BUS 220 Career Planning Strategies
BUS 220: Career Planning Strategies Sections 01 (Monday) and 02 (Tuesday) Noon – 12:50 p.m., Spring 2014 Instructor:
Rick Smith, Ph.D. Burgess Hall, Room 110 (309) 677-2510 rsmith@bradley.edu
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Schedule an appointment online at: http://scc-rick_smith.youcanbook.me/
Course Materials: 1. NACE Job Choices (digital edition) 2. Online accounts: (1) BRADLEY eRecruiting, (2) OptimalResume, (3) LinkedIn, (4) Big Interview, (5) Others to be shared in class Course Goal: The ultimate goal of this course is to assist business students with planning, implementing, and evaluating their careers. This course will present the foundations for executing a successful job search and focus on career management as a lifelong process. Objectives: After completing this course, students should have: ● Learned strategies to assist in focusing and establishing career goals. ● Learned job search strategies and interviewing techniques. ● Developed a high impact resume and written correspondence skills (letters). ● Gained understanding of the nature and value of networking. ● Interacted with a potential employer via a mock interview or informational interview. ● Learned about job search ethics and accepted practices. ● Gained skills in career management as a lifelong process. ● Created a five-year career plan. Grading and Attendance Policies: BUS 220 is graded on a PASS/FAIL basis. Your grade is based upon class attendance and completion of all assignments. ● ATTENDANCE: Is expected. Since we meet once a week, you may have no more than three (3) absences from class, for any reason, or you will not pass this class (4th missed class equals fail). ● ASSIGNMENTS: ALL assignments are mandatory and must receive a “satisfactory” grade. They are expected to be of high quality, acceptable for a potential supervisor to review and advance your materials to the next stage in the job/internship process. ASSIGNMENTS BRADLEY eRecruiting (Updated Profile and one saved search) Five-Year Career Plan Draft Resume Cover Letter (including job/internship ad) and Final Resume (with critiqued draft) Career Search Event Mock/Informational Interview (with Thank You note)
DATE DUE February 10, 11 February 24, 25 March 3, 4 April 21, 22 April 28, 29 May 5, 6
*Include the assignment sheet along with the stated required portions Assignments will not be accepted via email
DATE
Topics covered, Special Activities, and Assignment due dates
January 27, 28
Syllabus and Review of course assignments ✓ Overview of BRADLEY eRecruiting ✓ Overview of Big Interview and Interview Training Center Video Curriculum
February 3, 4
Starting Your Job Search: Learning about Your Major, Options, and Job Search-related Sites ✓ Overview of What Can I do With a Major In . . .?, Occupational Outlook Handbook, US.jobs, SimplyHired (college), Current Jobs for Graduates, Urban Employ, industry-specific sites, etc. ✪ Feedback Friday: Resume Critique Day, February 7, Noon – 4:00 p.m., Student Center, Ballroom
February 10, 11
Internships and Job Fair Tips ✓ Overview of CareerSpots and BRADLEY eRecruiting Job Fair resources ✪ Spring Job & Internship Fair, February 13, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Renaissance Coliseum ASSIGNMENT DUE: Updated BRADLEY eRecruiting Profile and one saved search
February 17, 18
Resume Writing (Part 1) please bring your DRAFT resume to class ✓ Overview of OptimalResume
February 24, 25
Resume Writing (Part 2) – please bring your DRAFT resume to class ✓ Overview of O*Net – Occupational Network ASSIGNMENT DUE: Five Year Career Plan
March 3, 4
Job Search Letters (cover letters, thank-you notes, etc.) ASSIGNMENT DUE: Draft Resume
March 10, 11
Networking and Informational Interviewing ✓ Overview of GoingGlobal
March 17, 18
Spring Break – No Class Meeting
March 24, 25
Exploring and using On-line Networking Tools ✓ Overview of LinkedIn, BU Mentor, and BU Connect
March 31, April 1
Interviewing (Part 1) ✪ Career & Summer Job Fair, April 3, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Michel Student Center, Ballroom
April 7, 8
Interviewing (Part 2) – Joe Battelline, Foster College of Business Career Advisor will lead class
April 14, 15
No Class Meeting
April 21, 22
Evaluating and Negotiating Offers ✓ Overview of Salary.com ASSIGNMENT DUE: Cover Letter (with ad) and Final Resume (with critiqued draft)
April 28, 29
First Year Transition and Beyond ✓ Overview of Job and Career-related blogs ASSIGNMENT DUE: Career Search Event
May 5, 6
Wrap Up and Class Evaluation ASSIGNMENT DUE: Mock Interview and Thank You note ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TURNED IN!
Name: ______________________________________ BRADLEY eRecruiting Profile Due: February 10, 11 The Internet has become a vast resource for job seekers needing to locate opportunities, post resumes, research employers, etc. To help locate information specifically for our campus, the Smith Career Center has partnered with ConnectEdu (formerly Experience.com) to provide a comprehensive career resource site designed specifically for Bradley University students and alumni. By visiting BRADLEY eRecruiting, you too can join the hundreds of users that have made their career connections utilizing this site to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Search for campus jobs/internships/post-graduate positions Research participating job fair employers Publish a resume to the online resume book for employers to view Develop saved searches (results can be sent to you via e-mail) Apply for campus interviews Find a networking contact Research a career field
To complete this assignment: ● Log into your free BRADLEY eRecruiting account (visit your MyBU to access your account) ● Edit and update all sections of your PROFILE, specifically: 1. Personal Info 2. Academic Info 3. Career Preferences 4. OPTIONAL - upload and publish your resume (Profile may be updated due to log in process – this is OK – you should still verify each area though) ● Set up one (1) SAVED SEARCH related to your area of interest. For example, “Chicago-area internships in Marketing” or “Accounting full-time jobs anywhere in the United States”. 1. Once in BRADLEY eRecruiting, hover over “Jobs & Internships” (upper right on the gray bar) and select “Job/Internship Search” 2. Select one or more: type of position, job function, city, state, compensation, desired major and then click “search” 3. Click on “Save Your Search” (upper left area) 4. On the Saved Search page, name your search (ex., Chicago-area Accounting Internships PAID), and then answer the other questions. 5. Before you click on “Save” PRINT THE PAGE ● Or, on your BRADLEY eRecruiting Home screen, print the page (there is a box on the left that shows your saved searches by name)
Updated Profile (done by February 9) The Instructor will verify Print out of the “Saved Search” page showing the Instructor that you have set it up.
Name: ______________________________________ Five-Year Career Plan Due: February 24, 25 As a soon-to-be graduate, it is important to think about your future options. Developing this plan will provide the thought process necessary to develop your career goals. Remember, if you don't know where you want to go, you just might end up somewhere else! This assignment must be 5 pages in length, typed (double-spaced, font = 12 point, Times New Roman, 1 inch margin on all sides), double-spaced. Proper grammar and spelling are required. You do NOT need a reference page. Citations, if any, should be simple and in the text. The following are guidelines to be used in completing the assignment. ●
INTRODUCTION - Begin your career plan with identifying your major and why/how you selected your major. Then you will need to identify the different career possibilities that this major provides. o Hint: Use the Choosing and Using Your Major portion of the Smith Career Center web site (http://bradley.edu/offices/student/scc/students/choosing/): ● What Can I Do With This Major? ● Occupational Outlook Handbook - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ ● InsideJobs at http://www.insidejobs.com/ ● Other resources shared in class
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PERSONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT - Make sure to include your values, interests, and skills you will need and how you determined these: o Describe the broad career fields you want and the main types of work you would like to be doing. Include information on the corporate environment you think would be most beneficial to maximize your productiveness. o Tell about the skills needed for the job and how strong you think you are in these skills. o Define your work values. (If you have completed the Myers-Briggs, please include a simple summary)
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SHORT TERM CAREER OBJECTIVE - Develop a career objective for your first full-time job; identify a career focus, describe the industry; then match your skills with those valued in the industry. Start from today. Think about organizations you could join, classes you can take, skills you want to develop, etc. and note them. If you want to go to graduate school or law school, note this and tell why this will help you.
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LONG TERM CAREER GOAL - Identify your desired career path starting with entry-level job title. Tell where you would like to be at the end of five years and the path that could take you there. Refer to position titles and responsibility changes. Describe where and what you might be doing professionally in five years. Include information about the geographic location you have selected for now and any transitions you envision for later. (You can include personal info that will influence your life).
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REQUIREMENTS - Define the requirements that will be needed to attain your five year career plan, including education, job title, estimated salary (state the source), and professional growth. Try to think forward to changes and innovations in your chosen field and the impact they might have on your progress. If you identify a needed skill or educational level that you do not currently possess, describe a strategy for attaining that skill.
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FURTHER INVESTIGATION (optional) - If, at the end of this course, you are undecided regarding your career goals, especially the long-term goals, describe what you plan to do that would help define these goals.
Do not wait until the last minute to complete this assignment! To help you, use the resources/books in the Smith Career Center Library, web sites, or other resources! Also, you SHOULD use information gained other means – conversations at the Job Fair, with friends/family in similar occupations, etc. to provide additional support.
Name: ______________________________________ DRAFT Resume Due: March 3, 4 The format of the resume is very important and should be easy to read. Have a list of accomplishments to refer to when writing your resume. Stress past accomplishments and the skills used as well as detailed descriptions to assist the reviewer (use numbers, etc.). Write clearly and concisely, and make sure you start each statement with an action verb (See the list handed out in class). Include any community service activities and leadership roles. Be sure to list internships, summer jobs, volunteer work, senior projects – any related work experience that you can mention. Include the key words for your target career field. Use plain paper in white or buff. No crazy graphics, textures, or patterns. Helpful resources: ● Resume Tips - http://www.bradley.edu/offices/student/scc/files/resume_writing.pdf ● Use OptimalResume - https://bradley.optimalresume.com/ - to develop your document. Use your Bradley University e-mail address to create your account. ● Resume info from our national association, NACE o Build the Resume Employers Want http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nace/JobChoices0812/index.php#/48 o A Step-by-Step Guide to a Winning Resume http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nace/JobChoices0812_Diversity/index.php#/35 ● CareerSpots video – Make your Resume POP (3:47) https://www.careerspots.com/secure/vidplay_links_secure.aspx?aid=676&apass=zj6J8oNRhNHCIX+vHjdfTIIKme OMc4RtEBRj7xfC+vY=&vidnum=5 DO:
☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑ ☑
Articulate, clearly, your skills, experiences, education, achievements, etc. in relation to the individual job ad Remember that the appearance of the whole page is important Try to keep it to one page. If you go over one page, shoot for at least half a page of good content Show details and results (use numbers and percentages whenever possible) Use action words and keywords from your industry Explain information (don’t assume the read will understand everything)
DON’T: ☒ Use Resume Templates!!! - your resume should be unique and distinct ☒ Overstate your qualifications ☒ Use first person pronouns (I, me, my, we) ☒ Use passive verbs (“Responsible for” or “Assisted”) ☒ Include salary history ☒ Include “personal” information (age, race, sex, marital status, photograph, etc.) Remember to PROOFREAD – PROOFREAD – PROOFREAD! Then, have a friend proofread! Please remember that reviewing a resume is subjective. I will try to provide as much information possible in light of what an employer will ask for when they see your resume for the first time. Try to provide something that you feel will help you obtain an internship or full-time job! ASSIGNMENT DRAFT Resume ● Using your notes from class, and the helpful resources listed, turn in your DRAFT resume. Comments and suggestions will be given to you to help you formulate your FINAL resume. ● You are encouraged, but not required, to visit with the instructor to discuss your draft. Call (309) 677-2510 and set up an appointment with the course Instructor or visit during established walk in hours. ● Take advantage of Feedback Friday: Resume Critique Day and have an employer offer advice.
Resume Rubric
Resume should effectively land you an interview. GOOD JOB! ◻
Format
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Fills the page but also is not overcrowded. No grammar or spelling errors. Could be easily scanned.
Resume could land you an interview (borderline case). ◻ Almost fills the page but has some uneven white space. ◻ There may be a single spelling or grammar error here (not advisable though)
Resume is average, needs improvement to rise to the "top of the stack."
Font and spacing are not appealing and easily scanned. ◻ More than one spelling or grammar errors. ◻
Resume needs significant improvement and would be discarded during screening ◻ ◻ ◻ ◻
◻ ◻ ◻ Education Section
◻ ◻ Experience Section
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◻ ◻ Honors/ Activities
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Organized, clear, and well defined. It highlights the most pertinent information. Includes: institution with its location, graduation date, major, degree, GPA, study abroad, and any relevant course work.
◻ Organized and easy to read. ◻ Includes: institution with its location, graduation date, major, and degree. GPA is missing from this section. ◻ “Extra” information such as study abroad and course work are not mentioned.
◻ Not well organized. ◻ Information such as institution with its location, graduation date, and major are included. ◻ Degree and GPA are not listed. ◻ There is no order to how information is formatted in this section.
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Descriptions are not in the form of bullets beginning with action verbs. ◻ Complete sentences in paragraph form are used to describe previous positions. ◻ Places of work are included for each position but not locations, dates, and titles.
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Missing key information such as leaderships positions held or dates of involvement. Organizations are listed describing the organization, not individual involvement.
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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 well marketed in the form of bullet statements beginning with action verbs. Could be split into related and other experience.
◻ Descriptions are clear in the form of bullet statements beginning with action verbs. ◻ Descriptions are not detailed enough to fully understand what was done. ◻ Information does not relate 100% to the intended career field. ◻ Places of work, location, titles, and dates are included for each position.
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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.
◻ 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.
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Either onehalf page or two to three pages long. Font is too big or may be hard to read. More white space than words on the page. Multiple spelling errors. Missing the most crucial information. Institution is listed without a location. Graduation date is not listed. Major is listed but not degree. No GPA is stated in this section. Not well defined, and there is no order to the descriptions of each position. Descriptions are not detailed and offer no illustration of what was done. No locations and dates of employment are listed.
Missing or contains very little information. Organization titles or dates of involvement are not listed. No descriptions are listed
Name: ______________________________________ Cover Letter (with FINAL resume and job announcement)
Due: April 21, 22
The content and format of the cover letter is very important and should be easy to read. This document will introduce you to a prospective employer. It almost always accompanies (literally "covers") a resume. Its intent is to entice the reader to invite you in for an interview by clearly stating your educational and work qualifications, plus other related experience that matches the employer's staffing needs. Include the key words and phrases for your targeted career field. Use plain paper in white or buff. DO:
☑ Tailor your letter for the specific job description and/or employer. (Use the announcement to help guide you with content) ☑ Use job objective/job title/job announcement information. This may be recommended for a resume, but it is essential within a cover letter. ☑ Use business-professional/formal style ☑ Use action words, keywords/”buzz” word, and phrases recognizable within your field/industry. Incorporate information, terms, etc. from the announcement. ☑ Establish a rapport with the reader. Use a business like, but conversational tone. ☑ Keep it to one page. (3 or 4 paragraphs are all you need)
DON’T: ☒ Copy the examples from any source!!! Do use them as idea generators, don’t copy their form, word usage, etc. – use your own! ☒ Start “Hello, my name is . . .” ☒ Restate advertisement content (your ad state you are seeking a ___, I have this!) ☒ Overstate your qualifications. ☒ Use subjective terms such as “great”, “excellent”, etc. or use casual writing style such as “a lot” ☒ Use the first person pronouns (I, me, my, we) at the beginning of each paragraph or string of sentences. ☒ Use form letters (generic, not customized) ☒ Include salary history ☒ Include personal information (age, birthplace, ethnicity, religion, photographs, etc.) Remember to PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD! Then, have a friend proofread! ASSIGNMENT This assignment is to be paired with the FINAL Resume Assignment. Include a copy of actual job description which includes qualifications or requirements (dated within the last 30 days) ● You may seek out an internship, summer job, volunteer position, or full-time job relevant to your field ● Use your BRADLEY eRecruiting account to locate an appropriate advertisement ● Take a highlighter and note the requirements/qualifications and key words important in describing the skills required to be successful in the position The cover letter must include: ● Highlighted text that shows how you met the requirements from the ad above, demonstrated usage of the keywords, and any important skills. ● Indicate the position you are applying for, how you heard about it, educational and course project/work/volunteer qualifications, and what you have enclosed. Be sure to entice the reader to examine your resume ● The nine (9) basic parts: (1) Return address, (2) Date, (3) Employer name and address, (4) Salutation, (5) Body (3 to 4 paragraphs), (6) Complimentary closing, (7) Signature (blue or black ink preferred), (8) Your typed name, and (9) Enclosure line (to identify any additional document(s) in envelope, such as a resume or transcript).
Great Job!
Cover Letter Rubric Content
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References skills requested in ad 23 strong examples of related experience Demonstrates knowledge of employer, position, and industry
Spelling/Grammar/ ◻ Perfect spelling/grammar Writing Mechanics ◻ Professional appearance in ◻
Tone
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A chance at landing the interview ◻ ◻
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standard business format with enclosures or attachments Interesting information with strong opening/closing sentences for each paragraph
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Demonstrates passion for the career field/interest in the employer Glimpse into the personality of the writer
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Average You can do better
Wellwritten, but mentions few skills requested in ad Could be sent to multiple organizations with changes to a few words
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Structure is sound, but rather boring Use of strong action verbs to describe experience
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Provides content of interest to the employers Confident sounding by eliminating all “I believe” or ”I think” statements
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Needs significant improvement
Overuse of subjective statements (“I am the best candidate”) A few vague references to skills/too much irrelevant information Inappropriate expectations of the applicant
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Short/choppy sentences with overuse of “I” statements Lack of strong opening/ closing sentences for each paragraph Tired phrasing Repetitive use of specific words Use of passive or outdated language Informal or “naïve” sounding phrasing (“My name is . . .”)
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Form letter with no references to specific employer Repeat of resume with no additional information
Spelling/grammatical errors Inappropriate format/ fonts Long paragraphs/ difficult to read Poor editing Not in standard business format Long list of what the candidate desires in the job Begging and or questions
Other Considerations: ● In general, 1page cover letters are expected. The first paragraph should include the title of the position you are interested in pursuing and source. ● If at all possible, research the employer in order to address the cover letter to a specific individual in the organization. ● The question of salary should not be addressed in a cover letter, unless specifically requested. If then, include a salary range versus a specific amount and ALWAYS say it is negotiable. Salary ranges should be set using appropriate research based on location, size of employer, job title, industry, etc. ● Do not use spell check as your only form of proofing. It is always a good idea to have someone else read your letter to assist with the editing process. The Smith Career Center’s overnight review service and the writing center can provide professional assistance. ● If sending application materials via email, it is helpful to include the job title of interest in the subject line of the email. If attaching documents as part of job search email, document titles should include your name. (lastname.firstname.resume) ● Your cover letter, resume and reference page should have a consistent, professional look. Use similar fonts and paper choice to create a cohesive image. ● It is important to have a strong letter, but if you are redrafting and redrafting to produce a perfect letter your time may be better spent applying to additional employers.
Name: ______________________________________ FINAL Resume Due: April 21, 22 (with Cover Letter and Job Ad Assignment)
FINAL Resume must include: ● The critiqued DRAFT resume ● An appropriate advertisement using your BRADLEY eRecruiting account ● Incorporate suggestions from class, articles, meeting with the Instructor, Feedback Friday: Resume Critique Day, the job ad, etc. to UPDATE and TARGET/TAILOR the draft resume specifically for the advertisement. ● Highlighted text that shows how you met the requirements from the ad, demonstrated usage of the keywords, and any important skills. ●
This assignment is to be paired with the Cover Letter Assignment. Include a copy of actual job description which includes qualifications or requirements (dated within the last 30 days).
Helpful resources: ● Resume Tips - http://www.bradley.edu/offices/student/scc/files/resume_writing.pdf ● Use OptimalResume - https://bradley.optimalresume.com/ - to develop your document. Use your Bradley University e-mail address to create your account. ● Resume info from our national association, NACE o Build the Resume Employers Want http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nace/JobChoices0812/index.php#/48 o A Step-by-Step Guide to a Winning Resume http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nace/JobChoices0812_Diversity/index.php#/35 ● CareerSpots video – Make your Resume POP (3:47) https://www.careerspots.com/secure/vidplay_links_secure.aspx?aid=676&apass=zj6J8oNRhNHCIX+vHjdfTIIKme OMc4RtEBRj7xfC+vY=&vidnum=5
Name: ______________________________________ Career Search Event Due by: April 28, 29 Choose ONE from any of the following: ●
Smith Career Center Workshops Review the SCC Calendar and choose either one 1 hour-long or two 30 minute long workshops. Sessions are typically held in Burgess Hall, room 124. Visit http://www.bradley.edu/offices/student/scc/files/calendar.pdf for the current calendar of workshops.
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Career-oriented opportunities Campus and community organizations offer workshops, networking, and other career-related opportunities that may be of interest to you. Participate in one 1 hour-long session. See instructor with questions before you attend the event.
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Feedback Friday: Resume Critique Day Friday, February 7, Noon – 4:00 p.m., Michel Student Center Ballroom. Submit original draft version and employer critiqued resumes for credit. This critiqued draft is perfect for the Resume assignment!
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Employer Information Sessions Presentations and times scheduled throughout the semester. Visit the http://bradley.edu/offices/student/scc/students/eis/ for an up-to-date list.
For the above events: 1. Must sign in/register (may be attendance sheet or electronic) for credit. NO EXCEPTIONS! 2. Take notes on the presentation including names of presenters 3. Type your notes ●
Spring Job & Internship Fair – February 13, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Renaissance Coliseum
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Career & Summer Job Fair – April 3, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Michel Student Center, Ballroom
For the above fairs: ● Review the organizations attending the fairs by looking at the list on the SCC Web site. ● Identify at least three (3) organizations to network with, although there may be many more that are of interest to you! ● Attend the Fair(s) of your choice. Remember to dress to make a positive first impression and bring resumes! ● Be prepared to give a “One Minute Commercial” regarding what you have to offer. Be creative and make the most of this time with recruiters. ● Ask questions appropriate to your job search, such as: ▪ Do they recruit new college grads of [your major] ▪ What is the career path within the organization for people with [your major] ▪ Do they offer co-op or internships? Summer opportunities? What is the application process and deadline(s)? What are some example opportunities for interns? ▪ Are they conducting campus interviews this semester? Immediately after the job fair? Later in the semester? ▪ If the recruiter is not the right one for you to talk to, who is? ▪ DO NOT GATHER OR TURN IN BUSINESS CARDS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT! ● Type up your notes; indicate questions, employer responses, your overall impression of each interaction, and what your next steps should be for each employer.
Name: ______________________________________ Interview Assignment Due: May 5, 6
Choose one of the two variations to complete the assignment
Do not wait until the last minute to complete this assignment! This assignment is designed to integrate the components of a job search that we have discussed in class and provide you with a real life interview experience (in person or a phone interview) or a recorded, live interview experience using Big Interview. Please follow appropriate dress attire when interviewing! Please note: Interviews with family members or friends will not be accepted! Keep in mind that we may verify that an actual mock/practice interview occurred. An actual on campus interview will be accepted in lieu of this assignment. Any interview outside of Bradley University will not be accepted unless approved BEFOREHAND by the instructor FIRST ASSIGNMENT VARIATION – (choose one of the following three) This assignment will include the following components: ● Producing job search correspondence materials ● Conducting employer research ● Mock interview with an employer Option 1: PRACTICE INTERVIEW WITH AN EMPLOYER/RECRUITER (in person or by phone) Complete the following steps: ● Search for alumni or company recruiters in related field. (If you have trouble identifying a person, see me for suggestions.) ●
Telephone an employer, introduce yourself and ask them if they would conduct a practice interview with you.
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E-mail, mail or fax your resume and a cover letter to the employer.
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Go to the interview at the employer’s site. If completing a phone interview, confirm time and phone number for interview to take place.
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Send thank you letter to employer.
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Submit a copy of the thank you letter and Mock Interview Evaluation Form and the person’s Business Card for credit.
Option 2: BIG INTERVIEW, complete the following steps: ● Identify a position you are interested in from BRADLEY eRecruiting. Research the company as though you were completing an actual interview. ●
You may use your own computer and webcam to complete a mock interview using Big Interview. If you do not have a webcam, please contact the Smith Career Center (677-2510) to schedule a time to use one of the SCC computers.
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Upon completion of Big Interview, set up an appointment with the Course Instructor. During the appointment, your interview will be reviewed, suggestions offered.
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Submit a thank you letter for the interview, a one (1) page synopsis of the process (your review of the interview, suggestions offered during the appointment, etc.), as well as the position you used from eRecruiting.
Option 3: ACTUAL INTERVIEW FOR A JOB/INTERNSHIP ● See the instructor BEFORE the interview to obtain the assignment requirements
Name: ______________________________________ Interview Assignment Due: May 5, 6 SECOND ASSIGNMENT VARIATION – Informational Interview When properly done, the informational interview will be one of the most effective tools in your job search. It will be extremely useful in researching: ● ● ● ●
General Career Fields: and determining how you fit into them Specific employers: discovering how your skills meet their needs Specific Career Options: and how they satisfy your goals Beginning an effective network: to assist you in your job search
Steps to follow: 1. GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT! It takes time to locate someone, schedule and appointment and complete the assignment 2. Identify one or more potential employers for possible research. 3. Identify appropriate resource person(s) within those organizations. Ideally this should be a person who is currently in a position similar to one you wish to obtain. You could do one or more of the following: ● Call the employer and ask for a referral or recommendation of a proper resource person. ● Contact a friend or relative. ● Search for alumni or parents in related field. Use Job Fair contacts, the Alumni Online Directory (BU Connect), or LinkedIn. If you have trouble identifying a person, see the course Instructor for suggestions. 4. Read all you can find on company background information. 5. Formulate questions to ask based on knowledge about field and employer. 6. Contact resource person explaining your reason for calling and request an appointment to interview them. 7. Prepare for and complete the interview. ● Dress appropriately. ● Do not ask simplistic questions that you could answer through research. Ask meaningful questions to get a broader view of the industry/position/company. 8. Write a thank you letter to send to contact. 9. Turn in a copy of the thank you letter, employer’s business card (if assignment is done via e-mail, please include contact info normally seen on a business card – name, title, employer, address, phone, e-mail), and at least one (1) TYPED page that lists the questions asked and responses given. Sample Questions (try to come up with some of your own!) ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
What was your educational background? (school, major, minor, etc.) What courses best prepared you for this position? (business, non-business) Which courses do you wish you had taken? What are the most valued skills in this industry/type of job/company? How can I best obtain these skills? What do you do? (typical and unique duties) What do you look for in a prospective employee? (skills, abilities, education, experience) What is the most common entry-level position in this field? What would be the general career track for this field? (organizational chart) What advice would you give to someone seeking a career in this field/industry?
Remember: Don't limit yourself to these questions. Be creative! This is an ideal opportunity for you to learn valuable information that can assist you in your job search.
Do not wait until the last minute to complete this assignment!
Additional Comments:
Comments - Strong points - Advice - Suggestions - Personal Tips - OTHER
Not Acceptable
Limited Potential
Employer’s Name: Attach business card Appearance Grooming Bearing/Poise Posture Manners Dress Neatness Preparation for the Interview Knowledge of the Organization Awareness of Available Positions Asked Pertinent Questions Verbal/Non Verbal Communication Delivery and Articulation Handshake Eye Contact Grammar and Vocabulary Direction Well-Defined Goals Confidence in Abilities Realistic and Practical Goals Personal Qualities Maturity Decisiveness Ambition Creativity Assertiveness Positive Attitude Enthusiasm Campus/Community Activities Participation Leadership Professional Development Sincerity Genuine Interest in Organization Honest and Sincere Qualifications Academic Preparation Grade Point Average (overall, major) Work Experience Match with Position Overall Evaluation Long-Range Potential Drive and Ambition Ability and Qualification Probable Action ___ - Further Consideration ___ - Uncertain ___ - No Match
Satisfactory Acceptable
Date:
Outstanding
Candidate’s Name:
Above Average
Use this form with Option 1: PRACTICE INTERVIEW WITH AN EMPLOYER/RECRUITER (in person or by phone)