Career Preparation 101

Transcription

1 Career Preparation 101 Courtesy of UC Career Services with permission by the National Association of Colleges and Employers

2 Career Strategies- Top 10 Tips for Freshman and Sophomores 1. Keep your grades up Employers and graduate schools want candidates with good grades. That will probably never change. Doing well academically not only proves that you have a good knowledge base, but indicates a strong work ethic a trait that employers value. 2. Identify your interests, skills, values, and personal characteristics The first step to clarifying your career goals is to go through a process of self-assessment. Visit your career center and take advantage of the self-assessment instruments it has to offer. 3. Actively explore career options You owe it to yourself to find a career that enriches your life, not one that brings you down. Actively exploring careers means talking with professionals in occupations of interest and observing professionals on the job. Your career center probably has alumni and other volunteers who are willing to talk to you about their careers. Also, attend any career expos, career fairs, and career speaker panels that are offered. 4. Become active in extracurricular activities and clubs Active involvement in activities and clubs on campus is highly valued by employers and graduate schools. Joining a club is fine, but becoming active within that club is what matters most. Become a leader, hold an office, or coordinate an event. You will develop your skills in leadership and teamwork skills that recruiters covet! 5. Get involved in community service It's important that you begin to understand and appreciate the importance of giving back to your community, and that you live in a larger community than your college or hometown. Typically, students look at community service as a chore. After they've served, however, it's usually one of the most rewarding experiences they've had! Recruiters love to see that you've volunteered to help in your community. 6. Develop your computer skills Take advantage of the computer courses and workshops your college offers. You can also learn a lot by just experimenting with different software packages on your own. Finally, you should learn how to develop your own web page or web-based portfolio. There are many web-design software tools that make it real easy to develop your own web page! Contact your college's information technology office to see how to get started. 7. Develop your writing skills Over and over, company and graduate school recruiters complain about the lack of writing skills among college graduates. Don't avoid classes that are writing intensive. Work at developing your writing skills. If there is a writing center on campus, have them take a look at your papers from time to time. Remember, the first impression you give to recruiters is typically your cover letter or personal statement. 8. Complete at least one internship in your chosen career field More and more, internships are the springboards to employment and getting into graduate programs. Many recruiters say that when they need to fill entry-level jobs, they will only hire previous interns. In addition to making yourself more marketable, internships also are a great way to explore careers and determine whether or not certain careers are for you. When you work for a company as an intern for three to four months, you get a really good feel for whether the field (and company) is one in which you want to work day in and day out! 9. Gain an appreciation of diversity through study abroad, foreign languages, and courses We are now, more than ever, working within a global work force. For you to be successful at work and in your life, you must stretch yourself, and learn about people and cultures different than yours. Take advantage of the wonderful study-abroad opportunities and the courses relating to diversity. This is your time to travel! Most people find it harder to take time to travel as they begin their careers and start families. 10. Use your career center all four years Your college career center can help you throughout your entire college career. Here is just a sampling of what your career center can help you do: Choose your major and career direction, Explore career options, Obtain an internship, Write a resume and cover letter, Develop your interviewing skills, Identify your skills, interests, and values, Develop a job-search or graduate school plan, Connect you with prospective employers (career fairs, on-campus recruiting, and more), and Connect you with alumni mentors.

3 PRE-READING Self-Study Guide to Career Confidence Employers are on the lookout for candidates who display career confidence. Even in difficult economic times, you can build and express your career confidence by reflecting on your passion, purpose and career plans. They are looking for answers to: What makes you tick? What unleashes your creativity? How will you take your conscience to work? Passion is one of today s buzz words. What s the definition of this word and what does passion have to do with the job search? Why do employers react so positively to candidates who show purpose and passion? POST-READING Reflect What are you passionate about? How will you incorporate this internal energy into your future career? Apply What adjectives can you use to make your resume or cover letters signal your passion to the reader? Hint: I was excited to learn about an opening an XYZ company. Extend and Build Build your confidence by taking some share of the credit for accomplishments to which you contributed, even though they were not yours, alone. For example, you may have demonstrated your passion and skills in class projects, internships, volunteer work and summer jobs. Though you probably didn t do these projects single-handedly, your assistance was likely a necessary ingredient for success. Activity Try using these action verbs and phrases to write or talk about contributory accomplishments: Partnered with to accomplish... Assisted with the following: Co-managed... Collaborated with manager on Participated in company-wide effort which led to Contributed to a team who did Member of a seven-person task force that Observed and reported on. Helped, aided

4 Career Strategies- Researching Employers Researching employers is perhaps the single-most important activity you will undertake in your job search. The information you uncover can help you: Discover organizations that are a good match for you, Identify the organization s goals and needs, Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experiences that match the employer s needs, Know what questions to ask employers, Demonstrate your interest in and enthusiasm for the organization, Answer interview questions with confidence, and Make an informed employment decision. Unfortunately, many students overlook the importance of research when undertaking a job search or looking for an internship. In fact, it s common for employers to complain that potential job candidates haven t done their homework, and instead come into the interview with little or no knowledge about the organization. These candidates flounder, asking questions that could be easily answered by a cursory look at the company website or literature. Needless to say, they make a poor impression, because employers often assume lack of research means lack of interest. Where should you begin? Start by developing a list of organizations in which you might be interested companies that have the types of jobs or do the type of work that interests you. These could be organizations that visit your campus for career fairs, information sessions, and interviews, or they might be companies you have identified on your own as potential employers. An added bonus: You may discover lesser-known organizations that might be a match for your skills and interests. (Having a problem with this step? Talk with a career counselor in your campus career center for direction.) Research companies to obtain information in each of the following categories: Organizational overview: age, size, financial outlook, growth, and structure Trends/issues in the industry Mission, philosophy, objectives Public or private or foreign-owned Location of plants, offices, stores, subsidiaries Products and/or services Names of key executives Competitors Sales, assets, earnings Growth history and current growth activity Current challenges Major achievements and activity, issues, news Career paths, training, benefits Company culture For specific industries or sectors, see: ThomasNet.com, for brief information about manufacturers in 67,000 categories in the United States and Canada. GuideStar.org, for brief information on more than 1.8 million U.S. nonprofit organizations. Idealist.org, for information on 71,000+ nonprofit organizations worldwide. USA.gov, for a list of federal agencies (click on Find Government Agencies on the home page). USChamber.com, for a list of employer members (click on Chambers and then Chamber Directory ). Don t forget the resources available in your campus career center: Check your career center for information about employers that recruit at your school. Finally, this list of resources is a starting point; never underestimate the power of a search engine. Simply Google the name of the organization you are interested in and see what information and news is returned! Other Research Resources Start with the organization s website. Well-constructed and comprehensive sites will have abundant information, and for the sites that are not as comprehensive, it is still important to learn what is there. This is what the organization deems most important for you to know.

5 Look at university libraries research databases. These will have information not available elsewhere for free, including financials, industries, market news, trade data, and more. Choose the business databases for information for the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Some of the most relevant databases are Hoovers.com, Dun & Bradstreet Million Dollar Directory, Thomson One, Business Source Premier, IBISWorld, and Mergent Online. Check your public library. Public libraries have online research tools available free with a library card. In the business category, you may find ReferenceUSA, with information for more than 20 million U.S. companies, including nonprofit organizations. Speak to a reference librarian for additional options to research organizations. Look at social networking sites, including LinkedIn. LinkedIn has become a leading source of inside information about organizations. On LinkedIn, find companies of interest and once found, click on the Follow tab to receive updates posted by the company. Join groups related to any career interest appealing to you. Contribute to discussions and connect with other members. Use the advanced search to find alumni working in companies in which you are interested. Try the Employer Locator on Careeronestop. Go to in the site search window, search for Employer Locator. This is a U.S. government database of nearly 12 million U.S. employers with brief information about each. It s a good resource for finding employers in a specific industry in a particular geographical location. Using Information Interviews and Shadowing to Find Your Career The best way to explore a potential career choice is by speaking with and/or following someone who works in that career. Do an information interview. Learn first-hand about your chosen profession by asking questions about tasks, business environment, and educational background. Shadow a professional. Follow someone in your career choice as they go through a typical day or week on the job. Ask questions and observe the work. Finding a Profession(al) Finding someone to interview or shadow is not difficult. Ask your parents and your friends parents if they know someone you can interview. Ask your professors for recommendations of professionals in the field. Go to your career center: Many maintain lists of alumni and employers who are willing to help in your career exploration. Next, call or write a letter requesting an information interview or job shadowing. People who like their jobs tend to enjoy talking about them. You compliment the professional by expressing an interest in the career. In your phone call or letter, explain how you found the person you want to interview and request time for an appointment. Emphasize that you want to find out more about the career you re not looking for a job. If you re lucky, the professional you contact may have other colleagues you can interview also. Asking Questions Takes notes during your time with the professional. Here are some questions you might ask: 1. What is your typical workday like? 2. What do you like most (and least) about your job? 3. What skills/abilities are most important to succeed in this job? 4. What is your educational background? 5. How did you get started in this field? 6. What courses were most helpful to you and which would you recommend? 7. What is the best way to get started in this field? 8. Do you have any additional advice to help me prepare? Following Up Your Interview Review your notes. What was your impression? Did you leave the interview feeling as if you can envision a future in this occupation or were you discouraged you don t feel you learned enough about the occupation or the job description doesn t sound appealing any longer? Take your thoughts and concerns to the career center staff and get feedback on the next step to take in your career exploration. You may want to do additional information interviews in this career path or you may want to reexamine your goals and find a different path for your interests. No matter what you decide, send a thank-you note to anyone you interview or shadow. Whether you decide to forge ahead on that career path or find another one, this professional may be a good person to network with when you begin your job search.

6 Tips from employers that are hiring The best job-search advice comes from the employers that are hiring. If you take the time to follow this advice, you'll be better prepared than your competition for your application and interview. Here are some things you can do to aid in your job-search success: Research the Company What products or services does the company produce and sell? Where is it located? How well did the company do last year? What activities by this company have been in the news lately? Learn something about the company with which you want to interview. Read its website and its annual report. Search for news stories mentioning the company. Use this information to customize your resume and cover letter for the position you want. Impress the interviewer by knowing something about the company. Perfect Your Qualifications A high GPA is important. It means you know the subject matter. However, employers are looking for people with "soft skills," too skills you can learn through extracurricular activities such as leading a team, taking part in a group task, or organizing a volunteer project. Employers want to find communication skills, a strong work ethic, teamwork skills, initiative, the ability to relate to co-workers and customers, problem solving skills, and analytical skills. Get Experience Year after year, the majority of employers taking part in a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) say they prefer to hire job candidates who have pertinent experience. For college students, typically, relevant experience is gained through an internship. In fact, an internship can be the "foot in the door" to a job with many employers: NACE surveys show that newly hired employees often come from the organization's own internship program. Build a Network Whether you get the job you want or even hear about the job opportunity you want could easily depend on who you know. Here's where you will find people to build your professional network: Business and professional social networking sites Professional associations (online and in person) Career fairs Company information sessions Your school's alumni network An internship or co-op program A student professional organization Faculty contacts Employee referrals Parents of friends who work in your field Apply Online Few employers want a paper copy of your resume in the mail. Many employers want to receive resumes and job applications through their websites. Here are tips to keep your resume from getting lost in a company's database of applicants: Load your resume with keywords: Add job titles and specific skills especially those that are specific to your field. Use jargon and phrases specific to your field. List the names of companies you've worked for or interned with: recruiters may look for their competitors' names. Post your resume on professional niche websites.

7 Make Career Services Your BFF What is it worth to have someone who is in daily contact with potential employers show you how to write a winning cover letter, critique your resume, practice interviewing with you, connect you with people who are working in your field, and give you access to thousands of job opportunities? Find the career center on your university or college campus today. Employers use this resource to find new hires, so shouldn't you be there? Say Thank You Stand out among candidates. Send a thank-you note to each recruiter you meet at a career fair; to the employer who practices a mock interview with you; to a hiring manager who spends a few minutes interviewing you for a job; to anyone who serves as a job reference. Keep your message short and confirm your interest. "Thank you for the opportunity to discuss [name of the position] at XYZ Company." Spell the recruiter's name and title correctly. Send your message immediately. Learn the Skills Employers Look for in New Hires When it comes to a job seeker s skills/qualities, employers are looking for people who can make decisions and solve problems, communicate effectively within and outside the organization, and obtain and process information, according to employers who responded to NACE s Job Outlook 2014 Spring Update survey. Employers who interview and hire new college graduates were asked to rank a job candidate s desired skills and qualities. Employers rated nearly all the skills listed as very important. Only two were rated somewhat important. How can you demonstrate that you have these qualities? Here are some things you can do during your college years to meet these demands: Participate in extracurricular activities. Being leader of a club or an intramural sports team or organizing a volunteer project will show that you ve learned to make decisions and solve problems. Participating in extracurricular activities while maintaining a high GPA also will demonstrate that you have the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work. Keep Your GPA High. Good grades show that you have a good knowledge base the technical knowledge related to the job and demonstrates a strong work ethic a quality that employers value. Find an internship. Another way to demonstrate your knowledge of the job is to have done an internship or two in your field. You ll have taken an opportunity to look at your future career close up while getting hands-on experience with any potential job. Your internship can put your foot in the door to a job opportunity with many employers and help you build a network of professionals in your field. Make a Date With the Career Center. The career center staff can help you go a long way in preparation for selling yourself to future employers. In addition to helping you choose a major and career direction, a career counselor can help you find internships, perfect your cover letter and resume, and develop your interviewing skills. Good interview skills will help you show a potential employer know that you can verbally communicate with people inside and outside the organization.

8 Locating and Applying for Internships An internship allows you to test your career objectives, helps you identify your talents, and directs you toward an appropriate career, while helping you acquire essential practical and professional skills you need in the business world. It also lets you see how well you fit into a specific company's culture. But finding an internship takes some preparation. Before setting out to find an internship, ask yourself these questions: Where do I want to do an internship? My hometown? Out-of-state? What type of work would I like to do? In what field? What type of organization would I like to do an internship for? What do I want to gain from an internship? What specific skills or experiences do I want to acquire? Locating opportunities After you've answered these questions, you're ready to start searching for internships. Here are some suggestions for locating employers and internship opportunities: Visit your career services office. Many offices have internship listings and may be able to help you locate other resources such as books, employer files and directories, and websites. Check with your academic adviser to see if your department maintains listings of internship opportunities in your field of study. Attend job fairs. Employers often use fairs to identify students for internships as well as for full-time employment. Visit the websites of companies where you might want to do your internship so that you can tailor your resume and cover letter to the employer. Contact the Chamber of Commerce of the city where you would like to work to obtain information about local employers. Network. Talk with friends, family, co-workers, supervisors, instructors, administrators, and professionals in your field of study, and let them know you are searching for an internship. Applying for an internship Each employer has its own application process. Does the company want you to apply online? What is the deadline? What will the employer need from you to make your application complete? Start the process early. Here are a few tips to get you started: Keep your resume to one page. Place contact information at the top of your resume. Include your name, address, and phone number. Use an objective near the top of your resume that is general enough to encompass all the opportunities you would consider but specific enough to let the reader know what type of position you seek. Your education section should include your degree, major and minor, anticipated graduation date, and name and location of the college you are attending. You may also want to include a list of related course work. Describe your related experience using action verbs. Visit your career services office for sample resumes and have a career counselor review your resume. You will also need to write a cover letter to accompany your resume. Structure your letter along these lines: First paragraph State your purpose for writing your interest in the internship opportunity. Second paragraph Highlight your education, experience, and personal qualities that you can bring to the position. Final paragraph This is your "action" paragraph. Ask for an interview and let the employer know how you plan to follow up. Include information that will help the employer contact you for an interview. Close Thank the employer for considering your application. Make your cover letter reflect your personality and unique qualities while also showing off your great writing skills. Proofread. Remember that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Choosing an internship Your final task is to select the internship opportunity that is the best match for you. Review your goals for doing an internship and choose the opportunity that best meets those goals. An internship offers many benefits, including: Valuable experience. Many employers want to hire people who have experience and can step into the job and be productive right from the start. Information. An internship will help you make contacts, get ideas, and learn about the field. Practical application. You will have the chance to apply theories learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. When you return to the classroom after your internship, you will better understand the many nuances of business operations that relate to the theories you study. In many cases, an internship can lead to a job offer.

9 Relevant Work Experience a Key for Job-Search Success We know that recruiters looking for candidates to hire for their organizations want college graduates who are a proper fit for their culture and industry. But, without being hired full time, how can you demonstrate that you can perform at a high level on the job? The best way to impress potential employers during your job search is to gain and highlight relevant work experience. Nearly all of the employers taking part in the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2014survey said they prefer to hire job candidates who have pertinent experience. On the other side, just 4 percent of employers said experience didn t factor into their decision when hiring new college graduates. For college students, relevant experience is typically gained through internships. In fact, an internship can be your way to get your foot in the door to a job with many employers: In a separate NACE study regarding internships, responding organizations reported that almost half of their 2013 college hires came from their own internship programs. Simply put, employers are looking for evidence that you can do the job; the internship provides you with that evidence. Be sure to visit the career services office for guidance on internships that can support your career goals. How an Intern Spends a Typical Work Day

10 Networking Tips Networking could be what helps you land a job. If you take part in social networking sites, you probably have a pretty good idea of how networking can enhance your personal life. But, if you re like many new college graduates, you re probably not as comfortable about incorporating networking into your job search. In spite of your discomfort, you need to incorporate networking into your job search: Especially in a competitive job market, networking could be what helps you land a job. In fact, many jobs are filled before they are even advertised filled by people who learned about the opportunity before it was formally announced. What is networking when it comes to the job search? It s not about using people. Just as you look to build personal relationships through social networks, you want to build relationships to foster your professional life. These relationships can help you not only in your current job search but down the road as you build your career. Networking is not one-sided: It works both ways. You offer assistance to others just as they offer assistance to you. Perhaps the easiest way to think about networking is to see it as an extension of being friendly, outgoing, and active. Here are some tips for building and maintaining a healthy network: 1. Make a list of everyone you know and people they know and identify how they could help you gather career information or experience. Who do you know at school? Professors, friends, and even friends parents can all be helpful contacts. Did you hold a part-time job? Volunteer? Serve an internship? Think about the people you came into contact with there. 2. Sign up for an alumni mentoring program. Many colleges offer such programs, and they are a great way to build relationships in your field. 3. Join the campus chapter of a professional society that relates to your career choice. In many ways, a professional society is an instant network: You ll be with others who have the same general career interest. Plus, you may be able to learn more about your field from them. For example, you may be able to learn about the field and potential employers from others who share their internship experiences. 4. Volunteer at a local museum, theater, homeless shelter anywhere that even remotely relates to your field of study. By volunteering, you ll not only learn about your chosen field firsthand, you ll also be able to connect with people who are in the field. 5. Speak to company representatives at career fairs, even if you re not ready to look for a job. Be up front that you re not currently in the job market and don t take a lot of the representative s time, but touching base with a potential employer now can help you down the road when you are ready. 6. Attend company information sessions at your college and talk one-on-one to the recruiters who run them. 7. Schedule informational interviews with people who can tell you about their careers. It s best to ask to meet in person or by phone for a short interview, and don t immediately start asking How can you help me? Plan your questions ahead of time, focusing on how the company works and how the person shaped his or her career path. 8. Add your profile to LinkedIn. It s free. And then, work your profile. Add work history (including internships!), skills, and keywords. Make connections to people you ve worked with or met through networking. Ask for recommendations from people who have worked with you. You ll find LinkedIn is a good source of suggestions for people in your field to contact for informational interviews. 9. Remember to be courteous and tactful in all your conversations, to send thank-you notes to people who help you, and to find ways to help others as well. Don t drop your network once you ve gotten a job. Nurture the relationships you ve built and look for opportunities to build new connections throughout your career. Getting started might be uncomfortable, but with time and practice, networking will be second nature.

11 Right Place, Right Time, Right Attitude The Elements of Successful Networking You and I know it: the job search is a hustle. It s applying, it s writing, it s getting LinkedIn, it s tweeting, it s interviews, it s dressing to impress it s all of the above. Even more than that, it s about people. The people you meet at the places you go. It s networking, which can be a difficult concept to understand. Networking isn t linear. Talking with someone who doesn t necessarily have a position open or even the ability to hire doesn t feel the same as hitting apply online. But, your relationships could be the differentiator in your job-search success. When I talk about networking, one of my favorite phrases to break down is, I was just in the right place at the right time. Some of the best career success stories I ve heard from students are cut from this cloth: a story about a junior making a chance connection on a train ride home or the senior finding out her cousin could refer her for a job while at the Thanksgiving dinner table. At first blush, this phrase seems like someone just got lucky. Truthfully, luck has only a little bit to do with it. A lot about making it happen is up to you. There is such a thing as being in the right place at the right time. But, the critical truth is that you have to put yourself in a bunch of right places and have the right attitude so that you ll have the chance of experiencing a right time. The right place is not likely going to be your bedroom. It s also not likely going to be the networking event you attend where you speak with no one. You could be the one to experience being in the right place at the right time. Look for profession-related events on- and off-campus where you can meet with industry professionals (some good right places ). Take advantage of chance meetings and talk confidently about your goals. Make the most of your networking Finding people to contact is just part of networking. Try these quick tips to make the most of your conversations with networking contacts: Send an to introduce yourself when requesting a meeting. Explain (briefly!) what you have in common and describe what you hope to learn through your conversation. Include a date and time that you will follow up by phone to schedule your meeting time if you haven't heard back; then, follow through! (Because so many people don't do what they say they will, this attention to detail is sure to impress.) Research the industry, organization, and person you will be meeting prior to your conversation. Consider information that you are learning in classes, internships, or student organizations that might be interesting to your target contact. Make a list of questions to ask; if you are starting with a sample list of questions obtained from your career center or online, customize the questions to be specific to the industry and the person you will be contacting. Treat professionals with respect. Use appropriate grammar and spelling when writing messages. If you've scheduled a meeting, don't cancel. Arrive 15 minutes early. Whether your conversation is in person, on the phone, or via , follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation and improve your chances of creating a productive relationship. Don't be discouraged if some people whom you contact aren't immediately helpful. Be patient, and continue to develop contacts. Similarly, you might encounter people who you don't feel a positive connection toward; in those cases, be polite, send a thank-you note, and move on. None of us can predict which connections will lead to meaningful outcomes, so use care to nurture your connections. Accept networking as an investment in your future that can produce results in the present.

12 Social Media in Your Job Search Social media is a great way to stay in touch with friends and relatives, but it also can be a useful tool in your job search. Employers are using social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to both promote their organizations and connect with potential job candidates. While social media can help you research employers (critical to your job-search success), be sure to use it more actively as a way to connect with potential employers. By following a few basic tips, you can use social media to get in front of hiring managers. Get Noticed There are a few key points to keep in mind when using social media as a job-search tool. Create a Profile That Gives a Positive Impression of You Think of it as your online resume: What do you want it to say about you? Hiring managers can get a stronger sense of who you are, and if you re a potentially good fit for their company, through your profile. Be Aware of the Keywords You Include in Your Profile This is particularly true for sites focused on professional networking, such as LinkedIn. Many employers do keyword searches to find profiles that contain the skill sets they re seeking in potential hires. Don t Include Photos, Comments, or Information You Wouldn t Want a Potential Employer to See Don t Mix Personal With Professional The social media you use in your job search has to present you as a potential employee not as a friend. Follow the rules for writing a resume. Make Sure Your Profile Is Error-Free You wouldn t offer up a resume rife with misspellings, would you? Choose Appropriate Contact Information Your address or Twitter handle should be professional a simple variation on your name, perhaps rather than suggestive or offensive. Connect Many organizations have embraced social media as an extension of their hiring practices, and provide information that you can use to research the organization and connect with hiring managers and recruiters. Check your college/university s social media groups: Many times, employers join such groups. Check social media groups that are focused around your field of interest or career. Search for the social media pages, profiles, and videos of organizations that interest you. Many organizations post job descriptions, information about salaries, and more. Ask questions. Even something as broad as Is anyone hiring in [industry]? may bring responses, and asking questions about a specific organization What s it like to work at Company X? can give you insight into the organization and its culture. Stay Connected Keep in touch with recruiters or other decision makers you may interact with in cyberspace. There may not be an available opportunity at their organization right now, but that could change, and you want to be considered when it does. Finally, in addition to maintaining your network, use social media to build your network. Don t just establish a social media presence work it. Reach out. Interact. You will get out of social media what you put into it.

13 Tips for Your Twitter Bio Social Media Tips On Twitter, you have 160 characters to tell your story to potential employers. While you may have spent hours honing your resume, how much time did you take to craft your Twitter bio that info right on your Twitter page? So, how do you boil your one- or two-page resume into 160 characters? Here are tips gathered from a variety of sources: Use keywords that focus on your professional knowledge and accomplishments. Your bio doesn t have to be a complete sentence. Just hit the highlights. Example: John Doe, Accounting Major, Cum Laude graduate spring 2014, Intern at XYZ, AICPA Student Award, President of University Soccer League. Be findable. Use words a potential employer might use to search for someone in your field. Look at the bios of other people in your field (and follow those people) what words are they using? Add a link. Twitter allows you to add a link in your bio. Use it to link to your LinkedIn profile. Edit yourself. Write your bio out and ask a friend to proof for spelling and grammar before you add it to your page. Keep it fresh. Update your information on a regular basis. Add and subtract keywords to reflect your accomplishments. Skip the nonsense. Get a second Twitter handle for tweeting with friends, sharing hobbies, and posting cat photos. Building a Strong LinkedIn Profile Use keywords in your summary statement. Many employers search by keyword, so use keywords technical terms and skills from your field. Not sure what your best keywords are? Find profiles of people who hold the job you d like to get and see which keywords they use. Write short text. Describe your skills and abilities in short bursts of keyword-rich text. Use bullets to separate information. List all your experience. LinkedIn, like other social media, helps you connect with former colleagues and networking contacts who may be able to help you find a job opportunity. It also gives an employer searching to fill a job a description of your expertise. Ask for recommendations. Collect a recommendation or two from someone at each of the organizations where you ve worked. Don t forget to get recommendations for internships you ve completed. Refresh your news. Update your status about major projects you ve completed, books you re reading, and professional successes you ve had, at least once a week. This lets your professional contacts know what you are doing and serves as a sign of activity for potential employers. Self-Study Guide to Social Media in Your Job Search PRE-READING Social media is now playing a critical role in the job search process. Make sure you understand and can fully use various platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to build a professional online presence, research employers, locate jobs, and connect with professionals in your field. These tips will help you get noticed, get connected, and stay connected! POST-READING Reflect- What are the most important things about you and your career plans that you want employers to know? a. Create a professional, consistent portrait that captures the key words, skills, abilities and titles that you want potential employers to know about you. b. Check your current profiles in your social media applications and make changes to reflect this information Apply- Google yourself to see what information comes up. a. Are your profiles consistent? b. Name? c. Do they reflect your statement? d. Do you need to adjust some privacy settings so that the wrong information doesn t pop up? e. Are there lots of people with the same name as yours out there? Extend and Build- One of the easiest ways to establish a consistent online presence and make sure that professional information will appear when your name is Googled is to set up a Google Profile. a. Use your profile page as a public resume or social networking calling card. You can add information about where you live, other websites, your biography, and a photo of yourself. You have complete control over which information will be public. b. Use the Google profile to standardize and specialize your name. If you have a common name, Googling yourself probably produced lots of information for other people with you name. c. Since you are trying to set yourself apart, take pains to distinguish your name from others: d. Use your middle name or middle initial. Try to make your name as unique as possible. This name should then be used for every single professional profile you set up. You should have only one online name! e. The Google profile is one of the first pieces of information to come up in a name search. Since you know that employers will inevitably Google you, provide professional public information that will pop up early on in the search. f. A LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter profile does not take the place of a Google profile; in fact, your Google profile can offer inks to your other online information.

14 Job-search letters in context Job-Search Letters Generic, impersonal letters simply don t work. It s important that you craft your letters to reflect what is appropriate for your audience, your objectives, and the requirements of the situation Ideally, your letters should flow from, and be linked to, the following career-development tasks: Assessing your abilities, skills, knowledge, interests, preferences, values, and motivations; Researching and evaluating occupations, jobs, and employers; Defining your work objectives and career goals; Writing a professional-level resume; Planning and implementing your job-search campaign; Interviewing for job opportunities; and Choosing appropriate work. Types of Job-Search letters Thank-you letter The basic rule of thumb is that everyone who helps you in any way gets a thank-you letter. When used to follow up on employment interviews, thank-you letters should be sent within 24 hours to everyone who interviewed you. (Not possible or appropriate to send a thank-you letter to everyone you met during the interview? Send a thank you to your host and ask that he or she extend your appreciation to the group.) Express your sincere appreciation. Reemphasize your strongest qualifications. Draw attention to the good match between your qualifications and the job requirements. Reiterate your interest in the position. Use the opportunity to provide or offer supplemental information not previously given. Restate your appreciation. Application letter The purpose of this letter is to get your attached resume read and generate interviews. Use this letter in response to specific job advertisements and vacancy announcements. Demonstrate that your qualifications fit the requirements of the position. Study the position description carefully and decide on one or more themes education, experience, interests, and so forth that show how well you fit the position. Link major job dimensions with your related past performance and experience. Structure your application letters with three or four paragraphs: Come to the point. Reveal your purpose and interest. Identify the position and your source of information. Introduce your themes. Outline your strongest qualifications that match the position requirements based on the themes you selected. As much as possible, provide evidence of your related experiences and accomplishments. Refer to your enclosed resume. Suggest an action plan. Request an interview, and indicate that you will call during a specific time period to discuss interview possibilities. Express appreciation to the reader for his or her time and consideration.

15 Networking letter This is designed to generate information interviews not job interviews which allow you to meet individuals who can give you specific information about your intended career. Your purposes in seeking information interviews may vary, but your reasons for wanting to meet with a contact person must be genuine and sincere. Information interviewing isn t a magic shortcut to employment; it requires solid preparation, sincerity, and much effort. The networking letter is the first step in the information interviewing process. Normally, a resume is not attached to a networking letter, but it may be presented during the interview itself to help the interviewer address your questions. Make a connection between you and the reader e.g., alumnus/alumna of your school, mutual acquaintance, similar interest or background, and so forth State your purpose without pressuring the reader. Explain your situation briefly. Request a meeting at a mutually convenient time, and indicate that you will call to make arrangements. Prospecting letter The purposes of this letter are to prospect for possible vacancies in your occupation, get your resume read, and generate interviews. Target specific individuals in specific organizations. Structure this letter similarly to the application letter, but instead of using specific position information, focus on broader occupational and/or organizational dimensions to describe how your qualifications match the work environment. Indicate your interest and reveal your source of information. Outline your strongest qualifications focus on broader occupational and/or organizational dimensions to describe how your qualifications match the work environment. Convince the employer that you have the personal qualities and motivation to contribute to the organization. Suggest an action plan. Request an interview, and indicate that you will call during a specific time period to discuss interview possibilities. Express appreciation to the reader for his or her time and consideration. Acceptance Letter Use this letter to accept a job offer, to confirm terms of your employment (salary, starting date, medical examinations, and so on), and to positively reinforce the employer s decision to hire you. Most often, an acceptance letter follows a telephone conversation, during which the details of the offer and the terms of employment are discussed. Confirm, accept, and reaffirm your employment decision. Confirm logistics. Express your appreciation for the opportunity. Rejection Letter Rejecting an employment offer should be done thoughtfully. Indicate that you have carefully considered the offer and have decided not to accept it. Be sure to thank the employer for the offer and for consideration of you as a candidate. In rejecting an offer, demonstrate your professionalism: Acknowledge the offer Show thoughtful consideration. Express appreciation. Withdrawal letter Once you accept a position, you have an ethical obligation to inform all other employers of your decision and to withdraw your employment application from consideration. Your withdrawal letter should express appreciation for the employer s consideration and courtesy. It may be appropriate to state that your decision to go with other organizations was based on having a better person/job fit for this stage of your career. Do not say that you obtained a better job. State your decision, and provide an explanation. Express appreciation for the employer s consideration and courtesy. Be sure to sign the original hard copy letters and to keep copies of all your paper and electronic correspondence.

16 Self-Study Guide for a Job-Search Letter Basic Principles for Letter Writing Decide your purpose in writing, then plan accordingly. Place the most important items first, supported by facts. Group similar items together in a paragraph, then organize the paragraph in logical relationship to the other(s). Do the work of organizing your information for the reader. Keep your letters personal, warm, and professional. Avoid being either overly familiar or overly officious in tone. However, do remember that business letters are formal, not informal, documents. Say what you mean directly without a lot of verbiage. Demonstrate that you understand the value of the reader s time by being as brief as possible. Write clearly and simply. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Be positive in content, tone, word choice, and expectations. Suggest that you are an optimistic, responsible, productive, and reasonable person. Use active voice and action verbs. Keep the reader s interest by varying sentence structure and length. Reduce uncertainty for the reader by including specific facts. Stress benefits for the reader that reflects the reader s interest. PRE-READING Crafting the right letter for the right purpose is an important part of the job search process. In most cases, you will need a cover letter for applying for jobs, thanking your interviewer, and accepting or rejecting job offers. To create a positive impact job search letters need to be persuasive, personal, and appreciative, and often provide further evidence of your suitability for a job. POST-READING 1) Reflect- If a job ad says that cover letters are optional, give reasons why you should submit one anyway. 2) Apply- If possible, the first paragraph of your job search letter should draw connections between you and the company or people who work there. This information will draw the reader in and help the reader see you as a real person. a) You know someone who works for the company and he/she spoke highly of their experience. b) You had a previous summer job or internship with the company. c) You have had a positive interaction with the company in the past, i.e., used their product, took advantage of their service, etc. d) You have read about an important change or significant accomplishment concerning the company in question. e) Your research has revealed the company s mission which is aligned with your own. f) Start out with a quote from a supervisor that uniquely describes you. 3) Extend and Build- Choose an ad that describes an internship or job you would be interested in pursuing. Do these assessment exercises before you begin to write your letter: a) Read through the job description and make a list of the skills, attributes, and tasks the employer wants the candidate to have, i.e., research ability, strong computer skills, initiative, etc. Write these down so you have them in front of you when you begin to write. b) Look at your resume and write down several examples from your background that showcase the skills, traits, tasks you have listed. These examples may be taken from your coursework, honors, achievements, activities, and/or volunteer work as well as jobs and internships. c) Why do these before you begin writing? i) You highlight the skills that employer is looking for ii) Use the best examples to illustrate how you are the best match for the position.

17 Cover Letter Rubric Business format and overall quality of writing ability Cover letter should get you the interview. This letter uses correct business format with date and addresses at the top, and a signature at the bottom. This letter is clear and concise, and grammatically correct. There are no spelling errors. Cover letter could land you an interview. This is an average letter (borderline case). This letter uses correct business format with date and addresses at the top, and a signature at the bottom. There are minimal grammar and spelling errors. While its content is decent, this letter does not convince an employer to call. Cover letter needs significant improvement and would be discarded during screening. Business formatting is not used in this letter. There is no address or date at the top. This letter is not signed. There are multiple grammar and spelling errors. The content of this letter does not make sense to the reader. Section 1: Introduction This section identifies the position for which you are applying and explains why you are interested in the job. You have described how you heard about the opening. The wording is creative and catches an employer s attention quickly. This section identifies the position you are seeking. This letter does not describe how you heard about the opening. You vaguely describe why you are interested in this job. This section is bland and might not catch someone s attention fast enough. This section does not clearly identify what position you are seeking. There is no description of how you heard about the position or why you are interested. This letter definitely will not grab an employer s attention and keep him or her reading. Section 2: Identification of skills and experiences as related to position This letter identifies one or two of your strongest qualifications and clearly relates how these skills apply to the job at hand. This letter explains specifically why you are interested in the position and this type of job, company, and/or location. This letter identifies one of your qualifications, but it is not related to the position at hand. This letter restates what is on your resume with minimal additional information. You explain why you are interested in the position but are too vague. This letter does not discuss any relevant qualifications. You have not related your skills to the position for which you are applying. This letter does not state why you are interested in the position, company, and/or location. Section 3: Closing This letter refers the reader to your resume or any other enclosed documents. This letter thanks the reader for taking time to read this letter. You are assertive as you describe how you will follow up with the employer in a stated time period. You thank the reader for This letter does not thank the taking time to read this letter. reader for taking time to You do not refer the reader review this letter. There is no to your resume or application reference to a resume or materials. This letter assumes other materials. This letter that the employer will contact does not mention any plan you to follow up. for follow up.

18 Resume Tips General Tips Make it easy to read: Use a plain font in 12-point type. Focus on information that is relevant to the employer and the job. Keep your resume short: In general, a new grad s resume should be one side of a single page, but can run longer if your experiences and skills are relevant to the job. Include keywords taken directly from the job description. Quantify your results, if possible. Develop Your Own Resume Ask for help, yes, but don t turn over the responsibility for developing your resume to someone else. Your resume has to showcase what you have to offer. You have to think through your experiences. A third party can t know what you did or how you did it as well as you. That said, do use expert help available to you appropriately: The staff in your career center can help you identify your skills and figure out the best way to present them. Your career center may also offer resume critique services, which can help you identify what is and isn t working on your resume. Connect What You Have to What the Employer Needs It s critical to understand up front that, in your resume, interviews, and all interactions with employers, the responsibility rests with you to make the match between what you have to offer and what the employer needs. With your resume, it s up to you to convince the employer that you are worth an interview. Through your resume, you want to demonstrate how your academic, extracurricular, and work experiences connect to the job and offer the employer some evidence that you have the potential to be a good fit for the job and organization. You want to provide the employer with evidence that you are worth taking a closer look at through an interview. To achieve this, you must research the organization and position so that you ll have a clear idea of what to showcase as you tailor your resume to the specific job. Read the job description carefully: Use it to identify keywords, skills, and requirements. Find the similarities between the job and your experience and qualifications. Examine the organization s website and literature for information about its priorities, initiatives, and company culture. Attend company-hosted information sessions to get firsthand tips from recruiters, and be sure to ask the recruiter how you can position yourself. In tailoring your resume, highlight the skills specific to the job at hand, and use the keywords and verbiage you ve gleaned from the job description and your research. Make matches between your knowledge, skills, and experience apparent. Showcase Relevant Work Experience Relevant work experience often gained through an internship or co-op experience gives you a big advantage over candidates who lack such experience. In fact, almost all employers taking part in a recent survey said they prefer to hire a candidate with relevant work experience experience that relates to the job at hand over other candidates. Highlight your relevant work experience on your resume. Draw connections between what you did as an intern, for example, and what the job requires

19 Showcase Key Skills In the same survey, employers said they look at a resume for evidence that the job seeker has worked in a team, and has leadership abilities, written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and more. Look at your classroom and relevant work experiences for examples that show you have these key attributes, but also look at your extracurricular and community activities and interests; you may find great examples there as well. Format for Easy Reading In general, what matters most to employers are your experience, skills, and education, so make it easy to find and understand these by offering a clean, well-organized, easy-to-read resume. Don t make the employer hunt for critical information. Don t clutter your resume with irrelevant, unrelated detail. Although some job seekers can (and should) develop off-the-chart resumes, remember that form follows function. Yes, those applying for a graphic design or similar position, for example, should think about how their resume can pull double-duty serving as a show and tell of their skills and abilities. And some job seekers have created clever, web-based resumes filled with interactive visuals in their quest to secure a web development job. But many jobs don t lend themselves to that level of creativity. In fact, you can hurt your candidacy by providing a resume that doesn t match the job. A potential employer will look at your resume for a matter of seconds: Make those seconds count. First Impressions Matter What does your resume say about you? Ideally, it says you warrant a closer look and an interview. But your resume can also say negative, unintended things about you that may lose you the interview. Your resume can say you don t pay attention, don t care about details, and/or aren t interested in the company or job. Instead of showcasing your skills, your resume might be a showcase of typos, spelling errors, misplaced punctuation, and poor grammar any of which may lead the employer to put you in the no pile. Details count: Spellcheck and proofread your resume, and have someone else proofread it, too. What Matters? When examining resumes, employers say they look for evidence of: Ability to work in a team, Leadership skills/experience, Written communication skills, Problem-solving skills, Strong work ethic, Analytical/quantitative skills, Verbal communication skills, Initiative, Technical skills, Detailorientation, Flexibility/adaptability, Computer skills, Interpersonal skills, Organizational abilities Marketing Your Resume to Employers Proofread for spelling, grammar, and tone. (Ask friends to proofread, too.) Use a simple, easy-to-read typeface. Follow instructions in the job posting. If the employer asks for information such as references or writing samples provide it. If you re applying by , your cover letter should be contained in the . If you re applying online and there s no space indicated for a cover letter, put your cover letter in the comments section. Don't let the informality of and text correspondence seep into your communications whether e- mailed, online, or written with potential employers. Organize your resume for the employer Organize your resume information in a logical fashion. Keep descriptions clear and to the point. As possible, tailor your resume to the job and employer, emphasizing skills, experiences, abilities, and qualifications that match the job description. Customize your response Address the hiring manager directly, if possible, and include the name of the company and the position for which it is hiring in your cover letter/ response. Make it easy for the hiring manager Use your name and the word "resume" in the subject line so it's easy to identify. Focus on the skills and abilities you can bring to the employer, not what you want from the job In your cover letter, answer the questions: What can you do to make the hiring manager's life easier? What can you do to help the company? This is your opportunity to market yourself and stand out from the other candidates. Your resume should support that. Be professional Use a professional-sounding address or voice mail/answering machine message.

20 Resume Basics The basic chronological resume for new grads gives the employer an easy-to-understand timeline your educational and work experiences appear in reverse chronological order and features sections displayed at the right. (Some sections may be optional, depending on your circumstances.) Name and Contact Information Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone Number Address As possible, make your contact information evergreen that is, you can be reached at this address, this phone number, this address today, tomorrow, next week, next month. If your address is temporary, indicate that and provide the date that your address expires; offer a permanent address where you can be reached after that date. Your contact information should be appropriate; keep your voice mail message and address professional. Objective/Summary The jury is out on this section, so talk to a career counselor about whether you should include it. If you do decide to use this section, however, make sure to: Tailor it to the specific position/organization; and Keep it short. Education Degree, Major, Name of Institution/Location, Graduate Date, GPA (cumulative and in major), Relevant Coursework For new grads, education typically appears near the top of the resume. Include your date of graduation so the recruiter will know when you are available for work. Whether to include GPA can be tricky. Many employers (especially those with formal new graduate hiring programs) use GPA to screen candidates. As a general rule, if your GPA is 3.0 or higher, include it. If not, discuss your options with a counselor in your career center. Many new grads will feature coursework that is relevant to the job as a way to provide the potential employer with some information about their knowledge and skill sets. Experience

21 Name of Organization, Title/Experience, Location, Dates Description of the experience (what you did, how you did it, what you accomplished) Internships and co-op assignments, full- and part-time jobs, and volunteer experiences can all go here, but depending on the position and circumstances, sometimes the new grad resume will feature a Relevant Experience section, where just those experiences relevant to the job at hand are detailed. Overall, your goal is to make the information easy to find, read, and understand. Use action verbs to describe what you did. As possible, include keywords that match those found in the job description. Highlight your soft skills in your descriptions. As possible, quantify your accomplishments. Skills In general, use this to identify specific abilities, such as proficiency in specific software and language skills. Activities Although it is technically optional, this section may be very important to you: Your activities can provide evidence that you have key skills that will benefit you on the job. Holding an office in a sorority, participating in student organizations, taking part in a theater production, playing on a sports team, and such all offer you the chance to show the employer you have sought-after skills leadership, team work, communications, and more. Plus, many employers will look at this section to see if the candidate is well rounded. Honors/Awards Include those that are relevant to the job, demonstrate achievement, or provide evident of your skills.

22 PRE-READING Self-Study Guide to a Step-by-Step Guide to a Winning Resume Preparing your resume is a major step in the job search process. Resumes introduce you to the public, provide the basic screening tool for employers, and often guide the interview process. Your resume doesn t tell the whole story of who you are, but it does capture the highlights of your education, experience, skills, and activities as they relate to jobs that interest you. Use this guide to build a resume that will stand up to the task of demonstrating to employers that you are the best match for the job. POST-READING 1) Reflect- It is tempting to embellish the skills, tasks, and experiences you have to make your resume look more attractive to a potential employer. For example: a. Instead of saying you assisted in setting up an event, you wish you could claim full credit for the outcome. b. Rather than using the word secretary to describe your summer temp job, you write administrative assistant. c. Knowing the importance of Spanish in a possible job, you state on your resume that you are fluent when, in reality, you only know basic Spanish. Review your resume carefully to be sure that you haven t stretched the truth. If you have questions, discuss them with your career counselor 2) Apply- The Objective or Summary of Skills category that generally falls just below the contact information on the resume is considered optional; that is, there is no rule that says you must include either one in your resume. However, some employers like to see an Objective or Summary tailored to the job or company on applicants resumes because they are able to get a clearer picture of the candidates goals. 1. Write a short summary of your top qualifications for the type of job you have in mind. 2. Now write an objective. 3. Put together three resumes one with an objective, one with a Summary of Skills, and one that omits these categories. Get some feedback from career counselors, employers, and internship supervisors as to which one they think would work best for you. Which version do you prefer? 3) Extend and Build- In a recent survey, employers identified some top attributes and skills that are looked-for in new graduates resumes: Ability to work in a team, leadership, written communication skills, problem-solving, strong work ethic, analytical/quantitative skills, verbal communication skills, initiative, technical skills, detail orientation, flexibility, computer skills, interpersonal skills, organizational abilities. Sometimes college students will include only an attribute on their resume without any context; that is, they will make the claim that they work well in a team setting, have problem-solving skills, or interpersonal skills without giving brief, specific examples to demonstrate. You may be well-organized, an excellent communicator, and very adaptable, but you need to show not tell. Example: Before: Excellent oral communication skills After: Welcomed 600 students and their parents to campus during New Student Orientation.

23 Resume Rubric Format Education Section Resume should effectively land you an interview. This resume fills the page but is not overcrowded. There are no grammar or spelling errors. It can be easily scanned. This section is organized, clear, and well defined. It highlights the most pertinent information and includes: institution and its location, graduation date, major, degree, GPA, study abroad (as appropriate), and any relevant course work. Resume could land you an interview (borderline case). This resume almost fills the page, but has some uneven white space. There may be a single spelling or grammar error. This section is well organized and easy to read. It includes institution and its location, graduation date, major, and degree. GPA and extra information, such as study abroad and course work are missing. Resume is average, needs improvement to rise to the "top of the stack." Resume needs significant improvement and would be discarded during screening The font and spacing of This resume is either this resume are not appealing and cannot be easily scanned. There are spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. Information such as institution and its location, graduation date, and major are included, but degree and GPA are not listed. This section is not well organized and there is no order to how information is formatted. one-half page or two to three pages long. The font is too big or may be hard to read. There is more white space than words on the page. There are multiple spelling and/or grammar errors. This section is missing the most crucial information. Institution is listed, but not its location and graduation date is missing. The major is included, but not degree. No GPA is stated. Experience Section This section is well defined, and information relates to the intended career field. Places of work, location, titles, and dates are included for each position. Descriptions are clear and formatted as bullets beginning with action verbs. (This section could be split into related and other experience.) Places of work, location, titles, and dates are included for each position. Descriptions are formatted as bullets betinning with action verbs, but are not detailed enough to help the reader understand the experience. Information does not relate 100 percent to the intended career field. Descriptions are not presented in bulleted lists that begin with action verbs. Instead, complete sentences in paragraph form are used to describe positions. Places of work are included for each position, but not locations, dates, and titles. There is no order to the descriptions of each position. Descriptions are not detailed and don't illustrate the experience. No locations and dates of employment are listed. Honors/ Activities This section is well organized and easy to understand. Activities and honors are listed, and descriptions include skills gained and leadership roles held. Dates of involvement are listed. This section includes all necessary information, but is difficult to follow. Leadership roles within organizations are listed, but skills are not defined. Dates of involvement are listed. This section is missing key information such as leaderships positions held or dates of involvement. Organizations are listed; the organization, not individual involvement in each, are described. This section is missing or contains very little information. Organization titles or dates of involvement are not included, and there are no descriptions.

24 Online Applications and the 21 st Century Resume Applying Online In many cases even if a recruiter has accepted your hand-delivered, hard-copy resume you ll need to complete an online application. Follow these rules: Read and follow directions carefully. Ask for advice on completing the application from a company recruiter or alumnus who works for the company. Complete all fields even those that aren t required. When possible, use keywords related to the position. Use the comments field to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization (and to show you have taken the initiative to research the company) and to provide additional information about specific skills you have that are relevant to the job. If the company offers an optional assessment test online, take it. Check your application: Be sure you have entered the correct data in the correct field, and Proofread it carefully for spelling and grammatical errors, missing words, and such. Students should have multiple resume versions prepared. A clear version in Word with a simple font is essential for uploading to online applications. Keywords are important, and students should know that automated HR screening programs hunt for specific words 21 st Century Resume Why the Need for Change? Recruiters, HR managers, and employers in general are overwhelmed by record numbers of resumes in response to job postings; in fact, studies show that hiring managers spend less than 6 seconds reviewing a resume. The traditional resume is a flat presentation of the student in a 3-D world, and for some jobs, the traditional resume just doesn t cut it anymore. We need to strive for a competitive edge by searching in new ways, using contemporary tools such as social media and other forms of emerging technology. Resumes of students in digital media did not show off their design skills or their expertise with the software that they would use on the job. Once students were encouraged to brand and market themselves using the same tools that they would use on the job animation, graphics, movement, design we immediately began to see success stories. The response from engineering, business, and computer and related technical majors was equally enthusiastic, proving that creative resumes are not the sole province of graphic design and digital media majors. There are so many simple and effective techniques that the other majors were able to grasp quickly and run with that we soon concluded that the 21st century resume was useful across a variety of fields and industries. And, the (mostly) simple techniques showed that this resume is achievable for anyone with basic Word skills.

25 What is a 21 st Century Resume? Hyperlinks are critical to the 21stcentury resume. Think about the unlimited potential of links on a student resume: Business or marketing major: Link to a sample business or marketing plan. Computer sciences major: Link to his or her open-source coding projects. Engineering major: Link to a prizewinning robotics team design and video. English major: Link to his or her blog or website with writing samples. Fashion design major: Link to a Pinterest content sharing page to showcase designs and influences. Graphic design major: Link to his or her online portfolio. Film/video major: Link to a demo reel, YouTube channel, or website. LinkedIn Since many employers now rely on LinkedIn profiles to get more information about a potential employee, all majors can be encouraged to create and expand their LinkedIn profiles and link to them in their signatures and on their resumes. The LinkedIn format allows students to show off their skills, honors, awards, connections, projects, recommendations, portfolio samples, and more. New Resume Styles Although new resume styles include the use of such elements as infographics and video, and can be posted on LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Facebook, these resumes are not for every student and every job application. A student s LinkedIn profile can actually turn into a resume through its resume builder function. Users can customize the content, and then share resumes through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking tools. When needed, the LinkedIn resume can be made into a PDF and ed. An infographic resume is a visual explanation of skills, experience, and more. As a graphic, it integrates words and pictures in a fluid, dynamic way, is completely self-explanatory, and is universally understandable. The infographic resume can convey a large amount of information about a potential job candidate in a unique and effective way. Pinterest can be used to showcase the unique skills and tastes of a job candidate. Imagine the interior design major who uses the content sharing pins to highlight their designs, point to their inspirations, and show off their industry knowledge and goals all using photographs and illustrations. Practical Concerns Nontraditional resumes are not suitable for every application. Careful thought should be used when deciding if a creative resume is appropriate. When a student researches a company s website, social media, and Internet presence, he or she should assess the branding of the company to see if a creative resume is a good fit. If the HR department head s title is Chief People Wrangler, chances are good that the company would welcome a quirky, individualized creative resume. If the job description is written in a casual, fun style that urges applicants to show off their individuality as well as their skills and experience, it s a green light for the 21st century resume. Check any links to ensure they are accessible to all. For example, if linking to a YouTube video, make sure the video is set up as public rather than unlisted. Ensure the links work on a variety of computers and web browsers. It is vital that a resume reflects the student and her or his personality rather than being a copy of a clever resume that worked for someone else. The beauty of a good creative resume is that it shows fit, but that fit has to be accurate and based on the individual. Getting Started Here are some ideas for you and your staff to get started with 21 st century resumes: Start small: You might want to start working with one major or one college within your university. Do your research: Read about new resume styles and try revamping your own to see if they work for you. Collect samples that you think are great to share with colleagues and students. Ask your employers: If you work with regular employer partners, start the conversation. Would they welcome a new approach? Would hyperlinks to work and design samples be useful for them? How important is a student s LinkedIn profile? What technology and social media do they want to see on a resume? Collaborate with faculty: As industry experts, your faculty may be able to offer invaluable insight into their fields and help with specifics for resumes in their areas. Keep up-to-date: Familiarize yourself with trends in resumes and new ways that people are finding jobs.

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28 Interview Etiquette First impressions do count. Your resume earned you a job interview. Now, business etiquette will add some polish to your presentation. Etiquette good manners is based on the idea that certain social behaviors put people at ease and make interaction pleasant. Here are seven rules for interview etiquette: Be on time. Or arrive 5 minutes early. Being late says you're disorganized and not very good at time management. Drive the route to the organization the day before your interview so that you know exactly how long the commute will take. Turn off your cell phone. And leave it in your car. You don't want to be distracted as you offer your expertise to an employer, and an employer doesn't need to know your ringtone sounds like Beethoven's Symphony #5. Respect those already employed. It doesn't matter whether you're interviewing to be an entry-level employee or the next CEO of an organization. Be polite to everyone you meet, including the receptionist. You never know who may be asked, "So, what did you think of this candidate?" Dress like you mean it. Dress in business attire, even if you're interviewing in a business-casual office. Suits for men; suits or dresses for women. Go easy on the aftershave or perfume better yet, don't wear fragrance at all just in case someone you are about to meet has allergies. Go light on the jewelry earrings, a watch, and nothing else. No T-shirts, tank tops, or flip flops. Be handy with your handshake. Hand out. Clasp the extended hand firmly, but gently. Pump once. Release. A flimsy handshake feels like dead fish and is unimpressive. A bone-crunching grasp may crush your potential boss' tennis swing and your chance of getting a job. Practice ahead of time with a friend. Have a presence. Speak well, make eye contact, sit up straight. Use your interviewer's name (in moderation), enough to show you're awake and attentive, but not so much as to annoy the hiring manager. Looking the hiring manager in the eye as you talk shows you're confident and engaged in the conversation. Don't stare that's rude and creepy. Sit up straight. Slouching or sliding down in the chair makes you look tired, and no one wants to hire someone who is tired before they've started the job. Say thank you. Twice. The first thank you at the end of the interview, the last few seconds before you leave the office (and while you're shaking hands for the second time) may come naturally. "Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you," shows you appreciate that someone has taken the time to talk to you and consider you for the job. Say thank you by to each person who interviewed you immediately after you get back to your home. Spell everyone's name correctly and use their correct titles (find the information on the organization's website). A thank-you note does several things: a) It says you appreciated the time your potential boss spent with you. b) It suggests you'll follow up on important things (like the boss' business). c) It's a great time to reiterate (very briefly) how your qualifications are a good match and how interested you are in getting the job.

29 Interview Rubric Interview Apparel Excellent interview: You should get a job offer! Average interview: You could get called back, but it is not certain. Interviewing skills need significant improvement: You would not get this job. Your appearance is professional; you are wearing a business suit. You greet and shake hands with your interviewer First correctly. Your Impressions conversation is enthusiastic and engaging. You look nice, but you do not wear a suit. Your greeting is appropriate, but you forget to shake hands with your interviewer. Your conversation is enthusiastic and engaging. Your attire is unprofessional: You wear jeans or shorts to the interview. You do not greet or shake hands with your interviewer. Your conversation is not energetic. Interview Content You are knowledgeable about the organization and position. You display poise and confidence. You relate your skills to the job very well. You are knowledgeable about the position, but not about the organization. You display adequate confidence in your answers. You state your skills, but do not adequately relate them to the job. You are not knowledgeable about the position or organization. You are not confident in answering questions about yourself. You do not state the skills you have to do the job. Interview Skills / Techniques You have excellent eye contact with your interviewer (without staring). Your language and grammar are appropriate. (No use of "um".) You speak at the correct speed. You have adequate eye contact with your interviewer. Your language and grammar are adequate. You use "um" and other inappropriate terms, but not enough to disrupt the interview. You speak a little too quickly or too slowly. You look at the floor or ceiling when speaking. Your grammar and language are inappropriate. You speak too quickly or too slowly. Closing You successfully convey your interest in the position. You ask appropriate questions. You thank the interviewer. You convey some interest in the position. You are not prepared to ask questions. You thank the interviewer. You do not show any interest in the position. You do not ask any questions. You do not thank the interviewer.

30 Interview Time Is Show Time Interviewing Tips Want to tell a potential employer that you re creative? A problem solver? Flexible? Instead of describing yourself as a self-starter, tell a story about how you took action when you saw an issue that needed to be fixed. Don t say you are flexible tell the hiring manager about a change in your job (or schoolwork demands) and what you did to deal with the change. Well-worn phrases won t help you get the job, but concrete examples will! Don t say The story you need to tell Highly Highlight your accomplishments in previous jobs. Emphasize your specific skills and note any certifications qualified you have earned. Hard worker Explain exactly how you've gone the extra mile for your job. For instance, did you regularly meet tough deadlines, handle a high volume of projects, or tackle tasks outside your job description? Team player Provide examples of how you worked with colleagues or individuals in other departments to meet an objective or complete a project. Problem solver Highlight a difficult situation you encountered and how you handled it. Flexible Describe how you responded to a major change at work (or in your schoolwork) or dealt with the unpredictable aspects of your job. Can you offer examples of your strong communication skills? Can you describe how you ve worked with coworkers and customers? People person Self-starter What can you contribute immediately to the company or to the department you work in? Describe how you took action when you saw an issue that needed to be fixed. Tough Questions Interviewers Ask and How to Answer Them An interview isn't a contest to see if the interviewer can stump the job candidate. However, interviewers can ask some thought-provoking, tough questions. Here are some questions we've collected from recruiters and suggestions for answering them: 1. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn't have all the information you needed. Use a real anecdote from your experience to answer this question. The answer doesn't have to be great and grand. It could be a simple situation that was handled well. It could demonstrate ability in your field. For example: You may want to tell the interviewer how you selected your college from among all the colleges you applied to. Were you satisfied with your choice? Why or why not? 2. What suggestions do you have for our organization? Let's say you're interviewing with a retailer and you're asked this question. Don't answer with the expected answer anything to do with upkeep of the organization's stores. Instead, talk about merchandise that you might want to add...or how you would rearrange the stores' layout and why. Your answer should reflect your creativity. 3. What is the most significant contribution you made to the company during your internship/co-op? Tell a story about an accomplishment that added value to the company, demonstrating skills that show initiative or resilience. Tell the interviewer about the options and the outcome of your work. 4. What is the biggest mistake you've made? Be honest. You'll show credibility and integrity. While mistakes aren't rewarded, sometimes making a mistake can show that you've pushed yourself to the limit. Be careful, however, to concentrate your answer on describing what you learned from your mistake. 5. Was there anything today that you were afraid I was going to ask you? Why did it make you uncomfortable? The trick here is to keep your cool. Many people blurt out the question that they didn't want asked and that could raise new questions in the interviewer's mind.

31 What Interviewers Want to Know During an interview, potential employers want to gather information to gauge whether you, the position, and the organization are a good fit. Here are some generic questions and examples of specific questions an employer may ask in an interview. Use these as a guide to your preparation. Generic Questions What do you know about the organization? Specific Examples What do you think a typical day is like here? What sparked your interest in [this organization]? Do you have any suggestions for how we can make our organization better? What made you decide to apply for this job? What do I need to know about your personal traits or characteristics? What is your strongest attribute? What is your greatest weakness? What personality traits make you suitable for this position? If someone said one word to describe you, what would that word be? How do you work with others? Would you rather be micro- or macro-managed? Tell us about your best and worst boss. What is your ideal work environment? That is, what type of boss/co-workers would you like to work with? What skills do you have relevant to this position? What work experience have you had that is relevant to this position? Tell us about any specialized training or certifications you have. What skills do you think you need to add to your repertoire? How will you get those skills? I know about your college and work background, but what else have you done that would aid us if we were to hire you for this position? What are your personal goals? Why do you want us to hire you? What is your dream job? How would this position help you get there? What is your seven-year career plan? Do you have plans for graduate school? How much do you know about your specialized area? How have you handled specific situations? (Behavioral questions) What are your strongest points with [two specific skills that the job requires]? What are the most important traits of a person in your field? Can you tell me about a time when you effected a change? Give me an example of a situation that didn t work out well. What have you done that you are most proud of? Tell us about a time when you took a unique approach to solving a problem.

32 Conducting the Successful Phone Interview Phone & Video Interviews A potential employer may want to do a preliminary interview by phone. If you're prepared for the call, you can impress the interviewer. Here are some tips: 1) Turn off distractions. Take your phone into in a quiet room. 2) Have all your tools in one place: A) Resume B) Pen and paper to jot the interviewer(s) name(s) down immediately and to take notes during the interview C) Company research (with relevant information highlighted) D) Questions to ask about the company and position E) A loosely written outline of points to make or items to cover as you talk about the position F) A glass of water 3) Dress the part for the interview. Experts say if you're dressed in a professional manner, you'll speak that way. 4) If an employer calls and wants to do the interview right away (instead of setting up an appointment), excuse yourself politely and offer to call back in five minutes. This will give you time to make the psychological switch from whatever you are doing to your professional demeanor. 5) Stand up to talk. Your position affects the quality of your voice. If you are sitting down or relaxing, you don't project the same readiness and intensity as when you stand up. 6) Talk only when necessary. Since you lack the visual cues of body language to assess whether you've said enough, mark the end of your response with a question, such as "Would you like more details of my experience as an intern with XYZ Company?" 7) Let the employer end the interview. Then you should say "Thank you for your time," and reiterate your interest in the position. 8) Write a thank-you note to anyone who participated in the phone interview. Tips to Preparing for Video Interviews Video interviewing is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the traditional in-person interview for potential employers. However, there are format-specific elements that students and new graduates need to understand and consider when preparing for a video interview. Your career center may offer a workshop on preparing for a video interview or mock video interview sessions so that you can practice before you participate. Here are some recommendations for preparing for video interviews: Understand the technology and be comfortable with it Don t sign up for a video interview until you re comfortable with the process. Learn what you can and can t do with the audio and video controls. Find out what your image looks like and how to look your best and where to look once the interview begins. Being adept with the technology gives you credibility as an online professional. Consider image and the interview environment Dress professionally as a video interview is an interview. Ensure the background of the interview area is consistent with the image you want to portray to recruiters. Remove or silence all distractions, such as cell phone ringers, alerts on the computer, music, pets, roommates, and more. Test all settings and connections beforehand Make sure the settings are optimized and all connections are working prior to the interview to avoid any issues during the interview. Be prepared for a system hiccup And even though you re thoroughly prepared, have a Plan B ready in case the technology fails during a video interview. For example, have your cell phone ready to use in case the connection is unacceptable or drops. Being prepared in such a manner and making a smooth transition to another method in light of unexpected problems can impress an employer.

33 Preemployment Inquiries Related to Disabilities Examples of Preemployment Inquiries Related to Disabilities Illegal Questions Legal Questions Do you have any disabilities? Do you have a disability that would prevent you from performing the essential functions of Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job? the job with or without an accommodation? As part of the hiring process, after a job offer has been Please complete the following medical history as part of the made, you will be required to undergo a medical exam. application process. Have you had any recent or past illness or The results will remain confidential and will only be used operations? If yes, list and give dates. What was the date of if emergency medical treatment is necessary or to assist in your last physical exam? What medications do you take? the determination of a job accommodation, if needed. Are you able to sit? Can you sit for four hours at a time? (Assuming this is an essential function of the job.) Can you carry objects? Can you carry three-pound boxes to the copier? (Assuming this is an essential function of the job) Are you colorblind? Can you distinguish between color bands? (Assuming this is an essential function of the job.) What is your corrected vision? When did you lose your eyesight? How did you lose your eyesight? Do you see a psychiatrist for stress? Are you an alcoholic? How often do you drink alcoholic beverages? What is wrong with your leg? How often were you sick? Why do you use a wheelchair and will we have to make any accommodations for the wheelchair? Tell me all of your disabilities. Do you have 20/20 vision? (If this is a job requirement.) How well can you handle stress? Do you drink alcoholic beverages? How did you break your leg? (If it is obvious the person's leg is broken because the person is wearing a cast.) What was your attendance record? Can you demonstrate how you would perform the following job functions? Will you need any accommodation to participate in the recruiting process? What are your job skills, educational background, and prior work experiences?

34 Top-Hiring Industries and Top Majors Hired What s Out There Industry 2014 Average Salary Educational Services Elementary Teacher Education $40,100 Psychology $38,900 Biological Sciences/Life Sciences $39,600 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Business Administration/Management $58,000 Accounting $54,100 Economics (Business/Managerial) $57,500 Healthcare and Social Assistance Nursing $54,900 Health and Related Sciences $46,300 Biological Sciences/Life Sciences $41,100 Federal, State, and Local Governments Criminal Justice and Corrections $38,600 Business Administration/Management $56,300 Psychology $39,200 Manufacturing Business Administration/Management $57,400 Mechanical Engineering $61,400 Accounting $55,500 COLLEGE HIRING TO INCREASE 8.6 PERCENT Employers appear to be holding true to their original hiring projections made for the Class of Employers responding to the Job Outlook Spring Update survey say that they plan to hire 8.6 percent more graduates from the Class of 2014 for their U.S. operations than they did from the Class of That s up a bit from fall 2013 projections when employers anticipated a 7.8 percent increase in hiring for their U.S. operations. Starting Salaries for the Class of 2014 The first report on average starting salaries for new college graduates from the Class of 2014 earning a bachelor s degree is $45,473, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Here s how that pays out for some new graduates: