Career Planning Guide 2014 - 2015 by UTEP University Career Center

Table of Contents University Career Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Peer Career Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Career Fairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 UTEP Interview Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 What Happens During the Interview?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Qualities Desired in New College Graduates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ten Rules of Interviewing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dress for Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Advice From the Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Letters of Recommendation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Email Correspondence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Sample Résumé. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Résumé Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE 2014-2015 The University of Texas at El Paso University Career Center Betsy Castro-Duarte Interim Director Craig D. Thompson Associate Director

Accomplishment Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Moisés E. Buenfil Coordinator

Expand Your Résumé’s Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Claudia P. Dominguez Coordinator

Strong Action Words for a Résumé. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Nick Zweig Coordinator

Getting the Most Out of a Career Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The Elevator Speech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Grace Akers Employer Relations Representative

Professional Etiquette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Rose Baquera Office Supervisor

Formal Dinner Etiquette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 How to Find the Right Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Is Graduate School Right for You?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Guidelines for Writing Your Personal Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Developing a Winning Curriculum Vitae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 International Students and the Job Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Griselda Sosa-Rico Administrative Secretary Ed Maldonado Administrative Secretary Sheila Green Administrative Secretary Christina Ramon Administrative Secretary

Clean Up Your Social Media Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The University of Texas at El Paso does not discriminate in employment or provision of services

Cover created by Diego Davila

HELLO! We offer The Career Planning Guide to orient you to the many services and resources offered by the University Career Center and to serve as a resource as you develop a plan for your future career and put that plan into action. I encourage you to take full advantage of the many opportunities that are presented here at UTEP, within and outside the classroom, your chances for success will be significantly improved. Let us be a part of your UTEP Experience.

Betsy Castro-Duarte, Interim Director

GETTING STARTED We continue to expand our online resources to meet this need. One important resource we provide is Job Mine. Job Mine is an online database exclusively for UTEP students and registered members of the Alumni Association. It connects you to job listings, interviews, campus events; and to our mentor program, Miner Mentors. To create your Job Mine account:

• Go to www.utep.edu/careers • Click on the Job Mine logo • Click the “Click here to register” link • Complete all required fields

Upload your résumé by selecting the “My Account” option on the ribbon located at the top of the page then select “My Résumés/Documents.” Your account will be immediately activated and you will be able to apply for jobs, sign up for campus interviews, access resources, and view upcoming career events. We offer personal assistance, so stop by our office at 103 W. Union Building.

2 University Career Center

CHECK US OUT www.utep.edu/careers Take some time to learn more about our services by visiting our website (www.utep.edu/careers), where you will find:

STUDENTS Provides videos, sample documents, job sites, salary information and many more resources.

PARENTS Provides links and resources for you to share with your parents.

CALENDAR Includes date, time, and location of career fairs, company information sessions, interview schedules, and workshops.

The Peer Career Advisors provide career exploration, career advising, and career development assistance to UTEP students on a peer-to-peer level. PCAs are trained to offer scheduled workshops and presentations to classes and clubs/organizations on a variety of career development topics, assist with student outreach, and promote the importance of early and continuous career planning and preparation.

CAREER ADVISING Selecting a major is an important decision for you to make early in your academic studies. We have resources available in our career resource area and online that can provide you with assistance in making this decision. Visiting our resource area or setting up an appointment with a PCA is a good first step towards identifying a career, after declaring a major. The career resource area is located in the Union West Building, Room 103. Career Advising is a developmental process to help you clarify your career goals. Although it is your responsibility to establish your goals and plans, the Career Center staff is here to provide support, skill development, information, and encouragement. Our professional staff members are available to assist you with many aspects of the job search, from creating a marketable résumé to providing advice, as when considering multiple job offers. The following are examples of topics to discuss with our staff:

• Résumé and cover letter preparation • Career options and job market trends

JOB LISTINGS Do you need extra money to help cover school expenses? Hundreds of jobs are posted by local, regional and national employers looking to hire UTEP students. You can view and apply for many of these job listings via Job Mine. The listings include part-time and full-time jobs, categorized by location (e.g., UTEP campus, Eastside, or Westside), as well as internship and co-op postings and work-study positions. Begin by creating your Job Mine account. The job listings are updated daily and provide application instructions. You can apply directly from our website to the positions that interest you.

• Approaches to employer on-site visits • How to find internships and co-ops • Job offer comparisons

CAREER COUNSELING

• Interviewing tips and training Is available at the University Counseling Center. They provide career workshops and individual counseling that assist students with the exploration of academic and career options. Various career inventories help students gain a clearer understanding of their interests and abilities, their personality and interpersonal styles, and suitable work environments.

www.utep.edu/careers 3

When applying for jobs, you will need to submit a résumé for consideration. In most instances, a good résumé serves as a gateway to ultimately landing an interview. You need to realize that having a résumé is not limited to finding a job. Résumés come in handy when applying for scholarships, joining organizations, and meeting class assignments. If you already have a résumé, we strongly encourage you to have it reviewed by one of our Peer Career Advisors, stop by the office or email it to pca@utep.edu. If you don’t know where to start in you résumé preparation, visit our resource area or set up an appointment with a staff member. We have samples on our website to help you get started.

CAREER RESOURCE AREA

RÉSUMÉ REVIEWS If you need help setting up your Job Mine account, researching a future career, exploring internships or co-ops, or want to look at our résumé books, visit our Resource Area. Computers are available for your use. The Resource Area also houses salary information, interest inventory software, résumé and interview books, graduate and professional school information.

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS CAMPUS INTERVIEWS Throughout the semester, the Career Center staff conducts workshops on interviewing, résumé preparation, and related topics. Date, time, and location information is available on our website. You can also invite us to speak on similar topics to your student organization, classes, clubs, and campus groups. You will find the Career Center Orientation (CCO) quite helpful because it explains our services, policies, and expectations.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students are encouraged to attend the Employment Workshop provided by the Office of International Programs (OIP) in addition to attending our workshops to learn more about particular requirements. Our Services are available to all students. Visit the OIP website for specific information: www.oip.utep.edu

SPECIALIZED ASSISTANCE

We seek to support student career needs in all aspects of our services. If you need accommodations in our workshops, seminars, advising, or interviews, we ask that you contact our office in advance. Additionally, we strongly recommend that you register with the UTEP Center for Accommodations and Support Services, located in the Union East Bldg., Room 106. Their phone number is (915) 747-5148.

4 University Career Center

Employers conduct on-campus interviews to facilitate the candidate selection process. This service provides you the opportunity to meet with employers (local, regional and national) on the UTEP campus. Employers schedule interviews in Job Mine and you can sign up for their interviews online via Job Mine. Traditionally, many of the employers conducting campus interviews hold information sessions the day before. Employer information sessions provide you with a general overview of the employing organizations. We strongly encourage you to attend, especially if you have an interview with the employer hosting the information session. Campus interviews are normally conducted in the Career Center and professional business attire is required. The Career Center offers a Career Closet where you can access professional business attire for your next interview, career fair, or professional networking event. Do you have a telephone or video interview? Contact us for video or telephone arrangements.

RÉSUMÉ REFERRALS Employers often contact the Career Center requesting résumés of students registered in Job Mine. Résumés of qualified students are then forwarded to employers based on the criteria that they have indicated (e.g., major, classification, or GPA). Rest assured that employers cannot access Job Mine and query for résumés; all résumé referrals are made by Career Center staff. For example: I’m a Miner, Inc. calls the Career Center and requests résumés of students majoring in English, having junior standing and a 2.50 grade point average or greater. We will query Job Mine for students who meet these criteria and forward résumés to the representative for review. The representative will then select and contact the students directly to schedule interviews.

CAREER FAIRS The goal of career fairs is to provide you another opportunity to further explore career options and to help you in your job search process. Job fairs or career fairs are not limited to finding jobs, but should be used as a tool to establish networks with employers. The Career Center hosts several career fairs throughout the year aimed at students’ diverse interests. A complete list of agencies participating and further event information is available on our website at www.utep.edu/careers. UTEP 2014-2015 career fair calendar:

FALL 2014 Career EXPO

Thursday, September 18 Friday, September 19

Don Haskins Center

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

EXPO is the largest career fair held on the UTEP campus. This two day event attracts over 100 national, regional, and local employers. EXPO draws students from UTEP’s six academic colleges (Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Science, and Health Science) and the School of Nursing.

Graduate & Professional School Fair Union Building

Tuesday, September 30 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Law, medical, and graduate programs from throughout the nation attend this event to recruit students to their academic and research programs. Students interested in pursuing advanced degrees are invited to attend.

SPRING 2015 Connections

Business & Liberal Arts Career Fair Engineering & Science EXPO Union Building

Thursday, February 5 Friday, February 6 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Employers seeking students in the business, liberal arts, engineering, and science disciplines are invited to attend this two day event.

Internship & Part-time Job Fair Union Building

Tuesday, March 24 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Local employers looking for summer help and/or interns are invited to participate in this event.

Teacher Job Fair Don Haskins Center

Friday, April 17 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This event is for school districts/employers interested in teacher candidates and alumni currently working in the education field.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT If you are two semesters away from graduating, we strongly encourage you to participate in our professional employment program. The purpose of the program is to allow you to begin the professional job search process prior to graduation. Employers recruit at college campuses for upcoming graduates, so ideally students will have jobs before graduation. Using our services while still in school allows you the full benefit of your college experience. To access campus interview schedules and review professional job listings, create your Job Mine account.

ALUMNI SERVICES Our services are open to alumni who have received at least one degree from UTEP. Graduates will receive two free semesters of access after graduation. Alumni who are beyond two semesters of graduation and are registered with the UTEP Alumni Association have full access to the Career Center’s services. Services for alumni include: job listings, résumé referrals, employer information sessions, résumé and cover letter reviews, career fairs, and access to the Career Resource Area. Our Resource Area provides alumni with salary information, books on résumé and interview preparation, and one-on-one assistance.

www.utep.edu/careers 5

PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW We work closely with you to discover your hidden skills and abilities and how you can verbally convey them in the interview.

“I have an interview coming up and I need help” ✓ Attend the Mastering the Interview seminar as an orientation to get helpful tips and introductory information on how to ace your interview.

“I think I still need more help practicing my answers” ✓ Set an appointment with a Peer Career Advisor from your respective college for a one-on-one Coaching Session.

“I may have a good chance in this interview but I think it would help to do a practice interview” ✓ Sign up to do a mock interview with Career Center staff. We also offer InterviewStream, an online tool, where you can sharpen your interviewing skills. Access this resource through your Job Mine account.

career experience:

THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Practical, pre-professional experience enhances and complements classroom learning. This experience will better prepare you for your future by engaging you in valuable training and development. This training will put classroom theory into practice, and challenge you to develop the professional skills and knowledge needed for your career when you graduate. Gaining career-related experience can also be an excellent way to explore career options. Career-related experiences should offer students the opportunity to develop and/or enhance professional skills such as the following: • Career-Specific Skills

• Public Speaking • Interpersonal Communication • Research • Technical and Professional Writing • Analytical/Problem-Solving • Management (people, finances, projects, etc.) • Broader Organizational Understanding/Perspective • Professionalism in the Workplace

Students who participate in these experiences can have them officially recognized by the University Career Center through a transcript notation of a non-credit course. This notation protects and recognizes their student status. Students interested in receiving academic credit for their work experiences should talk with their academic advisors about the possibilities.

Program Participation - Minimum Requirements: • Active UTEP Student—Students must be currently enrolled and/or fully admitted to The University of Texas at El Paso. They must be in good standing and ideally have completed at least two semesters of coursework, one of which must have been completed on the UTEP campus. Students are encouraged to use the first year to acclimate, get connected to the University, and build a strong academic foundation. • Minimum GPA o Undergraduate Students - 2.0 o Graduate Students - 3.0

6 University Career Center

UTEP INTERVIEW POLICIES DON’T BE A “NO-SHOW” When ABC Company announced that it was going to recruit on your campus, you were one of the first to sign up for an interview. The company offered everything you were looking for: an excellent entry-level position with the potential for advancement, competitive starting salary and benefits, your ideal corporate culture, and location in your geographical area of preference. This was the job you wanted—unless, of course, you were accepted into that M.B.A. program at XYZ University. In that case, you might put your job search on hold temporarily. A few days before the scheduled interview with ABC ompany, you receive word that you’ve been admitted to the C M.B.A. program. You’re elated. XYZ University is a prestigious institution with an outstanding M.B.A. program. After some serious reflection on your career goals, you decide to accept the opportunity for advanced study and devote yourself to it full time. Now that you’ve made your decision, you relax and begin planning for your role as graduate student. You also forget to notify the Career Center that you will not be interviewing with ABC Company. You have just become what company recruiters and placement offices call a ‘‘no-show.’’ No-shows—students who cancel scheduled interviews without notifying the employers or the Career Center negatively affect a lot of people by their actions. For example: 1. No-shows create an inconvenience for campus recruiters. While you’re going about your business, the recruiter is sitting in an interview room in the Career Center waiting for you to appear. 2. No-shows cost employers money. A conservative estimate for one half-hour interview is $35 to $45. 3. No-shows represent an embarrassment to the University and the Career Center. The Career Center office is often left with the task of apologizing for you. 4. No-shows exclude other deserving students from consideration for jobs. Remember that friend of yours who wanted to interview with ABC Company, but was told the schedule was full? 5. No-shows hurt themselves. While Career Centers do not appear to have a uniform policy regarding no-shows, some apply a ‘‘three strikes and you’re out’’ rule—that is, if a student misses three appointments, he or she can no longer use the services of the Career Center. Others suspend students from on-campus interviewing or initiate some form of probationary period in response to a specified number of no-shows. A letter of apology from the student no-show to the company recruiter might also be required. And keep in mind that, even if you send such a letter, you’ve made a less-than-positive impression on the company by not showing up for the interview. Certainly there are legitimate reasons for missing an interview. In fact, you shouldn’t interview just for ‘‘practice.’’

8 University Career Center

But there is no excuse for overlooking common courtesy. If you cannot make your interview appointment, notify your Career Center as soon as possible.

UTEP’s “NO-SHOW” Policy: Don’t be a No-Show...This is a Professional Appointment Our No-Show Policy states that a student who fails to honor a scheduled interview appointment without s ufficient notification of at least 24 hours prior to the interview is considered a “No-Show”, and thereby forfeits interview privileges. The student and the student’s Department Chair are notified. Procedure for Reinstatement: Interviewing privileges may be reinstated after the student writes a letter of explanation to the employer and submits the letter to the Career Center in an unsealed, addressed envelope with appropriate postage affixed. Company contacts and mailing addresses are available at the Career Center. A Second No Show: A second No-Show will result in denial of further interviewing privileges and the Department Chair and Dean will be notified. Students asking for reinstatement must appeal to the Career Center Director.

THE ETHICS OF ACCEPTING A JOB OFFER Two to four weeks following your interview an employer representative may contact you regarding their decision. If the decision is to offer you employment, you may receive a verbal offer followed by a letter or email confirming the offer and outlining the terms of employment. These terms include starting salary, a brief job description, location and deadline by which you should notify the company of your acceptance (or rejection) of the offer. If you accept the offer, then you are ethically (and sometimes legally) bound to take the job, even if you receive a better offer at a later time. Accepting another offer and continuing to interview with other companies is considered unprofessional and unethical! To avoid such situations, f ollow these recommendations: • Carefully review all your options before making a quick decision. • Contact the company representative—before the given deadline—if you need additional time to consider the offer. • Under no circumstances accept any offer when you are still actively considering other offers. • Once you have accepted an offer, notify the company of your acceptance in writing and also inform the Career Center so that we may stop referring your résumé. • Should you decline an offer, be sure to write the employer a note thanking them for their consideration. • Should you need assistance in evaluating a job offer, visit with one of the Career Center staff.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE INTERVIEW? The interviewing process can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. All interviews fit a general pattern. While each interview will differ, all will share three common characteristics: the beginning, middle and conclusion. The typical interview will last 30 minutes, although some may be longer. A typical structure is as follows: • Five minutes—small talk • Fifteen minutes—a mutual discussion of your background and credentials as they relate to the needs of the employer • Five minutes—asks you for questions • Five minutes—conclusion of interview As you can see, there is not a lot of time to state your case. The employer may try to do most of the talking. When you do respond to questions or ask your own, your statements should be concise and organized without being too brief.

It Starts Before You Even Say Hello The typical interview starts before you even get into the inner sanctum. The recruiter begins to evaluate you the minute you are identified. You are expected to shake the recruiter’s hand upon being introduced. Don’t be afraid to extend your hand first. This shows assertiveness. It’s a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You can use the time to relax. It gets easier later. It may mean counting to ten slowly or wiping your hands on a handkerchief to keep them dry.

recruiter that although these points appear negative, positive attributes can be found in them. A low GPA could stem from having to fully support yourself through college; you might have no related work experience, but plenty of experience that shows you to be a loyal and valued employee. Many times recruiters will ask why you chose the major you did or what your career goals are. These questions are designed to determine your goal direction. Employers seek people who have direction and motivation. This can be demonstrated by your answers to these innocent-sounding questions.

IT’S YOUR TURN TO ASK QUESTIONS When the recruiter asks, “Now do you have any questions?” it’s important to have a few ready. Dr. C. Randall Powell, author of Career Planning Today, suggests some excellent strategies for

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS 1. Please describe the duties of the job for me.

2. What kinds of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job? 3. Are salary adjustments geared to the cost of living or job performance? 4. Does your company encourage further education? 5. How often are performance reviews given? 6. What products (or services) are in the development stage now? 7. Do you have plans for expansion? 8. What are your growth projections for next year? 9. Have you cut your staff in the last three years? 10. How do you feel about creativity and individuality?

How’s Your Small Talk Vocabulary?

11. Do you offer flextime?

Many recruiters will begin the interview with some small talk. Topics may range from the weather to sports and will rarely focus on anything that brings out your skills. Nonetheless, you are still being evaluated.

13. In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?

Recruiters are trained to evaluate candidates on many different points. They may be judging how well you communicate on an informal basis. This means you must do more than smile and nod.

16. May I talk with the last person who held this p osition?

The Recruiter Has the Floor The main part of the interview starts when the recruiter begins discussing the organization. If the recruiter uses vague generalities about the position and you want more specific information, ask questions. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the job and the company. As the interview turns to talk about your qualifications, be prepared to deal with aspects of your background that could be construed as negative, i.e., low grade point average, no participation in outside activities, no related work experience. It is up to you to convince the

12. Is your company environmentally conscious? In what ways?

14. Is this a new position or am I replacing someone? 15. What is the largest single problem facing your staff (department) now? 17. What is the usual promotional time frame? 18. Does your company offer either single or dual career-track programs? 19. What do you like best about your job/company? 20. Once the probation period is completed, how much authority will I have over decisions? 21. Has there been much turnover in this job area? 22. Do you fill positions from the outside or promote from within first? 23. What qualities are you looking for in the candidate who fills this position? 24. What skills are especially important for someone in this position? 25. What characteristics do the achievers in this company seem to share? 26. Is there a lot of team/project work? 27. Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects? 28. Where does this position fit into the organizational structure? 29. How much travel, if any, is involved in this position? 30. What is the next course of action? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you?

www.utep.edu/careers 9

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE INTERVIEW? dealing with this issue. He says questions should elicit positive responses from the employer. Also, the questions should bring out your interest in and knowledge of the organization. By asking intelligent, well-thought-out questions, you show the employer you are serious about the organization and need more information. It also indicates to the recruiter that you have done your homework.

The Close Counts, Too The interview isn’t over until you walk out the door. The conclusion of the interview usually lasts five minutes and is very important. During this time the recruiter is assessing your overall performance. It is important to remain enthusiastic and courteous. Often the conclusion of the interview is indicated when the recruiter stands up. However, if you feel the interview has reached its conclusion, feel free to stand up first.

continued

For example, surprise questions could range from, “Tell me a joke” to “What time period would you like to have lived in?” These are not the kind of questions for which you can prepare in advance. Your reaction time and the response you give will be evaluated by the employer, but there’s no way to anticipate questions like these. While these questions are not always used, they are intended to force you to react under some stress and pressure. The best advice is to think and give a natural response.

EVALUATIONS MADE BY RECRUITERS The employer will be observing and evaluating you during the interview. Erwin S. Stanton, author of Successful Personnel Recruiting and Selection, indicates some evaluations made by the employer during the interview include: 1. How mentally alert and responsive is the job candidate?

Shake the recruiter’s hand and thank him or her for considering you. Being forthright is a quality that most employers will respect, indicating that you feel you have presented your case and the decision is now up to the employer.

2. Is the applicant able to draw proper inferences and conclusions during the course of the interview?

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

4. Has the candidate used good judgment and common sense regarding life planning up to this point?

During the interview, you may be asked some unusual questions. Don’t be too surprised. Many times questions are asked simply to see how you react.

3. Does the applicant demonstrate a degree of intellectual depth when communicating, or is his/her thinking shallow and lacking depth?

5. What is the applicant’s capacity for problem-solving activities? 6. How well does the candidate respond to stress and pressure?

QUALITIES DESIRED IN NEW COLLEGE GRADUATES By Businesses, Industries and Government Agencies

Energy, Drive, Enthusiasm Analytical; independent communication skills Mature, poised and Listens well; compassionate thinker personable and Initiative and empathetic Willing to continue Hard-working, disciplined Diversity aware; treats Excellent problem-solving education and growth and dependable others with respect and and analytical skills Committed to excellence Eager, professional and dignity Creative and innovative Open-minded, willing to try positive attitude new things Strong self-motivation and Oriented to Growth Leadership Skills high self-esteem Acceptance of an Organizational skills and Confident and assertive, yet Knowledge of Computers entry-level position; attention to detail diplomatic and flexible Established word doesn’t view required Accepts and handles Sincere and preserves processing, spreadsheet, responsibilities tasks as “menial” integrity database and Action-oriented and Academic excellence in Ambitious and takes risks presentation software results-driven field of study Uses common sense skills Loyal to employers Views the organization’s Excellent computer literacy Customer-focused total picture, not just one Adapts Textbook Learning Team-spirited; understands area of specialization Communications Skills to the Working World group dynamics Willing to accomplish more Good writing skills Quick learner Always willing to help Asks questions Excellent oral others than required Source: Recruiting Trends by L. Patrick Scheetz, Ph.D., Collegiate Employment Research Institute. ©Michigan State University.

10 University Career Center

TEN RULES OF INTERVIEWING Before stepping into an interview, be sure to practice, practice, practice. A job-seeker going to a job interview without preparing is like an actor performing on opening night without rehearsing. To help with the interview process, keep the following ten rules in mind:

1 2

Keep your answers brief and concise.

Include concrete, quantifiable data.

Unless asked to give more detail, limit your answers to two to three minutes per question. Tape yourself and see how long it takes you to fully answer a question. Interviewees tend to talk in generalities. Unfortunately, generalities often fail to c onvince interviewers that the applicant has assets. Include measurable information and provide details about specific accomplishments when discussing your strengths.

Repeat your key strengths three times.

It’s essential that you comfortably and confidently articulate your strengths. Explain how the strengths relate to the company’s or department’s goals and how they might benefit the potential employer. If you repeat your strengths then they will be remembered and—if supported with quantifiable accomplishments—they will more likely be believed.

Prepare five or more success stories.

In preparing for interviews, make a list of your skills and key assets. Then reflect on past jobs and pick out one or two instances when you used those skills successfully.

Put yourself on their team.

Ally yourself with the prospective employer by using the employer’s name and products or services. For example, “As a member of ________, I would carefully analyze the _______ and _______.” Show that you are thinking like a member of the team and will fit in with the e xisting environment. Be careful though not to say anything that would offend or be taken negatively. Your research will help you in this area.

Image is often as important as content.

What you look like and how you say something are just as important as what you say. Studies have shown that 65 percent of the conveyed m essage is nonverbal; gestures, physical appearance and attire are highly influential during job interviews.

Ask questions.

The types of questions you ask and the way you ask them can make a tremendous impression on the interviewer. Good questions require advance preparation. Just as you plan how you would answer an interviewer’s questions, write out specific questions

you want to ask. Then look for opportunities to ask them during the interview. Don’t ask about benefits or salary. The interview process is a two-way street whereby you and the interviewer assess each other to determine if there is an appropriate match.

Maintain a conversational flow.

By consciously maintaining a conversational flow—a dialogue instead of a monologue—you will be perceived more positively. Use feedback q uestions at the end of your answers and use body language and voice intonation to create a conversational interchange between you and the interviewer.

Research the company, product lines and competitors.

Research will provide information to help you decide whether you’re interested in the company and important data to refer to d uring the interview.

Keep an interview journal.

As soon as possible, write a brief summary of what happened. Note any follow-up action you should take and put it in your calendar. Review your presentation. Keep a journal of your attitude and the way you answered the questions. Did you ask questions to get the information you needed? What might you do differently next time? Prepare and send a brief thank-you letter. Restate your skills and stress what you can do for the company.

IN SUMMARY

Because of its importance, interviewing requires advance preparation. Only you will be able to positively affect the outcome. You must be able to compete successfully with the competition for the job you want. In order to do that, be certain you have considered the kind of job you want, why you want it and how you qualify for it. You also must face reality: Is the job attainable? In addition, recognize what it is employers want in their candidates. They want “can do” and “will do” employees. Recognize and use the following factors to your benefit as you develop your sales presentation. In evaluating candidates, employers consider the following factors: • Ability • Character • Loyalty • Initiative • Personality • Communication skills • Acceptance • Work record • Recommendations • Outside activities while in school • Impressions made during the interview

Written by Roseanne R. Bensley, Career Services, New Mexico State University.

www.utep.edu/careers 11

DRESS FOR SUCCESS WEAR THIS • Women: Dark conservative suit. Two-piece 1- or 2-button jacket and knee-length skirt (matching slacks if preferred). Men: Dark conservative 2- or 3-button, two piece. Purchase the best quality you can afford in either 100% wool or a blend of more than 50% wool. • Women: White or light color long-sleeve blouse that is not low cut or sheer. Men: Solid white or light color cotton long-sleeve dress shirt. Choose a tie that coordinates with the color of your suit in a simple pattern or a solid color, preferably silk. • Women: Well polished dress shoes with a 1”-1 ½” heel, or matching flats if preferred. Men: Well-polished dress shoes. Wear with dark socks that coordinate with your suit color. • Accessories—Leather notebook, portfolio or briefcase. Must be large enough to hold your resume without folding it. • The Look—Clean and neat. Not overdone. Appropriate hair style, simple makeup, and clean nails.

DO NOT WEAR THIS • Stay away from jeans, short skirts, baggy or torn clothes. • No casual T-shirts, graphic T-shirts, jeans, torn or baggy clothing. • Avoid bright or domineering colors that are distracting to the employer (e.g., red, green, yellow). • No bow ties! • Revealing clothes could offend a potential employer. Button up your shirt to the top, and avoid sleeveless or low-cut tops. • Shoes where your feet/toes are visible looks very unprofessional. • Avoid flip-flops and sneakers. • Avoid carrying headphones, sunglasses, large purses, or flashy jewelry. It can all be very distracting to an employer and can result in automatic failure of an interview. • Cover up body art (tattoos) and piercings. Wear little or no perfume.

UTEP students can now access the Career Closet to access professional business attire for their next interview, career fair or professional networking event.

12 University Career Center

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS Interviewing Tips From On-Campus Recruiters

Research organizations in advance of interviews— Since most on-campus interviews are relatively short, it is important that you use this time to sell yourself to an employer. Don’t waste this opportunity by spending too much time on issues that could have been answered by surfing the company’s website. Displaying your knowledge about a potential employer will greatly enhance your chances of interview success.

Be honest—Don’t claim interest in an employer if you really do not intend to work for that organization. Don’t lie on your resume or during the interview. While you should never draw attention to your weaknesses, don’t attempt to hide a shortcoming by being untruthful. Learn how to deal with perceived (or real) weaknesses before your interviews by talking to a campus career services professional and/or reading books on job interviewing techniques.

Define your career goals and the opportunities you want—One of the keys to making a successful sale is product knowledge. In the case of job interviews, that product is you. You need to perform a thorough self-evaluation well in advance of your interviews. Know what your strengths, weaknesses, skills and a bilities are and be prepared to d iscuss them during the interview.

Be realistic—Carefully evaluate what an employer has to offer you…and what you have to offer the employer. Don’t accept a position that isn’t suited to you “just because you need a job.” Although most entry-level salaries have been on the rise, do not set your starting salary expectations too high. If a starting salary seems inordinately low, but is for a position that you really want, you might be able to arrange for an early salary review.

Be enthusiastic and sincere during your interviews— It is important for you to convey a genuine sense of interest during the interview. You must appear eager and flexible, but not too rehearsed. Don’t fixate on being nervous. Even seasoned pros can have the “interview jitters.” Above all, never be late for an interview appointment.

Some of this material is adapted from Recruiting Trends by L. Patrick Scheetz, Ph.D., Collegiate Employment Research Institute. © Michigan State University.

www.utep.edu/careers 13

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Candidates for employment, graduate school, scholarships or any activity for which others will evaluate their talents and abilities will need to request letters of recommendation. The content and quality of these letters, as well as the caliber of the people who write them, are critical to the selection process.

SELECTING PEOPLE TO SERVE AS REFERENCES Select individuals whom you feel are knowledgeable of your skills, work ethic, talents and future capacity. The selection of your references is critical, as a reference that is ill-informed could sabotage all the great work you have done in a matter of minutes. Choose people who have known you for a minimum of six months. The longer they have known you the better, but they must have had regular contact with you to observe your growth and development. A reference from someone who may have known you several years ago but you have not spoken to in a year or more is not in a position to critique your skills. If you must choose between several people, select those who know you the best but who also hold a higher rank in their profession. A department head is a better candidate than a graduate assistant or an instructor. Never choose someone on status alone, continue to choose people based on how well they know you and how much they want to assist you in your job search. Do not choose people who are not committed to you or who are not very familiar with your background.

Try to Meet Face to Face Never assume someone will want the responsibility to serve as your reference. Make an appointment to discuss your career goals and purpose of the letter of recommendation. Determine if the person would want the responsibility of serving as your reference, which involves not only writing a letter supporting your skills, but also handling any phone inquiries and responding to other questions which may be posed by a selection committee. Persons who serve as a reference have responsibilities that go beyond the words they put on paper. They should feel strongly about your success and desire to do whatever they can to assist you in reaching your goals. You have come too far to let someone jeopardize your future. A personal meeting is always best because you can observe your potential reference’s body language to see how interested he or she is in assisting you. A slow response to a question or a neutral facial expression may be this person’s way of trying to show you that he/she doesn’t feel comfortable serving as your reference. Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel that you want to pursue this person as a reference you are not required to inform them of your decision. At any rate, always thank the person and end the meeting on a positive note.

14 University Career Center

Help Them Help You You must assist your reference-givers so they can do the best job possible. Provide them with a copy of your current resume, transcript, job descriptions for the type of employment you desire or other detailed information related to the purpose of the letter. Provide a one-page summary of any achievements or skills exhibited with the person who will be writing the letter. They may not remember everything you did under their supervision or time spent with you. Finally, provide them with a statement of future goals outlining what you want to accomplish in the next few years. An employer will interview you and then contact your references to determine consistency in your answers. You should not inflate what you are able to do or what you may have completed in work or school assignments. A reference is looked upon as someone who can confirm your skill and ability level. Any inconsistencies between what you said in your interview and a reference’s response could eliminate you from further consideration. The key is to keep your references informed of what you are going to be discussing with employers so there is a clear understanding of what is valued by the employer.

WHAT’S THE MAGIC NUMBER? Each situation will dictate the appropriate number of r eferences that will be required. The average would be three to five letters of recommendation. Generally, references are people whom you have known professionally; they should not be family or friends. When selecting people as references, choose people who know you well and have the most to say pertaining to the purpose of the letter. One person may be very appropriate for a reference for employment, while another would be best for use in admission to graduate or professional school or a scholarship application. Encourage your reference to use strong, descriptive words that provide the evidence of your interpersonal skills initiative, leadership, flexibility, conflict resolution, decision-making, judgment, oral and written communication skills, and grasp of your field of study. Education majors are encouraged to request a letter from the cooperating teacher, supervising teacher, professor(s) in your major, and a current or former employer.

MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL COURTESY Give your reference writers ample time to complete their letters and provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. Make it as easy for them as possible so they don’t have to spend valuable time searching for the proper return address and a stamp. Follow up with your letter writers and let them know

the status of your plans and search. They will want to know how you are doing and whether there is anything else they may do to increase your candidacy. You never know when you will need their assistance again, and it is just good manners to keep those who care about you informed of your progress. Finally, many times when two or more candidates are considered equally qualified, a strong letter of reference can play an important role in determining who is selected for the position.

Maintaining a good list of references is part of any professional’s success. Continue to nurture valuable relationships with people who will want to do whatever they can to aid in your success. Your personal success is based on surrounding yourself with positive people who all believe in you. No one makes it alone; we all need a little help from our friends. Written by Roseanne R. Bensley, Career Services, New Mexico State University.

EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE For most of us, sending and receiving email is simple and fun. We use it to communicate with friends and family and to converse with our contemporaries in an informal manner. But while we may be unguarded in our tone when we email friends, a professional tone should be maintained when communicating with prospective employers. Email is a powerful tool in the hands of a knowledgeable job-seeker. Use it wisely and you will shine. Use it improperly, however, and you’ll brand yourself as immature and unprofessional. It’s irritating when a professional email doesn’t stay on topic, or the writer just rambles. Try to succinctly get your point across—then end the email. Be aware that email is often the preferred method of communication between job-seeker and employer. There are general guidelines that should be followed when emailing cover letters, thank-you notes and replies to various requests for information. Apply the following advice to every email you write: • Use a meaningful subject header for your email—one that is appropriate to the topic. • Always be professional and businesslike in your correspondence. Address the recipient as Mr., Ms. or Mrs., and always verify the correct spelling of the recipient’s name. • Be brief in your communications. Don’t overload the employer with lots of questions in your email. • Ditch the emoticons. While a or an LOL (laughing out loud) may go over well with friends and family, do not use such symbols in your email communications with business people. • Do not use strange fonts, wallpapers or multicolored backgrounds.

Neal Murray, former director of the career services center at the University of California, San Diego, sees a lot of email from job-seekers. “You’d be amazed at the number of emails I receive that have spelling errors, grammatical errors, formatting errors—emails that are too informal in tone or just poorly written,” says Murray. Such emails can send the message that you are unprofessional or unqualified. When you’re dealing with employers, there is no such thing as an inconsequential communication. Your emails say far more about you than you might realize, and it is important to always present a polished, professional image—even if you are just emailing your phone number and a time when you can be contacted. If you are sloppy and careless, a seemingly trivial communication will stick out like a sore thumb.

THANK-YOU NOTES If you’ve had an interview with a prospective employer, a thank-you note is a good way to express your appreciation. The note can be emailed a day or two after your interview and only needs to be a few sentences long, as in the following:

SAMPLE EMAIL Dear Ms. Jones:

I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for yesterday’s interview. The position we discussed is exactly what I’ve been looking for, and I feel that I will be able to make a positive contribution to your organization. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for employment at XYZ Corporation. Please don’t h esitate to contact me if you need further information. Sincerely, John Doe

• Sign your email with your full name. • Avoid using slang. • Be sure to proofread and spell-check your email before sending it.

Remember, a thank-you note is just that—a simple way to say thank you. In the business world, even these brief notes need to be handled with care.

www.utep.edu/careers 15

EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE

continued

COVER LETTERS

TIPS

A well-crafted cover letter can help â&#x20AC;&#x153;sellâ&#x20AC;? you to an employer. It should accomplish three main things:

In addition to the guidelines stated above, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1.â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Introduce yourself to the employer. If you are a recent college graduate, mention your major and how it would apply to the job you are seeking. Discuss the organizations/extracurricular activities you were involved in and the part-time jobs you held while a student, even if they might seem trivial to you. Chances are, you probably picked up some transferable skills that you will be able to use in the work world.

â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Make sure you spell the recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name correctly. If the person uses initials such as J.A. Smith and you are not certain of the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gender, then begin the email: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dear J.A. Smith.â&#x20AC;?

2.â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Sell yourself. Briefly state your education and the skills that will benefit the employer. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go into a lot of detail hereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what your resume is forâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but give the employer a sense of your strengths and talents. 3.â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Request further action. This is where you request the next step, such as an appointment or a phone conversation. Be polite but sincere in your desire for further action.

AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AISD is an award-winning school district that employs high quality teachers, administrators and other support professionals. If you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional seeking a new career opportunity, we are a teamoriented workplace that encourages personal and professional success. We " p ro f e s s i o n a l s u p p o r t a n d c a r e e r advancement opportunities. OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES 1111 West 6th Street Austin, Texas 78703 PH:512-414-1721 FAX:512-499-0270 www.austinisd.org

16â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;University Career Center

â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Stick to a standard font like Times New Roman, 12-point. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Keep your email brief and businesslike. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Proofread everything you write before sending it. While a well-crafted email may not be solely responsible for getting you your dream job, rest assured that an email full of errors will result in your being overlooked. Use these email guidelines and you will give yourself an advantage over other job-seekers who are unaware of how to professionally converse through email. Written by John Martalo, a freelance writer based in San Diego.

Sample Résumé IMA MINER

This is a starter sample and formatting may vary depending on your taste. • Use standard fonts and sizes that are easy to read. Make sure your name stands out. Can employers leave a message at this number? Use an appropriate email address that you check often.

555 Name of Your Street El Paso, TX 79910 (915) 747-0000 iminer@miners.utep.edu OBJECTIVE Seeking a Co-op position with XYZ Company, which will enable me to apply my communication and computer skills. EDUCATION

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Anticipated graduation date: May 20xx Overall GPA: 3.2/4.0 Major GPA: 3.85/4.0

• Only use abbreviations after you have already stated what they mean.

Relevant Courses Accounting I & II Federal Income Tax Not-for-Profit Accounting Special Topics in Financial Auditing

• Showcase a high grade point average (GPA).

Honors and Activities Dean’s List - Fall 20xx, 20xx and Spring 20xx UTEP Accounting Society, Member, 20xx-Present Outstanding Undergraduate Business Student, Spring 20xx

• The objective can also be incorporated within your cover letter. Be precise and to the point about your objective.

• List school organization(s) related to your major or objective. • List work, co-op or internship experiences that are related to your objective, when possible. • Always start your statement with a VERB—be consistent with the tense. When possible, describe the result as it pertains to profitability & productivity, quantify results, and express amount in percentages (%) or numbers (#). Use accomplishment statements. • Qualify your skill level and give measure. • Have a SEPARATE printed reference page ready for your interview.

EXPERIENCE Intern/Accounting and Finance Analyst El Paso, TX Big 3 Financial, Inc. 05/xx- Present • Prepared and analyzed profit and loss statements that assisted in making accurate investment decisions • Participated in the annual budget process whereby structured decision-making is determined Clerk/Work-study El Paso, TX UTEP - Liberal Arts 01/xx- 05/xx • OPerated telephones to answer, screen and forward calls; provided information; took messages • Filed and maintained records VOLUNTEER Fundraiser El Paso, TX EXPERIENCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso 01/xx- 09/xx • Organized community fundraisers, resulting in a 10% income increase • Recruited from the community, increasing volunteer pool by 50% SKILLS

Proficient in MS Word and Excel Extensive use of MS PowerPoint Familiar with MS Access Working knowledge of Spanish

www.utep.edu/careers 17

RÉSUMÉ CHECKLIST GENERAL INFORMATION & FORMATTING ❑ Overall appearance is pleasing to the eyes ❑ The information is accurate (no exaggerations) ❑ Consistency in grammar, punctuation, and style ❑ Standard business font (Times New Roman, Arial, etc.) ❑ Length: 1 full page for undergraduate students ❑ Margins: .75 to 1.0 ❑ Font size: 10.5 to 12 ❑ Maintains consistent font color: black or gray ❑ Avoids paragraphs ❑ No excess white or blank space

CONTACT (PERSONAL) INFORMATION ❑ At the top of the page with full name clearly visible ❑ Name: font size 14-16 point ❑ Includes current and complete address ❑ Includes primary phone number: Be sure to have a professional sounding voicemail ❑ Email address: Use a professional email address: Remove Hyperlink (blue link) ❑ No unnecessary pictures or logos

OBJECTIVE (OPTIONAL) ❑ Short and concise statement without personal pronouns such as, “I” and “my” ❑ Includes type of job or industry you seek (being as specific as possible) ❑ Emphasizes your stronger and most relevant skills for the specified position ❑ Reflects both short and longer term thinking ❑ Relevant and supports the purpose of the resume

EDUCATION ❑ Degrees are listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first) ❑ Includes official name and location of University ❑ Graduation date or anticipated date is listed (mm/yyyy) ❑ Includes official degree name spelled out fully, example: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (not BSBA) ❑ Includes minor if applicable ❑ Only schools where degrees have been received or study abroad programs are listed

18 University Career Center

EXPERIENCE ❑ Includes job title, organization name, city, state, and/ or country ❑ Includes dates position held in reverse chronological order (mm/yy – mm/yy) ❑ Includes all important/relevant work experiences ❑ Bullet points are being used with strong action verbs to describe your experience ❑ Bullet points should focus on your accomplishments in the position, what unique quality you brought to the position, and how it benefited the organization ❑ Quantify experiences with #, $, or % as much as possible ❑ Avoids personal pronouns and refrains from writing in paragraph form ❑ Uses appropriate verb tense (past tense for older position, present tense for a current position) ❑ Includes relative paid, volunteer, internship or co-op experiences ❑ Maintains consistent format throughout

MEMBERSHIPS/ACTIVITIES ❑ Emphasizes leadership roles ❑ Includes pertinent/relevant memberships and affiliations (exclude high school information) ❑ Includes names and dates of participation ❑ Excludes religious or political affiliation ❑ Concisely elaborates on relevant projects

SKILLS ❑ Skills match the jobs requirements and are clarified by level of expertise (such as: proficient, advanced, working knowledge, etc.) ❑ Foreign language skills are listed by oral and written with appropriate proficiency, i.e., fluent, native, basic ❑ Computer Skills are listed to include hardware and software relevant to the position ❑ Certifications/Licenses have dates associated with them

ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES

(IF RELEVANT)

• Summary Profile (usually at the top below Objective) • Relevant Coursework (usually below Education) • Activities • Certifications/Licenses • Memberships • Publications /Inventions/Patents • Presentations

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS A common weakness found with undergraduate résumés is the absence of accomplishment statements.

GUIDELINES

It’s easy to write on a résumé what you did in a particular job, but the more challenging part (and at times more important part) is telling the reader how good you are at what you did.

Always start with an action word

A well-formulated statement has two parts: The results or benefits that came as an outcome of your work. These results/benefits should be stated in terms of the value added, and in as tangible and quantified a manner as possible. The action you took to achieve those benefits/results. (What steps you took or what techniques you used.)

The benefits you can expect from creating accomplishment statements include: • Much better awareness of the skills and abilities that will be the foundation for your job search. • Concrete credibility for everything you claim in the way of qualifications and abilities. You will have simple documentation of the value you can bring to an employer. • Greater confidence in presenting yourself to potential employers. You will understand better that you are not “asking for a job,” but rather you are offering a contribution to an employer.

EXAMPLES

• “Saved $60 a year in service charges by proposing and acquiring a checking account at a new bank for College Council.” • “Instituted residence hall tutoring program that increased average overall GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.3.”

Before: Responsible for leading team for classroom assignments. After: Directed team of 3 classmates to complete assignment on time.

Attempt to quantify at all times Before: Scheduled weekly meetings to brainstorm ideas with team members After: Increased communication, and productivity by 30% by initiating and organizing two weekly brainstorm sessions with design team of five

State first the benefit to the employer and then what you did to accomplish that result Before: Introduced and completed weekly routine quality assurance checks on each new website launched which raised client satisfaction by 30%, according to customer satisfaction surveys After: Raised client satisfaction by 30%, according to customer satisfaction surveys, by introducing and completing weekly routine quality assurance checks on each new website launched

• “Increased membership in ABC student club by 50% through creative advertising.” • “Presented training for new campus-wide email system to approximately 30% of the student body.”

EXPAND YOUR RÉSUMÉ’S FOCUS The traditional sections of resume writing—heading, objective, education and experience—are without question the foundation of your resume. As you focus on them, however, it is possible to get tunnel vision and think only about the skills you have developed through your day-to-day work. Your actual experience has been much broader, and this list will help you explore your extended skills and experiences. • Have you started an organization? • Are you a member or officer in a professional association? • Have you made a presentation at a conference? • Have you been a panelist in a conference break out session? • Are you a published author in your field? • Have you served as a military officer, non-commissioned officer, or within an ROTC program?

• Do you hold any career-related certifications? How about any certifications with transferable skills? • Have you won any competitions related to your field? • Were you, or are you still, a Resident Assistant? • Have you earned a promotion? - Did you complete a specific project to achieve the promotion? - Was it based on attaining a specific skill set? - Was it goal based? • Have you studied abroad or traveled extensively? • Have you conducted undergraduate research? • Are you a mentor or tutor? Article adapted by Nancy J. Mellem from “Brainstorming for the Resume”, written by Veronica Rahim, Career Services Consultant, Center for Career Opportunities, for Purdue University’s 2011-2012 Career Planning Handbook.

www.utep.edu/careers 19

STRONG ACTION WORDS FOR A RÉSUMÉ PLANNING

Example: Prepared written reports, proposals, and other business correspondence. Developed Formulated Administered Prepared Revised Devised Identified Anticipated Prioritized Strategized Evaluated Observed Commissioned Researched Studied Forecasted Planned Determined Reserved Tailored

ORGANIZING

Example: Coordinated and recruited volunteers in the youth and family mentoring program. Acquired Cataloged Designated Implemented Ordered Activated Centralized Designed Issued Organized Adjusted Charted Dispatched Linked Recruited Allocated Classified Established Logged Rectified Assessed Committed Facilitated Neatened Retrieved Assigned Confirmed Housed Obtained Secured

Simplified Sought Suggested Tracked Transferred

EXECUTING

Example: Handled 20-35+ customer calls per shift regarding coverage changes, renewal rates and billing procedures. Acted Conducted Forwarded Performed Proved Administered Displayed Handled Processed Shipped Carried out Distributed Input Produced Sold Collected Entered Installed Proofed Stocked Completed Exercised Operated Prospected Transacted

HELPING

Example: Counseled children and parents with emotional and mental difficulties to help create a safe home environment. Aided Bolstered Eased Familiarized Prescribed Returned Accommodated Coached Elevated Helped Provided Saved Advised Continued Enabled Interceded Protected Served Alleviated Cooperated Endorsed Mobilized Rehabilitated Sustained Assisted Counseled Enhanced Modeled Relieved Tutored Assured Dealt Enriched Polished Rescued

LEADING

Example: Conducted intake interviews with new clients. Accelerated Elected Envisioned Assumed Employed Hired Caused Empowered Influenced Chaired Encouraged Initiated Disproved Enlisted Inspired

Involved Led Managed Mentored Originated

Pioneered Promoted Raised Recognized for Set goals

Strengthened Supervised Trained Transformed Visualized

Investigated Recommended Remedied Remodeled Repaired

Resolved Revamped Revitalized Revived Satisfied

Solved Streamlined Synthesized Theorized

Expanded Expedited Extended Finalized Fulfilled Gained

Generated Grew Guaranteed Hastened Heightened

PROBLEM SOLVING

Example: Created databases to perform market analysis. Alleviated Created Determined Analyzed Debugged Foresaw Applied Decided Formulated Brainstormed Deciphered Found Crafted Detected Gathered

GETTING RESULTS

Example: Increased student participation by 30% over a 6-month period. Accomplished Boosted Contributed Eliminated Achieved Built Delivered Enlarged Added Combined Demonstrated Enjoyed Advanced Completed Diminished Enlisted Attained Consolidated Earned Ensured Augmented Constructed Eclipsed Excelled

For a complete list of words, please visit our website at www.utep.edu/careers, or stop by our office for a handout.

20 University Career Center

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A CAREER FAIR Many employers use career fairs—both on and off campus—to promote their opportunities and to pre-screen applicants. Career fairs come in all shapes and sizes, from small community-sponsored events to giant regional career expositions held at major convention centers. Most career fairs consist of booths and/or tables manned by recruiters and other representatives from each organization. For on-campus events, some employers also send alumni representatives. Large corporations and some g overnment agencies have staffs who work the career fair“circuit”nationwide. An employer’s display area is also subject to wide variance. It could be a simple table with a stack of brochures and business cards and a lone representative or an elaborate multimedia extravaganza with interactive displays, videos, posters and a team of recruiters.

FASHIONS AND ACCESSORIES Generally, the appropriate attire for career fair attendees is more relaxed than what you’d wear to an actual job interview. In most cases, “business casual” is the norm. If you’re unsure of the dress code (particularly for off-campus events), it would be wise to err on the overdressed side—you’ll make a better impression if you appear professional. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your real interviews! Remember to bring copies of your resume (or resumes, if you have several versions tailored to different career choices), a few pens and pencils (have backups—they have a way of disappearing), a folder or portfolio and some sort of note-taking device (paper or electronic pad). Keep track of the recruiters with whom you speak and send follow-up notes to the ones who interest you. Don’t bring your backpack; it’s cumbersome for you, it gets in the way of others and it screams “student!” instead of “candidate!”

STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN Keep your eyes and ears open—there’s nothing wrong with subtly eavesdropping on the questions asked and answers received by your fellow career fair attendees. You might pick up some valuable information, in addition to witnessing some real-life career search “do’s and don’ts.” In order to maximize your career fair experience, you must be an active participant and not just a browser. If all you do is stroll around, take company literature and load up on the ubiquitous freebies, you really haven’t accomplished anything worthwhile (unless you’re a collector of key chains, mousepads and pocket flashlights). It is essential to chat with the company representatives and ask meaningful questions. Here’s a great bit of career fair advice from Stanford University’s Career Fair guide: “Create a one-minute ‘commercial’ as a way to sell yourself to an employer. This is a great way to introduce

yourself. The goal is to connect your background to the organization’s need. In one minute or less, you need to introduce yourself, demonstrate your knowledge of the company, express enthusiasm and interest and relate your background to the company’s need.”

YOU’RE A PROSPECTOR— START DIGGING The questions you ask at a career fair depend upon your goals. Are you interested in finding out about a particular career field? Then ask generalized questions about working within the industry. If you’re seeking career opportunities with a specific employer, focus your questions on the application and interview process, and ask for specific information about that employer.

CAREER FAIR ETIQUETTE

1. Don’t interrupt the employer reps or your fellow job-seekers. If someone else is monopolizing the employer’s time, try to make eye contact with the rep to let him or her know that you’re interested in speaking. You may be doing a favor by giving the recruiter an out. If all else fails, move to the next exhibit and plan to come back later. 2. If you have a real interest in an employer, find out the procedures required to secure an interview. At some career fairs, initial screening interviews may be done on the spot. Other times, the career fair is used to pre-screen applicants for interviews to be conducted later (either on campus or at the employer’s site). 3. Sincerity always wins. Don’t lay it on too thick, but don’t be too blasé either. Virtually all employers are looking for candidates with good communication skills. 4. Don’t just drop your resume on employers’ display tables. Try to get it into a person’s hands and at least say a few words. If the scene is too busy and you can’t get a word in edgewise, jot a note on your resume to the effect of, “You were so busy that we didn’t get a chance to meet. I’m very interested in talking to you.” Look around the display for the recruiter’s business card (or at the very least, write down his or her name and get some literature with the company’s address) and send a follow-up note and another copy of your resume. 5. If you know ahead of time that one of your “dream companies” is a career fair participant, do some prior research (at minimum, visit their website. A little advance preparation goes a long way and can make you stand out among the masses of other attendees.

FAIR THEE WELL By all means, try to attend at least one career fair before beginning your formal job interviewing process. For new entrants into the professional career marketplace, this is a good way to make the transition into “self-marketing mode” without the formality and possible intimidation of a one-on-one job interview. It’s an opportunity that’s too valuable to miss.

www.utep.edu/careers 21

THE ELEVATOR SPEECH What is an Elevator Speech?

An elevator speech is also known as a “30-second commercial.” It is a clear, short message about you, only in 30 seconds or less. The idea is that, if you find yourself sharing an elevator with a potential employer, you might only have half a minute to connect. Sometimes 30 seconds is all you need!

Why do you need an Elevator Speech?

• To make a sincere and memorable impression. • To show off what you can do for the company. • To get a business card or an interview. • To network with key people in your career field. • To use in an interview when asked to tell them about yourself.

What you need

• A “hook”—Open your pitch by getting the Investor’s attention. A statement or question piques their interest to want to hear more. • Time—Your pitch should go no longer than 60 seconds. • Passion—Investors expect energy and dedication from entrepreneurs. • A request—At the end of your pitch, you must ask for something. Ask for a business card and a follow up.

ELEVATOR SPEECH TEMPLATE 1. Hello ___________, my name is __________________. I am a new graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso and I received my_________ in __________. 2. I am interested in the ________ position at ________ because _______________. 3. My training and education includes __________, ______________, and _______________. 4. I received the _________ award in _______. I increased ________ by ________%. I can provide _________and __________ to the organization. 5. I have great __________skills and ____________ skills and I know I will be able to transfer them to my new position. 6. I hope to be able to speak with you further about what skills I can bring to _______. Here’s my __________ (business card/resume). May I have your _________ (business card/ contact info?) Do you have a time in your schedule to meet for an interview to discuss this position further? 7. Thank you so much for your time today. I hope you have a great afternoon and I look forward to talking with you again soon.

ELEVATOR SPEECH EXAMPLE-TEACHING POSITION 1. Hello Mr. Smith, my name is Mary Ann Johnson. I am a new graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. I also received my teaching certificate at the same time. 2. I am interested in the mathematics teaching position at El Paso High School because I am passionate about teaching. 3. My training and education includes four months student teaching at Chapin High School along with several student observations throughout my four years of undergraduate course work. I also worked as a tutor at the Learning Academy in the evenings and on weekends, whenever I was able the past two years. 4. I received the student teacher of the year award at Chapin High in May. Ten of the students I tutored were able to increase their math scores on their TAKS tests by multiple points. I can provide strong team work and a strong work ethic to staff at El Paso High school. 5. I have great communication skills and strong teaching skills in different courses such as Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus and Honors Trigonometry. 6. I hope to be able to speak with you further about what skills I can bring to the students of El Paso High School. Here’s my business card. May I have yours? Do you have a time in your schedule to meet me for or interview to discuss this position further? 7. Thank you so much for your time today. I hope you have a great afternoon and I look forward to talking with you again soon. Source: Texas State University Career Center, Salisbury University, Katherine Hansen, Ph.D.

22 University Career Center

PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE Your academic knowledge and skills may be spectacular, but do you have the social skills needed to be successful in the workplace? Good professional etiquette indicates to potential employers that you are a mature, responsible adult who can aptly represent their company. Not knowing proper etiquette could damage your image, prevent you from getting a job and jeopardize personal and business relationships.

MEETING AND GREETING Etiquette begins with meeting and greeting. Terry Cobb, Owner, HR-Employment Solutions, emphasizes the importance of making a good first impression—beginning with the handshake. A firm shake, he says, indicates to employers that you’re confident and assertive. A limp handshake, on the other hand, sends the message that you’re not interested or qualified for the job. Dave Owenby, human resources manager for North and South Carolina at Sherwin Williams, believes, “Good social skills include having a firm handshake, smiling, making eye contact and closing the meeting with a handshake.” The following basic rules will help you get ahead in the workplace: • Always rise when introducing or being introduced to someone. • Provide information in making introductions—you are responsible for keeping the conversation going. “Joe, please meet Ms. Crawford, CEO at American Enterprise, Inc., in Cleveland.” “Mr. Jones, this is Kate Smith, a senior majoring in computer information systems at Northwestern University.” • Unless given permission, always address someone by his or her title and last name. • Practice a firm handshake. Make eye contact while shaking hands.

DINING Shirley Willey, owner of Etiquette & Company, reports that roughly 80% of second interviews involve a business meal. Cobb remembers one candidate who had passed his initial interview with flying colors. Because the second interview was scheduled close to noon, Cobb decided to conduct the interview over lunch. Initially, the candidate was still in the “interview” mode and maintained his professionalism. After a while, however, he became more relaxed—and that’s when the candidate’s real personality began to show. He had terrible table manners, made several off-color remarks and spoke negatively about previous employers. Needless to say, Cobb was unimpressed, and the candidate did not get the job. Remember that an interview is always an interview, regardless of how relaxed or informal the setting. Anything that is said or done will be considered by the interviewer, cautions Cobb. In order to make a good impression during a lunch or dinner interview, make sure you:

• Arrive on time. • Wait to sit until the host/hostess indicates the seating arrangement. • Place napkin in lap before eating or drinking anything. • When ordering, keep in mind that this is a talking business lunch. Order something easy to eat, such as boneless chicken or fish. • Do not hold the order up because you cannot make a decision. Feel free to ask for suggestions from others at the table. • Wait to eat until everyone has been served. • Keep hands in lap unless you are using them to eat. • Practice proper posture; sit up straight with your arms close to your body. • Bring food to your mouth—not your head to the plate. • Try to eat at the same pace as everyone else. • Take responsibility for keeping up the conversation. • Place napkin on chair seat if excusing yourself for any reason. • Place napkin beside plate at the end of the meal. • Push chair under table when excusing yourself.

EATING Follow these simple rules for eating and drinking: • Start eating with the implement that is farthest away from your plate. You may have two spoons and two forks. The spoon farthest away from your plate is a soup spoon. The fork farthest away is a salad fork unless you have three forks, one being much smaller, which would be a seafood fork for an appetizer. The dessert fork/spoon is usually above the plate. Remember to work from the outside in. • Dip soup away from you; sip from the side of the spoon. • Season food only after you have tasted it. • Pass salt and pepper together—even if asked for only one. • Pass all items to the right. If the item has a handle, such as a pitcher, pass with the handle toward the next p erson. For bowls with spoons, pass with the spoon ready for the next person. If you are the one to reach to the center of the table for an item, pass it before serving yourself. • While you are speaking during a meal, utensils should be resting on plate (fork and knife crossed on the plate with tines down). • Don’t chew with your mouth open or blow on your food. The interviewer will usually take care of the bill and the tip. Be prepared, however, if this doesn’t happen and have small bills ready to take care of your part, including the tip. Never make an issue of the check. Social skills can make or break your career. Employees have to exhibit a certain level of professionalism and etiquette in their regular work day, and particularly in positions where they come in contact with clients. Be one step ahead—practice the social skills necessary to help you make a great first impression and stand out in a competitive job market. Written by Jennie Hunter, retired professor, Western Carolina University.

www.utep.edu/careers 23

FORMAL DINNER ETIQUETTE Why practice good table manners?

—Two reasons: One is to make others feel comfortable enough to eat in your presence. Secondly is to keep us from embarrassing ourselves. Whether in informal or professional setting, good manners showcase good education.

The Basics

1) RSVP literally means “répondez s’il vous plaît” or please respond. You should reply in a timely manner letting the host know whether or not you accept the invitation. 2) Focus on others at the table; turn off electronic devices. 3) Eat from the outside in. 4) Eat with your mouth closed. 5) Send a handwritten thank-you card.

Etiquette Tips

• In an informal dinner, eating begins when the host picks up their fork; unless otherwise instructed. • If you need to leave the table mid-meal, leave the napkin either on your chair or place it to the left of your plate. When you’re done eating, do not place napkin on your plate; instead place it next to your plate.

Don’t forget to register and attend our bi-annual “Miner Manners: Mastering Dining Etiquette” for real-life instruction on proper dining manners.

ALWAYS begin eating with the flatware farthest from your plate.

DO’S AND DON’TS • D o try a little of everything served to you unless you know you’re allerggvfic to a certain food. • Do avoid talking with your mouth full. Take small bites, and you’ll find it’s easier to answer questions or join in table conversation. • Do wait until you have swallowed the food in your mouth before you take a sip of your beverage. • Do take a quick sip of water if a bite of food is too hot. • Do remember solids (food) are always on your left, liquids (beverages) are on your right. • Do leave your plate where it is when you have finished eating, with the knife and fork in the 10:4 I am finished position. Place the tips of the utensils at 10 and the handles at 4. • Do butter bread on the plate, never in midair. • Do look into, not over, the cup or glass when drinking. • Do remember your posture at the table. Sit up straight, and keep your arms (including elbows) off the table. • Do leave dropped silver on the floor. Quietly signal the wait staff to bring another piece.

24 University Career Center

• • • • • • • • • • •

on’t, in serving, overload your plate. D Don’t, in eating, overload your fork. Don’t mop your face with your napkin. Don’t spread your elbows when cutting meat. Keep them close to your sides when eating. Don’t saw the meat in a back and forth motion. Stroke it toward you. Don’t chew with your mouth open. Don’t smack your lips. Don’t touch your face or head at the table. Don’t tip up the glass or cup too much when drinking, but keep it at a slight angle. Don’t reach across the table or across another person to get something. If it’s out of reach, ask the closest person to pass it to you. Don’t pick your teeth at the table, either with a toothpick or with your fingers. If something gets caught in your teeth, excuse yourself and take care of the problem in the privacy of the restroom.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT JOB Finding the job you want takes many steps and involves just as many decisions. This checklist is designed to help you along the way and guide you to the appropriate sources. Be sure to discuss your progress with your career advisor.

KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT ❑ Choose your ideal work environment—large corporation, small business, government agency or nonprofit organization. ❑ Choose your ideal location—urban, suburban or rural. ❑ List your three most useful job skills and know which is your strongest. ❑ Know whether you want to work with people, data or things. ❑ Know whether you enjoy new projects or prefer following a regular routine. ❑ List some of the main career areas that might interest you. ❑ List your favorite leisure time activities. ❑ Know what kind of reward is most important to you in a job—money, security, creative authority, etc.

RESEARCHING CAREER OPTIONS ❑ Develop a list of career possibilities to research. ❑ Visit your career services library and utilize the internet to learn about various careers. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles and the Occupational Outlook Handbook are valuable resources. ❑ Consider whether your desired career requires an advanced degree. ❑ Keep up with current trends in your field through trade publications, news/business magazines and newspapers. ❑ Identify employers interested in interviewing someone with your academic background and experience; create a list of three or more employers in the field you are considering. ❑ Use the internet to learn more about potential employers and check out salary surveys and hiring trends in your anticipated career field.

GETTING EXPERIENCE ❑ Narrow down the career options you are considering through coursework and personal research. ❑ Participate in a work experience or internship program in your chosen field to learn of the daily requirements of the careers you are considering. Such assignments can lead to permanent job offers following graduation. ❑ Become an active member in one or more professional associations—consult the Encyclopedia of Associations for organizations in your field. ❑ Volunteer for a community or charitable organization to gain further work experience. Volunteer positions can and should be included on your resume.

CREATING A RESUME ❑ Form a clear job objective. ❑ Know how your skills and experience support your objective. ❑ Use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments. ❑ Limit your resume to one page and make sure it is free of misspelled words and grammatical errors. ❑ Create your resume using a word processing program and have it professionally duplicated on neutral-colored paper, preferably white, light gray or beige. If you are submitting your resume online, be sure to include relevant keywords and avoid italics, bold and underlined passages. ❑ Compose a separate cover letter to accompany each resume and address the letter to a specific person. Avoid sending a letter that begins “Dear Sir/Madam.”

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW ❑ Arrange informational interviews with employees from companies with which you might want to interview. Use your network of acquaintances to schedule these meetings. ❑ Thoroughly research each employer with whom you have an interview—be familiar with product lines, services offered and growth prospects. ❑ Practice your interviewing technique with friends to help prepare for the actual interview.

❑ Make at least three professional contacts through LinkedIn, friends, relatives or professors to learn more about your field of interest.

❑ Using the information you have gathered, formulate questions to ask the employer during the interview.

❑ Meet with faculty and alumni who work or who have worked in your field to talk about available jobs and the outlook for your field.

❑ Collect the needed information to write a thank-you letter after each interview.

❑ Arrive on time in professional business attire.

www.utep.edu/careers 25

IS GRADUATE SCHOOL RIGHT FOR YOU? At some point in your college career, you must decide what you would like to do after graduation—and that includes whether or not to attend graduate school. If you’re trying to determine whether graduate school is right for you, here are some pointers to help you make an enlightened decision.

1. Should I consider going to graduate school?

Going to graduate school might be a good idea if you… • want to be a professor, lawyer, doctor, investment banker or work in any profession that requires a post-secondary education. • wish to develop additional expertise in a particular subject or field to maximize your future earning potential and opportunities for career advancement. • are deeply interested in a particular subject and wish to study it in-depth—AND have the time and financial resources to devote to further education. Going to graduate school might not be a good idea if you… • are trying to delay your entry into the “real world” with real responsibilities and real bills. • are clueless about your career goals. • aren’t prepared to devote the time and hard work needed to succeed. • want to stay in school longer to avoid a poor job market.

2. Is it better to work first or attend graduate school immediately after I complete my undergraduate degree?

Work first if… • you would like to get some real-world work experience before investing thousands of dollars in a graduate degree. • the graduate school of your choice prefers work experience (most MBA and some Ph.D. programs require this). • you cannot afford to go to graduate school now, and you haven’t applied for any scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships, which could pay for a great deal of your education. Go to graduate school now if… • you are absolutely sure you want to be a college professor, doctor, lawyer, etc., and need a graduate degree to pursue your dream job. • you have been awarded grants, fellowships, scholarships or assistantships that will help pay for your education. • you’re concerned that once you start earning real money, you won’t be able to return to the lifestyle of a “poor” student. • your study habits and mental abilities are at their peak, and you worry whether you’ll have the discipline (or motivation) to write papers and study for exams in a few years.

3. I am broke. How will I pay for tuition, books, fees and living expenses?

• Family: You’ve likely borrowed from them in the past; maybe you’re lucky enough for it to still be a viable option.

26 University Career Center

• Student Loans: Even if you’ve taken out loans in the past, another $50,000 - $75,000 may be a sound “investment” in your future. • Fellowships/Scholarships: A free education is always the best option. The catch is you need a high GPA, good GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT scores and the commitment to search out every possible source of funding. • Teaching/Research Assistantships: Many assistantships include tuition waivers plus a monthly stipend. It’s a great way to get paid for earning an education. • Employer Sponsorship: Did you know that some companies actually pay for you to continue your education? The catch is they usually expect you to continue working for them after you complete your degree so they can recoup their investment.

4. What are the pros and cons of going to graduate school full-time vs. part-time?

Benefits of attending graduate school full-time: • you’ll be able to complete your degree sooner. • you can totally commit your intellectual, physical and emotional energy to your education. • ideal if you want to make a dramatic career change. Benefits of attending graduate school part-time: • work income helps pay for your education. • you can take a very manageable course load. • you can juggle family responsibilities while completing your degree. • allows you to work in the function/industry/career of your choice while continuing your education. • employer will often pay for part (or all) of your graduate degree.

5. Assuming I want to go to graduate school in the near future, what should I do now?

a. Identify your true strengths, interests and values to help you discover what is right for YOU—not your friends or parents. b. Keep your grades up and sign up (and prepare) to take the required standardized tests. c. Talk to faculty, friends and family who have gone to graduate school to get their perspective about the differences between being an undergraduate and a graduate student. d. Talk to faculty, friends and family who are in your targeted profession to get a realistic sense of the career path and the challenges associated with the work they do. e. Investigate creative ways to finance your education— by planning ahead you may reduce your debt. f. Research graduate schools to help you find a good match. g. Investigate the admissions process and the current student body profile of your targeted schools to evaluate your probability for admission. h. Have faith and APPLY! Remember, you can’t get in unless you apply. Written by Roslyn J. Bradford.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT STEP 1: BRAINSTORMING

STEP 2: WRITING YOUR STATEMENT

Actions:

• Devote time to reflect on the following questions. • Discuss them with friends or family members. • Jot down notes. In some cases write sentences. • Think about the flip side of each question. For example, why are you really committed to the field of biology despite pressure from your parents to become a lawyer or to get a job?

Your answers to some of these questions will form the heart of your personal statement. 1. How did your pre-college education influence your decision to pursue graduate study in your field? Think about: High school courses, teachers, special, programs, student organizations, and community or volunteer work. 2. How has your college experience influenced your decision? Think about: College courses, professors, academic interests, research, special programs, student organizations, and the decision-making process you went through to choose your major. 3. How has your work experience influenced your decision? Think about: Internships, externships, parttime jobs, summer jobs, and volunteer or community work. 4. Who has had the most influence on your decision to pursue graduate study? In what ways? Think about: Parents, relatives, teachers, professors, clergy, friends of the family, college friends, parents of friends, local merchants, supervisors, coaches, doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. 5. What situation has had the most influence on your decision? Think about: Family, academic, work or athletic situations. Think about happy, sad, traumatic, moving, or memorable situations. 6. What personally motivates you to pursue graduate study in this field? Think about: Your personal skills, interests, and values.

Incorporate your responses to the above questions. Begin writing your first draft: 1. Develop an outline of your statement prior to writing. It doesn’t have to be detailed. It can be three or four main points in the order you want to make them. 2. Accentuate your strengths and what makes you unique. 3. Explain your weaknesses in positive ways. For example, refer to them not as weaknesses but as areas for improvement or growth. 4. Paint pictures and tell stories about what makes you special. In this way the admissions readers will remember you. The story can be happy or sad. The more feeling you can inject into your statement, the more you will stand out. 5. Find out the specific orientation and philosophy of the graduate program. Adapt and refine your statement to fit. This will make you stand out from other applicants who recycle the same personal statement with each application.

Suggested Outline Your personal statement will likely range from 250-1200 words or 1-6 pages. The typical personal statement should be 2-3 double-spaced pages or 500-700 words. Here is a suggested outline. You should adjust the main point of each paragraph and number of paragraphs depending on the desired length of your personal statement and the areas in your background that you choose to emphasize. Paragraph 1 A personal human-interest story Paragraph 2 Your academic interests and achievements Paragraph 3 Your relevant work and/or research experiences Paragraph 4 Your career interests Paragraph 5 Why you are interested in this particular school Paragraph 6 The qualities you will bring to this school

REFERENCES Write for Success: Preparing a Successful Professional School Application, Third Edition, October 2005 by Evelyn W. Jackson, PhD and Harold R. Bardo, PhD. NAAHP, National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, Inc. “Perfect Personal Statements” by Mark Alan Stewart. Peterson’s Guide 2004

PERSONAL STATEMENT CRITIQUES Contact the Career Center and make an appointment with a career counselor to have your personal statement critiqued. Ask a professor if they would review it as well. Having feedback from professionals with different points of view can only make for a stronger personal statement overall. Adapted with permission from the Office of Career Services at Rutgers University, New Brunswick Campus.

www.utep.edu/careers 27

DEVELOPING A WINNING CURRICULUM VITAE A Curriculum Vitae or CV is a professional document that is used for marketing your background for a variety of purposes, mostly within academia or research. It can be multiple pages, but should be focused. Use the following tips to help you get started on your CV.

COMMON USES • Graduate school admission, graduate assistantship or scholarship application • Teaching, research and upper-level administrative positions in higher education • School administration positions (superintendent, principal, department head) • Research and consulting in a variety of settings • Academic departmental and tenure reviews • College or university service appointments • Professional association leadership positions • Publishing and editorial board reviews • Speaking engagements • Grant proposal

Your CV can be multiple pages, but should be focused.

EDUCATION Include the following information: • Name of institution(s) where obtained or working toward a degree, listed in reverse chronological order • Official name of degree(s) and/or certification(s) obtained or currently working toward • Add Master’s Thesis, Project and/or Dissertation title(s) • Name of advisor

28 University Career Center

FOUNDATIONAL STANDARDS Found in most standard résumés:

• Heading—name, address, professional email and phone number. A website with professional content (e.g., a portfolio) can be listed in the heading as well. Use the direct URL to the proper page, so the recruiter doesn’t have to search your entire site. • Objective—should be specific to the position for which you are applying. • Format—standard margins of one inch, type size from 10-12 points and easy-to-read fonts. • Content—the organization of your document should be rearranged depending on the potential employer. For example, if your education section speaks more to your qualifications for the desired position, it should appear before your employment experience. • Experience—highlight paid, unpaid, school and extracurricular experiences that relate to your desired objective. • Skills—technical/computer, language, leadership, laboratory to name a few.

ADDITIONAL SECTIONS Depending on your background, you may want to add additional sections to your résumé: • Teaching Experience and Interests • Research Experience and Interests • Related Experience: Internships, Practicum and/or Fieldwork • Grants Received and Academic Awards • Special Training • Scholarships and Fellowships Written by Veronica Rahim, Career Services Consultant, Center for Career Opportunities, Purdue University, for the 2011-2012 Career Planning Handbook.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND THE JOB SEARCH Looking for a job is seldom easy for any student. For you, the international student, the job search process can be especially confusing. You may lack an understanding of U.S. employment regulations, or perhaps you are unaware of the impact your career choice has on your job search. You may also be unsure about your role as the job-seeker and the resources used by American employers to find candidates. The following is an overview of the issues most relevant to international students in developing a job search strategy. Additional information about the employment process and related topics can be found through your career center and on the Internet.

Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services As an international student, you should only obtain employment-related information from an experienced immigration attorney or your international student office. Advice from any other resource may be inaccurate. Once you have decided to remain in the United States to work, contact the international student services office on your campus.

Importance of Skills and Career Field Find out if your degree and skills-set are currently in demand in the U.S. job market. An advanced degree, highly marketable skills or extensive experience will all make your job search easier. Find out what region of the United States holds the majority of the jobs in your field; you may need to relocate in order to find the job you want. Learn all you can about your targeted career field by talking to professors, reading industry publications and attending professional meetings and regional conferences.

ROLE OF EMPLOYERS It is the employer’s responsibility to find the right people for his or her company—not to help you find a job. The interview is successful when both of you see a match between the employer’s needs and your interest and ability to do the job. The employer (through hiring managers, human resources staff or employment agencies) will most likely use several resources to find workers, including: • College recruiting • Campus or community job fairs • Posting jobs on the company website or on national job posting sites on the Internet • Posting jobs in major newspapers or trade publications • Posting jobs with professional associations • Résumé searches on national online services • Employee referrals • Regional and national conferences • Employment agencies (“headhunters”) Are you accessible to employers through at least some of the above strategies? If not, develop a plan to make sure your credentials are widely circulated. Notify as many people as possible in your field about your job search.

Strong Communication Skills You can help the employer make an informed hiring decision if you: • Provide a well-prepared résumé that includes desirable skills and relevant employment experiences. • Clearly convey your interests and ability to do the job in an interview. • Understand English when spoken to you and can effectively express your thoughts in English. It’s important to be able to positively promote yourself and talk with confidence about your education, relevant skills and related experiences. Self-promotion is rarely easy for anyone. But, it can be especially difficult for individuals from cultures where talking about yourself is considered inappropriate. When interviewing in the United States, however, you are expected to be able to explain your credentials and why you are suitable for the position. Be sensitive to the interviewer’s verbal and nonverbal cues. Some international students may not realize when their accent is causing them to be misunderstood. Interviewers are sometimes too embarrassed or impatient to ask for clarification, so be on the lookout for nonverbal clues, such as follow-up questions that don’t match your responses or sudden disinterest on the part of the interviewer. Also, make sure you express proper nonverbal c ommunication; always look directly at the employer in order to portray confidence and honesty. If your English language skills need some work, get involved with campus and community activities. These events will allow you to practice speaking English. The more you use the language, the more proficient you will become. These activities are also a great way to make networking contacts.

CAREER CENTER The career center can be a valuable resource in your job search. Be aware, however, that some employers using the career center won’t interview students who are not U.S. citizens. Though this may limit your ability to participate in some campus interviews, there are numerous ways to b enefit from the campus career center: • Attend sessions on job search strategies and related topics. • Work with the career services staff to develop your job search strategy. • Attend campus career fairs and company information sessions to inquire about employment opportunities and to practice your networking skills. It’s a good idea to get advice from other international students who have successfully found employment in this country and to start your job search early. Create and follow a detailed plan of action that will lead you to a great job you can write home about. Written by Rosita Smith.

www.utep.edu/careers 29

CLEAN UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA IDENTITY The social media profiles of job candidates are an area of scrutiny for recruiters. In fact, there are now even online research analysts who will comb the Internet for damaging information on a firm’s applicants. (On the flip side, there are “scrub services” that will clean up a job hunter’s digital footprint.) Here are some simple ways to take a DIY approach to scrubbing your online presence.

Google Your Name

Search for your name online occasionally to see what comes up, or set up automatic name alerts at Google.com/alerts. You may discover results for many people with your same name, possibly with embarrassing or outrageous content. To find the real “you,” try tweaking your name (e.g., Sam versus Samuel) or add some additional identifying modifiers (perhaps your city or school). Search for your name on all the networks to which you’ve ever belonged, including MySpace and YouTube. (Recruiters check everywhere.) After a thorough review, ask yourself: Will this the social media profile foster callbacks, interviews and job offers? If not, keep reading.

Keep Some Mystery

“Most new grads grew up texting, Skyping, Tweeting, Facebooking and reading or creating blogs,” says Jenny Foss, who operates Ladder Recruiting Group in Portland, Ore. “Older, more experienced competitors aren’t ‘native social media people.’” That’s the plus; the minus is you have to shift your mindset from “impressing the guys” to “promoting myself as a polished professional.” Foss recommends you adjust the privacy settings on your accounts. But you’re not safe even then since companies can change privacy policies. When possible, it is better to remove negative or overly private content than hide it.

There’s No Swimsuit Competition

Recruiters will judge you by your profile photos. Do they tell the right story? “Don’t post sexy photographs of yourself online. Don’t even be too glamorous. That’s a really big turnoff to employers,” says Vicky Oliver, author of 201 Smart Answers to Business Etiquette Questions. “Dress in photos as you would in an interview.” Remove unflattering pictures, videos, and unfavorable comments you’ve posted on social networks. Post a high-quality headshot, the same one across all platforms. Important: Don’t forget to check out photos where friends have tagged you on Facebook. If you’re pictured at a party with a drink in hand, delete the tag. Adjust privacy settings to prevent that from happening again.

Blot Out the Bitter

Have you ever gone online while under the influence or in a foul mood? Bad idea. “Whatever you wouldn’t do at the networking event, don’t do online,” says Oliver. Some examples of social media gaffes: Posting about parties, dates, getting into posting wars with your friends, or using obscenities, faulty grammar, typos, or cryptic texting shortcuts. “I personally would never put a thumbs-down sign on someone’s comment,” Oliver says. “I would not write anything negative, no snippy commentary at all.”

Get LinkedIn

This is the single best social media platform for job seekers because of its professional focus. Some savvy employers are now even requesting LinkedIn profile info as part of the job application process. One of the most powerful aspects of this profile is the recommendations from previous bosses and

30 University Career Center

CONTENT YOU SHOULD NEVER SHARE These may seem really obvious, but people lose jobs (and job offers) every day because of them: • Don’t refer to a company by name; they may get alerts when mentioned online. • Don’t complain about your job or boss. • Refrain from making snarky comments about co-workers or customers. • Don’t reveal your drug/drink habits. • Never make discriminatory or inflammatory remarks. • Don’t share intimate relationship details. • Don’t brag about skipping work, playing games or sleeping on the job. • Do not broadcast an employer’s confidential information.

co-workers. Testimony from others is proof positive of your professionalism. Make good use of keywords and set up cross-links between all your social media profiles. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Blogspot all rank high in Google searches.

Witness Protection Program

Some job seekers are so concerned about privacy they’ve gone into lockdown mode and blocked all of their profiles. Unfortunately, that makes recruiters wonder what they’re trying to hide. Plus, many of them seek employees with social media skills, so cleaning up what’s out there is usually better than shutting it down.

What Would Your Mother Say?

Many career coaches and recruiters say that the rule of thumb for social media content is: Would you want your mother or employer to see it? No? Then don’t post it. “Self-censorship is the main key,” says Alexandra Levit, author of Blind Spots: The 10 Business Myths You Can’t Afford to Believe on Your New Path to Success. “Always think before you post, because if there is a single person out there who you don’t want to see your content, I guarantee it will get back to them.” You may be too close to the situation to judge what’s appropriate or not, so it can be helpful to have a second pair of eyes to look over your profiles. Select someone who’s about the same age as your target employers, experienced in your field, or at least in the hiring process.

Netiquette Tips

Dan Schwabel, a personal branding expert and author of Me 2.0, offers these tips to keep your digital reputation clean: • Don’t over-promote yourself or people will get turned off. • Do share industry insights, useful resources, quotes and facts with your audience. • Don’t send your résumé to employers on Facebook. • Do build a relationship through tweeting before you email blindly. • Don’t come to an interview without researching the company and the hiring manager online, using LinkedIn first. Written by Jebra Turner, a former human resources manager, who writes about career issues, and other business topics. She lives in Portland, Ore., and can be reached at www.jebra.com.

Advertiser Index Austin Independent School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Earth Share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 El Paso Independent School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Freeport-McMoRan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover GECU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 NAVSEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 New Mexico State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Santa Clara University, School of Education and Counseling Psychology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Seton Healthcare Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The University of Texas at El Paso Graduate School. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover U.S. Army Research Laboratory, White Sands Missile Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 U.S. Marine Corps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 College Recruitment Media and the University of Texas at El Paso wish to thank the above participating sponsors for making this publication available to students.

U.S. Army Research Laboratory, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico MISSION: To strengthen the survivability of Army systems in an electromagnetic environment and security of Army information systems and networks. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Electromagnetic environment (radio frequency, infrared, and electo-optics) -Field experimentation -Anechoic chamber studies -Laboratory studies Information Assurance -Computer security -Network security -Source code analysis Computer Network Operations -Ethical hacking -Penetration testing -Network exploitation Software development -C++ needed, C# a plus -Real-time software development

WORK ENVIRONMENT: -Full Time -Professional Growth -Professional Certifications -Job Security BENEFITS: -Vacation and Sick Days -Paid Holidays -Health Insurance -Life Insurance -Retirement Benefits -Training and Education -Flexible Work Schedule -Pay for Performance Increases -Thrift Savings Plan (comparable to 401K) -Merit Promotion System DISCIPLINES: Scientists and Engineers (e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physicists)

HOW TO APPLY:

See www.arl.army.mil for employment application information. Reminder: U.S. Citizen Only

www.utep.edu/careers 31

Imagine tomorrow... Then come and create it as a civilian engineer, scientist, accountant, or contract administrator within the Naval Sea Systems Command.

U.S. Citizenship Required

Austin, Texas

Nursing. It’s not just a job. It’s your passion. Apply now for Seton’s RN Residency for recent grads and newly licensed nurses! As a new nurse, you’re looking for the best foundation to reach your goals. That’s why we’ve taken the traditional nursing internship to a whole new level. Developed by nurses for elite graduate and newly licensed nurses, Seton’s RN Residency is a world-class program based on best practices and evidence-based education and training. You can build your confidence and put your nursing skills into practice! We offer three cohorts throughout the year; the length of your residency will vary from 18 to 22 weeks, depending on specialty.

RN Residency Specialty Tracks: (May include the following and are subject to change) • Acute Care (Med/Surg) • Behavioral Health • Cardiology/Telemetry • Critical Care • Emergency • Labor & Delivery • Neurology

• NICU • Oncology • Orthopedics • Pediatrics • Perioperative • Pulmonary/Renal • Trauma Surgical Services

As a Seton nurse, you’ll be part of a team recognized as one of the best in health care. We operate the region’s only four Magnet® hospitals and five Pathway to Excellence® hospitals, evidence that our commitment to our nurses and excellent patient care are among our highest priorities. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V Join us! For more information and to apply online, go to seton.net/RNResidency or email us with questions at HR-RNResidency@seton.org

facebook.com/SetonCareers @SetonCareers

Seton is home to the region’s only four Magnet® recognized hospitals for Nursing Excellence granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

THE STRENGTH TO HEAL

starts with our scholarship. Capt. Ana Morgan, M.D., HPSP Medical Recipient Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas

You can begin training for the career you’ve always dreamed of with financial assistance from the U.S. Army. Through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)*, you could be eligible to receive a fulltuition scholarship for an accredited medical program. The HPSP provides reimbursement for books, laboratory equipment and academic fees. You’ll also receive a sign-on bonus of $20,000 and a monthly stipend of more than $2,000. During breaks, you’ll have the opportunity to train alongside other members of our health care organization.

To learn more about the Army's HPSP program, visit healthcare.goarmy.com/careerguide or call (915) 351-6174.