Sept. 25, 2019

career issue

2019

H red.

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inside 4-5 Cover Letters 6-7 Resumes 8-9 Dress for Success 10 What to look for in an internship 11 SDSU student named Top 100 Intern 12 Preparing for interviews 13 Technology based interviews 14 Handshake 15 LinkedIn 17 Office of Career Development 19 Career fair preparation 20 Career fair dates

THE COLLEGIAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA The Collegian

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@sdsucollegian | @CollegianSports | @collegian_live

Trenton Abrego

Managing Editor

Sammi Schrag

Yeon Ji Eom

Agriculture Reporter

Career Issue Contributors

Emily Seaton

Editor-in-Chief

Bailey Possail

Advertising Manager

Designer

J. Michael Bertsch

News/Lifestyles Editor

Landon Dierks Sports Editor

Susan Smith Adviser

Andrew Rasmussen News/Opinion Editor

Gina Goblrisch Copy Editor

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Covering the basics of cover letters GINA GOBLRISCH Copy Editor When applying for jobs, cover letters are an essential part of the application process. Cover letters are an opportunity for you to show your employer how the skills and experience listed on your résumé apply to the job you are applying for.

Having a letter that is grammatically correct and has a good flow will impress your future employer. No matter the field you are entering, a grammatically correct and smoothflowing letter will give you a leg up on other candidates. Nothing makes an employer throw away an application faster than misspellings and other grammar mistakes.

Remember to keep a professional tone when writing a cover letter, and don’t be afraid to tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. Explain how your tasks in pre-

vious jobs taught you skills that will be beneficial to you in your new position.

A general format for a cover letter starts with an introduction of yourself, detailed relevant experiences and positions from previous jobs and then lay out what you believe to bring to the company.

For example, your job as a Walgreens’ cashier this summer may not seem relevant to the management consultant position you are applying for, but a cover letter allows you to explain how it taught you to deal with angry, impatient customers (but don’t refer to them that way).

Cover letters do not have to be long (normally one page), but they are just as important as your résumé and references. Don’t forget to add at the end any contact information for a follow-up, and thank them for their consideration.

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Your name and address go in the top left hand corner

Breaking down cover letters

Your Name Your Street Address City, State Zip Code April 1, 2019

Where you are applying, where you found the listing and why you are applying

What sets you apart. Skills, education and achievements

Final comments, show appreciation and list what is available

Current date

Ms. Jane Doe 1234 First St. Brookings, SD 57006 Dear Ms. Doe:

Recipient of letter’s name and address

I am writing to apply for the position of Research Assistant, which was advertised in the job postings at South Dakota State University. The prospect of working for the nation’s leading marketing research firm is an exciting one. I believe that I have the education and experience to help you further your goal of developing new and more effective survey instruments.

The assets and experience that I offer you include: A double major in Business Economics and Psychology, to be completed this May. Strong research and analytical skills, which I applied as supervisor of a special project measuring the attitudes of first-year students toward the distribution of student fees. The survey instrument I designed has been integrated into the University’s five-year student survey plan.

Organizational skills demonstrated through balancing studies, work and activities throughout my college career.

Enclosed you will find a copy of my resume further outlining my qualifications. I hope you will agree that they are well-suited to the position of Research Assistant. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my experience with you and am available for an interview at your convenience.

Thank you for your consideration.

Thank them

Sincerely,

Mary Marshmallow Mary Marshmallow

Signature

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How to build a successful resume J. MICHAEL BERTSCH News/Lifestyles Editor YOUR RESUME SHOULD ONLY BE ONE PAGE! Undergraduate and entrylevel candidates do not have enough relevant experience to take up more than one page and have it all be worthwhile. Some hiring managers will throw away resumes that take up more than one page. KEEP YOUR RESUME AT ONE PAGE ONLY. Fo r m a t yo u r re s u m e professionally: Use serif fonts for printed resumes and sans serif fonts for virtual resumes.

• Keep font size at 10 or above.

• Use color only if the industry encourages it.

• Use columns and modules to break up text.

• Use active voice (e.g. I designed the product, I completed the training, etc.) .

• SUBMIT AS A PDF – DO NOT SEND WORD DOCS.

Make it concise! People get bored reading resumes, especially if they’re reading 200 of them. Hiring managers don’t want to spend time looking for details. Break it up into categories and keep them short and sweet. If something demands explanation on your resume, change your wording. Start with your education, then move on to a section that specifically relates to what you are applying for. If you want the hiring manager to know more about something, include it in your cover letter or bring it up in your interview.

Make it dynamic! Though it’s good to have a static and all-encompassing resume, you shouldn’t be sending that to everyone. Every job posting is different, and you have a variety of skills to highlight, so why not highlight the ones they’re looking for? Companies often use ‘buzzwords’ in their postings, so it’s helpful to use these words to your advantage and make your resume line up with what they want.

Prepare a portfolio before you apply! In fields such as mar-

keting, journalism and design, a portfolio is usually expected.

Have a compilation of your best pieces ready to send. Remember, your portfolio is only as good as your weakest piece, so pick the best of the best. Only select six to 10 of your works and include short descriptions of them. You can even include this in your initial inquiry, so the hiring managers know what you’re about!

Get a feel for the industry!

Every industry is different and look for different things on a resume. Looking for example resumes on the internet, friends’ resumes (the ones who have gotten jobs and internships anyways) or even faculty CV’s will give you a feel for what should and shouldn’t be included. Some industries encourage a little bit of fun or creativity, and you should be a part of that!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

The people around you want you to succeed! Ask your friends, parents and teachers to help you get it right. Most of the time, you only get one shot at a job, so you want your best foot forward.

Your name and contact information goes on the top

Components of a resume (123) 456-7891 1234 First Ave. jane.doe@email.com

JANE DOE Start with education, list only college education

Only put the jobs that are relvant to the job you are currently applying for

Activites, achievements and skills can all be placed on your resume, but be selective.

Don’t list extracurriculars if you aren’t involved in anything

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Education

South Dakota State Universtiy (SDSU) 2017 - Expected graduation May 2021 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Experience

Designer - The Collegian - 2017 - Present • I worked alongside a team of designers to put together the newspaper weekly • As a designer, I created graphics for print and online content Cashier - Joann’s - 2017 - 2018 • Working at the register, I engaged with customers on a daily basis • I organized the signs to help customers find items they needed

Extracurriculars • • • • •

American Institute of Graphic Arts The Collegian Photography Club Advertising Club Boys and Girls Club Volunteer

Skills • • • • • • •

Creative Detail Oriented Adobe Microsoft Dedicated Communication Public Speaking

• • • • • • •

Leader Time Management Social Media Writing Publication Design Interactive Design Typography

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DRESS FOR SUCCESS OFFICE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT Show respect for the organization and interviewer – even if it means sacrificing your right to creative self-expression for a while.

Dress conservatively. You want attention to be on your skills, not your attire.

• Review appropriate interview attire on our Pinterest page. www.pinterest.com/ sdstatecareerdo Avoid: • Jeans, tennis shoes, sandals, flipflops or hats.

• Low necklines. (Wear a camisole if necessary, ladies.)

• Short skirts. (Skirt hemlines should be no higher than the knee.)

• Clothes that are wrinkled, torn or too snug. (Try on your outfit in advance to ensure it is ready.)

• Loud jewelry. (Keep it understated.)

• Bright- or dark-colored nail polish. (Keep it clear, neutral or

light-colored or wear none at all.)

• Perfume/cologne. People can be very sensitive to smell.

• Pierced body parts. (Traditional pierced earrings are fine.)

• Tattoos. (Cover them.)

• Gum, mints, tobacco in any form.

Consider: • Wearing a suit. Ladies, that may be a skirt or slacks for you.

• NOTE: You are NOT required to wear a suit. For example, men may wear dress slacks, a button-down shirt and tie without a jacket.

• Wearing a level up from khaki pants. Dress slacks or a skirt will be better.

• Checking out local consignment stores for appropriate and inexpensive clothes.

• Pay attention to details: • Clean hair, hands, nails.

• Polished shoes.

• Be sure clothing tags/labels are either removed or hidden from view.

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Masculine outfit

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Looking your best

Feminie outfit

Combed hair, maybe gel

Combed hair, out of face Button up shirt with a tie

Blouse, not revealing

Suit jacket if you have one!

Limited jewelry

Wear a belt

Wear tights if wearing a dress or skirt Dress shoes High heels or flats

Collegian graphic by YEON JI EOM

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What to look for in an internship: the good and the bad LANDON DIERKS Sports Editor Finding an internship can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are some characteristics to look for in your internship search to narrow your choices and simplify the process. Consider these next time you’re choosing or applying for an intern position in order to make the most of your time as an intern.

Good: Doing meaningful work Almost everyone has heard a horror story of an internship where “intern” was a glorified title for the coffee runner.

While this might seem like a simple, low-stress way to spend your summer, it shouldn’t be your goal to find an internship where this is how the employer views the student they’re bringing into the company.

As the South Dakota State University Office of Career Development explains, “An internship is an opportunity for students to obtain relevant work experience” — running errands hardly fits that description.

Bad: Completing the same tasks repeatedly Continuing the previous point, you should also look for experiences that will allow you to try your hand at a wide variety of different tasks.

The benefit of this is twofold.

First, you get to learn and practice multiple tasks related to

your field of study, and second, you can learn what you like and dislike about those different aspects of a prospective career.

Good: Working for an organization you’d consider a career with Treat the internship like an audition for a full-time job.

Work hard, ask questions and strive to be the best you can during the time you have as an intern. If done correctly, you could be offered a position right out of college — not bad, considering internships are graduation requirements for some programs.

Bad: Completing an internship that didn’t meet your expectations Do your best to find out what you’ll be doing during the internship. Ideally, this will help you and your supervisor come up with meaningful work and projects for you to do.

Being an intern doesn’t mean you have to sit idle. If you’re lacking work or want to try something new, let your supervisor know. Any problems you have won’t solve themselves.

Good: Find a work environment that suits you Eve r yo n e i s d i f f e re nt work better under different circumstances.

For example, if you’re an active, participating learner who loves a dynamic work environment, maybe don’t accept an internship where you’ll spend a lot of time at a desk.

Internships are meant to be beneficial for both the intern and the employer, so don’t knowingly go into an environment that will compromise the quality of your work.

Bonus: Find an internship that’s paid Many students make pay a priority when it comes to their internship search, but there’s reason to view it as a bonus instead of a mandatory requirement.

If you have the opportunity to work with a reputable company in the industry you’d like to work in one day, it may be worth your time to sacrifice getting paid for a while to put yourself in a better position for your future.

However, if you can find that special place and get paid to be there, don’t hesitate or the opportunity might be gone.

Wrap Up When looking for an internship, be sure to do research and ask questions during the interview to make sure that the position is what you’re looking for — you don’t want to waste your or your employer’s time.

Internships are great roles for students in a company because they provide them with on-the-job experience that could also turn into a permanent position with the company. Look into any opportunities that you come across because they could be a pivotal point of your career.

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SDSU STUDENT NAMED TOP 100 INTERN SAMMI SCHRAG Agriculture Reporter When Beth Mayrose received a juice box and a thank you note on her desk from Alex Toupal, a volunteer at a Future Farmers of America (FFA) leadership retreat, she couldn’t have imagined the impact he would make.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow what a sweet young man’,” Mayrose said.

So, years later when that same volunteer applied for the South Dakota FFA Association internship in 2018, Mayrose, SD FFA Executive Secretary, already had a good feeling about him.

Turns out, she was right.

This past summer, Toupal, a senior agriculture education student, was named to the “Intern 100,” an application-based award presented by WayUp and Chegg to acknowledge students who excelled during their time as an intern.

Among the 1,500 other applicants, Toupal was chosen by an expert panel and 39,000 public votes.

According to Mayrose, “In this kind of role, it’s easy to do the fun stuff, but not fun to do the hard stuff. Alex was really good at doing the hard stuff.”

Some would say he was a jack-of-all-trades.

“While in the office, I had my hand in just about everything,” Toupal said. “From office finances

to planning leadership retreats for hundreds of students to working with the ambassadors and state officer team, I really saw the ins and outs of the association.”

This allowed him to connect with the people he worked with, which Toupal believes is a huge key to making an impact.

Toupal became so invested in his work that tears were shed when the state officer team he mentored retired.

“He saw the emotional side of us when we practiced our retiring addresses, but at the state convention we saw the emotional side of him. I like to think it was a proud cry, not a sad cry,” said Colton Riley, 2018-2019 SD FFA President.

“Alex and I are good friends; we’ll go get sushi on Mondays sometimes,” said Ariann VanBockern, an ambassador who also worked closely with Toupal.

Mayrose recalled that she got to know the most successful interns she has worked on a personal level.

“Care about the people you’re working with and let them care about you,” she said.

Sherry Fuller Bordewyk, South Dakota State’s director of the Office of Career Development highly suggests developing relationships to make your internship more valuable to your personal life and professional career.

“If a job opens up within the company, maybe a former co-worker will refer you,” Bordewyk said. “That’s one reason

to always say yes when they invite you to lunch.”

According to the “2019 Internship and Co-op Survey Report” by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the job offer rate after completing an internship within the organization is 70.4% and the acceptance rate is 79.6%.

Daktronics is a company that exemplifies these statistics.

Roughly one-third of their current full-time professional workforce began their Daktronics career as a student or intern.

Leah Brink, Daktronics’ corporate recruiter said, “The Daktronics student pipeline is a primary workforce development strategy we have used historically to engage with top talent. We recruit high-potential college students for a variety of degree-specific experiences designed to develop them personally and professionally into competitive candidates for future fulltime employment at Daktronics.”

Mayrose said it is not mandatory for the interns to go back to work for the company.

“Good internships make you realize how important that experience is by itself,” said Mayrose. “Not that it leads to a future career, but that it changes your perspective.”

Opportunities to learn and change a person’s perspective are everywhere, and they may just start with a juice box and a thank you note.

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Preparing for an interview ANDREW RASMUSSEN News/Opinion Editor The interview tends to be the most intimidating part of the search for a job. Many resources are available with the Office of Career Development at South Dakota State University. Follow this checklist to start preparing yourself for your interview.

Think About Yourself.

An interview is a way for the employer to get to know you as a person beyond your resume. This is your chance to make an impression and show off what makes you the best person for the job.

Prior to the interview, think about some of your strengths and weaknesses. What are your hobbies and passions? Try to anticipate questions you might be asked during the interview. Be prepared for the usual opening question, “Tell us a bit about yourself.” Although it can be uncomfortable, be prepared to brag about yourself and your accomplishments.

Have a process for answering questions.

T h e O f f i ce o f C a re e r Development at SDSU recommends using the STAR method to answer questions.

S- Situation- Describe the situation.

T- Task- What needed to be done?

A- Action- What did you do?

R- Result- What happened?

Go through this process while answering questions regarding your experiences. Interviewers

might ask about your involvement in a class or club, and the STAR method can help you navigate your way through a story or event.

What to wear When deciding what to wear to your interview, it is important to know the dress code of the organization you are applying at.

Professional or business attire is a standard go-to for most interviews, however, if the organization has a more casual dress code, you might want to go with a business casual look. According to The Balance Careers, “The best Outfits for Job Interviews,” business attire for men consists of a suit jacket, button up shirt, tie and slacks. For women this can be a blouse and dress pants or a statement dress. When it comes to business casual, it’s always best to play it safe. When in doubt, ask your contact with the organization for their dress code. Your appearance will be their first impression of you.

Research, Research, Research.

Knowledge of the organization you are applying for shows your commitment for the job. Spend some time learning about the company. Be sure to read through the “about us” tab of their website and scroll through their social media.

If possible, reference something you saw on their social media page during the interview. It can also be helpful to learn a bit about those conducting the interview, if possible. Find their biography or social media page to learn about their role in the organization.

Have questions of your own.

It is customary for interviewers to ask if you have any questions for them near the end of the interview. Never leave without asking a question. This can be a question of what your responsibilities would look like, what their role or responsibilities are in the organization, or a question about the organization itself. Asking a question shows you are interested in the organization and that you have been engaged with them through the interview.

Be early.

When it comes to interviews, timing is key. Showing up ten minutes early is important for both you and for those conducting the interview. Having some cushion time allows you to prepare your thoughts as you go into the interview. Arriving early also shows those conducting the interview you are reliable and care about the interview. Plan ahead to ensure you can get to the interview on time.

Thank You! Following your interview, be sure to send a handwritten thank you card to those that conducted the interview. Thank them for their time and consideration for your employment, and reference something specific from the interview process. If there was an interesting fact you learned or a unique experience, mention it in the thank you note. This is time sensitive and should be done within two days of your interview.

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How to prepare for technology based interviews OFFICE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT With technological advancements, phone interviews are becoming increasingly popular. Employers may use these methods as an initial screening tool of candidates or as a way to interview out-of-area applicants in a cost-effective manner, these methods include phone and video chat interviews.

Consider these tips for phone interviews: • Calls from employers might be pre-arranged or unexpected. Every time you answer a call from a prospective employer, you are having an informal interview.

• Remember to fully charge your phone battery and make sure you have good reception.

• If there are people who you did not expect on the line, ask for their names and job titles.

• Have your paperwork organized and in front of you: paper and pen, list of questions, resume, and any additional notes.

• Minimize all of the distractions in your control.

Turn off the TV, radio, and stereo; remove pets, roommates, family, and friends from the room.

• Talk slowly, clearly and loudly enough so the interviewer(s) can hear and understand you.

•

After you answer a question, expect a brief silence while the interviewer(s) take notes, review materials, and prepare to ask the next question. It is OK to ask, “Did that answer your question?”

• Within 24 hours of your interview, follow up with a thank-you note via email.

Consider these tips for video chat interviews: Before the Interview • When you arrange the video interview, confirm which program you will be using.

• Discuss who will be on the other end of the camera.

There may be one person or an entire room full of people. It is OK to ask: “What will the format for the interview be? Will I interview with one person or a group of people?”

• Test your equipment in advance of the interview date.

• Select a quiet, private place at a desk or table where you will not be interrupted by people, pets, or phone calls. Do not try to do a video interview while sitting on a couch or on your bed. This will appear very unprofessional to the employer.

• Check what will be behind you. Remove any questionable images and clear the area of distracting items.

•

Close all software programs on your computer to minimize distractions.

• Dress in interview attire just as you would for an in-person interview. Don’t risk dressing professional from only the waist up!

During the Interview • Introduce yourself and thank them for the opportunity to interview.

• If there are people who you didn’t expect on the other side of the camera, write down their names and job titles during introductions.

• Look directly at the webcam while speaking.

• Talk slowly, clearly and loudly enough so the employer can hear and understand you.

• Remember to smile!

• Pay attention to the body language and reactions of the interviewers.

• Take notes. The employer may explain the position in more detail. This is good information to write down and refer to later.

• Be flexible! Technology has a tendency to not work when you need it most.

Have a phone ready and available in case you need to switch devices.

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LinkedIn uses social media for job searching TRENTON ABREGO Editor-in-Chief While you might have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, there’s a social media application that’s tuned just for your professional needs – LinkedIn. It’s important to know some of the ins-and-outs of the business-oriented social media application.

Instead of having friends or followers, LinkedIn uses the concept of connections.

To set up your LinkedIn account, follow these steps: Get a professional headshot In order to look professional, make sure you have an appropriate picture of yourself. A professional headshot should be one where you look polished and the lighting is right.

A good professional headshot

highlights you as a person, and makes you look like a well put-together individual.

There are many different ways to get a headshot done, some use professionals, some find a friend with a nice camera and you can even do it yourself. You have to find what suits you best.

Make connections Don’t make connections simply to make connections. Be purposeful by both sending and accepting connections, and keep in mind that these connections could lead to your next or even your dream job.

Making connections is just the first step of the process. Keeping that connection over time is extremely important.

Post often Many times, people on LinkedIn

don’t post often enough – leaving their profile stagnant. If you are active in your career and doing work that you are proud of and pertains to your career, by all means, post.

When you post, you show not only your followers, but prospective bosses what you are working on and have accomplished lately.

Don’t stalk A common mistake that most of us make on social media looking at others’ profiles. While you can get away with this on other social media applications without other users seeing that you had viewed their profile, LinkedIn is different.

Every time a profile is viewed or searched, the owner of that profile can see this. Make sure that you are aware of this, so you aren’t checking up on someone’s profile 24/7.

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Handshake opens doors for careers TRENTON ABREGO Editor-in-Chief While there might be other applications that will help your career down the road, one service that might help you in the immediate future is Handshake.

South Dakota State students are able to access Handshake, thanks to the Office of Career Development.

Handshake is a virtual hub for jobs, on-campus interviews, career fairs and can even help you land an internship.

Unlike LinkedIn, Handshake allows South Dakota State students to schedule appointments with career coaches, who can help you

revise your cover letters, resumes and even help you find what job you’re looking for.

The platform also offers resources that will show you mock resumes, cover letters and much more. With these samples, users are able to see what a good resume looks like. You can imitate these, but be sure not to plagiarize the outline.

Handshake is also helpful in figuring out the events that are happening on campus. Under the “Events” tab, users can find schedules for workshops, sessions and career fairs. Users are also able to sign up for these events on the platform.

Additionally, Handshake allows you to use a search engine with a nation-wide network. Through this network, users are able to see what companies are hiring and what former interns’ experiences with the programs.

Through this network, users are able to apply for jobs. When doing so, Handshake keeps track of the status of your application.

If you are selected for an interview by an employer, you will receive a notification that will lead you to a schedule where you can set up a time to meet.

The Handshake software platform is available online, with a user-friendly mobile platform.

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• • • •

Must have drivers license Wednesdays 12-5pm $10 per hour Work Study Eligible

If you are interested, call 688-6164 or contact Susan Smith via email. susan.smith@sdstate.edu

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Office of Career Development Amenities OFFICE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT Our primary goals are to: 1. assist students with major and career exploration; 2. help students develop lifelong career management skills; and 3. serve as a bridge between students (talent) and employers (opportunity).

Career Development is here to help you. Our services include: Major and Career Exploration FOCUS 2 Career is an online assessment tool that will empower you to make informed decisions about your major, education and career.

Part-time, Work-Study & Seasonal Jobs A variety of part-time job opportunities, both on- and off-

campus, are available for students.

Search for internships and jobs on Handshake at sdstate.joinhandshake.com/login. Through our partnership, the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (SDDLR) helps students in their search for part-time and seasonal job opportunities.

Drop-in Hours & Appointments Drop-in Hours and appointments provide students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a career coach to discuss any career-related questions you may have. During Drop-in Hours, students are seen in 20-minute increments on first- come, first-served basis.

Resume & Cover Letter Reviews Bring a copy of your document(s) for review by one of our

career coaches during Drop-in Hours.

Workshops and Presentations Career Development staff members present in numerous classes throughout the academic year. We also host and present workshops on a variety of topics, including major and career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn, job and internship searches, and more.

Career Fairs Career Development hosts or helps our academic partners host a number of career fairs throughout the year. Watch your email, our website and social media for details about upcoming career fairs.

Internship & Job Postings Search for internships and jobs on Handshake at sdstate.joinhandshake.com/login.

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Career fair preparation OFFICE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT Career fairs are one of the best ways to search for an internship or full-time positions because they provide that rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers.

Prepare for the fair Preparation is paramount for career fairs. Some employers will be very approachable and will initiate contact with you. Some will be more reserved and will expect you to break the ice. Either way, recruiters are at the fair to meet students and will be more than happy to talk to you.

Be yourself, but also professional. Remember: You are making your first impression with recruiters who could decide whether or not you will represent their organization well.

Before the fair • Update your resume and have it reviewed.

• Find out which employers will be attending the fair.

• Research the employers.

Understand what the company does and why you’d like to work there.

• Make a plan of which employers you want to meet.

• Think of 2 to 3 appropriate questions to ask each employer.

• Write and practice your elevator speech. (See back side.)

During the fair • Bring several copies of your resume, a padfolio or notebook, and a pen for notetaking.

• Dress in your best business

attire.

Make a good first impression with a firm handshake, smile, direct eye contact, confidence and friendliness.

• Introduce yourself and deliver your elevator speech.

• Offer a copy of your resume.

• Ask how to apply. Many w i l l re q u i re o n l i n e applications.

• Take notes.

• Expect to answer questions. View the fair as a mini-interview.

• Request a business card from the recruiters.

After the fair • Submit any application materials online, if requested.

• Attend any interviews you scheduled. If you’re not able to attend, call the recruiter in advance.

• Follow up and send a thank you to the employers you connected with. (See sample.)

Do not • Stand out for the wrong reasons, e.g., wearing jeans, not having a resume to share.

• Ask an employer, “So, what does your company do?” It is your responsibility to learn this in advance!

• Be afraid to talk about your accomplishments.

• Say, “I really need an internship before I graduate because I really need work experience.” Or, “I really want to work on •

building my skills.” Talk about what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you.

• Just fill your pockets with giveaways.

Elevator speech An elevator speech is a clear, brief description of you. Think of it as your 30-second commercial. It gives the employer a quick glimpse into who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you would be a good fit.

• It should include the following: • Name, Year in School, Major, Minor (if applicable) • Your career interests and goals an why you are passionate about your career field • Brief overview of relevant strengths, skills, involvement or work experiences • Knowledge of company and why you’re interested in it • Questions about positions available Remember to focus on how you will be an asset to their organization, not how they can help you.

Write your speech down and practice in front of a mirror. You do not need memorize your speech, just know the main points. Practice, Practice, Practice! Also, elevator speeches can also be your answer to the common interview question, “Tell me about yourself.”

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SDSU Career Fairs - Fall 2019 Nursing Career Fair (Rapid City) Hosted by SDSU College of Nursing Health Sciene Building, 1011 11th St. Friday, Sept. 27, 9:00am - 2:00pm

Agriculture, Food & Enviornmental Sciences Career Fair and Interview Day Hosted by SDSU College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences University Student Union, South Dakota State University Career Fair: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1:00pm - 5:00pm Interview Day: Thursday, Oct. 3, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Career Fair and Interview Day Hosted by SDSU Joint Engineering Council student organization Club 71, Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, South Dakota State University Career Fair: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 1:00pm - 5:00pm Interview Day: Thursday, Oct. 9, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Ness School of Management & Economics Career Fair Hosted by Ness School of Management & Economics University Student Union, South Dakota State University Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Pharmacy Recruitment Days Hosted by SDSU College of Pharmacy & Office of Career Development University Student Union, South Dakota State University Career Fair for Interns and Graduates: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5:30pm - 8:00pm Interview Day: Thursday, Oct. 24, 8:15am - 5:00pm

Health and Sciences Career Fair Hosted by Office of Career Development University Student Union, South Dakota State University Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10:00am - 2:00pm