In this issue: - Spring 2013 Job Fair - Support Dress for Success - Window Letter Wednesday - Career Spotlight
WSU Career Services
Hire-a-Shocker
Issue 10 / 02.11.13
Spring 2013 Job Fair
Spring 2013 Job Fair - Thursday, February 28 4:00 to 6:30 pm - Koch Arena
The Job Fair is not about you. That’s right…it is not about you. The Job Fair is about the employers who come to campus looking forward to meeting and hiring WSU students and graduates. The Job Fair is a rare networking opportunity for you. Employers can offer a five-minute span of time during which you should offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, introduce yourself concisely, smile, listen, and be enthusiastic about the possibility of a job.
The Successful Attendee:
Before entering Koch Arena the successful job fair attendee will have made a list of companies to approach. He/she has learned about the companies in attendance by reading information in Hire-a-Shocker or on the specific company website. The successful attendee knows what each company produces, sells, services, manufactures or creates. He/she also knows the types of jobs they offer and the majors they hire. The successful attendee enters Koch Arena feeling good because he/she took the time to have his/her suit cleaned. His/her shirt/blouse is nicely pressed and shoes are shined. A recent haircut completes the professional look of the successful job fair attendee. No big purses or backpacks for the successful attendee; he/she carries a portfolio containing resumes and business cards to leave with recruiters who cannot accept resumes at the event. Afterwards, the successful job fair attendee is able to send thank-you notes within two days by email or regular mail because he/she has requested business cards from each recruiter at the event. We want your Job Fair experience to be successful. If you have questions give us a call at 978-3435.
Dress to Impress First impressions count. Your appearance tells an employer quite a bit about your character. You want to be seen as a professional in every way. Dressing for the occasion will also help you to feel comfortable when meeting new people. Be meticulous about personal hygiene and wardrobe selection. An expensive outfit is not necessary; however, your clothing should fit well, be clean and pressed. A suit is always appropriate and the best choice. If your tastes run to the more casual or trendy, you might make a trip to your favorite department store. Find a salesperson to help you coordinate a flattering and professional look.
“You want to be remembered, but not for your outfit. Make the right impression at the Job Fair,” Jill Pletcher, Director of Career Services
Wear This:
Wear This:
- Tailored two-piece suit in a neutral color
- Classic business suit with pants or knee-length skirt in a neutral color
- Long sleeve dress shirt - Conservative tie with small pattern or stripe - Dark socks and shined dress shoes with coordinating belt
- Conservative dress shirt - Pantyhose, with closed-toe dress shoes - Simple and small jewelry
- Minimal cologne, and cover piercings and tattoos
- Minimal perfume, and cover piercings and tattoos
- Name tag, portfolio and/or briefcase
- Name tag, portfolio and/or briefcase
How do I show my education from another country on my US resume? Courtesy of “the Campus Career Coach,” copyright holder: http://thecampuscareercoach.com/
Ana from El Paso Community College asked: I live along the border with Mexico and have previous university education in Mexico, but I am not really sure how to input that information into my resume. I know they list education differently on resumes in Mexico. How should I list my education in Mexico (degrees completed, classes taken) on my US resume?
Hi Ana - Thanks for your question. When you are crafting a resume the first thing you need to consider is your target audience: Who do you want to read your resume and how can you make your qualifications and credentials as accessible to them as possible? If you are in the US and you are interested in working in the US, your target audience (US employers) has a clear frame of reference when it comes to resumes – US resumes and the US employment market. Speak to them in their language, literally and figuratively. When you are listing a degree you received from a university in another country on your US resume, provided the US/English language equivalent of the degree and the institution along with the degree and institution in the original language. For example: Bachelor of Engineering in Renewable Energy (La Licenciatura de Ingeniería en Energías Renovables - LIER), May 2012 National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México – UNAM) If you have just taken some coursework in a specific field, just list that coursework and the school where you studied and include the period of time you studied there. Remember, the goal with your resume is to present your relevant qualifications in a meaningful way.
Engineering Career Fair
Co-op, Internship & Full-Time Thursday, February 28, 2013 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Beggs Hall Lobby WSU Alumni Engineering Panel
Thursday, February, 28 from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. NIAR Conference Room 307-309 Get the inside perspecƟve on working in the engineering eld from WSU Engineering Alumni. Ask quesƟons about the industry at this engaging panel session.
Engineering Fair 30 Minute Prep Workshops
Wednesday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 19 at 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 22 at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 25 at 10:00 a.m. (All workshops will take place in 222 Grace Wilkie Hall.) Learn about resumes, elevator pitches, professional dress and proper networking behaviors.
WSU Engineering students have an exciƟng opportunity to connect with employers who are looking to hire interns, co-op posiƟons, and full-Ɵme employees. Dress is business aƫre. Resumes will be accepted. AƩend a 30 minute prep workshop and be prepared. To see an up-to-date list of employers aƩending visit: www.wichita.edu/engineeringfair
Sponsored by the Oĸce of CooperaƟve EducaƟon & Work-Based Learning, the College of Engineering, and Career Services. For quesƟons contact Suzy Finn, suzanne.nn@wichita.edu, (316) 978-6983.
Career Coffee Blog...By Jan Mead Job Fair - Why Should Students Attend?
If you are a student who is, or ever will be looking for a job, I cannot imagine why you wouldn’t attend the job fair—an event which allows you the rare opportunity to get face-to-face with a multitude of employers, within a short time period and in one location. If you’re a junior or senior it is crucial that you meet as many prospective employers as possible. Even as a freshman or sophomore, it is important to develop and build relationships with employers to enhance the possibility of getting the job you want when you graduate. Plus, a job fair gives you the chance to learn about the types of employment available within different industries and among various employers.
Career Spotlight:Student Affairs Professional Have you made the most of your college experience and want to help others do the same? Consider a career in student affairs. Professionals in this field provide student support services at colleges and universities in areas such as housing and residence life, academic advising, career services, Greek life, student involvement, financial aid, enrollment services, and admissions, to name a few.
Job Fair - Why Should Faculty Attend?
If you are faculty, attending the job fair offers a way for you to meet representatives of the companies who will be hiring your students. The potential results of those meetings are many, including making contacts possibly leading to research endeavors, talking with company representatives you might want to invite into your class for presentations to your students, and often the employer representative who attends a job fair will be a graduate of our institution. You just might get to talk with former students. Job fairs are expensive for employers to attend. They keep a close eye on their results to determine which schools they will continue to recruit. Therefore, we ask you to attend and ask that you strongly encourage your students to attend. A small amount of your time could yield large results for your current and future students.
Job responsibilities vary depending on the area but often include working one-onone with students, planning events, and managing student information. Someone with a passion for helping others, excellent interpersonal skills, and a knack for problem solving would be a great candidate for a career in student affairs. While some entry-level positions in student affairs require only a Bachelor’s degree, most prefer a Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field. Relevant experience, both paid and unpaid, is important. Working as a Resident Assistant, serving as your fraternity’s president, volunteering as a student ambassador, or acting as a student activities committee member are examples of ways to build skills and a resume for a career in student affairs. If you want to learn more, check out the “Careers” section of the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education organization NASPA at www.naspa.org.
Wichita State University Career Services, Hire-a-Shocker Newsletter, Issue 10 / 02.11.13
Window Letter Wednesday A “Wu Wednesday” Event
February 20, 2013 - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - Career Services Windows, 203 GW The staff of Career Services often displays fun and informative messages for the WSU campus on the north-facing windows. You are invited to read our special message on February 20 and participate in our event.
Hire-a-Shocker If you’re looking for a job, you need to check out Hire-a-Shocker, our online recruitment system. Post your résumé resumé and search for part-time, full-time, degreed and nondegreed positions, including oncampus opportunities. Hire-a-Shocker also shows which employers are coming to career events and allows you to apply for on-campus interviews.
Support Dress for Success WIN A FREE T-SHIRT! 1. Read the message on our windows.
Your contributions will help Wichita women in need.
2. Go to 203 GW and tell us the message.
Career Services provides faculty, staff and students the opportunity to donate to Dress for Success Wichita, in conjunction with our Spring Job Fair.
3. Claim your prize!
Before, During and After: Making the Most of a Job Fair The three things that make any candidate stand out in a group are a professional appearance, maturity and self-confidence. What the Job Fair will do for YOU
Expand your knowledge of jobs and the job market. Expose you to qualifications for success in your field of interest. Build your professional contact network. Introduce you to full-time and part-time opportunities.
Please consider donating gently used seasonal suits and business attire you no longer need. Donations should be interview and business appropriate.
Before the Fair
Other items accepted are separates, scarves, handbags, shoes, new undergarments, travelsize deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, mascara, and eyeliner.
• • • • •
Dress for Success cannot accept sportswear, jeans, tennis shoes, sandals or evening wear.
• • • •
• •
Have your résumé critiqued by Career Services. Make plenty of copies of your résumé. Print business cards to give to employers who don’t accept résumés. Do your homework. Research the participating employers. Clean and press your dress clothes and shine your shoes - first impressions make the difference between a good candidate and a great candidate. Prepare a 30-second introduction about yourself and practice it out loud or in front of a mirror. Communication skills are important. Practice them whenever you get the opportunity.
During the Job Fair • • • • • • • •
Wear a nametag. Turn off your phone. Don’t bring food or drink. Allow for plenty of time to meet with each recruiter. Smile, stand up tall and approach with confidence. Do not approach the employer with your friend(s). Employers prefer one-on-one interaction. Give a firm handshake and make eye contact. Demonstrate your communication skills: be courteous, positive and upbeat.
After the Fair • •
• • • • • •
Learn who is at the booth. You might be talking with the president of the company. Leave a copy of your résumé with each employer or leave a business card if they do not accept résumés. Spend only a few minutes with each employer. Don’t overstay your welcome. Ask about the next step in the employment process. If your peers are with a recruiter, do not interrupt. Gather company materials and ask for business cards.
Send thank-you notes by e-mail or mail within two days of the job fair. For sales positions a phone call may be appropriate. If an employer has multiple interactions with you, it is more likely she will remember you. Be proactive. Attend Career Services events. Do mock and informational interviews. Connect with faculty members who can refer you to employers. Participate in student organizations, especially those that make connections with employers.
Donated items will be accepted at Career Services, 203 Grace Wilkie Hall beginning February 22 and ending at 9 a.m. on March 4. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. www.dressforsuccess.org For more information: Jeanne Hopkins: 316.978.3242 jeanne.hopkins@wichita.edu
Wichita State University Career Services, Hire-a-Shocker Newsletter, Issue 10 / 02.11.13
Job Fair Spotlight:
Companies looking forward to meeting you at the
Spring 2013 Job Fair! February 28, 2013 - 4:00 - 6:30 pm - Koch Arena
Signature Seafoods:
Work in Alaska during the Summer Salmon Season with 60-90 day contracts. Excellent opportunity to make money and have a fun adventure. Benefits: transportation to/from Alaska, housing, meals and more included. View Job ID #15737 for more details.
INTRUST Bank, N.A.:
One of the leading financial institutions in the Midwest. Four generations of the Chandler family’s leadership. Strong commitment to the communities it serves. View locations and current jobs posted on Hire-a-Shocker.
Menards:
Representatives want to network with Shockers at the Job Fair. Menards has 270 stores in the Midwest, including two here in Wichita. Menards promotes from within and will be looking for driven team members
Kwik Shop:
A division of The Kroger Company. Kwik Shop operates convenience stores in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. View Job ID #14003, currently posted on Hire-a-Shocker.
Spring 2013 Events
seeking rewarding and challenging careers with endless opportunities for advancement. View their current listings on Hire-a-Shocker.
Office Hours
Feb. 13 - Wu Wednesday - Resumania - 10:00 am to 1:30 pm - Clinton Hall Lobby Feb. 18 - Education Interview Day - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm - Hughes Metroplex
Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Walk-In Hours
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday -1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Feb. 20 - Wu Wednesday - Window Letter Wednesday - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - 203 Grace Wilkie Feb. 27 - Wu Wednesday - Resumania - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm - Career Services, 203 GW Feb. 28 - Spring 2013 Job Fair - 4:00 to 6:30 pm - Koch Arena Apr. 12 - Physical Therapy Career Fair - 2:00 to 4:00 pm - WSU Downtown Campus
Notice of Nondiscrimination Wichita State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a veteran, genetic information or disability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0205; telephone (316) 978-6791.
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