource may be inaccurate. Once you have decided to remain in the United States to work, contact the international student services office or the office of human resources on your campus and make an appointment with your USCIS representative. In addition to helping you fill out necessary forms, the USCIS representative will inform you of the costs associated with working in the United States.
Importance of Skills and Career Field Find out if your degree and skills-set are currently in demand in the U.S. job market. An advanced degree, highly marketable skills or extensive experience will all make your job search easier. Find out what region of the United States holds the majority of the jobs in your field; you may need to relocate in order to find the job you want. Learn all you can about your targeted career field by talking to professors, reading industry publications and attending professional meetings and regional conferences.
Role of Employers It is the employer’s responsibility to find the right people for his or her company - not to help you find a job. The interview is successful when both of you see a match between the employer’s needs and your interest and ability to do the job. The employer (through hiring managers, human resources staff or employment agencies) will most likely use several resources to find workers, including: • College recruiting • Campus or community career fairs • Posting jobs on the company website or on national job posting sites on the Internet • Posting jobs in major newspapers or trade publications • Posting jobs with professional associations • Resume searches on national online services • Employee referrals • Regional and national conferences • Employment agencies (“headhunters”) Are you accessible to employers through at least some of the above strategies? If not, develop a plan to make sure your credentials are widely circulated. Notify as many people as possible in your field about your job search.
Strong Communication Skills You can help the employer make an informed hiring decision if you: • Provide a well-prepared resume that includes desirable skills and relevant employment experiences. • Clearly convey your interests and ability to do the job in an interview. • Understand English when spoken to you and can effectively express your thoughts in English. It’s important to be able to positively promote yourself and talk with confidence about your education, relevant skills and related experiences. Self-promotion is rarely easy for anyone. But, it can be especially difficult for individuals from cultures where talking about yourself is considered inappropriate. When interviewing in the United States, however, you are expected to be able to explain your credentials and why you are suitable for the position. Be sensitive to the interviewer’s verbal and nonverbal cues. Some international students may not realize when their accent is causing them to be misunderstood. Interviewers are sometimes too embarrassed or impatient to ask for clarification, so be on the lookout for nonverbal clues, such as follow-up questions that don’t match your responses or sudden disinterest on the part of the interviewer. Also, make sure you express proper nonverbal communication; always look directly at the employer in order to portray confidence and honesty. If your English language skills need some work, get involved with campus and community activities. These events will allow you to practice speaking English. The more you use the language, the more proficient you will become. These activities are also a great way to make networking contacts.
The Career Center The Career Center can be a valuable resource in your job search. Be aware, however, that some employers using the Career Center won’t interview students who are not U.S. citizens. Though this may limit your ability to participate in some campus interviews, there are numerous ways to benefit from the Career Center: • Attend sessions on job search strategies and related topics. • Work with the Career Center staff to develop your job search strategy. • Attend campus career fairs and company information sessions to inquire about employment opportunities and to practice your networking skills. It’s a good idea to get advice from other international students who have successfully found employment in this country and to start your job search early. Create and follow a detailed plan of action that will lead you to a great job you can write home about. Written by Rosita Smith
48 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career
Considering Graduate School? At some point in your college career, you must decide what you would like to do after graduation. This may include whether or not to attend graduate school. If you’re trying to determine whether graduate school is right for you, here are some pointers to help you make an enlightened decision.
Should I consider going to graduate school? Going to graduate school might be a good idea if you…
• want to be a professor, lawyer, doctor, investment banker or work in any profession that requires a post-secondary education. • wish to develop additional expertise in a particular subject or field to maximize your future earning potential and opportunities for career advancement. • are deeply interested in a particular subject and wish to study it in-depth - AND have the time and financial resources to devote to further education. Going to graduate school might not be a good idea if you…
• are trying to delay your entry into the “real world” with real responsibilities and real bills. • are clueless about your career goals. • aren’t prepared to devote the time and hard work needed to succeed. • want to stay in school longer to avoid a poor job market.
Is it better to work first or attend graduate school immediately after I complete my undergraduate degree? Work first if…
• you would like to get some real-world work experence before investing thousands of dollars in a graduate degree. • the graduate school of your choice prefers work experience (most MBA and some Ph.D. programs require this). • you cannot afford to go to graduate school now, and you haven’t applied for any scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships, which could pay for a great deal of your education. Go to graduate school now if…
• you are absolutely sure you want to be a college professor, doctor, lawyer, etc., and need a graduate degree to pursue your dream job. • you have been awarded grants, fellowships, scholarships or assistantships that will help pay for your education. • you’re concerned that once you start earning real money, you won’t be able to return to the lifestyle of a “poor” student. • your study habits and mental abilities are at their peak, and you worry whether you’ll have the discipline (or motivation) to write papers and study for exams in a few years.
I am broke. How will I pay for tuition, books, fees and living expenses? • Family: You’ve likely borrowed from them in the past; maybe you’re lucky enough for it to still be a viable option. • Student Loans: Even if you’ve taken out loans in the past, another $50,000 - $75,000 may be a sound “investment” in your future. • Fellowships/Scholarships: A free education is always the best option. The catch is you need a high GPA, good GRE/ GMAT/LSAT/MCAT scores and the commitment to search out every possible source of funding.
• Teaching/Research Assistantships: Many assistantships include tuition waivers plus a monthly stipend. It’s a great way to get paid for earning an education. • Employer Sponsorship: Did you know that some companies actually pay for you to continue your education? The catch is they usually expect you to continue working for them after you complete your degree so they can recoup their investment.
What are the pros and cons of going to graduate school full-time vs. part-time? Benefits of attending graduate school full-time:
• you’ll be able to complete your degree sooner. • you can totally commit your intellectual, physical and emotional energy to your education. • ideal if you want to make a dramatic career change. Benefits of attending graduate school part-time:
• work income helps pay for your education. • you can take a very manageable course load. • you can juggle family responsibilities while completing your degree. • allows you to work in the function/industry/career of your choice while continuing your education. • employer will often pay for part (or all) of your graduatedegree.
Assuming I want to go to graduate school in the near future, what should I do now? • Identify your true strengths, interests and values to help you discover what is right for YOU - not your friends or parents. • Keep your grades up and sign up (and prepare) to take the required standardized tests. • Talk to faculty, friends and family who have gone to graduate school to get their perspective about the differences between being an undergraduate and a graduate student. • Talk to faculty, friends and family who are in your targeted profession to get a realistic sense of the career path and the challenges associated with the work they do. • Investigate creative ways to finance your education - by planning ahead you may reduce your debt. • Research graduate schools to help you find a good match. • Investigate the admissions process and the current student body profile of your targeted schools to evaluate your probability for admission. • Have faith and APPLY! Remember, you can’t get in unless you apply. Written by Roslyn J. Bradford
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The Career Center 701 East 5th Street Greenville, NC 27858 252-328-6050 www.ecu.edu/career Monday – Friday • 8AM – 5PM 1 The Career Center CAREER SUCCESS GUIDE www.ecu.edu/career