2015 job fair tab

Job Fair

08 READY FOR SUCCESS

Preview Guide 04

make sure your resume doesn’t cost you a job

05

items to exclude from your resume

06

2015 Industry outlook

n MARCH 2015

07

career opportunities abound in the nonprofit sector

10

helpful hints to land your first job

12

how social media can affect your career

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

13 LUCRATIVE CAREERS THAT DON’T REQUIRE A DEGREE 14

adaptability important in the workplace

15

switch jobs with grace and decorum

Daily Herald

Daily Herald

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

MARCH 2015 n

Make sure your resume doesn’t cost you a job

M

any a night’s sleep has been lost worrying about an upcoming job interview. Questions like “Will I make a good impression?” or “Am I qualified for the job?” can make for a restless night’s sleep on the eve before a job interview.

Writing a resume is another aspect of the job hunt that can stoke your nerves. Men and women may pour over job timelines and skill summaries for hours in an effort to ensure they have included the right mix of information to get noticed.

Though resume writing has changed

n MARCH 2015

You may be asked to prove you can perform certain tasks, and if you cannot back up what is included on a resume, you will have wasted your time and the time the interviewer spent discussing his company’s opening with you. considerably over the years, some conventional wisdom about resumes still prevails, and how closely potential applicants adhere to these rules goes a long way toward determining if they earn a chance at an interview. * Me, myself and I: While the resume should showcase your professional

accomplishments, it also should showcase how your skills relate to the job you’re applying for. This way the company understands you have researched the position and are in tune with what they’re looking for in an applicant. * One document for all responses: A resume is not a static document. It needs

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

to change depending on the job you’re applying to. Although there will be certain information that can remain the same, update the skills and other information based on each position. * One page is best: Applicants were long told to keep their resumes concise, limiting the document to just one page. However, if your experience is extensive or one page cannot contain a long job history, don’t be afraid to submit a two-page resume. * Failing to be selective:You need not include your entire job history on a resume, especially if certain past positions

Daily Herald

you have held are completely irrelevant to the position for which you are applying.

Don’t be afraid of job gaps, either. Many of today’s recruiters understand that the changing economy can make it challenging to maintain steady employment. * Overembellishment: Do not embellish your skills. Always be open and honest on your resume.You may be asked to prove you can perform certain tasks, and if you cannot back up what is included on a resume, you will have wasted your time and the time the interviewer spent discussing his company’s opening with you.

* Imperfections: A resume is a reflection of you, so one with typographical errors or a poor layout is never acceptable.

Ensure your resume is as professional and error-free as possible. Have a friend or a proofreader look it over before distributing. * Paid positions: Internships or volunteer work are perfectly acceptable to include on a resume, particularly for younger applicants who may not have a wealth of professional experience. Include a mix of information on the resume that will reflect your versatility.

Items to exclude from your resume Choosing what to include and exclude from your resume can be difficult, especially for applicants without extensive work histories.

Professionals with significant experience likely have enough to fill up a resume, but younger professionals often fret about how to fill up their resumes despite limited work histories. Any relevant professional experience, be it an internship or volunteering history, is safe to include on a resume. But applicants should keep the following items off their resumes as they hunt for their next jobs. * Photos: Photos should be kept off resumes, as personal photos have nothing to do with a person’s qualifications. Even job seekers applying for photography positions won’t want to put photos

on their resumes. Such materials should be included in a portfolio but never on a resume. * Hobbies and/or personal interests: It can be tempting for applicants with limited work histories to list their hobbies and interests, but in many cases such information is irrelevant and can frustrate hiring managers who want to find relevant qualifications on a resume as quickly as possible. If a resume is bogged down with information about an applicant’s hobbies and interests, then a hiring manager is likely to grow impatient and move on to the next applicant. Unless a hobby is especially relevant to a position, it should not be included on a resume. * Irrelevant past experience: Prior experience that is irrelevant continued on page 6

Daily Herald

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

MARCH 2015 n

2015 industry outlook A

s much of the world slowly recovers from the far-reaching economic downturn that began in 2008, the International Monetary Fund has predicted a 3.2 percent growth for the global economy in 2015.

Some countries, including the United States, have already witnessed an uptick in industrial growth. But other nations are not seeing the same level of success. Slow growth and inflation is plaguing areas of South America.

Trade surpluses in Germany are likely to shrink in 2015. There is still steady growth in areas of Asia, but China’s projected 7.1 percent growth, though high compared to other nations, is the country’s lowest in 15 years.

With regard to the American economy, job growth and more qualified people returning to the marketplace continue to benefit the economy. But uncertainty as to whether the Federal Reserve will begin to raise the federal funds rate in 2015 continues to loom over the American economy. The higher the federal funds rate, the more expensive it is to borrow money. Since the end of 2008, the federal funds rate has been unusually low. The low rate was essentially an emergency measure in the wake of the financial crisis, and it’s still an unknown if the country’s economy can survive without the low rate.

Forecasters are saying the demand side of the

n MARCH 2015

American economy will have solid growth, but the supply side is still sketchy. Higher taxes and a loss of benefits to lower-income workers may impact the job market and overall economy.

But certain industries have emerged as the safest bets for employment possibilities and success in 2015. A recent survey from researchers at Michigan State University found certain job sectors anticipate strong hiring growth of recent college graduates and others with industry experience.

Growth in information services, which includes telecommunications, publishing, motion pictures, and broadcasting, is expected to surge. Finance and insurance remain strong and safe bets for employment as banks now will make up for cutbacks during the recession.

Other strong employment contenders include management consulting, accounting, law, computer design, and engineering services.

Health and wellness services appear recession-proof as well. IBISWorld Industry Research notes pilates and yoga studios were highly resistant to the recession. With a predicted annual growth of 4.8 percent, these health and wellness industries are targeted for growth and increased success in 2015.

Pieces of the global economic puzzle are coming together while others are falling out of the mix, and it should be interesting to see how the world economy reacts in the new year.

continued from page 5

to the position you’re applying for should be kept off your resume.

For example, a high school job as a grocery clerk likely has little relevance when applying for an entry level finance position. It’s important to remember when applying for entry level positions that few entry level candidates will have extensive employment histories, so don’t feel bad if your resume is less than meaty. * Salary expectations: Some job postings will ask that you list salary requirements. This can be a delicate topic, as no one wants to exclude themselves by asking for too much money or appear desperate by asking for too little. A good approach when asked for salary requirements is simply to write, “Salary negotiable” somewhere on your resume. Never include salary requirements unless a job listing specifically requests such information. * Personal information: Personal

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

information, including marital status, sexual orientation, whether or not you have children and your religious beliefs should always be kept off a resume. Such information is irrelevant, and it’s illegal for companies to consider such information during the hiring process. * Inappropriate email address: Many people have a playful email address that reflects a nickname friends and family can identify with. Such addresses are fine when communicating with family and friends, but use a more professional email address when applying for jobs. The address can include your name, such as jsmith@fakeemail. com or simply your initials followed by the domain name of your email server. Fair or unfair, an unprofessional email address on a resume may give prospective employers the impression that applicants are immature.

Daily Herald

Career opportunities abound in the nonprofit sector

N

onprofit organizations require the talents of many different types of workers and not just those looking to volunteer.

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, more than 1.4 million nonprofit organizations operate within the United States alone, so individuals who hope to work in the nonprofit sector have many organizations to choose from.

Even though they do not aim to turn a profit, nonprofit organizations still face the same challenges and have the same needs, including the need for competent staff members, as many for-profit businesses. In addition to earning their livings, employees of nonprofit organizations often thrive on the notion that they are doing their share to make a difference in the world.

As with any other company, nonprofits have to fill certain roles in an organization. The following are some common job descriptions as they pertain to nonprofit organizations. · Executive officer: The executive director or president of a nonprofit reports directly to the organization’s Board of Directors. He or she will have strategic and operational responsibility for the nonprofit’s staff, expansion, programs, and daily mission.

The ED will serve as a coach to help retain and develop the nonprofit’s senior management team, depending on the size of the organization. He or she also will serve as a liaison between the board and the employees. · Chief financial officer: The size of a nonprofit, the complexity of its programs and its revenue sources will drive the

Daily Herald

responsibilities of the CFO. At smaller nonprofits, the CFO may branch out beyond complex finance and investment activities to take on functional and even problem-solving capabilities. At larger nonprofits, the CFO may be more involved with reporting and meeting the requirements of government contracts. · Fundraisers: Fundraising is a key component for nonprofits and how many of them remain operational. Portions of fundraising efforts are devoted to corporate operations, while the remainder will be allocated for the cause. Fundraising can be broken down further into various niches, depending on the nonprofit’s size. Annual funds, alumni affairs, direct marketing, grant seeking, and donor relations are various parts of the larger fundraising picture. If the nonprofit has a large fundraising staff, each of these divisions may be handled separately.

Otherwise, all of them may be grouped under the umbrella fundraising title. · Public relation specialist: A public relations or marketing professional works with senior management or independently to develop a communications plan for the organization. He or she will develop the nonprofit’s core messages and ensure consistency across various media. A PR professional also will respond to inquiries about the organization. In times of crisis, the PR professional will downplay any negative news and work to shed positive light on the organization. · Administrative roles: Nonprofits need accounting and financial professionals, office

administrators, human resources employees, information systems and IT workers, and a staff to handle marketing. Administrative positions often overlap inside small nonprofit organizations.

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

Nonprofits may not have the same pay structure as other private organizations, but nonprofit professionals often find their jobs rewarding.

MARCH 2015 n

n MARCH 2015

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

Daily Herald

How to simplify your transition to a new career

If advancement opportunities seem nonexistent or if the job you’re in simply isn’t in tune with your interests, you may have a good reason to switch careers.

T

oday’s professionals change careers and jobs much more frequently than those of past generations. While a person may have once thought themselves lucky just to have a job and hold on to it as long as they could, workers today tend to be more fickle and jump around until they find the perfect career fit.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics says it is difficult to determine just how often a person changes a career, noting the difficulty with regard to defining the parameters of what constitutes a career change. However, one study by the NLS that looked at young baby boomers found the average number of jobs held by people ages 18 to 46 was 11.3. Other studies examining American and British employment patterns discovered Americans tend to move around more, having 10.5 jobs in a lifetime compared to Brits’ 6.9 jobs.

Although the job search was once considered a one-time event, today looking for a job is a larger part of career development. Staying on top of the job market and finding niches that offer the best opportunities for success is key.

Daily Herald

Transitioning from one job to another is more commonplace and these tips can make the move easier and more successful. · Have a valid reason to change careers.

Boredom alone should not be the driving force behind a career change. If advancement opportunities seem nonexistent or if the job you’re in simply isn’t in tune with your interests, you may have a good reason to switch careers. · Be willing to learn a new skill.You may need to learn new skills to pursue a new career.

If that’s the case, you may want to enroll in a continuing education course prior to jobhunting. Even if a job doesn’t work out on the first attempt, new skills always look good on a résumé. · Be a courteous networker. Send handwritten notes to any and all people who helped you find new job opportunities. This reaffirms your relationship and you never know when you might need a reference or support in the future. · Educate yourself on office politics. It’s helpful to know a company’s rules in advance.

This may be as simple as learning the dress code for employees and any other rules and regulations of the office. Do employees dine out for lunch, or do they eat primarily at their desks? What is the tendency for coworkers to mingle outside of the office? Learning these policies or habits may help you find a company that’s the best fit for you. · Go with the flow.You may have your own ideas on how to improve performance, but assimilate into the routine first before you start becoming more vocal. There is plenty of time to lend your advice and show the team how they can grow. · Bring a treat for your new coworkers. Offer the first olive branch by bringing in a snack the office can enjoy or offer to take a few coworkers out for coffee. This can break the ice and facilitate new office friendships. · Take a lot of notes. A lot of new information will come at you in your first weeks on the job.

There will be procedures and technological details. Jot down notes along the way, and do not be afraid to ask questions for further clarification. · Get cozy with the IT team. Many IT teams are increasingly becoming the backbone of many companies, ensuring everyone is online and working at peak potential. Get to know the IT department so you will not feel sheepish about turning to them when your computer freezes or your files vanish.

It can take several weeks for new employees to successfully transition to a new career. But there are several strategies men and women can employ to make that transition go as smoothly as possible.

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

MARCH 2015 n

Helpful hints to land your first job Even if you have little or no relevant professional experience, create a profile that includes your education history, interests, accolades or awards you earned while in school and even a brief summary of your career goals.

T

hough the job market for newly minted college graduates has proven less than ideal in recent years, members of the class of 2014 entered a job market that was on the rebound. According to the “Job Outlook 2014” survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers anticipated hiring nearly 8 percent more 2014 graduates for their domestic operations than they hired from the class of 2013.

10 n MARCH 2015

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

That’s good news for new grads, but members of the class of 2014 should still expect a competitive job market in which companies can afford to be patient as they attempt to find the best possible candidate for each opening. Oftentimes the best candidate, especially for entry-level positions, is the one who combines some experience with a willingness to learn and do whatever it takes to help a company succeed. Many candidates boast such experience and enthusiasm, but there are some additional steps new graduates can take to improve their chances of landing their first jobs out of college. · Gain some relevant experience. While college is the best time to gain some experience that’s relevant to your field, that does not mean you can’t still earn an internship now that you have donned your cap and gown and received your diploma. Many businesses look to recent graduates to fill their internships, as recent grads have years of study under their belts and, because they are no longer enrolled in classes, more flexibility than current students. If the job market in your chosen field is tepid, start looking for internships.

These can be a great way to start making some

Daily Herald

professional contacts, and many people find themselves ultimately working full-time for the company where they first landed an internship. · Establish an online presence. Another way for recent graduates to get noticed is to establish a positive online presence. Something as simple as creating a profile on the professional networking site LinkedIn can help recent graduates get noticed by prospective employers. Even if you have little or no relevant professional experience, create a profile that includes your education history, interests, accolades or awards you earned while in school and even a brief summary of your career goals.

Another way to establish an online presence is to begin a blog. The blog should not be used as a tool to discuss your personal life, but rather to express your thoughts on topics relevant to the career you hope to pursue. Demonstrating an understanding or even just a passion for the industry can be a great way to show prospective employers that you are looking for a career and not just a job. · Join a professional organization. Other options to network and improve your chances of landing your first job can be attained by joining a professional organization. Many such organizations welcome new members, even those with relatively little or even no professional experience.Your university may even sponsor such an organization and host regularly

Daily Herald

scheduled forums relevant to your industry. Such forums often feature lectures or talk sessions with already established professionals who can provide advice on landing a first job or internship or furnish grads with industry contacts who might offer similar help.

Memberships in such organizations is often free or inexpensive, so take advantage of this opportunity if it presents itself. · Use the resources at your disposal. Many college graduates are unaware that they have valuable resources at their disposal that can greatly increase their chances of securing a job out of college. The career services office at the university is an invaluable resource that is plugged into the business community in its town or city. Such an office can connect you will fellow alumni, many of whom want to help their fellow graduates establish their careers. A career services office also can help new graduates fine tune their resumes and cover letters so they have a greater chance of landing a job.

Parents also might be a great resource in your job hunt.Your parents may have a career’s worth of professional contacts who might be able to help you land a job. Don’t be hesitant to ask your parents for help.

Getting a first job out of college is rarely easy. But there are some strategies motivated grads can employ to greatly increase their chances of finding a job and starting their careers.

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

MARCH 2015 n 11

Job Seekers: Resolve to Make a Better Impression in 2015

F

StatePoint irst impressions matter, particularly when you’re in the market for a new job. While a top notch resume and cover letter can help get your foot in the door, only you can seal the deal.

The New Year is the perfect time to revamp your look for a smooth job search.

Make a strong first impression at your next interview or networking event with these easy tips: • Be a good listener. What you say is just as important as being engaged when others are talking. Make good eye contact and ask questions to show you are interested in what is being said.

• Anticipate the questions you will be asked so you are prepared with intelligent, confident and articulate responses. Define your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time to answer every hard question with ease.

• Get a good night’s sleep the

12 n MARCH 2015

night before an important interview or convention. Not only will you look fresher and more alert in the morning, you’ll be thinking more clearly as well.

• Know how to explain any gaps in your resume. If you have taken time off from your field to pursue a passion for travel, be ready to discuss this time off and explain how it has helped you professionally.

• Prepare your 30-second elevator pitch to communicate your strengths and goals. You never

know where a conversation with a hiring manager may lead, so be sure to tailor it to each person you speak with so it does not sound over-rehearsed or unnatural.

• The maxim often holds true that, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Be sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date, showcasing all of your recent work. Connect with headhunters, friends, family, or even old classmates and coworkers to learn about opportunities you may not have heard about otherwise.

• Dress to impress to be taken seriously. Denis Daly Wood, founder of Dalys1895.com, a century-old men’s luxury designer and online retailer, recommends standing out with a unique accessory for your suit, such as a stylish tie clip, tie, pocket square, or pair of cufflinks that can break the ice and start a conversation.

“A unique pocket square can finish off the look of a suit or blazer, while also helping convey that you are stylish and put

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

together. What you wear communicates a lot about your personality and who you are,” says Wood.

Seek quality accessories, such as the limited edition Caravaggio Italian silk pocket squares, which are handmade or the Dalys 1895 Alligator Belts, which are measured to each inch for a perfect fit. Wood also reminds job seekers that outerwear and a bag may often make or break the first impression. A sophisticated briefcase, coat and winter scarf, such as the exclusive Caravaggio wool and silk men’s scarf, can give you a polished look when you’re making your entrance.

More style inspiration for briefcases, cufflinks, and more can be found at www.

Dalys1895.com.

In the professional realm, presentation matters from your social media profile to your suit and tie. For a successful job search, resolve to showcase the best version of you in the New Year.

Daily Herald

Lucrative careers that don’t require a degree

S

tudents in high school have long been encouraged to enroll in secondary education to further their future career prospects. While a college degree is a prerequisite for many careers, it is not mandatory for every job. In fact, there are many potentially lucrative lines of

Daily Herald

work that do not require a degree, and these careers often appeal to those young people who are discouraged by the high cost of college or those who have grown tired of the classroom atmosphere.

Many lines of work that do not require a college degree do require trade school certification. The good news is that trade school typically takes less time to complete than a more traditional four-year degree and such courses of study tend to be less expensive than college degrees.

These factors may be why the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics says eight of the 10 fastest-growing occupations in 2014 do not require a bachelor’s degree. The following jobs are potentially lucrative but do not require a college degree.

Ship captain: A captain will navigate a vessel and manage the crew. Additionally, he or she will comply with international and local laws. Captains can expect an average salary of $87,000.

Web developer: Many web developers are self-taught, and many more supplement their natural skills by taking a few classes here and there. Web developers earn very good salaries, with a median salary of $75,000.

Tradesman: Plumbers, bricklayers, marble setters, and masons have been in high demand for centuries. Depending on the business and if a tradesman is self-employed, he or she can earn a considerable salary and enjoy a good living without having to earn a college degree.

Home health aide supervisor: Home health aide supervisors monitor the quality of care performed by aides for home patients and help develop a care plan. Much of the training for this profession occurs on the job, and workers receive satisfaction from helping those in need.

Locomotive engineer: Many engineers begin as rail transportation workers and conductors before they move up to an engineer position. Driving the train requires knowledge of the mechanical operations of the locomotive and awareness of safety regulations.

A locomotive engineer can earn as much as $70,000 annually if not more.

Air traffic controller: A lucrative position, an air traffic controller has a very demanding job and one that subjects workers to significant stress. Air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly flow of air traffic to prevent collisions or traffic

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

buildup at airports. Many air traffic controllers complete training through aviation-related programs or military service. Salaries can reach six figures.

Although college is the next step for many high school students, it is not necessarily the only path individuals need to take. Many highpaying and rewarding careers are available to people without college degrees.

MARCH 2015 n 13

14 n MARCH 2015

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

Daily Herald

Switch jobs with grace and decorum If you have been working in a particularly poor environment, it may be tempting to run out the door even before your written resignation has finished printing.

W

omen leave jobs for various reasons. Some women cite disparities in pay, an inability to advance through the company or incompatibility with a particlar place of business as their reasons for seeking new employment, while others leave jobs to take time off for family obligations, only to reenter the workforce at a later time.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics say the average person changes jobs 10 to 15 times (with an average of 11 job changes) over the course of a career. Reports about employees in Fortune 500 companies have found, while women make up nearly 50 percent of these companies, they represent just 7.5 percent of top earners.

Dissatisfaction with their income encourages some women to look for greener pastures.

Transitioning between jobs is common, but professionals can take certain steps to ensure their transition works out for them and does not burn any bridges along they way. * Have a definitive reason for leaving. It’s foolish to change jobs on a whim. Be clear about why you are leaving and whether problems can be remedied by speaking up or if leaving for another company really is the best solution.

Having firm reasons for your resignation will enable you to leave with more confidence and conviction. * Provide enough notice to the company. If you have been working in a particularly poor environment, it may be tempting to run out the door even before your written resignation has

Daily Herald

finished printing. This may not bode well for future recommendations and leave your name tarnished within the industry. Instead, give ample notice and find a mutually acceptable window of time in which your position will be filled. While two weeks is standard, some positions may require more or less time. It’s best not to drag your exit out too long though. * Meet with your boss first. Don’t let a boss find out about your intentions to leave the company through the workplace gossip mill.

It is always more professional to keep plans to yourself and show your boss the respect of hearing about your decision to leave first. Do so in person and not over the phone or via email. * Continue to do your job to the best of your abilities. Giving notice is not a ticket to goofing off or participating in an office vacation.

Slacking off damages good will and is a surefire way to burn some bridges. Put in your best effort until the day you leave the company behind. * Avoid making negative comments.

When discussing your reasons for leaving, be diplomatic but honest. Similarly, do not talk poorly about your former job to your new employer.You may inadvertently portray yourself as a disgruntled employee.

Furthermore, word travels fast within many industries, and a loose tongue may compromise future networking opportunities. * Maintain decorum even if it was not your idea to leave. Being fired or downsized can hurt, particularly when you thought you were doing a good job. Remain cool and always be professional. How you conduct yourself when facing adversity could speak well to your future employers.

William Shakespeare may have said that a person is remembered for his entrances and exits, and this is particularly true in the workforce. When it is time to leave an employment position for a new one, do so with grace and humility.

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

MARCH 2015 n 15

16 n MARCH 2015

2015 job fair PREVIEW GUIDE

Daily Herald