How to navigate a Career Fair
cover letters: Important or Not? Meet the Career Consultants
plus tips
Proper Etiquette in a Lunch Interview The Wild West: Which resume format is best for you?
Questions you should ask during an Interview
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|Spring 2012
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| Table of Contents Spotlight on Career Services 4 Spotlight on Testing Services 4 Meet the Career Consultants 6 Our Mission 7 Overview of Services 7
Interviews
Questions you should ask during an Interview 9 Help! I have a Lunch Interview! 11
Career�� � � Fairs
How to Navigate a Career Fair 14
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The Wild West: Which résumé format is best for you? 18 Cover Letters: Important or Not? (plus tips!) 20 Lamar University Career and Testing Center 4400 South ML King Jr. Parkway Galloway Business Building, Suite 102 Beaumont, TX 77705 Contact us : (409) 880-8878 or careerandtestingcenter@lamar.edu
Career Services Monday- Friday 8 am - 5 pm Pearson Vue Labs Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm Prometric Labs Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Are you a Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate student in the College of Business College of Fine Arts and Communication or College of Family and Consumer Sciences with a 2.7 GPA or above? Did you receive your invitation? Check your myLamar e-mail to see if you’ve received your invitation March 20, 2012 Mary and John Grey Library, 8th Floor Professional Dress is required
Lamar University Career and Testing Center Galloway Business Building, Suite 102 Phone: 409.880.8878 www.careerservices.lamar.edu
| Career Developmet in 2012 With the economy slowly coming back, it is more important than ever to gain all the credentials needed to be the most qualified applicant for future employers. For a student of Lamar University, they have the Department of Career and Testing Services here to assist in their transition from school to a career. The Career Center is here to assist students with career consultations. The Consultants render the following services: job search strategies, resume design and critiquing, mock interviewing, and career assessments. The Student Employment Center manages all part-time on and off campus positions from our Lamar-friendly companies seeking to employ Lamar students. Career Center staff is available via appointment or walk-in to assist with resume design, critique or job search strategies. The Testing Center is available for all levels of testing services from professional licensure and certification exams to graduate admission exams. The labs also offer Credit by Examination for students prepared in a specific subject area and seeking a fast track through their degree plan as well as admission exams into programs such as Nursing. We are proud to provide our students of Lamar University and our community the services as needed for personal and professional career success. Teresa Simpson Director
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Spotlight on Career Services By Deidra Mayer
Hot Topic: Why an Internship? It is becoming more prevalent that employers are posting internship positions for college students at University Career Centers. Students are missing some serious opportunities that could lead to experience building with long term success. At Lamar University we have seen a 10% hike in 2011 in the amount of employers posting for internships from previous year. Many of our students are not filling the void of those empty positions. We would like to see more of our students take advantage of these opportunities. In order to this, students must look at why internship are important for them and the employer. After Graduation When you get out of college you would hope that the piece of paper you just earned would be the magic key to success. Sadly, that is not going to be enough. Internships are becoming the fundamental component in an academic career. Graduating students with paid or unpaid internships on their résumé have a much better chance at landing a full-time position upon graduation. Real Benefits Gaining valuable experience, getting a foot in the door with a potential employer and enhancing your résumé, is not the only benefits you will have when you participate in an internship. Below are some other advantages to taking on an internship: • The opportunity to "test drive" a career (Do I want to work in auditing or tax?) • Networking • Get to know your mentor and create a relationship • Possible college credit • Learn more about what your career center preaches…an introduction to the field's culture and etiquette (Are clients addressed by their first name? Are jeans appropriate for Casual Friday?) • Gaining a new skill set that is not taught by the books • Chance to get a perspective of the "real world" in an occupation (How much overtime do employees really work? How much time is spent behind a desk versus in the field?) Employer Perspective Employers are well aware of the benefits for students and know that the sell is not always easy. Employers are looking to “test drive” each individual just as much as that person needs the employer to help gain needed skills. An Internship can help employers evaluate an individual on how they might fare in the actual workplace. Many companies develop an internship pool and hire from that group. They want students to have little or no experience so that they can train and mold them. Internships are a huge investment for companies. It takes time and resources for recruiting, selecting and training interns. Companies are looking for a return on their investment. The return comes from having talented individuals that enhance services the company offers or it might be choosing a person that will work best within the office culture. Don’t Forget Not all internships are within an office setting. From being an archeologist intern at a museum to a horticulture intern at a theme park, there are many sorts of opportunities for motivated individuals and 4| The Link interested companies to enter into a mutually beneficial relationship.
Spotlight on Testing Services By Lindsey Jackson
What is CLEP®? The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) is a series of examinations in 35 introductory college subjects that allow individuals to earn college credit for what they already know regardless of how that knowledge was acquired! Lamar University awards credit for successful scores on CLEP® exams. CLEP® exams are 90 minutes long and are administered on computer in Lamar University’s Office of Career and Testing Services. Students receive instant score reports following completion of the exam with the exception of College Composition and College Composition Modular. If you are taking an English exam for credit at Lamar University, there is an additional essay to complete. All examinees will have six months to complete the essay portion once they have passed the multiple choice section of the exam. If you have not completed the exam within this six month period, you will need to retake the multiple choice section. I Want to Take a CLEP® Exam—What Do I Do? Go to our website www.lamar.edu/careerandtestingcenter to register for the exam. Each CLEP® exam costs $150.00. This fee includes a $73.00 university and a $77.00 non- cash payment to College Board that must be paid the day of the exam. If you are taking an exam that includes an essay there is an additional fee of $25.00. More Information About CLEP®. For more information about the content and format of CLEP® exams and for study material, please visit www.collegeboard.com/clep.
| Meet the Career Consultants Teresa Simpson, M. Ed. Director Liaison to College of Education
Deidra Mayer Associate Director Liaison to College of Engineering
Haley Tyson Liaison to College of Arts and Sciences and the Of�ice of General Studies
Amy Pumphrey Liaison to College of Business and the College of Fine Arts and Communication
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| Our Mission It is the mission of the Lamar University Career and Testing Center to assist students, alumni and the community in excelling in the development and implementation of life-long career decision-making and job search skills, while providing a quality testing environment to maximize their career satisfaction and employment opportunities.
| Overview of Services The Career and Testing Center offers a variety of services for your needs. We assist students and alumni with assessments and in career consultants, career exploration, job search strategies, employer connections, and the opportunity to attend job fairs. Through career consulting we offer students individual career consulting, assessment inventories, information on majors, and access to our career resource library. Career exploration helps students to explore what career options they are most interested through internships and job postings through Cardinal Connect. Job search strategies include resume critiques, mock interviews, and cover letter critiques. Employer Connections help to connect students with employers through oncampus recruiting, job vacancies through Cardinal Connect, resume referrals, and recommended internet links, Lastly, students and alumni have the opportunity to attend job fairs such as the Fall Job Fair, Engineering and Technical Invitational, Business Invitational, and the Educator’s Career Fair. We offer assessments from Accuplacer to Zend Technologies, Ltd. through our Prometric and Pearson Vue labs. The Prometric and Pearson Vue labs are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. For a detailed list of tests available in our labs please view our website or contact us at (409) 880-8878. 7| The Link
Over 100 Employers offering Jobs & Internship view Employer List @ www.HACCC.org
March 27, 2012 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. University of St. Thomas
Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center JOB FAIR TIPS Professional Dress Recommended Bring Plenty of Resumes Practice your Introduction Research Employers Follow-up with Employers after Event
Questions? Lamar University Career and Testing Center Galloway Business Bldg., Suite 102 phone: 409.880.7939
Sponsored by the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers www.HACCC.org
(713) 525-3160
Career.Services@stthom.edu
Questions you Should Ask During an Interview
After the interview is over, the interviewer will most likely ask if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity for you to show your interest in the organization and the position! Below are ten questions you should review and possibly ask a few of them at the end of your interview. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Describe a typical day for someone in this position. Tell me about the organization's culture. What have you found surprising? How will my performance be evaluated? Why do you believe this company is a great place to work? Is there a typical career path for people beginning in this role? On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the organization's corporate ethics? Why? 7. Please tell me about your performance review process. Who is responsible for evaluating employee performance? How is success measured? 8. What is the ideal candidate for this position? 9. What are some challenges that are typically faced in this position? 10. When will the hiring decision be made? By whom? When will I be informed of the decision? Always remember to thank your interviewer(s) before you leave your interview and ask for a business card to send them a thank you note. Writing a thank you note to a potential employer is a superb way to follow up with them and shows that you value their time and the opportunity to work with that organization. Send out a thank you note right away to each person involved in the interview.
Sources: Ivy Advertising’s Interview Survival Kit, NACE Job Choices 2012’ Secrets to Interview Success’ by Tayna Misner Letourneau
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are now offered via Skype & Adobe Connect
Mock Interviews
Resume Critiques
Career Consulting & Exploration
Help!
I have a Lunch Interview! What do I do? No need to be nervous! This is your chance to really impress your interviewer with your experience, qualifications, and knowledge about the company or organization. So, what should you do? Here are some tips on how to ace your lunch interview! 1. Know the location of the restaurant. It is best to know where the restaurant is located before the interview to avoid any mishaps on the big day. 2. Try to arrive early and wait in the lobby. Regardless of what time you arrive check to ensure that your interviewer has arrived. 3. Catch up on news the morning of the interview. Read a newspaper, watch a news program, or read news on-line. When the small talk begins you’ll be prepared. 4. Beverages- skip the alcohol. Instead, try sparkling water, iced tea, or just plain water. 5. When ordering steer clear of anything messy, smelly, or big. First, order a small entrée that you can easily eat with a knife and fork. Second, don’t order the most expensive or the cheapest item on the menu. Third, be polite to the server. Fourth, if you have food allergies avoid making them an issue. Simply avoid entrées that contain anything you are allergic to. 6. Entrées. Unsure about which fork to use with your salad? When in doubt ‘work’ your way in with the silverware. 7. Don’t make an issue if something is wrong with your order. 8. Remember not to talk with your mouth full or to eat with your elbows on the table. 9. Let the interviewer know that you’ve brought a portfolio, and let them tell you when it is appropriate to show it to them. 10. Don’t ask for a to-go box. Source: USA News-On Careers ‘ 25 Tips for Acing your Lunch Interview” by Karen Burns Image: Unknown
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How to navigate a Career Fair By Haley Tyson
Plan.
Develop a plan of action when you are thinking of attending a job fair. Know what you want. lAre you looking for full time or part time employment? lAn internship or co-op or maybe just a volunteerism? lAre you seeking career advice or information about the company? Or are you looking to network and create connections? lKnowing what you want will help establish some goals for the career
Research. Research is probably the most important part of a career fair. I know you may be thinking “How can I do research if I have no idea who will be there?� That is actually your first point of research. For an in-house career fair, First log in to the Cardinal Connect Database and look under events there you will be able to find what employers have registered for the event. If it is an outside event, Google the Job Fair name or log in to the organization that will be hosting the event. You should be able to find something with a list of employers. Once, you have established who will be there, the next thing you have to do is research the companies. Try narrowing it down to companies that match your career interest. Go on the company website and familiarize yourself with what they do. Also, see if you can find what types of positions they might be hiring for or what type of positions that the company may need. Having prior knowledge of the companies will give you an advantage and allow you to initiate and carry on conversation with the employer. ?| The Link 14| The Link
Prepare. Prepare a List of Questions. Try to cover 3 areas: 1. Company/Industry Information 2. Job Leads and referral 3. Introduction to other contacts
Update. Be sure to update and print your resume. Make sure that you come with a hard copy of your resume in hand. Some companies do not accept a hard copy in person and may redirect you to their website. Having a micro-resume is a new tool that may work for this instance; a micro resume may consist of a QR code on a business card that links the employer to a web address that has your credential such as Linked in or another type of account that has your resume and qualifications. This is a way to leave an impression on the employer as well as let them know that you are serious.
Dress.
Place ad from sponsor here DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. Be sure to look your best. You never get a second chance at making a first impression. Although dress may vary from company to company, to be on the safe side women and men should wear suits. You want to make sure that you convey to the employers that you know how to conduct yourself in a professional manner.
10 Quick Tips on Working a room. 1. Target the employers you want to meet 2. Introduce yourself 3. Gather information that pertains to you 4. Get them interested in what you do and who you are 5. Make friends by creating common ground 6. Take notes 7. Try to schedule a follow up meeting 8. Offer to leave a resume 9. Always thank the employer 10. Move on Source: Yena. Donna J. (5th.ed.).2011. Career Directions: The path to your ideal career.
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The Wild West: Which resume format is best for you? There are many different resume formats. Looking at all of the various types of resumes can be confusing. There are functional, chronological, combined, targeted, mini resumes and curriculum vitae (CV). Which one is the best for you? Well, that depends on the type of job you are applying for and or your experience level. A functional resume is best suited for someone who is entering or reentering the job market, does not have related work experience, or simply changing careers. This resume is appropriate for college students and recent graduates. A chronological resume is best suited for someone who has relevant work experience and history that is related to the job. Also, this type of resume should be used in fields where this format is typical. A combined resume is a mix of a functional and a chronological resume. This type focuses on first hilighting your experience and skills, and then moves on to employment history. A targeted resume “targets” a specific position by highlighting your skills and qualifications that relate to that position. It helps you to show that you are the perfect fit for the position. A mini resume is less of a “resume” and more of a brief summary of your qualifications. The mini resume is a great tool for networking! A curriculum vitae (CV) is generally used in place of a resume to provide an in-depth overview of your academic accomplishments. This document is typically used for those in education. This document can range from two to three pages long even for those entering the field. When writing a resume you want to use the best format for the desired position. For each position that you apply, it is wise to tailor your resume to fit that particular job description. Let’s take a closer look at the two most used, Functional and Chronological resumes.
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Functional resume
John P. Sample 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, Texas 77710 409.880.1234 !jpsample@my.lamar.edu Objective To obtain an Internship position that will allow me to utilize my education and skills. Education Lamar University BA- Management Overall GPA- 3.7/4.0
Beaumont, Texas Expected May 2013
Work Experience Assistant Manager, Steve’s Bar and Grill Beaumont, Texas
August 2010 – Present
• Responsible for supervising floor staff, completing weekly work schedules, and ensuring that time is input correctly • Complete random ‘guest checks’ to check on the quality of service being provided • Increased sales by 15% or $3500 by developing a marketing campaign that focused marketing initiatives on local radio stations, Facebook, Twitter, and local news sites • Assisting the General manager as needed with payroll Computer Skills • Proficient in Microsoft Office, OS operating system, Windows operating system, and Internet and Email services • Experienced in SAP, Oracle, Adobe Suite, and QuickBooks Activities • American Marketing Association, Member • College of Business Student Advisory Council to the Dean • Beta Alpha Psi Honors Society, Member
August 2010- Present August 2010- Present May 2011 – Present
Honors and Awards • Alpha Beta Scholarship for Academic Excellence • Dean’s List • President’s List
Fall 2010 Fall 2010-Spring 2011 Fall 2011- Present
John is a student applying for an internship. He begins with his objective. You should always list the position you have applied for as your objective. Next, he includes the education section which lists the degree he expects to graduate with along with his expected graduation date. You should only include your GPA if it is a 3.0 or above. Under ‘Work Experience,’ John includes past and previous employment with experience that is relevant to the position he is applying for. John also includes his computer skills, activities, and honors and awards. Current students and recent graduates should almost always have a one-page resume. Also, three to five references should be provided on a separate page.
Ann E. Body 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, Texas 77710 !409.880.1234 ! aebody@my.lamar.edu Objective To secure a position as a clinical fellow that will allow me to utilize my education and skills. Education Lamar University Beaumont, Texas BS- Communication Disorders May 2008 Overall GPA- 3.8/4.0
chronological resume Ann is a current student applying for a position as a clinical fellow. She includes a summary of her skills to help tie into the position, which she has applied. Although Ann’s resume could have easily been longer than one page, she condensed all relevant information into a one-page resume.
Lamar University MS- Speech Language Pathology Overall GPA- 3.9/4.0
Beaumont, Texas May 2010
Lamar University Doctor of Audiology Overall GPA- 3.6/4.0
Beaumont, Texas Expected May 2012
Summary of Skills • Considerable knowledge of the effect of diseases and injuries. • Skilled in setting up a plan for treatment. • Solid knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. • Demonstrated patience and compassion for clients. Professional Experience Hearing Aid Specialist, Phelan Hearing Center May 2010-Current Beaumont, Texas • Test patients for hearing loss. • Fit patients with hearing aid. • Market different services and hearing aids offered at the center and instruct patients on using their hearing aids. • Schedule patients and make follow-up calls. Audiologist Intern, Texas Children’s Hospital May 2010-May 2011 Houston, Texas • Conducted interviews to find out the difficulties associated with hearing loss, including background information such as medical history. • Assessed the extend of hearing loss and location of the problem using a wide range of techniques, including audiometric tests such as air and bone conduction tests. • Reported results of assessment and testing in writing and made referrals to medical practitioners. • Provided rehabilitation programs which included counseling and guidance for the hearing impaired and their families. Honors/Awards/Volunteer Experience Dean’s List 2004- 2007; National Student Speech Language Hearing Association Volunteer of the Year 2006; Awarded the Lily Stevenson Scholarship in Communication Disorders in 2005-2007; and Volunteer Activities Coordinator for the Senior Adult program Professional /Collegiate Organizations National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, President 2006-2007; Deaf Cardinals Lamar University, Programs Chair; American Speech Language Hearing Association; American Academy of Audiology; Texas Academy of Audiology Computer Skills Microsoft Office Suite, Windows, OS, Internet and E-mail Services Academic Projects Conducted research project on using communication technology in the home and presented paper at the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association Conference in 2006.
Source: OWL Purdue Writing Lab ‘Writing the Curriculum Viate’ About.com-Resume Types: Chronological, Functional, Combination, Targeted by Alison Doyle
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cover letters: Important or Not? Cover Letters are definitely an important part of the job application process. It allows you to convey your qualifications, intentions, and availability. A cover letter is in a way similar to the ‘mini resume’ (covered in the previous article) in that it summarizes your employment history, and qualifications in an easy-to-read format. In some cases, cover letters can help you stay in the running as a potential candidate because treading your cover letter intrigued the reader. In writing your cover letter you want to keep in mind that your cover letter should be one page, three to four paragraphs long, and single spaced. Begin with your address, the potential employer’s name and title, the company name and address, the salutation, and end with your closing and signature. Paragraph 1 Employers receive hundred of letters, so open your letter with a strong statement. Explain why you are writing, where you found the job posting or who referred you to the job. Paragraph 2-3 The middle paragraph is key since it can help you stand out from other candidates. Use the center of your letter to arouse the employer’s curiosity. Highlight special accomplishments and show your enthusiasm, but do not merely repeat your resume. Explain how your qualifications and the company’s needs are a good match. Paragraph 4 In the final paragraph, you should give closure and make a specific request (usually for an interview). State when you will be available and how you can be reached. Indicate if you will follow up with a phone call to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet or talk on the phone. Also point out that additional information concerning your background and interests will gladly be furnished upon request. And of course, thank the employer for his/her time and consideration.
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Cover Letter Tips:
✔If possible, address your letter to an individual (with his/her title) rather than “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir / Madam.” ✔Tailor the content to the position for which you are applying. Avoid using a form letter. If you do feel compelled to use an adaptable form letter, make sure it is not obvious. ✔Do not just repeat information from your resume. Highlight your relevant experi ences, show your enthusiasm and confidence, and be positive. ✔Focus on the self interest of the employer by including clues that hiring you will lead to higher production and greater efficiency. ✔If you decide to be whimsical, you gamble as to whether an employer will appreciate it. So unless the position calls for special creativity, it may not be worth the risk to submit an inventive representation of your work experience. ✔Try not to reach ‘resume speak overkill, ’or power words and phrases everyone uses. Do not use slang and use active words. ✔Always check your letter for spelling (of the employer’s name, too) and grammar errors. You may be screened out if there are careless mistakes on your resume. ✔Keep copies of each of the cover letters you send out, so when prospective employers contact you, you will not sound confused.
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