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Welcome from the director
DARBY SCISM
ISU CAREER CENTER DIRECTOR
We are very excited about the Career Opportunity Fair on Wednesday, September 25th, and we hope to see many of you in attendance! There are more than 120 companies and graduate schools scheduled to participate in the fair, and all of the companies will have either internship or full-time job opportunities available to ISU students. This Career Fair is a unique opportunity to meet many employers and recruiters all in one place. We have changed venues this year for the Career Fair to the Hulman Center, which will provide a more professional and comfortable environment. This type of event isn’t always available to you once you graduate, so take advantage of it this week! If you aren’t in the hunt for an internship or job at this time, a career fair is a great place to network with employers for future opportunities and to practice talking about your skills and accomplishments. The more you practice talking about yourself and your qualifications, the easier it gets. There will be Career Center staff at the fair to answer any of your questions. We also encourage you to make an appointment with one of the Career Advisors in the weeks following the fair to talk through your internship or job search plan as well as your career exploration and research. Planning for your future career is something that shouldn’t wait until the last minute, so make sure to visit the Career Center now!
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Join Hamilton Center as we bring mental illness out of the shadows by building hope and changing lives. Hamilton Center, Inc. a licensed behavioral health center in Central and West Central, IN is recruiting Licensed erapists and Psychologists in Terre Haute, Indianapolis & surrounding counties to join our multi-disciplinary team.
• Competitive Salary • 403B Tax Deferred Option • Excellent Beneets • Performance Evaluation System • EEOC/AA Employer • Paid Time Off • Retirement Plan • Paid Holidays • Tuition Assistance *Provided at no cost to the employee
Apply online today! www.hamiltoncenter.org JobLine: (812)231-8130 Terre Haute • Indianapolis • Clinton • Rockville • Sullivan Linton • Greencastle • Bloommeld • Spencer • Brazil • Plainneld
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Visit our Booth at the ISU Career Opportunity Fair
Date: Location: Address: Time: Contact:
•
September 25, 2013 Indiana State University Hulman Center 10am - 2pm kris.shallenberger@mariannursing.com
Second bachelor’s degree program with start dates in January, May and August • Hospital clinical rotations starting in you rst semester • Interactive online classes with supportive faculty and staff
Congrats to ISU Alumnus Andrea McGary, who completed her second bachelor’s degree in nursing with Marian University. Andrea was honored with the ‘Clinical Expertise’ award for the Class of August ’13. Andrea leveraged her undergraduate degree from ISU towards a BSN in just 16 months!
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Dress professionally Audra Trnovec Career Center “Mod”, “trendy”, “vogue” or “chic” are not words that one should consider when dressing for an interview. There are some rare industries, such as the world of fashion, where making a statement might require you to break a few of the traditional interview attire rules, but for the most part, these are solid. First, let’s cover what NOT to wear. Avoid short or tight clothing, bold patterns, platforms, boots, bows, metallic fabrics, bright colors, sandals, stains and wrinkles, cleavage
(front or backside), expensive jewelry, tattoos, bare legs/ankles, leather, bling, or anything you have or would ever consider wearing out in a “social” situation. I’m aware that “conservative”, “classic” and “elegant” all say one thing to many young professionals…BORING! The trick is to be noticed for all of the right reasons. So, here are some tips for men and women. Women, select simple tailored suits in black, grey, brown or navy with sleeves that fall 1/2 inch below your wrist; and with slacks that are full length and not too tight or a skirt that reaches the top of your knees. What???... pencil skirts are in and will make a better impression. Select a blouse in a light color or white, tuck it in, and button it almost to the top.
Wear comfortable flats or pumps with heels shorter than two inches. Socks or stockings are a must. Finish it off with simple jewelry and be sure your hair will stay out of your face without using large barrettes or bows. Guys, you have it easy. Select a suit that is solid or with subtle pinstripes in black, grey, navy or brown. The pant legs should be touching the front of the shoe and above the heel in back. If your jacket is too long, the sleeves hit past the break of your wrist, or if it is too tight to button, your suit is going to say “I don’t care about the details.” Select a long sleeved shirt with a proper neck size in white or a muted tone and a conservative tie that should reach your belt when tied. This is important…if a tie is too short, you could end up
looking like you did when forced to wear one of those clip-ons as a kid…not good. Your belt and (polished) shoes should match with dark socks. Finally, there are a few details that apply to everyone. If you choose to wear a watch, be sure that it won’t beep during the interview. Perfume or cologne is ok, but keep it light. You will be talking to a lot of people so be conscious of your breath. Bringing small mints is always a good idea, but be sure not to have one in your mouth when answering questions. If you smoke, try to avoid it within two hours of your interview. The scent lingers longer than you think. It’s best to cover tattoos as much as possible and to remove tongue, nose or eyebrow jewelry. Remember, no wrinkles and no stains.
And one word on the accessory we all wear, a cell phone: DON’T. Turn it off for the entirety of the interview. You now know you are going to need a suit, so take the time to shop for it well in advance of an interview. If you wait until the last minute, you increase your chances of buying something that is uncomfortable, not to your liking, and/or more than you have to spend. Keep it simple and you can’t go wrong. Remember that you want the interviewer to notice YOU and not your clothes. If you’re not sure, come see the Career Center and we’ll help you out.
Audra Trnovec is a career services coordinator, and the liaison to nursing health and human services, residential life, and diversity.
Why Cintas? We are one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation and we’re ready to share our success with you. If you’re looking for a career, and not just another job, consider this: · · · · · · ·
We are the largest company in our industry. We are a market leader with an excellent reputation. We have an outstanding management team, most of whom have been with Cintas for many years. We are experienced, knowledgeable and committed. We are ownership-driven. We are motivated by the long-term value of Cintas. We consider every person on the Cintas team a partner. We act with honesty and integrity in everything we do.
These are the reasons we have been successful in the past and the reasons we will continue to flourish in the future. Our partners know that our success is their success and it could be yours too!
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Getting the most out of your career fair experience MATT HETZEL CAREER CENTER
The best way to get the most of out of the Career Fair is to do your research on the companies attending ahead of time and to develop strong examples of your work skills. Check the list of participating employers on the Career Center’s website and/or Sycamore Career Link to see what positions they are hiring for and what majors they are seeking. Out of the 120 employers attending, choose 10 or 15 employers in which you are interested and do research on their company
websites. Familiarize yourself with the type of services or products they offer and the skills they are seeking in employees. Start to think about how your education and experiences have prepared you to join this organization and ask yourself the following questions: What projects have I done that are relevant to this company? What classes have I taken that prepared me for this kind of work? What have I learned from my collegiate involvement? How can I relate my past experiences to my future
employment? At the fair, you should also visit and speak with employers that may not be explicitly looking for your major. You could possibly uncover a great opportunity you hadn’t considered before. Keep an open mind about a wide variety of opportunities and companies, and ask the recruiters questions about other departments or job functions in their company. When you approach an employer table, smile,
give a firm handshake, ask good questions, and provide relevant examples of your work/college experiences. Having good examples of past experiences and being able to articulate your skills and abilities is what will separate you from other candidates and make for a great first impression. The networking you do at a job fair can have a positive ripple effect on your future opportunities. Bring multiple copies of your resume and a padfolio to collect information and business cards.
Sending a short personalized thank you note or email as a follow up after the fair can go a long way to setting yourself apart from other candidates. The Career Center staff are available for appointments before, during and after the fair to help answer any questions you might have.
MATT HETZEL IS A CAREER SERVICES COORDINATOR, THE LIAISON TO THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND HONORS.
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Ace that interview Before the Interview
Jeff Hudnall Career Center Interviewing is a two-way street where both the candidate and the employer are deciding if you are a good fit. Your assessment of the company is just as important as their assessment of you! Your actions before, during, and after the interview will determine whether or not you get the job offer, and then you can decide whether it’s a good choice for you. But you have to get the offer first!
It is important to thoroughly prepare and practice before the interview to ensure your success. Preparation involves knowing as much about yourself and your past experiences as possible. Be able to elaborate on your resume and describe specific examples to add value to your answers. Anticipating which questions the interviewer may ask will help in forming answers and responses. Preparation also includes knowing some information about the company. Knowledge of the company history, mission, and goals can give you some insight into the company culture and dynamics. And it also shows how interested you are in this
particular organization. Another preparation tip includes deciding what to wear to the interview. Professional business attire is the expected clothing choice for interviews. A dark colored, two-piece business suit is recommended for both men and women. Conservative color shirts and minimal accessories are also good choices. When you dress professionally, you will feel more confident in your abilities and answers.
During
Arriving early to the interview will show the employer that you are punctual and responsible. You should arrive approximately 10 minutes early. When introducing yourself,
make sure to give a firm handshake, smile, and look the person in the eyes. Be aware of both verbal and non-verbal communication. It is not just about what you say but also how your body language conveys your message. This is an opportunity for you to show the research that you conducted prior to the interview. Incorporate some of that research into your responses and show them what you know about the company and why you are interested. You should also have some questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of the meeting.
After
Within 24 to 48 hours after the
interview, send a thank you note to each of the interviewers. You can hand write the letters or send a note by email, but the important thing is to send them. Make sure to include specific things you discussed in the interview and to reiterate why you are interested. Thank them for their time and consideration of you as a candidate. Remember, preparation and practice are keys to your interviewing success. If you keep these tips in mind, you will ace that interview!
Jeff Hudnall is an Assistant Director, Liaison to College of Technology and Student Activities/Greek Life.
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Professional social media presence How many social media sites are you registered for? One? Two? Three or more? Whether you choose to actively use social media in your job search or not, your online presence can play a major role in getting an interview and getting hired.
Merry Lucas Career Center While your profile should always portray a professional and positive image of yourself, some social media outlets should be kept for personal use and others used for professional purposes. Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter can (and should) all be used for professional purposes. Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram should be utilized as personal outlets. Remember you are always visible, and therefore, it is important to keep your personal outlets
as private as possible. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to utilize the strongest privacy settings each social media offers. When creating accounts for professional purposes, develop a branding statement for yourself. Give your reader a sense of who you are, what you have accomplished, and what your goals are. LinkedIn is a great resource to help develop and manage your professional identity. When utilizing LinkedIn, make sure to use and check it often— you never know what valuable articles, jobs, or connections may pop up! Additionally, LinkedIn is a great resource to start your
initial research about a company or organization. Many companies and organizations have created profiles with valuable information about their mission, values, and clients, as well as their employees and their background. With your online professional profile, complete your information as thoroughly and to the best of your knowledge. Provide background information, such as internship or work experience, and continuously update information as it becomes more relevant to your field. Once you have completed your profile, it is important to start
Keep in mind when creating online profiles: • Even if you have your settings set to “private,” parts of your profile are always visible. • Once something is posted, it’s on the internet, even if you “delete” it later. Nothing is completely hidden. • Would your mom (or grandma) approve of your content? • Keep up to date on new features and changes. • Don’t be negative and always think before you post. connecting with individuals and expanding your professional network. When prompted to “Include a Personal Note” when inviting connections, include one! These are connections, not buddies, so creating relationships and staying in contact is a vital part of your professional network! Additionally, begin to follow professional organizations
of interest and contribute to dialogue in groups. Post things related to school or your industry of interest on a regular basis. By utilizing social media in a positive manner, the possibilities for connecting with professionals are endless! Merry is a Career Services Coordinator, Liaison to the College of Arts and Sciences, Library and Distance Education.
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On Your Mark…Get Set…SEARCH! TRADARA MCLAURINE CAREER CENTER The job/internship search process can seem overwhelming, scary and confusing. You may find yourself wondering…Where do I begin? How do I begin? How can I get an employer to choose me over everyone else? Just remember the word SEARCH and ease your fears. Start Early— Finding time to conduct a job/internship search, while taking classes, can be a very difficult task. One may have to apply for many opportunities
before being offered an interview and even more before being offered the job/experience. Postings usually have closing dates and most times applicants who apply after the deadlines are not considered for the position. With this in mind, it is wise to start your search early and keep checking the postings often to ensure you are not missing your dream opportunity. When searching for an internship, it is best to begin the semester prior to when you want to begin the experience. When searching for full time employment it is best to begin between six to nine months from the month you would like to be employed. Evaluate your needs and wants— When conducting a search, it is critical to understand what you want versus what you need out of the opportunity. What are your values, interests and motivations?
Is geographic location or money a factor? What are you looking for in a work environment, supervisor and co-workers? Completing the MyPlan assessment and scheduling an appointment with a Career Liaison can assist you with formulating your career path. Understanding what you are looking for can make the search process that much easier, as well. Attend the Career Opportunity Fair—The Career Center hosts two Career Opportunity Fairs during the academic year. Attendance at these fairs is important before you begin the search process for many reasons. The number one reason is networking. According to LinkedIn, over 80% of opportunities are found via networking. Developing a relationship with an employer could lead to an internship that
could possibly lead to your next full time position! Research— There are many websites available for conducting your searches. Sycamore Career Link, Career Shift, and Indiana Intern.net are a few valuable resources that are available for free! Try to find at least five positions of interest each week during your search if possible. If you need assistance with your search, schedule an appointment with the Career Center. Contact potential employers— Now that you have researched the industry, networked and developed your application materials, it is time contact the potential employers. When applying for positions submit a résumé, cover letter, and reference page with professional references. If there is a required application, make sure to complete the application in its
entirety. While you are awaiting responses, begin practicing your interview skills by using InterviewStream or scheduling a mock interview with a Career Liaison. Hired—Now that you have accepted your first offer, it is time to develop your professional self. Learn as much as you can and network! “Overall, approximately 60 percent of 2012 college graduates who took part in paid internships received at least one job offer, 37 percent of unpaid interns received job offers” (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2012).
TRADARA MCLAURINE IS AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, LIAISON TO COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, UNION BOARD, AND CHARLES E. BROWN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, AND FOCUS INDIANA / INTERNSHIPS.
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